American Cattlemen Podcast

The American Wagyu Association With Jerry Cassady

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 Jerry Cassady the Executive Director of The American Wagyu Association. 
Jerry and his wife Ellen both have deep roots in seed stock beef cattle operations. They will then get into the 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference of the American Wagyu Association. Jerry highlights the “Take Back Prime” initiative, a campaign designed to ensure Wagyu producers are properly rewarded for their premium genetics and to promote the value of Wagyu beef within the industry. He explains the importance of the Authentic Wagyu Program, which assures consumers and restaurant owners of the quality and authenticity of Wagyu beef, protecting the breed’s reputation and providing confidence in the product. Jerry also discusses the association’s new progeny test program, developed in partnership with AgriBeef, which aims to improve data reliability and selection accuracy for Wagyu genetics. They then discuss, the launch of the American Wagyu Heritage Fund, a nonprofit supporting youth, education, research, and preservation of historical information. The inaugural Youth Leadership Camp, held at West Texas A&M University, was a notable success and will continue next year at Colorado State University. Operational improvements within the association, such as streamlined member services and enhanced educational resources, are also covered. The conference itself promises a robust lineup of educational sessions, expert speakers, and engaging events like the Best Wagyu Steak in America contest and a signature genetics auction. Jerry concludes by expressing optimism about the future of the beef industry and the unique role Wagyu genetics can play in sustaining profitability and quality.
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

Hardware Disease in Livestock - Cattlemen and Veterinarians

Hardware disease in livestock is a traumatic puncture of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in the spread of infection caused by the ingestion of a sharp, hard object, usually a piece of hardware (hence the name). These pieces of metal settle in the reticulum and can irritate or penetrate the lining of the stomach. It is most common in dairy cattle but is occasionally seen in beef cattle. It is very rarely reported in any other ruminants. It can be challenging to diagnose, but it can be prevented by administering a magnet orally around the time the animal reaches one year of age. Depending on where the infection spreads, the medical names for it include bovine traumatic reticuloperitonitis and bovine traumatic reticulopericarditis. 
Join Dr. Shynia Peterman and Gale McKinney as they discuss hardware disease and best grazing practices with Dr. Grant Dewell, offering valuable tips and practical information for producers. Care in pasture management is a critical component of your operations plan. Make sure to listen to this episode.
Dr. Grant Dewell received a DVM, a Master's in Agricultural Economics, and a PhD in Epidemiology from Colorado State University. He has practiced in central South Dakota, served as a Clinical Instructor at the Great Plains Veterinary Education Center, and has been the Beef Cattle Extension Veterinarian at Iowa State University since 2008. Dr. Dewell’s research interests are health management of cattle, animal welfare, and economic considerations for beef production operations.
Come back to American Cattlemen Podcasts for all your industry news. No one is in touch with the industry more than we are! Our information is fresh, not staged, and most of it comes from your fellow producers. Please share our podcast link with your friends and neighbors.
Cattlemen & Veterinarians, A Partnership in Bovine Health
For Future or Previous episodes visit our websites:
American Cattlemen
American Dairymen
Cattlemen and Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health Sponsored by:
Elanco Animal Health
Central Life Science

Ambrook With Paige Wyler

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 Paige Wyler from Ambrook. Paige, originally from Vermont and now based in California, brings a background in economics and mathematics to her role. Her passion for agriculture and understanding business numbers led her to Ambrook, where she helps producers gain clearer financial insights into their operations.The Ambrook software is designed to make bookkeeping more accessible and user-friendly for producers, recognizing the complex financial landscape of ranching. Unlike traditional accounting software, it caters specifically to operators who may not have extensive accounting backgrounds while providing sophisticated tracking capabilities.A key feature of the software is its ability to help producers analyze the profitability of different enterprises within their operation. By breaking down costs and tracking expenses across various segments, producers can make more informed decisions about equipment maintenance, hay production, and overall business strategy.Paige emphasizes the importance of regularly reviewing financial data and removing emotional decision-making from business operations. The software allows producers to track expenses, understand interest costs, and evaluate the performance of different aspects of their business with greater precision.The company's approach involves working closely with producers to understand their unique needs, using case studies and real-world experiences to continually improve their software. They recommend at least a year of data collection to establish meaningful baselines for decision-making.For producers interested in gaining more financial clarity and making data-driven decisions, Ambrook offers a flexible solution that adapts to the diverse needs of agricultural operations. The software aims to provide tools that help producers not just manage their books but truly understand and improve their business performance.
Ambrook's Input Costs and Expenses Tracking Software
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

