Texas Wagyu Association Builds Momentum Through Genetics, Education, and Industry Collaboration

Texas Wagyu Association Builds Momentum Through Genetics, Education, and Industry Collaboration

One of the great things about attending cattle industry events is the opportunity to spend time with the people helping shape the future of their breed and their industry. During the 2026 Big Texas Event in Fort Worth, Texas, I had the opportunity to sit down with Bryan Milburn, President of the Texas Wagyu Association, to discuss the growth of the Wagyu industry, the importance of genetic advancement, and the opportunities available for both seedstock and commercial cattle producers. Milburn and his wife, Anna, own Milburn American Wagyu and operate on a ranch rich in family history. The ranch, originally purchased by his grandfather in 1946, has come full circle after years of family dedication and hard work. Today, the operation represents five generations of ranching heritage and serves as a foundation for their commitment to producing high-quality Wagyu cattle. One of the most significant developments discussed during our conversation was the partnership between the Texas Wagyu Association and the Australian Wagyu Association through the International Wagyu Corporation. According to Milburn, the collaboration began several years ago with a simple email and has evolved into a relationship that provides tremendous value to Wagyu producers on both sides of the globe. The Australian Wagyu Association has long been recognized for its extensive data collection and advanced genetic evaluation systems. Through the partnership, Texas Wagyu producers gain access to valuable genetic information that helps improve selection decisions, carcass quality predictions, and overall breed advancement. While many cattlemen have traditionally relied on phenotype and practical experience when making breeding decisions, Milburn explained that the integration of genetic data has become an important tool for modern producers. As tissue sampling, genomic testing, and performance analysis continue to align with real-world results, confidence in the technology continues to grow. Education remains a major focus for the Texas Wagyu Association as well. The Big Texas Event featured presentations covering genetic evaluation, nutrition, mineral programs, animal health, and management strategies designed to help producers maximize the potential of their cattle operations. Another area receiving increased attention is youth involvement. Like many breed organizations, the Texas Wagyu Association recognizes the importance of developing the next generation of cattle producers. Efforts continue to expand youth participation through educational events, networking opportunities, and breed-focused activities that introduce young people to the Wagyu industry. Of course, one of the highlights of the event was the highly anticipated Big Texas Sale. What began several years ago as a smaller sale has quickly grown into one of the premier Wagyu marketing events in the country. Through a stringent selection process, only elite cattle and genetics earn a place in the sale catalog. Milburn credits the success of the event to strong leadership, quality consignments, and a venue that attracts buyers from across the nation. The sale continues to showcase top-tier females, herd sire prospects, and frozen genetics that represent some of the breed’s most sought-after bloodlines. Beyond the seedstock sector, the conversation also focused on the growing opportunities for commercial cattle producers. Wagyu genetics continue to gain attention for their ability to improve marbling and carcass quality when crossed with commercial beef cattle. The benefits of hybrid vigor, combined with the premium carcass traits associated with Wagyu, are creating new marketing opportunities for producers seeking additional value from their calf crops. The beef-on-dairy segment also continues to expand. Producers across the country have discovered that Wagyu genetics can add significant value to dairy-influenced cattle, creating an additional avenue for growth within the industry. As consumer demand for premium beef products continues to increase, the future appears bright for Wagyu producers. Through strategic partnerships, advanced genetic tools, educational outreach, and innovative marketing programs, organizations like the Texas Wagyu Association are helping position the breed for long-term success. After visiting with Bryan Milburn and learning more about the direction of the breed, one thing became very clear: the future of Wagyu cattle in America is being built on a foundation of quality genetics, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement. For producers interested in learning more about Wagyu cattle, genetics, and upcoming industry events, the Texas Wagyu Association continues to serve as a valuable resource for breeders, seedstock producers, and commercial cattlemen alike.   For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com. [https://americancattlemen.com/podcasts/] American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By: Moly Manufacturing [https://www.molymfg.com/] Central Life Sciences [https://www.centrallifesciences.com/] Medgene [https://medgenelabs.com/] Forge [https://forge-ind.com/]

Medicine Tree Ranch Red Wagyu Complete Cowherd Dispersal

The latest episode of Genetics and the Gavel, powered by American Cattlemen Media, features Jeff Hawkins of Medicine Tree Ranch in Clinton, Montana, discussing the upcoming Medicine Tree Ranch Red Wagyu Complete Cowherd Dispersal scheduled for June 30, 2026, at 1:00 PM CDT.  Hosted by Gail McKinney, the episode provides listeners with an inside look at one of the most respected Red Wagyu programs in the country. Hawkins shares the history of Medicine Tree Ranch, the family's dedication to developing elite Red Wagyu genetics, and the breeding philosophies that have guided the operation for years. During the conversation, Hawkins explains what first attracted him to Red Wagyu cattle and why the breed continues to generate interest among both seedstock and commercial cattle producers. He discusses the advantages that Red Wagyu genetics offer, including exceptional carcass quality, maternal strength, feed efficiency, and access to premium beef markets. The discussion also covers the difficult decision to disperse the herd and the significance of offering a complete program that represents years of careful genetic selection and management. If you are searching for elite Fullblood Wagyu genetics, herd sire prospects, replacement females, or productive F1 cattle, this sale represents a unique opportunity to acquire genetics from a proven and respected program. Be sure to listen to this episode of Genetics and the Gavel to learn more about Medicine Tree Ranch, the Hawkins family, and the cattle selling in this premier Red Wagyu dispersal event. For additional information, view the sale catalog, register to bid, and access sale details through Live-Ag.com or contact Wagyu 365.   For previous episodes of Genetics & the Gavel, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com. [https://americancattlemen.com/podcasts/] American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By: Moly Manufacturing [https://www.molymfg.com/] Central Life Sciences [https://www.centrallifesciences.com/] Medgene [https://medgenelabs.com/] Forge [https://forge-ind.com/]

