American Cattlemen Podcast

Moly's Headgate Products with Ray Sturn

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, he's the director of Business Development for the American Cattlemen Media Group and he sits down with Ray Sturn with Moly Manufacturing. With over 33 years of experience, Ray began his journey working on a family grain and dairy farm before joining Moly Manufacturing when the company was just starting, with only three employees at the time. The discussion centered on Moly's signature silencer headgates, which have maintained a consistent design for over three decades. Ray emphasized that Moly's headgate durability and effectiveness stem from its unique patented design, featuring urethane bushing pivot points and a hydraulic system that applies equal pressure from top to bottom. This design ensures animal safety by minimizing potential injury and creating a smooth, controlled catching process.Moly Manufacturing has expanded beyond headgates to offer complete cattle working facilities, including turret gates, alleyways, and portable corral systems. The company's philosophy revolves around listening to customer needs and creating high-quality, adaptable equipment. Ray highlighted the headgate's versatility, particularly for challenging scenarios like working with horned cattle, where the chute's design allows for precise body control and gentle animal handling.The hydraulic headgates come with multiple restraint options, from manual neck extender bars to sophisticated hydraulic systems that can adjust to different cattle sizes and procedures. Ray stressed the importance of regular maintenance and visual inspections to ensure equipment longevity and optimal performance.Throughout the interview, Ray's passion for agricultural equipment and commitment to solving ranchers' practical challenges was evident. His approach combines decades of hands-on experience with a deep understanding of cattle handling needs, making Moly Manufacturing a trusted name in the industry.
Moly's Headgate Products
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
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Leachman Cattle with Russ Princ

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead. we have Gale McKinney he's the owner of the American Cattlemen and he sits down with Russ Princ with Leachman Cattle. 
Russ, the sales manager for Leachman Cattle, brings extensive experience in the beef industry, having worked in semen collection and ranch management before joining Leachman in 2022. Leachman Cattle has a rich history dating back to the 1970s, now part of the URIs family of companies. Their flagship product is the stabilizer composite breed, developed from USDA research, combining 50% British and 50% continental breed genetics. This approach focuses on creating cattle with optimal red meat yield, marbling, fertility, and growth potential. The company's unique selling point is its sophisticated genetic indexing system, including dollar profit, dollar feeder, and dollar ranch indexes. These tools provide producers with comprehensive data to make more informed breeding decisions. The indexes consider multiple factors like fertility, feed efficiency, carcass quality, and long-term profitability.
A significant innovation is their inherit DNA testing, which allows producers to evaluate female cattle's genetic potential beyond visual assessment. This technology helps identify traits like udder quality, foot structure, and fertility, enabling more precise herd management. Leachman Cattle has also made significant strides in the beef on dairy sector, developing specialized breeding lines for different dairy breeds to improve calf quality and economic value. Their partnership with GK Gym Farms includes the world's largest installation of feed efficiency monitoring bunks, collecting critical data to continually improve cattle genetics.
The company operates multiple sales across the United States, utilizing a sophisticated online auction platform that allows buyers to view and bid on cattle with comprehensive genetic information. Their mission remains focused on "better cows for a better world," emphasizing continuous improvement in cattle genetics to enhance profitability for producers and eating quality for consumers.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
DMTC Consulting
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences

Vermont Wagyu Retirement Celebration

Join us as we chat with Sheila Patinkin and Roger Osinchuk about the upcoming Vermont Wagyu Retirement Celebration Sale. 
Sheila is a fantastic person, and this interview with her and Roger was one of my favorites. Please take a few minutes from your schedule to listen to a story of dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to move forward.
From Sheila: "The heart of Vermont Wagyu has always been the remarkable animals they have raised, the dedicated team that has been stewards of this challenging Vermont farmland, and their customers, who have supported them. Sheila is finding it’s not easy to let go. This farm has filled my days and shaped my purpose. But the time has come. And before I retire, I invite you to join us one last time. Welcome to Vermont Wagyu’s final auction.
This sale is more than just a catalog of animals—it’s a celebration of the animals we’ve bred. I’m incredibly proud of how far Vermont Wagyu has come. We started with the dream of producing the very best Wagyu beef, steaks that would set a new standard. Our original high-Tajima herd held that promise. In the early days, we selected primarily for growth, a Tajima shortcoming. But over time, we embraced new tools: ultrasound, grading cameras, and genetic estimates like ePDs and ebVs. Our commitment to data and continuous improvement earned us recognition in the Wagyu community. And the results speak for themselves. Our steaks have become consistent winners.
Our herd has shown steady improvement in marbling and growth potential—validated by rising ImF averages in Digital beef. Most exciting, we’ve begun to meet the Wagyu breeder’s holy grail: combining high marbling with strong growth. You’ll see this reflected in our newest bulls in this sale—VT Eric L258, VTm214, and VTm215—our top bulls that we see as the future of American Wagyu excellence. Join us on the farm from September 26 to 27. Vermont will be in full fall bloom.
There will be an outstanding group of animals available, and we look forward to introducing you to them. You’ll also get a glimpse into the next chapter, as we pivot to growing our eCommerce business. But most importantly, come to share your stories—where you're going next, and how we can continue to support you, even as Vermont Wagyu lives on through your herds."
An outstanding opportunity to enter the Wagyu Breed or enhance your current herd!
Vermont Wagyu Retirement Celebration Sale
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
DMTC Consulting
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences

Elanco Animal Health with Dr. T. Robin Falkner

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, he's the Director of Business Development for the American Cattlemen Media Group, and he sits down with Dr. T. Robin Falkner Beef Cattle Technical Consultant for Elanco Animal Health. 
Dr. Falkner shared his roots in North Mississippi, where he grew up on a multi-generational family farm that relied on beef cattle to sustain the family during challenging economic times.
With a doctorate from Mississippi State University and years of experience in private practice and extension work, Dr. Falkner brings a unique perspective to cattle health management. He challenges traditional thinking about animal health protocols, arguing that producers should move beyond simple vaccination checklists to a more holistic approach that considers the entire cattle production system.
Dr. Falkner emphasized that an effective animal health program does more than protect cattle from disease—it communicates value to potential buyers. He illustrated this point with a compelling story from a presentation in Wyoming, where he demonstrated how a comprehensive health program could transform the marketability of replacement heifers. By implementing strategic vaccination and management practices, producers can open up new market opportunities and potentially increase the value of their cattle.
The discussion highlighted the complex challenges in the cattle industry, including the disconnect between seasonal calf production and year-round beef demand. Dr. Falkner stressed the importance of understanding the entire production chain, from cow-calf operations through stocker and feedlot stages.Throughout the conversation, his passion for veterinary medicine and cattle production was evident. He views his work not just as a job, but as a meaningful way to support agricultural families and improve the cattle industry. Dr. Falkner's approach goes beyond technical solutions, focusing on building relationships and creating value through thoughtful animal health management.
Elanco Animal Health
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
DMTC Consulting
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences

Smith Valley Angus Production Sale

Today, we learned more about the Smith Valley Angus Production Sale on October 10, 2025, at Noon in Salem, Missouri. I had a great time interviewing our guests, Brian and Kim Smith, owners of Smith Valley Angus in Salem, Missouri. 
This couple is deeply passionate about their cattle and the beef industry as a whole. Smith Valley Angus ranch has rolling hills and the rocks that build cows with muscle and grit. They joke that if their cattle can survive on their farm in Salem, Missouri, then it will be like heaven wherever they go.
This interview is about more than their upcoming sale; it's a story of their determination and hard work in achieving a particular lifestyle. Its also a story of service. Make sure and listen to Kim explain Sacred Selections! Sacred Selections is an organization that helps raise funds for Christian families to adopt. It is a total work of love.
Brian is from upstate NY. Grandparents had a farm with dairy and beefalo. His father worked for mining companies which eventually landed him in Salem, MO. Kim is a lifelong resident of the community of Jadwin, just south of Salem. The farm they currently run has been in their family for about 80 years. Kim’s family ran commercial cattle operations, operated a canoe rental business on the Current River, and also owned a sawmill and engaged in logging operations. Brian and Kim purchased their first Registered Angus bull in 2011, a time when DNA was still gaining momentum. They got hooked!!! They sold all their commercial cows and started their Reg—Angus herd. They held their first Angus production sale in 2018. They have learned a tremendous amount since then, made changes and improvements, and this year will mark their 8th annual Production Sale.
It’s hard to believe this is our 7th sale! We are so appreciative of all the support and the great relationships we have built on this path. We always hope what we have to offer will have great appeal and the potential intriguing. There is more diversity in this offering than in the past. We will say “our cattle” or “our offering” but in reality, it is all God’s!! We are all stewards of His blessings while we are here on His earth. I have a T-Shirt with Psalms 50:10 on it, and it is one of my favorites. It is a humbling verse if you ever say “look what I’ve accomplished.” If we die today, someone else will be stewards of “our” cattle and land. The Meaning of Life is to make it to Heaven and take as many with us as we can!!! Know and do God’s will, and you have to read the Bible to get the instructions. One such instruction is James 1:27. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. The word “visit” carries more meaning than stopping by to check on every one once in a while. It is caring for their needs and sometimes that is adoption. Every year we sell a heifer, and the proceeds go toward a couple, through Sacred Selections, that is adopting a baby. Most times saving that child from abortion. This year we have a couple that has adopted in the past and are now in the process of adopting four siblings!!! This is extraordinary!! They are without question answering the call! Sacred Selections is an organization that helps raise funds for Christian families to adopt. It is a total work of love. So open up your hearts and bid high on Lot 4!! 100% of the proceeds on Lot 9 will go toward helping Ann & Casey pay for the expenses to adopt FOUR Siblings — what great hearts. We want to thank everyone for considering our offering. We appreciate every one of you!!
Brian and Kim have also begun selling meat products directly to consumers, and it was interesting to listen to how they conceptualized this division of their operation.
Just a great discussion with another family living the lifestyle of an American Cattlemen!
Make sure to attend the Smith Valley Angus Production Sale on October 10, 2025, at 12 Noon!
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
DMTC Consulting
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences

FerAppease & Weaning Practices

We had a great interview with Dr. Rodrigo Carvalho Bicalho today discussing FerAppease and Weaning. Dr. Bicalho is a highly gifted speaker who presents information in a clear and easily understandable manner. 
Our guest today is Dr. Rodrigo Carvalho Bicalho, DVM, PhD, an accomplished veterinarian, scientist, and entrepreneur specializing in dairy production medicine and biotechnology. As the President and Chairman of Fera Diagnostics and Biologicals Corp., Dr. Bicalho leads innovations in animal health, focusing on diagnostic solutions and therapeutic products that enhance livestock productivity and welfare globally.
Dr. Bicalho earned his DVM from the Federal University of Goiás in Brazil and completed his residency and PhD at Cornell University, where he specialized in comparative biomedical sciences with a concentration in epidemiology and animal science. Throughout his career, he has made significant contributions to veterinary research, securing multiple patents for groundbreaking technologies, including vaccines and diagnostic methods that address essential challenges in livestock health. Dr. Bicalho has a prolific research portfolio of over 130 peer-reviewed publications.”
Our conversation with Dr. Bicalho focuses on FerAppease and its effectiveness during the weaning process. FerAppease® can and should be used every time animals are exposed to management and physiological stressors. Stressful management strategies include weaning, dehorning, castration, branding, transportation, commingling, and vaccination—stressful physiological events such as parturition, interruption of lactation (dry-off), and breeding. Its application has dramatically improved the weaning periods of many producers.
Did you know that stress shifts your cattle's metabolism into survival mode? Stress may lead to decreasing weight gain and feed conversion and worsening health outcomes. Stress is a major obstacle keeping the cattle industry from becoming a more profitable endeavor. You can overcome stress with FerAppease. The active ingredient of FerAppease is a synthetic analogue
of the Maternal Bovine Appeasing Substance (mBAS). mBAS is a naturally occurring substance that is secreted by the skin of the mammary gland of lactating animals, reducing stress in all cattle treated.
Following the segment with Dr. Bicalho, Dr. Shynia answers a broad array of questions from our listeners. She provides you with advice and even challenges you to become better at developing a strong weaning program.
Don’t miss this one!
Cattlemen & Veterinarians, A Partnership in Bovine Health
For Future or Previous episodes visit our websites:
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Cattlemen and Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health Sponsored by:
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Central Life Science