New World Screw Worm - Cattlemen and Veterinarians

Today's topic is the New World Screw Worm. This is likely the most widely discussed health issue in the livestock industry today. Our guest was Dr. Thach Winslow, a technical consultant for beef cattle at Elanco Animal Health. 
Hello everyone, welcome to Cattlemen & Veterinarians, a partnership with Bovine Health. Our mission is to provide producers with timely information and solutions regarding herd health issues. I am Gale McKinney, owner of American Cattlemen, and my co-host is Dr. Shynia Peterman, DVM, from Lyons Vet Clinic in Lyons, Kansas.
Dr. Thach Winslow resides in Virginia. In his role as a veterinarian, he works with cow-calf and stocker operations throughout the U.S. and is responsible for research and technical support for sales reps and producers. Dr. Winslow earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.
The New World Screw Worm, which burrows into live tissue and jeopardizes animal welfare, may once again pose a threat to U.S. cattle production.
Dr. Winslow led us through a detailed discussion of the most recent potential migration of the Screwworm Fly into the United States. Beginning with the history of the Old World Screwworm Fly and contrasting it with the New World Fly, our discussion addresses potential risks, USDA tracking and intervention, as well as common-sense guidance on reporting.
Dr. Winslow indicated he believed the USDA was implementing good monitoring and planning. The following paragraph from the USDA was suggested as a strong statement of the USDA’s vigilance in this matter.
“At USDA, we are focused on fighting the New World Screwworm’s advancement in Mexico. We have made significant progress with our counterparts in Mexico to enhance vital pest surveillance efforts and have intensified sterile fly dispersal efforts. These quick actions by the Trump Administration have improved the conditions to allow the phased reopening of select ports on the Southern Border to livestock trade,” said Secretary Rollins. “We are continuing our posture of increased vigilance and will not rest until we are sure this devastating pest will not harm American ranchers.”
While the Douglas, AZ port presents the lowest risk, based on the geography of Sonora and a long history of effective collaboration between APHIS and Sonora on animal health issues, the USDA intends to reopen additional ports in New Mexico. If it is proven safe to do so, in Texas, over the coming weeks. Additional port openings will be based on APHIS’ continuous reevaluation of the number of cases and potential northward movement of NWS, Mexico’s continued efforts to curb illegal animal movements, and implementation of further rigorous inspection and treatment protocols.
Please make sure to listen to this episode of Cattlemen & Vets. Dr Winslow is a very knowledgeable and engaging industry professional. He provides practical teaching points and advice on this highly watched industry health issue.
 
Cattlemen & Veterinarians, A Partnership in Bovine Health
 
For Future or Previous episodes visit our websites:
American Cattlemen
American Dairymen
Cattlemen and Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health Sponsored by:
Elanco Animal Health
Central Life Science

American Blue Cattle Association

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 Harold Brubaker with the American Blue Cattle Association. Harold's journey into cattle breeding began after moving to North Carolina in 1969, where he sought a distinctive cattle breed that stood out from traditional options.Intrigued by low-fat, low-cholesterol trends, Harold discovered American Blue Cattle, initially importing embryos from England and becoming a pioneering breeder in the eastern United States. The breed offers remarkable advantages for cattle producers, particularly in feed efficiency and meat quality.American Blue cattle are renowned for their exceptional feed conversion, producing more protein with less energy compared to traditional breeds. They can dress out at an impressive 70-75%, with some full-blood animals reaching up to 81% yield. Their lean muscle structure requires less energy to produce meat, making them highly sustainable and profitable for farmers.The breed's unique characteristics include a fine muscle fiber similar to Jersey cattle, low-stress temperament, and remarkable adaptability across diverse climates - from Canada to Florida and even the Dominican Republic. Their meat is notably low in fat and cholesterol, with one cardiologist recommending it exclusively for heart patients.Color variations are diverse, ranging from solid black and white to roan, stemming from historical short horn crossbreeding. The American Blue Cattle Association, founded in the late 1980s, supports breeders by providing registration services, breeding guidance, and promoting the breed's advantages.Harold emphasized the breed's potential as a terminal cross, demonstrating superior performance when crossed with traditional breeds like Angus. A USDA study confirmed American Blue cattle's top performance across 22 factors, including feed efficiency and cost-effectiveness.For producers seeking a high-performance, health-conscious cattle breed, American Blue offers a compelling option with proven genetic advantages.
American Blue Cattle Association
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

Next Generation Foundation Female Sale

Welcome to the Fall 2025 Cattle Sale Season, where we lead off with the Next Generation Foundation Female Sale to be held Sunday, August 25, 202,4, at 1:30 pm CST at Dwyer Cattle in Roseville, IL.! 
Nick Dwyer and his dad, Bob Dwyer, are co-owners of Dwyer Cattle Services. Dwyer Cattle Services manages sales for multiple firms throughout the fall and spring cattle sale season. The Dwyers also run a herd of approximately 100 cows, with a strong focus on the Simmental breed, utilizing embryo technology. In this episode, we will talk to Nick about their upcoming sale on August 25th in Roseville.
I enjoyed talking to Nick. He is a friendly, knowledgeable cattleman who, along with his wife, Jennifer, and daughter Maddox, lives on the farm in Roseville, Illinois. This sale is unique in the fact that it has a significant number of consignors and also provides a great opportunity for small and large producers, as well as show ring producers.
This year's Next Generation Foundation Female Sale features over 40 consignors' cattle, including Dwyers, who are selling alongside their cattle. This year's sale features over 145 Lots of Registered Simmental, Angus, and AOB cattle and genetics of all classes. The cattle and genetics offered are out of some of the leading donor cows in the nation. A copy of the catalog can be found at dwyercattle.com. Bob Dwyer ran this sale for 23 years, then Nick took the COVID year off, and this will be his 4th year in charge of the sale, so we’re approaching 3 decades of operating this sale.
One thing that sets this sale apart is that we assist our buyers with marketing the progeny resulting from their purchases from this sale. Another big highlight is that over 90% of the bred cattle are safe AI. Another significant advantage is that the open heifers are completely halter-broke, not just green-broke.
This sale is broadcast on CCI.live, and Videos will be out shortly after we record the podcast. Catalog is already up at CCI.
Next Generation Foundation Female Sale to be held Sunday, August 25, 202,4 at 1:30 pm CST at Dwyer Cattle in Roseville, IL.
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

Pink Eye In Cattle - Cattlemen and Veterinarians

Pink Eye in cattle can be a devastating health issue to manage! We welcome back our guest, Dr. Meredyth Jones Cook, Professor of Practice in Livestock Production at the School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University. 
Dr. Cook was born in Texas and raised in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kentucky. After spending many years in her dad’s mixed animal veterinary practice, she decided to attend veterinary school at Oklahoma State and focus on food animal medicine. After some time in private practice, she completed a residency to specialize in large animal internal medicine. She taught at Kansas State, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma State before joining the team at Texas Tech. She provides continuing education and consulting to large animal veterinarians, and she and her husband ranch together in Oklahoma along with their two daughters.
Dr. Shynia Peterman and Dr. Cook talked through the identification of pinkeye, as well as preventative measures and treatment options. These two professionals bring you a great discussion in an easy-to-understand conversation!
Additionally, we want to thank our listeners for some great questions. Here is some excellent advice from a fellow producer:
“We introduced more shade for our cattle, which helps reduce flies and has also contributed to a decrease in Pink Eye cases. We also have the cows congregating around manmade shelters, making it easier to spray for pests. Seems to be helping, and the cows are certainly more comfortable.”
Cattlemen & Veterinarians is a great partnership podcast that provides excellent feedback to both sides of the business. Make sure to download all the episodes!
Thank you for joining Dr Shynia Peterman and me today for this episode of Cattlemen and Vets, A Partnership in Bovine Health. Please share our podcast with your fellow producers. We are available on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform. See ya next time! Take Care!
Cattlemen & Veterinarians, A Partnership in Bovine Health
For Future or Previous episodes visit our websites:
American Cattlemen
American Dairymen
Cattlemen and Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health Sponsored by:
Elanco Animal Health
Central Life Science

