American Cattlemen Podcast

Welcome to the American Cattlemen Podcast with Gale McKinney, the ultimate platform for connecting with the heart of the cow/calf industry! As the Publisher of American Cattlemen, Gale expertly brings to light the dynamic intersection of business and lifestyle, spotlighting everything from the latest production sales to the excitement of your local county fair.

Join us as Gale conducts engaging interviews with the passionate individuals who truly shape our industry, making you a vital member of our community.

Our audience includes dedicated cow/calf producers across the United States and industry professionals from every corner of the globe, all part of our thriving social media network of over 500,000 unique followers. Don’t miss out—each episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast is promoted through our extensive digital platforms, the American Cattlemen magazine, and our newsletter, ensuring you stay informed and connected. Tune in and elevate your engagement in this vibrant community!

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Episodes

Wednesday Dec 10, 2025

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Today, we have Gale McKinney, he's the owner of the American Cattlemen and he sits down with Darren Ippolito with Moose Creek Red Angus. During this episode, Gale and Darren will dive into the Moose Creek Red Angus 50th Anniversary Dispersion Sale held on December 22nd and 23rd at 10AM both days at the ranch in Kisbey, Saskatchewan. 
This is more than a dispersion sale; it is both a celebration and a turning point for the Ippolito family. Rather than an exit from the cattle business, the sale reflects Darren’s desire to devote more time to his children and aging parents. The discussion highlights the depth and quality of the offerings, including bred heifers, bull calf pairs, herd bulls, two-year-old bulls, semen, open heifer calves, heifer calf pairs, single-lot cows, and frozen genetics—each representing the culmination of years of selective breeding, trust, and dedication to producing top-tier animals with strong maternal and functional traits.
Throughout the episode, Darren emphasizes the importance of tradition, the role of quality relationships, and the pride in being part of a multifaceted family operation. The conversation also addresses sale logistics, such as animal preparation, transportation, cross-border paperwork, sale-day hospitality, and the use of online platforms for bidders who cannot attend in person. A great sale here from Moose Creek Red Angus and we wish the Ippolito's luck on their future endeavors.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences

Friday Dec 05, 2025

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 Jeff Wisnefski with Cardinal Cattle Company. In this episode, they will get into the Cardinal Cattle Company The Program Female Sale held on December 13, 2025. 
The Program Female Sale at Cardinal Cattle Company demonstrates the culmination of decades of careful breeding and deep industry knowledge. Located in Wyoming, Illinois, Cardinal Cattle Company has grown from humble beginnings as a 4-H family project into one of the nation’s elite seed stock operations. Over its more than thirty-year history, the company has embraced consistent expansion and innovation, transforming strip mine ground into productive pasture and building a reputation for producing cattle that combine longevity, maternal excellence, and genetic value.
Central to this success is Jeff Wisnefski, who has managed the operation for 37 years. Originally tasked with exhibiting junior livestock for the owner’s son, Jeff’s vision shifted the farm’s focus from buying show cattle to developing a self-sustaining breeding program. His background was further enriched by time spent at Black Champ, the nation's leading Key Indiana operation, where he gained an advanced understanding of breed genetics and practical herd management. This experience has played a pivotal role in shaping Cardinal’s breeding philosophy—a blend of tradition, innovation, and an unyielding commitment to quality. As a result, Cardinal’s cattle are recognized nationwide for their eye appeal, structural soundness, and resilience.
The upcoming sale highlights approximately 107 bred females from their elite lineup of Angus, Simmental, Key, and Maine-Anjou heifers. Each group is backed by generations of selective breeding: Simmentals feature standout “Revelation” daughters with a record of show success; Angus, Key, and Maine cattle are respected for their power, maternal traits, and adaptability. Buyers at the sale benefit from incentives such as discounts for purchasing multiple females and credits for future bull sales, reflecting Cardinal’s focus on customer success and satisfaction.
Held in the company’s new heated marketing center, the sale offers both in-person and online participation, with cattle presented live in the auction ring—a tradition maintained for its excitement and transparency. The event stands as a testament to the vision of Jeff Wisnefski and the legacy of Cardinal Cattle Company, offering cattle that are both profitable and dependable for herds across the nation.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences

