American Cattlemen Podcast

Cattle External Parasites - Cattlemen and Veterinarians

Cattle external parasites are a tremendous problem in cattle herds, and Summer brings on its unique challenges. Dr. Shynia Peterman and I are so excited to welcome you to the inaugural episode of Cattlemen & Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health!
Our purpose is to bring you information and resources from the industry's brightest minds to help you manage your herd health. Our format is casual, but don’t let that fool you; we dig deep to find the best solutions. We encourage our listeners to send in their questions and comments to gale@twinriversmedia.com.
Today’s episode topic is about external parasites in cattle operations. Lice, mites, ticks, flies, mosquitoes, and other pests can make a cow's life miserable and cost you money!
Our guest is Dr. Mark Alley. Dr. Alley is a managing veterinarian with the US cattle and equine Technical Services team at Zoetis. He joined Zoetis in 2014. His responsibilities include providing technical support to Zoetis territory business managers for cattle in the eastern United States. Mark is a native of Mississippi, having received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from Mississippi State University in 1996.
Dr. Synia and Dr. Alley discuss external parasites in general, but then dig into various hotspots around the country, including Theileria orientalis Ikeda, a microscopic protozoan parasite that infects the red blood cells of cattle, causing anemia. The disease is primarily transmitted by the bite of an infected Asian Longhorned Tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) or by blood transfer through the use of contaminated needles and equipment. The tick can feed on many animal species, including humans, but the blood parasite only affects cattle. Once a cow is infected, it may take 1-8 weeks before she shows symptoms of disease. The Asian Tick has been seen in large infestations across the US.
Dr. Shynia answers numerous questions from you our listeners. Make sure and check out her tips and solutions.
Cattlemen & Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health
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JB Ranch Akaushi

A great conversation with Payton Warmke, from JB Ranch Akaushi in Kaufman, Texas. Payton took time from his busy role as father and ranch manager at JB to visit with us, and I am glad he did!In 2018, Steve and Alison Dehan formed the JB Ranch to raise Akaushi Cattle. They now raise 100% full-blood Akaushi and have a herd of over 60 head. They also raise F1 Akaushi calves from the finest Red Angus cows, utilizing RA Brown genetics and cows from our Bridwell West Ranch, which has been a closed herd for over 50 years.The name “JB Ranch” is a tribute to Alison’s grandfather, JS Bridwell. Bridwell was a legendary Texas cattleman, oilman, and philanthropist. He started using the JB Brand in the 1930s and established several ranches in the Texas Panhandle and North Texas.Care for the land and stewardship for the cattle have passed from one generation to the next. With a family history dating back to the ranch’s founding in the mid-1930s, there is a sense of pride and heritage in everything we do. When it comes to caring for the land and our animals, conservation isn’t a sideline; it’s a necessity at Bridwell West Ranch.Bridwell West Ranch holds fast to tried and authentic traditions while embracing modern innovation and advancements. Annual branding events remain essentially unchanged, except for the introduction of electronic identification and a record-keeping system that utilizes the latest technology.JSB Cattle Company is a commercial operation located at the JB Ranch, formerly known as the Star Brand Ranch, in Kaufman, TX. The ranch is located in the Blackland Prairie region of the state, providing access to extremely fertile soils that produce abundant forage. The topography of the ranch sprawls outward and upward from vast bottoms to gently rolling mesquite flats where, on a clear day, one can take in a view of the Dallas Skyline.Our cowherd consists of a high-powered Red Angus herd that has been produced through years of closed herd breeding at our Panhandle location (Bridwell West Ranch). The cowherd today consists primarily of R.A. Brown Genetics, which has been carefully selected to produce a well-balanced and productive female that can thrive and perform in our environment. The cattle possess all the efficiency and performance they need, and will also demonstrate outstanding performance in carcass merit and quality grade. This enables us to produce exceptional Red Angus cattle, as well as excellent F1 Akaushi cross calves.Through our cowherd, we will produce Red Angus calves that will be our program cattle (Gap 4, Verified Natural, NHTC). These cattle will be sold as feeders and will also supply us with replacement heifers. We will also produce F1 Akaushi calves out of our Akaushi Bull Battery. These calves will be marketed as feeders or fats and will also supply us with some replacement heifers that we will sell to the public.The productive ranch allows us to have a lot of flexibility and to maximize production, especially in years of ample rainfall. We strive to produce the highest-quality Red Angus and F1 Akaushi cattle, from feeder to replacement heifers, from birth to slaughter. We are proud of the cattle we have and will always strive to improve year after year.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
 