Bull Health Monitoring with 701X

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, he's the director of Business Development for American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Scott Holt, the Strategic Account Manager for 701X. In this episode, Dustin and Scott will dive into some Bull Health monitoring systems, and their benefit, provided by 701X.  They will then get into, 701X’s pro tag, a monitoring ear tag that combines health and location data delivered via cellular or satellite connectivity. Holt explains that once tags are applied and synced to the company’s software, producers can see where their cattle are, whether they remain inside designated pastures, and receive alerts when animals are transported or move at abnormal speeds. More importantly, the system builds a seven-day behavioral baseline and flags deviations, generating health alerts that can indicate lameness, injury, or other issues before they are obvious to the naked eye. The pro tag tracks mounts and movement patterns, helping commercial cattlemen verifies bull health, that they are actively working, detect problems early, and protect both bull value and calf crops. Estrus alerts for females provide additional real-time insight into heat cycles, late or unexpected returns to heat, and overall fertility trends, enabling better decisions about bull rotation, treatment, and culling. Scott emphasizes that the technology is designed to be simple to adopt, comparing its use to basic smartphone functions. Tags can be linked to animal records via QR codes, daily step graphs are easy to interpret, and layered reporting allows users to drill into specific bull or herd metrics. He concludes with an example of a large range operation that dramatically reduced the time required to locate and gather females by using the system, illustrating the practical, labor-saving impact of integrated monitoring technology in extensive grazing environments.   For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com. [https://americancattlemen.com/podcasts/] American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By: Moly Manufacturing [https://www.molymfg.com/] Central Life Sciences [https://www.centrallifesciences.com/] Medgene [https://medgenelabs.com/] Forge [https://forge-ind.com/]

Specialty Risk Insurance

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, he's the Director of Business Development for American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Jake Charleston, Livestock Risk Protection agent with Specialty Risk Insurance.  Jake describes the market as very strong and notably resilient despite multiple challenges. At the same time, he urges producers to watch key factors such as beef imports, plant uncertainty, and the broader cattle cycle as the industry moves toward 2027. He highlights specific risk windows, including cattle coming off Flint Hills grass later in the summer, as times when producers should be especially attentive to price movements. The core of the episode is Jake’s explanation of Livestock Risk Protection (LRP). He characterizes LRP as a government-subsidized put-style tool that establishes a price floor tied to an expected marketing date while leaving the upside open if the market rallies. Jake stresses that LRP is not about setting a final sale price but about guarding against severe downside moves. He explains that LRP can be used across segments, from unborn calves and cow-calf herds to stocker and fed cattle, with added weight classes and related tools such as Livestock Gross Margin providing further precision for feeding operations. When advising on coverage, Jake focuses on each producer’s age, financial position, and risk tolerance, often recommending stronger coverage for younger or more leveraged operators who cannot afford a major setback. The conversation closes with Dustin and Jake underscoring the importance of the June 30 deadline for switching LRP agents and the value of working with an insurance partner that brings daily market insight from across the cattle industry. Specialty Risk Insurance For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com. [https://americancattlemen.com/podcasts/] American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By: Moly Manufacturing [https://www.molymfg.com/] Central Life Sciences [https://www.centrallifesciences.com/] Medgene [https://medgenelabs.com/] Forge [https://forge-ind.com/]

Sitz Angus

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, he's the director of Business development for American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Lane and Tucker Sitz with Sitz Angus.  Tucker, currently studying farm and ranch management at Northwest College, describes growing up in the Dillon division of the ranch alongside his parents and siblings, noting the advantages and occasional challenges of working within a large family. Lane explains his path through automotive technology school and his decision to return full time to the Harrison division, emphasizing that ranch life has always been his long-term goal. Both guests highlight major changes they have witnessed in the cattle industry, especially the rise of technology. They recall working cattle with pen and paper before transitioning to EID tags and electronic record-keeping systems, which have significantly improved data accuracy and management. They acknowledge that this shift can be daunting for older generations, but has become essential to modern operations. Lane and Tucker outline the scale and structure of the Sitz Angus program. The ranch conducts two annual production sales, marketing over 800 registered Angus bulls each year, split between a March yearling sale in Dillon and a December coming two-year-old sale in Harrison. They also offer bred commercial heifers in the fall and yearling open heifers in the spring, which helps distinguish their program within the industry. In terms of breeding philosophy, the Sitz program focuses on balanced EPD profiles and a consistent, functional phenotype known internally as the “Sitz look.” They stress maternal and structural traits, avoiding the temptation to chase single-trait trends. The conversation closes with discussion of AI sires they are particularly excited about, including bulls such as Sitz Prefix, Sitz Phenom, Sitz Empire, and other young sires whose early progeny appear promising. The episode concludes with appreciation for the Sitz family’s century-long contribution to the Angus business and a tease for a future episode previewing the December sale.   For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com. [https://americancattlemen.com/podcasts/] American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By: Moly Manufacturing [https://www.molymfg.com/] Central Life Sciences [https://www.centrallifesciences.com/] Medgene [https://medgenelabs.com/] Forge [https://forge-ind.com/]