The Screwworm Fly With Kylie Sherrill

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, He's the Director of Business Development for the American Cattlemen Media group, and he sits down with Kylie Sherrill with Central Life Sciences. Holding undergraduate and master's degrees from Oklahoma State University's Entomology and Plant Pathology Department, Kylie has a robust background in livestock entomology. Her academic work included research on various parasites, including biting flies, ticks, lice, and internal parasites, with her master's thesis focusing on horse flies and eastern red cedar in Oklahoma.Based in north central Oklahoma, Kylie supports Central Life Sciences' sales team across North America, working with livestock operations including beef cattle, dairy, swine, poultry, sheep, and goats. Her professional role involves developing pest management plans, conducting efficacy trials, and providing technical support for various livestock pest control products. The Screwworm fly represents a significant challenge that Kylie knows intimately. The pest is not a new threat, but one the United States successfully eradicated in the 1960s through an innovative sterile insect technique. By releasing sterilized male flies, researchers prevented female flies from producing viable offspring, gradually reducing the population and pushing them back to the Panama Canal.Currently, the screw worm fly remains contained in Mexico, with the most northern reported case located north of Mexico City. The Screwworm fly presents a serious threat to livestock, as females lay eggs in open wounds, with larvae consuming living tissue and continuously enlarging the injury. Each female fly can lay eggs throughout her approximately 30-day lifespan, making rapid containment crucial.The United States and international partners are working diligently to prevent the fly's northward spread. Strict animal import protocols involve multiple veterinary inspections, insecticide treatments, and quarantine procedures. Producers are advised to maintain vigilant wound care, increase pest control efforts, and communicate closely with veterinarians.Kylie's expertise highlights the complex, collaborative effort required to manage this persistent agricultural challenge.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
DMTC Consulting
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences 

Pollard Farm

Today, we're excited to share details about the 28th Annual Pollard Farm Angus Female Production Sale, scheduled for noon on September 20, 2025, at the ranch in Waukomis, OK.
Dr. Barry and Roxanne Pollard own Pollard Farm. Dr. Pollard, a Board Certified Neurosurgeon, started his Angus herd in 1992, and since then, Pollard Farms has become one of the industry's leading producers.
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Jeremy Leister, the Ranch Manager of Pollard Farms. Jeremy, who has been with Pollard Farms since August 2022, will be starting his fourth year in this role. Before this, he managed the Oklahoma State Purebred Beef Cattle Center for 10 years and holds a bachelor's degree in animal science from OSU. Jeremy and his wife, Summer, have two daughters, Avery (7) and Georgia (3).
Our interview with Jeremy highlighted that Pollard Farm is dedicated to building "Elite Cow Power." Jeremy and Dr. Pollard carefully select cattle with outstanding pedigrees and strong phenotypes, ensuring visual performance before considering other metrics.
Jeremy shared that the 28th Production Sale will feature a deep offering from the heart of their herd, truly providing something for everyone. The sale will include young fall pairs and heavy breds, fall yearling open heifers, spring open heifer show and donor prospects, donor dams, spring bred cows with calves, and spring bred heifers.
This is a must-attend event! We encourage you to make it a multi-day experience by stopping by on Friday for a cattle viewing, a certified Angus beef steak dinner, and live entertainment. Jeremy and Dr. Pollard look forward to meeting new customers and welcoming back returning ones.
This is a truly remarkable set of Angus cattle. We hope you attend this female production sale at the ranch in Waukomis, OK. If you are unable to attend in person, you can still participate by placing bids on liveauctions.tv.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
DMTC Consulting
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences

NEMO Feed LLC. With Alvin Burkholder

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, He's the Director of Business Development and he chats with Alvin Burkholder, the CEO of NEMO Feed LLC. They will lead the interview off with Alvin sharing his personal and professional background, highlighting his early experiences on the family farm and the entrepreneurial journey that led to the founding of NEMO Feed in 2000. Over the past 25 years, NEMO Feed has grown from a small family operation into a full-service feed manufacturing facility in Bering, Missouri, now employing around 30 people and producing approximately 500 tons of feed per day. Alvin explains that NEMO Feed provides a wide range of nutrition and feed services throughout the Midwest, offering both conventional and non-GMO feeds for multiple species, including cattle, dairy, swine, sheep, goats, and horses. The company emphasizes high-quality production standards, strict protocols to prevent cross-contamination, and holds certifications for HACCP, organic, and non-GMO feeds. NEMO Feed works closely with independent nutrition consultants to ensure unbiased, farm-specific recommendations, and delivers feed through a broad dealer network across several states.The conversation delves into NEMO Feed’s specialized programs, such as the Degree Dairy Feed Program, which offers customizable nutrition solutions for dairy operations, from calves to lactating cows, with options for on-farm mixing and organic or non-GMO formulations. On the beef side, NEMO Feed has developed a premium dairy beef line, particularly for Holstein calves, focusing on efficient feed conversion and serving a diverse customer base, including many Amish farms.A key highlight is the Ranger Minerals Program, a comprehensive line of free-choice minerals for cattle, developed through extensive analysis of Midwest forage samples to ensure precise trace mineral supplementation. The episode concludes with appreciation for NEMO Feed’s commitment to quality and service, and a look ahead to future expansion plans to meet growing demand.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
DMTC Consulting
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences

Wye Angus With Henry Spies

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, he's the Director of Business Development, and he sits down with Henry Spies, Herd Manager for Wye Angus. Henry shares his personal journey from growing up on a grain farm to developing a passion for cattle, which led him to pursue a degree in animal science and eventually manage his own cattle company focused on sustainable, direct-to-consumer beef production. After his family sold their home farm, Henry joined Wye Angus, a historic and unique Angus genetic program known for its strict line breeding practices and commitment to functional, efficient cattle. Wye Angus stands out in the industry due to its closed genetic herd, which has not introduced outside genetics since 1959. This approach emphasizes longevity, maternal ability, and comprehensive data collection, including detailed records on bull performance, cow efficiency, and calf development. The breeding philosophy at Wye Angus is rooted in the principles established by Jim Lingle, focusing on structural correctness, udder quality, and the belief that function follows form. The herd is managed with a strong emphasis on rotational grazing, minimal supplementation, and developing cattle that thrive on pasture without creep feed.Heifer development is a critical aspect of the operation, with all heifers raised under uniform nutritional conditions to ensure fair selection based on structural soundness, disposition, and maternal lineage. Selection decisions are data-driven and sometimes difficult, as the goal is to maintain only the most productive and efficient females. Wye Angus primarily serves two types of customers: commercial cow-calf producers seeking maternal traits and longevity, and grass-fed beef producers looking for efficient, moderate-framed cattle.The operation hosts an annual production sale each April, offering a select group of bulls and a few females, all backed by extensive performance data. Wye Angus’s commitment to functional, data-driven breeding and sustainable management continues to attract customers seeking reliable genetics for commercial and grass-fed beef production.
 
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
DMTC Consulting
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences