American Cattlemen Podcast

Powder River Angus 2026 Annual Production Sale

Welcome back to Genetics & The Gavel, powered by American Cattlemen Podcasts. Just ahead, we have Aaron McKinney, he's the field editor for American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Neal and Amanda Sorenson, Owners of Powder River Angus. In this episode, they will dive into the Powder River Angus 2026 Annual Production Sale, Held on February 13th, 2026, at 1:00PM MST, at Buffalo Livestock Marketing 44 TW Rd Buffalo, WY 82834. 
Located in Northeastern Wyoming near Spotted Horse on Highway 14-16 with their two sons on a ranch previously operated by Neal's parents, the Sorenson's have been in Wyoming since 1882 where they first homesteaded on the Powder River. They have been ranching and farming for generations in an environment which can offer many challenges and hardships.
Amanda and Neal dive into the philosophy and breeding program at Powder River Angus. Neil emphasizes that fertility is the top priority, followed by calf performance, foot quality, structural soundness, and what are often called “convenience traits,” such as udder quality and overall functionality. He argues these are not conveniences but necessities, especially in their challenging, low-rainfall environment where cows must travel longer distances between grass and water and still rebreed and raise a substantial calf every year. The operation favors moderately sized, athletic, range-adapted cattle, raised primarily on native grass and mature grass hay with a wheat midds pellet, resulting in “greener” bulls that hold up better in harsh range conditions.
The Sorenson's program is built around producing superior females, with bulls viewed as a byproduct of a strong cow herd. They use older-line genetics such as Black Mass and Windy-line cattle and highlight a home-raised sire, PRA Bull Dogger, known for excellent feet, udders, disposition, and longevity in his dam. They acknowledge their cattle may not chase the very highest EPD profiles but stress proven real-world performance, including strong feedlot results and grading.
The episode also previews the Powder River Angus 2026 annual production sale, featuring 128 yearling, test-based Angus bulls selling February 13 at Buffalo Livestock Marketing in Buffalo, Wyoming, with on-site and online bidding options through DV Auction and other platforms. The Sorensons discuss their guarantee, free wintering and delivery arrangements, and their use of PAP testing to reduce the risk of brisket disease and heart-lung failure, benefiting both high-altitude and feedlot-focused customers. The interview closes with a strong endorsement of the offering’s depth, consistency, and suitability for commercial producers seeking both marketable steers and long-lived, productive females.
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Leachman Cattle with Russ Princ

Welcome back to Genetics & The Gavel, powered by American Cattlemen Media. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, he's the owner of American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Russ Princ, Sales Manager for Leachman Cattle. In this episode, Russ and Gale will focus on Leachman’s stabilizer program, international and domestic sales growth, the broader outlook for the beef industry heading into 2026, and a detailed rundown of upcoming Leachman sales. 
Russ Princ leads the sales operations across the U.S., Canada, and international markets. He directs sales of live animals, semen, embryos, and data services while driving the adoption of genomic tools, such as Inherit and $Profit. Russ is also active in the growing beef-on-dairy sector, helping dairies capture more value with Leachman Beef Genetics.
Russ explains that international business has expanded significantly since Leachman became part of the Urus family, which increased global exposure for their stabilizer and composite bulls.
The stabilizer is described less as a fixed four-breed composite and more as a breeding philosophy focused on profitability, hybrid vigor, and consistency. While typically around half British and half Continental genetics, the real emphasis is on solid-colored cattle, red or black, that deliver red meat yield, marbling, and especially fertility, keeping cows productive in the herd longer. Stabilizers have proven adaptable across a wide range of environments, from the Midwest and West to regions with Bos indicus influence.
Russ reports that Leachman is now roughly the third-largest seedstock provider in the United States, marketing about 1,750 bulls and 1,300 females in 2025, with both volume and average prices rising. He stresses that long-term industry sustainability depends on profitability and making more efficient, high-quality beef with fewer cows and less land. Genomic tools such as Inherit and Leachman’s across-breed dollar profit index help commercial producers identify and keep more profitable females while culling lower-merit cows.
The conversation also covers the importance of consumer education and producers telling their own story, often through social media, to highlight animal care and real ranch conditions. Russ describes major feedlot developments that aim to feature Leachman genetics, along with several spring sales and educational events centered at the new Wyoming “mothership” facility and regional locations, all designed to connect buyers with profitable, data-driven beef genetics.
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Red Angus Association of American with Kelly Smith

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, he's the Owner of American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Kelly Smith, Director of Commercial Marketing for the Red Angus Association of America. In this episode, Kelly and Gale discuss the growth, philosophy, and future of the Red Angus breed and its role across the entire beef supply chain, from cow-calf producers to consumers. 
Kelly begins by sharing his background in southern Missouri as both an Angus and Red Angus breeder, and his 37-year career in animal nutrition before joining the Red Angus Association about two and a half years ago. He emphasizes that his team focuses on the commercial side of the industry, working with cattlemen, feeders, and industry partners to connect Red Angus genetics with market-driven opportunities.
A key theme is the strength of the Red Angus cow, particularly her maternal excellence and suitability for cow-calf country. Kelly stresses that whatever changes the industry pursues, producers should not “mess up that Red Angus cow.” He explains the association’s Total Herd Reporting (THR) system, where every registered cow must have annual production reported—good or bad. This mandatory data collection underpins more accurate EPDs, higher integrity, and has helped fuel the breed’s growth from around the tenth-largest breed to roughly third in the U.S.
The conversation moves into crossbreeding, including popular Red Angus–Simmental combinations that offer growth, carcass merit, and strong maternal traits while qualifying as Angus beef when properly described and verified. Kelly outlines efforts to secure market parity for red-hided cattle with black-hided cattle by working directly with packers and major retailers. He highlights collaboration with the new Sustainable Beef plant in North Platte, Nebraska, partially owned by Walmart, where red-hided Angus cattle can earn prices comparable to premium Angus programs.
They also address consumer expectations, ribeye size, and carcass weights, as well as the rising cost of beef and its position as a premium protein. Finally, Kelly describes the Red Angus junior program, its growth, and the balance between supporting youth show programs and maintaining a strong commercial focus, including phenotype-genotype shows that reward both looks and data-driven performance.
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Crooked Creek Angus 13th Annual Bull & Female Sale

Welcome back to Genetics & The Gavel powered by American Cattlemen. Where we bring you, the people, programs, and genetics behind the sale. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, he's the owner of American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Garrett Wood, Owner of Crooked Creek Angus. In this episode, Gale and Garrett dive into the Crooked Creek Angus 13th Annual Bull & Female Sale, held on February 14th, 2026. 
Crooked Creek Angus strives to provide producers with genetic traits and qualities that enhance herd profitability and stability, while consistently using data and technology to increase desirable traits.
Garrett grew up on a commercial cattle and row crop operation with Red Angus and Simmental influence. His entry into the seedstock business came when a longtime neighbor with a 47-year annual bull sale decided to sell the herd privately rather than disperse it. Garrett and his wife were able to purchase that well-established herd, which had already been selected for performance on fescue and sound, functional cows. While this is Crooked Creek’s 13th annual sale under their ownership, the cow herd has been producing bulls for more than 60 years.
Garrett outlines his breeding philosophy, emphasizing length of body, structural soundness, good udders, strong feet, fertility, and cows that thrive in heat, humidity, and on fescue. He notes that length of spine is a major driver of sale-barn premiums and carcass weight and is also tied to athleticism and adaptability. Recent customer results with heavy weaning and yearling weights reinforce that the program is delivering performance.
The sale offering includes yearling bulls, 16‑month‑old bulls, and elite open heifers, organized mostly by sire groups. Garrett highlights several key bloodlines: Remington daughters that make productive cows; the widely recognized Jameson line, including a standout long‑bodied scale crusher in lot 8; Magnum cattle that add muscle and capacity; and a strong set of Craftsman sons, including lots 16, 18, and 22, backed by high‑ratio, highly productive cows. Additional sire lines such as Alternate Route, Kindred, Salvation, and a home‑raised Remington son contribute consistency in growth, structure, and maternal quality.
On the female side, Garrett describes a disciplined selection strategy that ensures customers have access to top, middle, and commercial‑type heifers, with especially eye‑catching individuals like lots 54 and 56. Throughout, he stresses that this may be their most consistent set ever, and that Crooked Creek stands firmly behind the cattle, guaranteeing producing bulls and customer satisfaction.
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Radke Land & Cattle Production Sale

Welcome to Genetics & The Gavel, Powered by American Cattlemen. Where we bring you the people, programs, and genetics behind the sale. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, he's the owner of American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Tyler and Amanda Radke, Owners of Radke Land & Cattle. In this episode, they will dive into the Radke Land & Cattle Second Annual Presidents Day Sale held on February 16th, 2026, 1:00 PM CST, at the Radke Ranch, 24459 412th Ave, Mitchell, South Dakota. 
Tyler and Amanda describe starting their herd from scratch in their early twenties and growing it “brick by brick.” They now run a seedstock program focused on cattle that are both attractive in phenotype and elite in genetic predictions. Maternal strength, docility, fertility, easy fleshing, and good milking ability are central priorities, with the goal of producing rugged, heavy‑muscled bulls and high‑performing feeder cattle.
Their bulls are not pampered; they are developed in real‑world conditions and are ready to work. The sale offering includes 14 age‑advantaged Angus bulls—many full brothers out of the donor cow Hart Whitney 2528—along with a strong set of yearling Angus bulls backed by prominent sire lines such as Mason Landmark, Pine View War Bucks, and others. The program also features limousine and lim‑flex bulls, a nod to Amanda’s family history in the seedstock business and their long association with continental genetics. These cattle emphasize muscle, hybrid vigor, and strong EPD profiles, with many homozygous black and homozygous polled options and even a rare red purebred heifer bull.
Tyler and Amanda also spotlight their role in Bid on Beef, an auction platform for premium steaks, and describe how this effort, along with children’s books about agriculture authored by their daughter, helps connect consumers to beef production and educate the public about the industry’s values and quality focus.
 
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Tracer Minerals with Chris Schuetze

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Kaid Panek with the American Cattlemen Podcast, and he sits down with Chris Schuetze, owner of Tracer Minerals. Drawing on both formal training in chemistry and biology and decades of “school of hard knocks” experience, Chris focuses the conversation on the critical but often overlooked role of mineral nutrition and fetal programming in cattle performance and profitability. 
Chris explains chelated minerals in plain terms. Traditional minerals like zinc sulfate or copper sulfate are reacted with a single amino acid to form a new, electrically neutral molecule—a chelate—that can bypass many antagonisms in the gut and be absorbed further down the small intestine as an amino acid. He stresses that the goal is not to replace conventional sulfates but to use both forms together, creating multiple absorption pathways and improving overall mineral status. The result is better fertility, stronger immunity, improved response to treatments, and more efficient energy use.
A major theme is preparation versus crisis management. Chris and Cade emphasize that success in the cow–calf business starts long before calving season. Proper energy, protein, and mineral intake in late gestation directly affect fetal programming, colostrum quality, calf vigor at birth, and the cow’s ability to rebreed. Because milk is relatively poor in key trace minerals, the calf must be well-mineralized in utero to hit the ground with the best chance to thrive.
They also highlight the importance of forage testing to understand deficiencies and antagonisms such as molybdenum or aluminum, which can tie up copper. Regional differences, like selenium variability, further justify tailoring mineral programs. Bulls receive special attention as well; keeping them in good condition and properly mineralized months before turnout is essential for semen quality and breeding success.
Throughout, Chris frames high-quality, chelated mineral programs not as a cost but as an investment. Incremental gains in fertility, feed efficiency, immunity, longevity, and sale-barn appeal of calves can collectively return far more than the few cents per head per day that a good mineral program costs. The episode closes with a strong message about being intentional, continually learning, and focusing on “little things” in nutrition that compound into major improvements over time.
Tracer Minerals with Chris Schuetze
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TA Cattle and Their 13th Annual Bull & Female Sale

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, he's the owner of American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Travis Albrecht with TA Cattle, from, Thurston, Nebraska. In this episode, Gale and Travis dive into the TA Cattle 13th Annual Bull and Female Sale, held on February 7th, at the TA Cattle Sale Facility, 1905 H Ave, Thurston, NE. 
TA Cattle is a family-owned seed stock and feedlot operation. Their cattle possess essential profitability traits, including mothering ability, calf vigor, teat size, carcass quality, performance/feed efficiency, structural correctness, and most importantly, docility. They manage all sale cattle from birth to plate, providing firsthand genetic feedback. They frequently buy back their bull customers' calves for their feedlot due to their confidence in the genetics.
The conversation highlighted TA Cattle’s deep commitment to structural correctness, docility, and performance, as well as their forward-thinking use of genetics, including embryo transfer and carefully planned matings, notably within the influential Verna cow line. Travis described standout offerings at the upcoming sale, including high-caliber two-year-old Red Angus bulls with exceptional calving ease and carcass quality, unique Red Angus Charolais crosses combining feed efficiency and muscle, as well as Black Angus and Simmental bulls selected for both maternal and terminal traits. Among the female offerings, the open Red Angus heifers represent the best of their herd, bred for maternal and carcass excellence. Travis explained the mechanics of the sale, such as group lots, volume discounts, and a strong guarantee policy, all designed to support commercial cattlemen in sourcing reliable, profitable genetics. The discussion closed with an invitation to the event, underscoring TA Cattle’s dedication to customer satisfaction and continual improvement in the beef industry.
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Twedt Red Angus 16th Annual Production Sale

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Aaron McKinney, he's the field editor for the American Cattlemen Media Group, and he sits down with Sam Twedt, Owner of Twedt Red Angus. In this episode, Sam and Aaron dive into the Twedt Red Angus 16th Annual Production Sale, held on February 3rd, 2026, at 1:00 PM CST, right there at the ranch in McHenry, North Dakota. 
Sam Twedt, the fourth generation in his family's ranching tradition, manages Twedt Red Angus with his father, running 450 commercial and 200 registered Red Angus Cows. Established in 2009 with the acquisition of the Bar R Red Angus herd, they've rapidly improved their genetics. They aggressively utilize embryo transfer, flushing 5-8 top cows and implanting about 100 embryos annually to advance herd quality.
Located north of McHenry, ND, their cattle thrive on native pastures and rolling hills. customer satisfaction is paramount, and the Twedts stand behind their investment. Sam offers expert guidance, knowing his cow herd "inside and out," which helps the customers select the bull that best fits their specific program goals.
The sale is set to feature a deep selection of Red Angus yearling bulls, with particular excitement surrounding standout lots, especially those sired by STRA Ranch Hand and STRA Relentless. These bulls are recognized for their desirable traits, such as excellent feet, easy fleshing, impressive athleticism, calving ease, and overall contribution to herd quality.
In addition to yearling bulls, the event will showcase a select group of two-year-old virgin bulls, developed with particular attention to provide buyers with animals that offer an age advantage and reliable breeding performance. Registered bred heifers and a unique opportunity to acquire the entire replacement pen of commercial bred Red Angus heifers were significant highlights, offering proven genetics from a well-established, predominantly closed herd. The program's genetics have garnered positive feedback from prior buyers and are expected to deliver strong maternal traits and robust calves, meeting the needs of both seedstock and commercial buyers.
Attention was also given to sale logistics and buyer experience. Video footage of the sale lots will be made available for online viewing, with cattle tours arranged despite challenging winter weather. Delivery logistics were emphasized, with free transport provided within 500 miles and flexible arrangements for further distances. The program is committed to customer satisfaction, offering guarantees on their cattle and a willingness to address any issues post-sale. Volume discounts and a reputation for excellent hospitality, including a popular lunch, further enhance the buyer experience. The podcast closed with encouragement for prospective buyers to join the sale in person or via online platforms.
 
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Kline Simmental 14th Annual Production Sale

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Aaron McKinney, he's the Field Editor for the American Cattlemen Media Group, and he sits down with Matt Kline, Owner of Kline Simmental Ranch. In this episode, Matt and Aaron discuss the upcoming Kline Simmental 14th Annual Production sale held on February 1st, 2026. 
Kline Simmental Ranch is a diverse purebred livestock operation located in the heart of North Dakota. They are dedicated to developing reliable working cattle that add value and profit to your operation. Kline Simmental Ranch has prided itself on producing performance and growth, alongside the hardiness, fertility, and maternal strengths that truly set Simmental cattle apart from other breeds.
Matt shares that the ranch was established in 1984 by his parents, and he became actively involved after college, starting the registered Simmental cattle operation in 2009. The Kline family, including Matt’s three children, is deeply involved in day-to-day ranch activities, contributing to the operation’s growth, reputation, and success. Kline Simmental Ranch prides itself on producing cattle that balance performance, growth, hardiness, fertility, and strong maternal traits. The program is evenly split between red and black Simmental cattle, with a notable emphasis on offering more homo black genetics in response to market demand.
This year’s production sale features 54 Simmental and Sim-Angus bulls. Sale highlights include groups of bulls sired by notable herd sires, including three full brothers to last year’s high seller and another trio by a top sire, M4 Alpha. On the red Simmental side, offspring from the high-performing Crossroad Engage 120 5K stand out as a highlight of the offering.
The ranch is also transitioning its replacement female program, selling a select group of 10 registered open heifers and offering bred heifers sourced from reputable partner ranches. These bred heifers are due to calve in March and April and are available for viewing online through video platforms. Logistics for the sale include online bidding, on-site bulls remaining at the ranch through April for fertility exams, and prompt delivery arrangements for both bulls and females.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
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Importance of Parasite Testing with Dr. M. Wayne Ayers

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, and he sits down with Dr. M. Wayne Ayers with Elanco Animal Health, about the Importance of Parasite Testing your herd. 
Dr. Ayers shares his extensive background spanning decades in veterinary medicine, encompassing experience in private practice, academia, and his current industry role. Dr. Ayers explains that testing helps producers identify which internal parasite species are present, determine the appropriate treatment strategies, and strike a balance between economic viability and animal health. The timing and type of testing, he notes, should be tailored to specific regional and seasonal conditions, such as climate, rainfall, and pasture type, since the parasite life cycle is tightly linked to environmental factors.
A key point raised is the use of composite fecal sampling, particularly from young calves, to obtain a representative herd-level assessment without the need for testing every individual animal. Sampling strategies and laboratory techniques, such as fecal egg counts and larval culture, are discussed as methods to identify parasite burdens and species composition. Dr. Ayers also emphasizes that as animals mature, their immune systems generally reduce susceptibility to heavy parasite loads, meaning routine deworming may not be necessary in older, well-conditioned cows. Instead, targeted deworming efforts should focus on younger animals and those with lower body condition scores, guided by evidence from periodic composite testing.
The discussion also addresses the critical issue of anthelmintic resistance, attributed in part to overreliance on existing dewormer molecules—many of which are decades-old—highlighting the necessity of stewardship to preserve their efficacy. Dr. Ayers advocates for data-driven management to optimize herd health while extending the usefulness of current parasite control tools. The podcast concludes with a mutual appreciation for the depth and complexity of parasite management and emphasizes an ongoing commitment to education, research, and responsible animal care for sustainable cattle production.
Importance of Parasite Testing with Dr. M. Wayne Ayers
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
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