Wednesday Dec 03, 2025

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 Kristian Rennert with Rennert Ranch. In this episode, Dustin and Kristian will dive into the Rennert Ranch's Maternal Legacies Vol. 4 sale held on Sunday, December 7, 2025. 
Kristian recounts his journey from Colorado to Nebraska, sharing how his initial role with the American International Charolais Association positioned him at the center of the beef industry and laid the foundation for his own ranch. After years on the road, Christian concentrated on growing his own cattle operation, eventually being joined by his wife Becky, whose shared ambitions helped elevate their efforts. Together, they undertook the challenges of building a quality cow herd and hosting successful production sales. Collaboration with partners such as neighbor Frank Meyer and the Hart J Charolais operation played a pivotal role in their ability to scale and launch key bull sales.
The conversation then turns to the genetics and management philosophy of the ranch. Kristian emphasizes their rigorous approach, detailing how selection for traits like birth weight, calving vigor, weaning weights, yearling performance, and carcass quality are all core to their breeding program. Modern tools like ultrasounding and genomic data contribute to the accuracy and reliability of their offerings. With their upcoming Maternal Legacies Sale, the ranch will present donor and recipient females, open and bred heifers, and valuable embryos, all representing many years of careful improvement and investment.
The episode also explores the logistics and unique experience planned for bidders: the sale will be held at Cunningham’s on the Lake in Kearney, providing guests with hospitality, video presentations, and easy access, while facilitating remote participation through online bidding. Kristian expresses genuine excitement regarding both the quality and diversity of the offerings, affirming that this event will highlight Rennert Ranch’s consistent commitment to excellence and its enduring imprint within the cattle industry.
Rennert Ranch
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences

Tuesday Dec 02, 2025

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, he's the owner of the American Cattlemen Podcast and he sits down with Bray Haven, Executive Vice President of Cattlemen's Congress. 
Bray begins by sharing his personal and professional journey, describing how his upbringing in rural western Oklahoma and experience with organizations like the Oklahoma Youth Expo shaped his approach to leadership and community building. He recounts the formation of Cattlemen’s Congress in 2020, emphasizing that its creation was a response to widespread event cancellations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to supportive state and city leaders, and the fortuitous availability of Oklahoma City’s OKC Fair Park, the event managed to attract over 11,000 entries in its first year, providing a vital opportunity for cattlemen to trade genetics and maintain the progress of the beef industry during a challenging period.
Bray explains that the show’s mission is centered on revolutionizing seed stock marketing and commerce for breeders across North America. The organization’s leadership relies on input from national breed associations and an advisory committee comprising exhibitors from across the country, ensuring that every decision, from event logistics to marketing strategies, is informed by participant feedback. He highlights the enormous logistical task of managing more than 25 breeds and over 20 sales but credits clear communication and Oklahoma City’s strategic location for much of the event’s continued growth. The Congress also prioritizes inclusivity, recently welcoming new associations like the Wagyu Association.
Bray discusses the importance of bridging the gap between purebred and commercial cattle sectors through conferences and specialized sales, underscoring the event’s commitment to fostering industry collaboration, advancing technology, and continuously improving facilities. He concludes with optimism, looking forward to future shows and reinforcing Cattlemen’s Congress’ role as an evolving, participant-driven hub for the beef industry.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences

Friday Nov 28, 2025

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 Tammy Prebble, Owner of Tailor Made Rooms.
In this episode, Tammy shares her personal journey, beginning in Mid-Michigan with a simple home décor project that evolved into a thriving business focused on custom signage for farms, ranches, and rural homesteads. Her initial inspiration came from creating an Easter decoration that brought her joy, motivating her to bring similar happiness to others by designing personalized signs that capture the unique stories, brands, and identities of her customers. As the conversation progresses, Tammy and Dustin discuss the importance of signage in rural operations, not only for their aesthetic value but for the way they communicate a property’s brand, history, and character. Tammy explains the distinction between her home décor offerings and the larger Tailor Made Barn Signs, targeting different customer needs with specialized branding. She describes the robust materials used—primarily aluminum with a polyethylene core and UV-resistant printing—to ensure the signs withstand the diverse and often harsh weather conditions encountered across the United States and Canada, offering both durability and lasting vibrancy. Beyond their appearance, these signs serve critical functional purposes, such as clearly displaying addresses for emergency services or marking property boundaries. As the episode draws to a close, Tammy and Dustin emphasize the custom, story-driven approach at the heart of Tailor Made Signs, while also giving thanks to the podcast’s sponsors and inviting listeners to continue engaging with future episodes.
Tailor Made Rooms
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences

Wednesday Nov 26, 2025

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, he's the owner of the American Cattlemen Media Group and he sits down with Genette Gottswiller and Sheila Patinkin to discuss Authentic Wagyu. 
Ginette describes her agricultural background and the path that led her to become a consultant for Authentic Wagyu. She outlines how the American Wagyu Association recognized the risk of brand dilution as the breed's popularity surged, prompting them to establish minimum quality standards to protect both the product’s integrity and consumer expectations. This led to the creation of the Authentic Wagyu Process Verified Program alongside a certified program, both designed to differentiate true Wagyu beef and set consistent benchmarks for quality—most notably a marbling score above 800, exceeding USDA Prime standards.
Ginette explains that the Process Verified Program requires source and breed verification, targeting full blood producers wanting to carry a premium label, while the Certified Program extends eligibility to producers purchasing Wagyu feeder calves, broadening market access. As the first farm certified through the program, Sheila Patinkin of Vermont Wagyu discusses the procedural hurdles such as legal form approvals and label design but notes that the enrollment was ultimately less daunting than anticipated. She observes a notable benefit: the authentic Wagyu label led to a surprising 20% sales increase and an influx of new customers appreciating the transparency and branding. Both Ginette Gottswiller and Sheila Patinkin emphasize the importance of education for retailers and consumers, envisioning a future where authentic Wagyu is recognizable and available widely. The conversation concludes with optimism about the association’s progress and the wider adoption of the program, underscoring the collaborative spirit and potential rewards for dedicated cattle producers.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences

Wednesday Nov 26, 2025

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, he's the owner of the American Cattlemen Media Group and he sits down with Clint Stevenson and Faith Ganziano with Stevenson Diamond Dot Ranch. 
The discussion begins with the storied history of the Stevenson family’s involvement in the Angus cattle business, a tradition spanning sixty-five years and five generations. The ranch was founded on the values of superior genetics and dedication to ranching, with each generation building upon the work of their predecessors. Today, Clint and his wife Adonis continue to honor these traditions while embracing innovation, ensuring the continuation of the family’s legacy alongside their actively involved children.
Faith, who leads ranch marketing and assists with daily operations, highlights the family’s commitment to communal effort and adaptability. Having anticipated labor shortages, the Stevensons ensured the involvement of their five children, several of whom, along with their spouses, play crucial roles on the ranch. The ranch’s loyal, long-term employees are also acknowledged as essential contributors, having become like family over years of service.
As the conversation turns to ranch philosophy, Clint and Faith share their approach to cattle breeding, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an outstanding cow herd through careful culling and genetic selection. They explain that while genetic data, DNA testing, and EPDs are important tools, the true measure of success remains in producing cattle that thrive in tough Montana conditions and deliver results for commercial producers nationwide. Their breeding program aims for a balance between strong phenotypes and quantitative genetic merit, without compromising practical qualities like hardiness and adaptability.
Looking ahead, the Stevensons are preparing for their 65th annual production sale, scheduled for December 1, 2025, at the ranch. The event will feature a deep offering including 240 yearling bulls, 95 two-year-olds, registered females, embryo lots, and nearly a thousand commercial females, reflecting the ranch’s commitment to quality and enduring family values.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences

Vermilion Ranch with Bob Cook

Tuesday Nov 25, 2025

Tuesday Nov 25, 2025

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 Bob Cook with Vermilion Ranch. 
Established in 1961 by Pat Goggins, Vermilion Ranch has grown into a prominent registered Angus operation renowned for merging advanced genetic technology with time-honored ranching techniques. Cook, who has been with the ranch since 1977, emphasizes the family-run nature of the business and the essential role that family involvement plays in its ongoing success.
The discussion spotlights Vermilion Ranch’s balanced approach focusing on both spring and fall calving herds, with a diligent philosophy toward herd management. Cows are selected based on strict criteria for fertility, structural soundness, and other desirable traits, combining both rigorous performance and genomic testing. Throughout the dialogue, Cook stresses the importance of adapting to customer needs and responding to changing market demands, as evidenced by the ranch’s diverse practices, which include both registered Angus and commercial cattle operations. He remarks that a key factor in their legacy is a strong base of repeat customers, demonstrating the trust and satisfaction the ranch instills.
Further into the conversation, attention turns to the upcoming Vermilion Ranch Fall Performance Sale scheduled for November 28th and 29th, a major event for the business and its customers. The segment also touches on the impact of weather, the philosophy behind breeding and raising profitable cattle for commercial producers, and the notable team of auctioneers involved with the sale. The episode concludes by reinforcing the ranch’s dedication to continual improvement, customer service, and producing quality cattle year after year.
Vermilion Ranch
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences

Bar J Ranch with Jake Reed

Tuesday Nov 25, 2025

Tuesday Nov 25, 2025

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 Jake Reed with Bar J Ranch to discuss the Bar J Ranch 50th Anniversary Elite Female Sale & Cow Herd Dispersion held on November 29, 2025, at the ranch in Brooten, Minnesota. 
Situated in Brewton, Minnesota, Bar J Ranch is a family-owned operation managed by the father-son team John and Jake Reed, specializing in Angus cattle. Over nearly fifty years, the Reeds have built a legacy around conservation, dedicated management, and the pursuit of high-quality, profitable genetics.
Jake shares insights into the ranch’s evolution, noting that the annual bull sale began roughly a decade ago and has gained significant traction. He emphasizes a philosophy rooted in balancing maternal qualities and carcass performance, with a particular focus on cows' resilience, foot and udder quality, and adaptability to forage-based diets. The cattle have been selectively bred for functional traits, performance, and longevity, resulting in herds that excel on both phenotype and production metrics.
The upcoming sale is described as a unique opportunity, featuring 31 bred heifers emphasizing elite maternal genetics and over 100 bred cows, all carefully selected for their productivity and soundness. Jake highlights outstanding genetics from bulls such as SAV Magnum, Keneally Commerce, and their in-house sire Bar J Bowman. He further details the timing of calving and the rigorous culling process that ensures only top-end cows are offered to the public.
Additional discussion covers auction logistics: the event will be hosted at the Bar J Ranch with video auction options available, facilitating broader participation. Jake underscores the comprehensive health and vaccination protocols in place and encourages prospective buyers—especially new or young breeders—to take advantage of the opportunity to acquire proven, resilient cattle that reflect decades of successful Angus stewardship.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences

Tuesday Nov 25, 2025

Reverse Rocking R Ranch Annual Bull & Female Sale to be held at 1 PM MST, December 6, at the Ranch. 
I had a great conversation with Chris Earl of Reverse Rocking R Ranch! Chris is one of those guys who never stops and is a highly knowledgeable Cattle Professional. Chris travels thousands of miles a year and knows what the cattle industry is looking for in quality seedstock.
Chis and his team are continually working to be one of the largest suppliers of Angus bulls in the Southwest, based on a herd recognized across the country.
Chris and Krista Earl, and their late partner Dave Schumaker, own the Reverse Rocking R. The ranch is run day to day by brothers Trent and Garrett Earl, who tend to the needs of one of the most progressive Angus herds in the country, continually being developed.
Found in the Northeast corner of New Mexico, where the Grasslands meet the Rockies, you will find the herd being built with an extensive use of Embryo Transfer and Artificial Insemination to supply our nationwide clientele with quality Angus seedstock. Raising cattle at 6100 feet of elevation presents its challenges, but it also allows us to supply high-altitude cattle to herds seeking genetics developed in similar conditions. They like to think that if their cattle can make it here, they can make it anywhere.
From Reverse Rocking R Ranch
“As much as I want to go out and preach about our product and program, my mind keeps coming back to our lifestyle and you, the American rancher. Because really, if you are not successful, we don’t exist in Maxwell, NM. So truly, our sale is about you, the American rancher, and not us. As I travel the country, I am inspired by our way of life and by the dedicated, gritty ranch families I meet and see. I desire to help them, and there is no question, after 35 years in the business, the best way to do that is to design genetics that will position them to exceed their expectations.
That is our focus and will remain so. Every year, we are learning and gaining on our
mission to breed cattle in rugged, elevated country that will leave you a set of replacements ready to work and a set of steers prepared to gain and grade. Our feedback over the last decade, from across the country, on that goal has been positive and rewarding. The cattle management is unique and as challenging as anything we have ever done.
Maintaining early heart health, hard feet and mouths, developing reproductive tracts not encumbered by fat, a desire to forage, and a structure that can cover ground is essential. Wet feed is not an option in our country, and we are blessed it is not. Genetics becomes unmasked, and authentic learning takes place for your benefit. As you can see in the pictures, the younger cattle are not pushed for their lifelong benefit. They flourish in all regions on the mountain or off. Our pictures are our word. They are what they are, images captured by ranchers.
As I write this, the market rages for the world’s best protein that you have created. I am so thankful for the monetary rewards cattlemen are now receiving, which are part of the personal rewards of this ranching way of life. It’s here to stay, folks. Trust it; trust yourself; and leverage what you own — land, cattle, work, and love of God’s gift of ranching.”
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences

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