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
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The 808 Ranch With Lamar and Shari Steiger

Lamar grew up in northeast Wyoming on the JH Ranch until the 1970s, when the Steiger family moved to northwest Arkansas, where Lamar managed the family’s dairy and beef operation. He then served as general manager for JAC's Ranch—the largest Angus seed-stock producer in Arkansas. Beginning in 2014, Lamar helped lead a dramatic and innovative change to the Walmart beef supply by helping to create a proper ranch-to-retail supply chain that ensures consistency and quality at an everyday low price. He continues to consult with major retailers, AgTech firms, and ranchers nationwide on ranch management and profitability. He is an expert in ranch-to-retail beef supply and profitable ranch management. Lamar is a supply chain consultant for several international ‘go to market’ food supply chain clients and currently serves as a board member of New Zealand protein packaging company, FoodCap, and Völur - a Norwegian AI company uniquely positioned to increase profit margins in packing plants. 
Shari is responsible for the design and details of The 808 infrastructure. She received her secondary education and a degree in Biology from Drury University, as well as her math certification from the University of Arkansas. She taught 7th-grade math and science in Bentonville until she homeschooled her three children through 9th grade. Shari’s love of education has led her to serve on the Thaden School Board of Directors since 2016. Having spent every summer with her maternal grandparents on their farm in SW Missouri and raising her children on JAC’s Ranch, Shari sees The 808 as a continuing legacy for the next generation. The 808 is not just a business, but a place of retreat and recreation for families and friends, offering river activities, horseback riding, sundowners, and exploring the land on mules. Shari loves spending time with her grandchildren and family, serving at their local church, gardening, horseback riding, and traveling with Lamar.
The 808 is an innovative, retail-focused ranch. We are third- and fourth-generation ranchers equipped with modern ranching technologies, data-driven insights on beef consumer trends, and key relationships with world-class retailers. We consistently produce genetically superior cattle and are uniquely positioned to help build reliable beef supply chains that benefit both ranchers and consumers.
Owning The 808 Ranch is the realization of a lifelong dream for Lamar and Shari. Growing up on ranches themselves, the Steigers developed a love of the land and a desire to cultivate that same love in future generations. After they got married, Lamar and Shari worked Jac’s ranch together, riding horses after dinner, scouring the land for rocks with holes, and taking family drives to check on the cattle.
When the dream of owning The 808 became a reality in 2020, the Steigers envisioned a ranch that would build on the legacies of their parents and grandparents. Not only did they endeavor to cultivate excellence in their cattle operation, but they also invest in the next generation of aspiring ranchers and farmers. Understanding the demands of ranch life firsthand, the Steigers are actively engaged in the local community, empowering the next generation to take up the task when the time comes.
Lamar and Shari intentionally built The 808 as a place to gather, reconnect, and create lasting memories amidst the beauty of nature. Together, they are working to elevate America’s herd and cultivate a love for the land and industry in the next generation, while fostering beautiful memories for everyone who gets the opportunity to visit The 808.
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.

J-H Trading Company Akaushi Cattle

Had a great visit with Brandee Howell, Manager, and Jerrod Miksell, Lead Butcher of J.H. Trading, LLC. JH Cattle Company, Waco, Missouri. Brandee and Jerrod are high-energy and love what they do!J-H Trading, LLC is a family-owned cattle farm in Waco, Missouri. They raise American Wagyu Akaushi and Angus cattle. 100% all-natural, grass-fed, and grain finished with no hormones or antibiotics. Roger Hines has been raising cattle since the mid-80s. They own J-H Cattle Co. Meat Store in Joplin, Missouri, where they feature farm-to-table beef along with other Missouri-raised proteins such as pork and chicken. They are members of the American Akaushi Association and have been voted the 2024 Best Butcher Shop in the Four States Area. Their products are also available online for shipping to the lower 48 states.My primary responsibility is that of Herd Manager. I manage our cattle records, including DNA, breeding history, calving records, and feedlot records, as well as all in-house supplies for treating cattle and coordinating the pickup and delivery of our fat cattle, among other tasks. On the meat store side of our business, I work closely with our store staff and butchers to coordinate inventory, pricing, marketing, and advertising. I also take care of all our social media posting and positioning, program and manage our online meat store, and handle our part of the Rogers Arkansas Farmers Market on Saturdays. Our Mobile Meat Store trailer is my home away from home when I am not at the farm.I love our farm and my life here in Southwest Missouri. Jeremy and I have started our own little Akaushi herd, and this past year, we joined the American Akaushi Association as Life Members. We are members of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, R-Calf, and stand behind supporting American Farmers and Ranchers.I love the Akaushi Breed. I am thankful for my 20 years of real estate experience. The life lessons I learned during that phase of my life taught me the skills needed to be a good leader, communicator, and manager, despite my aversion to the word “manager.”
By the way, J-H Trading was just awarded the 2025 Best of Southwest Missouri Gold Award for “place to buy meat” for their farm-to-table meat store in Joplin, where they feature their farm-raised Akaushi beef—a true labor of love.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast please check out the website:  www.americancattlemen.com
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
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Rawhide Portable Corrals  
Udder Tech, Inc.  

Akaushi Cattle That Are Legendary

 I had a great conversation with Steve Cottrell, one of the bright new minds in our industry, about Akaushi Cattle.  Steve will be the first to tell you he was not born a cattle rancher.  However, his keen mind and desire to become one of the industry's top seedstock producers are quickly allowing him to earn the title of cattleman!
Stephen M. Cottrell has over 40 years of experience in the automotive industry, including 15 years of specialization in automotive data and information integration. Over the last 18 years, Steve has built Authenticom into a thriving, multi-million-dollar enterprise that integrates with over ten thousand automotive dealerships—connecting them with hundreds of solution providers and OEMs throughout North America.  
 
In addition to all that success, Steve is the owner of Legendary Akaushi Genetics, established in 2015, which is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the foundation genetics of Akaushi Cattle. Under new ownership by Steve Cotrelle, we honor this legacy while leveraging data-driven breeding to advance the breed and are dedicated to advancing Akaushi genetics.  With rare foundational animals, we are uniquely positioned to develop superior maternal lines based on rigorous performance metrics, helping producers improve efficiency, profitability & overall herd performance.
 
Legendary Akaushi Genetics breeds female Akaushi cattle to uphold the breed's prestigious lineage. These live females are descendants of the cattle that played a pivotal role in advancing the American beef industry. We take great pride in selecting and preserving only the highest-quality females that exemplify our core values in terms of functionality and breed type.
 For those seeking genetic diversity through semen, Legendary Akaushi Genetics provides an opportunity to access premium Red Wagyu genetics. Meticulously sourced from superior bulls, our Akaushi semen ensures the optimization of calving ease, improvement in carcass quality, and the infusion of diverse genetic traits. This investment promises to elevate your cattle operation to new heights.
Legendary Akaushi Genetics offers a unique opportunity to invest in the future of Red Wagyu excellence. Through carefully selected matings, our Akaushi embryos carry the legacy of superior maternal qualities, enhanced carcass quality, and the genetic diversity necessary for a thriving cattle operation. This investment in Akaushi embryos is a forward-looking step towards excellence in Red Wagyu breeding. 
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
 
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
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Jorgensen Land & Cattle Company With Larry Gran

It was my sincere pleasure to talk to one of the cattle industry's great people today, Larry Gran with Jorgensen Land & Cattle Company!  Larry Gran was as enjoyable as he was educational!  Larry is a self-professed “worn-out cowboy”, but there is still a lot of work left in this cowboy!
Larry Gran is an experienced Specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the pharmaceutical industry. Skilled in Negotiation, Business Planning, Market Planning, Sales, and Sales Operations. Strong professional with a B.S. focused on Ag Economics from the University of Wyoming.
Larry provides insight into the United States' largest Seedstock producer’s philosophy on genetic excellence!
History 
The Jorgensen operation began in 1909 when Martin Jorgensen, Sr. and his wife Gertrude homesteaded land near Ideal, South Dakota.
Nearly 50 years later, his son Martin Jorgensen Jr. adopted the pioneering beef cattle performance breeding concepts of the late Dr. Jay Lush (Iowa State University). By the 1960s, the Jorgensen’s performance-based, line-breeding program had established their herd as “the source” for performance beef cattle genetics in the U.S. Today, the 3rd- and 4th-generations of the Jorgensen family continue the legacy of innovation through farming and cattle operations. We remain at the forefront of performance measurement, genetic analysis, and conservation. As a result, cattlemen, farmers, and hunters continue to look to “the source.”
Over the past 100 years, we’ve grown from a family homestead to an operation known nationwide for its superior Angus herd, excellent certified seed, being a leader in soil health, and prime pheasant hunting. But don’t let our 12,000 acres fool you. We’re proud to remain a family operation rooted in a tradition of excellence and innovation.
Martin Jorgensen
Martin F. Jorgensen, Jr. was a pioneer. He once told an interviewer, “I’ve never liked tradition for tradition’s sake, nor have I feared new approaches.” Martin was always searching for a better way to do things and was not afraid to swim upstream if he was convinced that was what needed to be done.
Always analytical, Martin’s analysis of his own commercial cattle operation in the 50s was that he had been doing things the way most ranchers did — producing good but average cows that produced good but average calves, and “average” wasn’t good enough for Martin. Since he couldn’t find the kind of bulls that would do what he wanted bulls to do, he decided to make bulls that would improve commercial cattle herds. He purchased some high-quality registered cows, consulted with the leading geneticists who understood what needed to change, and was determined to produce the kind of bulls he had wanted to use in his commercial herd.
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.

Stay-Tuff Livestock Fencing

What a great informational and practical conversation with two fencing professionals from Stay-Tuff!In 2000, Bill Daugherty, a visionary with a deep understanding of the fencing industry, saw an opportunity to revolutionize wire fencing. He founded Stay-Tuff with a clear mission: to create stronger, more reliable fences. From a humble beginning in a small factory in New Braunfels, Texas, the revolutionary Stay-Tuff Fixed Knot Fence was born, setting the stage for a new era in fencing innovation.In 2006, Stay-Tuff joined the DEACERO family, a leading North American steel manufacturer. This partnership provided the resources to expand our product line and solidify our leadership in the fencing industry.With additional looms and improved access to raw materials, we increased production and created more jobs within the community.Stay-Tuff is recognized in the agricultural market for our expertise in fencing and installation training. We manufacture one of the broadest lines of high-tensile and low-carbon fencing in the market, along with a comprehensive range of fencing tools and accessories. Our fences are renowned for their impact resistance, durability, and lower total installation cost compared to other agricultural fences. Our superior wire coatings ensure our products will stand the test of time. 
Today, Stay-Tuff is one of the most renowned steel fencing product brands in the agricultural and construction markets.As a valued member of MID-CONTINENT STEEL AND WIRE, our headquarters are located in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and Houston, Texas. Our service to the agricultural and construction markets consists of superior fence products manufactured at our facilities in Houston, Laredo, and Mexico. We have expanded our product portfolio, from manufacturing the best-in-class Fixed Knot Fence to offering a comprehensive range of fencing solutions for the retail market. We also carry a premium line of fence tools and accessories designed to efficiently erect, tension, splice, and anchor your Stay-Tuff fence.Kyle Bading is the Senior Sales Manager for Stay-Tuff fence and has been with thecompany for 15 years. During that time, he has worked in several different roles, including Inside Sales, Customer Service, and Western US Sales Manager. Howard Athasis the South Texas Territory Sales Manager for Stay-Tuff and has been with the companysince it was founded in 2000. Howard was instrumental in the company’s early successand has also worked in several roles for the company, including Inside Sales andCustomer Service. Both Kyle and Howard have worked with the rest of the Stay-Tuff team to expand the Stay-Tuff brand across the United States as one of the leaders in thefencing industry. Their focus is on educating today’s farmer, rancher, and fencecontractor on a wide range of fencing products and best installation practices for long-lasting and low-maintenance fencing.
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.