Emily Jandak & The Interns At The 808 Ranch

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead we have Gale McKinney at the Beef and Greet Celebration in Bentonville, Arkansas and he sits down with Emily Jandak & some of the interns at The 808 Ranch. 
Emily Jandak is a passionate brand manager for The 808 Ranch, bringing a unique blend of agricultural heritage and professional expertise to her role. Growing up on her family's Angus operation, Emily developed a deep connection to livestock and land from an early age, learning valuable lessons from her grandparents and parents. Her educational background includes dual degrees in graphic design and journalism from Drake University, which she strategically leverages in her current position. At The 808 Ranch, Emily Jandak serves as a multifaceted brand manager, supporting a diverse group of young interns who are gaining valuable agricultural experience. Interns like Jackson Blood, a student at the University of Arkansas studying conservation and wildlife management, work on ranch maintenance and pasture management. Sydney Lindquist, a high school junior from Southwest City, Missouri, contributes by riding horses and helping with ranch operations. Graceyn Moore, an incoming University of Arkansas freshman, and Callie Hull, an ag business student, assist with tasks ranging from artificial insemination to general ranch upkeep. Another notable intern, Emersyn Jordon, a community college student from Goodman, Missouri, brings her passion for livestock reproduction to the ranch. A first-generation agricultural enthusiast who raises dairy goats, Emersyn demonstrates the ranch's commitment to nurturing young talent and providing hands-on learning experiences. Emily's professional journey reflects her commitment to agriculture, transitioning from a graphic design career in global branding to returning to her roots in ranching. She now lives on a hobby farm in Bentonville, Arkansas, with her husband Dan and daughter Sophie, continuing to nurture her love for livestock and land. Her role extends beyond mere management, as she actively participates in ranch operations, hosts educational events, and works to bridge the knowledge gap between agricultural producers and consumers. Her philosophy centers on the importance of personal connections, storytelling, and creating meaningful experiences. Whether through hosting her daughter's first-grade class at the ranch or engaging with young interns, Emily demonstrates a profound commitment to sharing agricultural knowledge and preserving ranching traditions. Her work not only supports The 808 Ranch's operational success but also contributes to broader conversations about sustainable agriculture, technological innovation, and the critical role of family farms in modern food 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.

CLS With Brian Hupp

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 Brian Hupp with Central Life Sciences.Growing up on a family farm in Illinois, Brian brings a personal passion for agricultural production to his role. Central Life Sciences has established itself as an industry leader in insect control, with a comprehensive range of products targeting various pests, including horn flies, mosquitoes, and ticks. The discussion centers on the unique challenges posed by horn flies, which differ from other livestock flies by remaining on cattle 24/7 and taking 30-40 blood meals daily. These persistent insects cause significant stress to cattle, reducing their comfort, health, and ultimately, profitability.Altosid IGR, Central Life Sciences' flagship product, offers a proactive approach to fly control. By targeting horn fly larvae in fresh manure, the product prevents future generations of flies from emerging. Research shows that effective fly control can increase calf weaning weights by approximately 20 pounds and improve stocker cattle weight gains by 28-30 pounds in just 86-90 days.Hupp emphasizes an integrated pest management approach, recommending multiple strategies beyond chemical treatments. This includes proper sanitation, removing potential breeding sites, and using a combination of products like sprays and larvicides.The key to successful fly control is not complete eradication but maintaining fly populations below 200 per animal. By implementing comprehensive management strategies, producers can significantly reduce the economic and animal welfare impacts of fly infestations.The podcast underscores the importance of proactive pest management in livestock production, offering producers practical insights and solutions for maintaining healthy, productive herds.
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

Ranch2 Retail Beef Supply Management

Ranch2 Retail Beef Supply Management. You don’t want to miss this interview! Gale McKinney, the Voice of the American Cattlemen, sits down with Doug Batie and Neil Mellers of Ranch2 Retail. This is a good give and take between two of the industry's best supply chain minds and one of the most vocal voices for the American Cattlemen Producer!Great Stuff! Ranch2 Retail creates value at both ends of the beef supply chain. Ranchers raise high-quality beef and prioritize consumer care, while customers benefit from increased transparency. By leveraging innovative technology and best-in-class data, Ranch2Retail is revolutionizing the seedstock-to-consumer supply chain, delivering on our deep-rooted desire to make the consumer the hero. Lamar Steiger is a founding partner of Ranch2 Retail and advises on the boards of New Zealand's FoodCap and Norway's Völur, driving innovation in protein packaging and artificial intelligence-driven packing plant optimization. He and his wife, Shari, own The 808 Ranch, a technologically innovative, retail-focused purebred Black Angus breeding ranch on the lower Elk River in SW Missouri.
Doug BatieDoug draws on his knowledge of more than 25 years of experience in big CPG business within the Walmart ecosystem. From his small ranch west of Bentonville, Doug has built a formidable network of industry partners, vendors, and advisors within the 1,800+ WM suppliers that have expanded into his hometown. Doug leads an NW Arkansas family office focused on protein category management and supply chain innovation for customers and strategic partners across all 50 states.Neil MellersNeil is a Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) professional with over 15 years of experience at major CPGs and startups. He loves data and human success stories and is an expert in turning consumer and shopper data into results. Neil is passionate about problem-solving and brings an execution-up mindset to every project. Neil is a senior partner at Fulcrum Collective and the general manager of Ranch2Retail, a company that focuses on building more cooperative supply chains.
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.