Beef and Greet Celebration

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 Larry Gran, the VP of Genetic Services for Jorgensen Land and Cattle, and Nichole Bechtel with Moly Manufacturing. Beef and Greet emerged as an innovative platform designed to bring beef producers together from across the United States. The primary goal extends beyond simply showcasing equipment and genetics; it's about creating meaningful connections among cattlemen, facilitating discussions about industry challenges, sharing potential solutions, and gaining new connections. This year's event in Bentonville, Arkansas marked a significant milestone with record attendance, nearly doubling last year's participation from 75 to over 100 participants. The organizers are strategic about growth, aiming to maintain an intimate setting that allows for genuine interaction, with an ideal participant range of 150 to 200 producers.The 2025 event promises an engaging agenda, including tours of the 808 Ranch and Vance Keaton's property, discussions about JLC's genetic programs, and an evening entertainment featuring singer-songwriter Claire Dunn. The organizers are committed to a regional approach, carefully curating participants who can contribute meaningful insights and learn from one another.Looking forward, the Beef and Greet team is exploring potential locations for future events, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and meaningful engagement. They are passionate about creating an environment where beef producers can network, share experiences, and collectively advance the industry.The podcast highlighted the event's organic growth, driven by a genuine desire to strengthen connections within the beef production community. By focusing on quality interactions and regional representation, Beef and Greet is positioning itself as a unique and valuable platform for cattlemen nationwide.
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.

Jim Dyer Akaushi Cattle

What a great visit with Jim Dyer about his cattle and trailer company!  Such a friendly man with a great sense of humor.  Jim not only tells a great story, but he tells a story with great content! Jim Dyer started their transition to raising Akaushi cattle in 2010. They were one of the first producers to purchase bulls from Heartbrand. After years of carefully selecting for desirable genetics, we now sell our own Akaushi bulls as well as females.
We raised El Padrino, the first heterozygous polled bull in the Akaushi breed, and are very excited about his progeny so far.
Big Bend Trailers was founded in 2003 after I identified a real need for a tough, user-friendly ranch trailer. I had spent years using various brands of stock trailers on my family’s ranch in the rugged Big Bend area of Texas, and I found that they all fell short in terms of durability and efficiency. Throughout the years of working with cattle, I developed a mental checklist of improvements I would like to see on a stock trailer. For instance, there was one trailer my family used that had rectangular tubing sides; we welded on every part of that trailer except the sides. I told myself that if I ever built a trailer, I would use square and rectangular tubing, and that is one of the features that sets our trailers apart today. It just so happened that in 2003, I was introduced to a family that owned a manufacturing company. I asked them if they could build livestock trailers, and they told me they could build whatever I could come up with. With their expertise in manufacturing and my experience in ranching, we developed a product that makes my life easier on the ranch, and it has slowly evolved into a business that we operate as a family. We have incorporated several ideas into these trailers to make them more durable and user friendly including the clean out gap to prevent rust, the handle to unhook from outside the truck bed, the slam latches on our rear and center gates as well as options such as the roller pins on the back bumper and the floating center gate. We constantly innovate and improve our trailers because we use them ourselves and figure out what works and what doesn’t. I think you will find the Big Bend to be a very tough and practical trailer that you can use in the harshest conditions, and it will hold up for you.
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.  

Christensen Genetics

The voice of the American Cattlemen, Gale McKinney, sits down with Seth Christensen at the American Akaushi Convention in Kansas City, Missouri, to talk about the cattle industry. Seth is an enthusiastic participant, and these two industry professionals pushed the chairs back and provided you with some great feedback on our industry! What a great conversation with Seth Christensen of Christensen Genetics. A bright young man with a passion for helping his clients find genetics that will assist them in building the cattle they want in their herd. We delve into the need for better education of the consumer market, with a thorough discussion on the importance of the entire cattle industry's participation in this critical area. Seth Christensen has owned and operated a cattle business since 2004, making his living from cattle.  With 20 years of experience in genetic and business management, in addition to a degree in Economics from Utah State University, Seth is well-qualified to answer your questions and help you reach your goals for your herd.  Seth's days are spent identifying and selecting the best beef cattle genetics in the world, and helping his clients incorporate them into their herds. Christensen Genetics exists to help you build your dream herd.  Cattlemen and women are as unique as the environments in which they operate, with distinct business models and genetic needs.  With clients in 40 states and 12 countries, representing over 21,000 head of cattle, Christensen Genetics understands the importance of matching the right genetic package with the right ranch.  Regardless of your herd size, breed of choice, or point of sale, Christensen Genetics is here to help move your herd towards your established goals. Seth also hosts a great podcast called “Got Any Cows,” which can be found on most major podcast platforms.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast please check out the website:  www.americancattlemen.com
Sponsors:
DMTC Consulting
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech Inc.