337: The Future of Beef Is in the Hands of the Next Generation with Wes Shaw

341: Drought Doesn’t Ruin Ranches Overnight… Bad Decisions Do

On today’s episode of the podcast, Lauren tackles one of the toughest realities facing cattle producers across the country: drought. More specifically, the decisions drought forces producers to make. From stocking rates and pasture management to culling decisions, body condition scores, feed costs, and cash flow, Lauren breaks down the mistakes that often cost ranches the most—not because they were made, but because they were delayed. This episode is a practical look at protecting your operation, preserving flexibility, and making difficult decisions before drought takes away your options. Links: CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m [https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m] ⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/ [https://www.cattleusa.com/] CattleUSA App IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cattleusa/id1673147759 [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cattleusa/id1673147759] CattleUSA App Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edgarmcbee.cusamobile&pcampaignid=web_share [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edgarmcbee.cusamobile&pcampaignid=web_share] Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia [https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/ [https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/] Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusa.shop/products/cattleusa-drive-premium-daily-newsletter?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9g [https://www.cattleusa.shop/products/cattleusa-drive-premium-daily-newsletter?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9g] CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/ [https://www.cattleusamedia.com/] Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/ [https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/] Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco [https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco] The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/ [https://www.thenextgenag.com/] Key Takeaways: * Drought is a trend, not a single event * Waiting too long to act often creates the biggest losses * Overstocking during drought can impact pasture productivity for years * Early culling creates more flexibility and often better financial outcomes * Feed costs must be evaluated against long-term production value * Body condition loss today affects next year's calf crop * Overgrazing damages both current and future forage production * Protecting pasture health should remain a top priority * Financial stress from drought can last years beyond the weather event itself * The best operators focus on preserving options and flexibility Chapters: 00:00 Why drought exposes decision-making 01:20 The danger of waiting for rain 03:10 Stocking rate mistakes and pasture damage 05:00 Why timing matters when culling cows 07:00 Feed costs versus herd reduction decisions 09:00 Body condition score and reproductive performance 11:00 The long-term cost of overgrazing 13:00 Financial pressure during drought 15:00 Emotional decision-making and common traps 17:00 How successful ranchers approach drought 19:00 The one question every producer should ask 21:00 Final thoughts on protecting options and flexibility drought management, cattle drought, ranch drought planning, cattle producers, stocking rates, overgrazing, pasture management, drought decisions, cow culling, herd reduction, feed costs, hay prices, body condition score, cattle reproduction, ranch profitability, grazing management, ranch management, drought strategy, cattle industry, beef industry, cow calf operation, drought preparedness, forage management, ranch economics, livestock management, cattle podcast, ranching podcast, drought recovery, pasture recovery, drought planning for ranchers, cattle operation management, beef producer resources, grazing pressure, ranch cash flow, drought and cattle production

340: What 44 Days Around the World Taught This Nebraska Rancher with Jaclyn Wilson

On today’s episode of the podcast, Lauren is joined by Nebraska cattle producer Jaclyn Wilson for a wide ranging conversation about ranch succession, global agriculture, international beef production, and the future of the U.S. cattle industry. Jaclyn shares how her family’s Nebraska Sandhills operation has evolved through innovation, direct to consumer beef sales, international genetics, and a willingness to think differently. The conversation also explores lessons learned from traveling the world, why producers everywhere face many of the same challenges, and how staying open to new ideas may be one of the most important traits for the next generation of cattle producers. Links: Jaclyn's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flyingdiamondgenetics/Flying Diamond Beef: https://www.flyingdiamondbeef.com/aboutFlying Diamond Ranch IG: https://www.instagram.com/wilsonflyingdiamondranch/?hl=enCattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/CattleUSA App IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cattleusa/id1673147759CattleUSA App Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edgarmcbee.cusamobile&pcampaignid=web_shareFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusa.shop/products/cattleusa-drive-premium-daily-newsletter?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9gCattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/ - Ranch succession requires difficult conversations and long-term planning - Global agriculture is more connected than most producers realize - Beef producers around the world face many of the same challenges - International travel can create valuable perspective and opportunities - Direct-to-consumer beef continues creating new business opportunities - The U.S. beef industry remains a global leader in efficiency- Producers should stay open-minded to innovation and new ideas - Economics and efficiency are critical to long-term industry success - Sharing agriculture's story remains one of the industry's biggest responsibilities - Learning from other producers can strengthen operations for future generations Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Jaclyn Wilson and the Nebraska Sandhills 01:00 Returning home to the family ranch 08:30 Direct-to-consumer beef and building new revenue streams 10:00 Why global agriculture matters to local producers 12:00 Traveling the world through the Nuffield program 15:00 Lessons from agriculture in Asia, Africa, and Europe 18:00 How travel changed the ranch’s mindset and management 24:00 Why producers need humility and a willingness to learn 27:00 Efficiency, economics, and the future of the beef industry 31:00 The biggest challenges facing cattle producers today 34:00 Final thoughts on innovation, leadership, and opportunity Jaclyn Wilson, Nebraska cattle producer, Nebraska Sandhills ranching, beef industry, cattle ranching, ranch succession, direct-to-consumer beef, global beef industry, international agriculture, Nuffield scholarship, cattle genetics, Uruguay cattle, agriculture travel, beef exports, cattle producer leadership, Nebraska ranch, ranch management, beef marketing, sustainable beef production, cattle industry innovation, agriculture leadership, livestock production, cow calf operation, beef business, agricultural economics, cattle industry podcast, ranch succession planning, future of beef, cattle industry efficiency, agriculture innovation, ranching podcast, women in agriculture, beef production, global agriculture, Nebraska cattle industry, cattle producer education

339: The Summer Weather Warning Every Cattle Rancher Needs to Hear with Gary Lezack

On today’s episode of the podcast, Lauren is joined once again by meteorologist Gary Lezak to break down what cattle producers and agricultural operations should expect from the weather pattern as we move deeper into summer and toward fall. Gary explains the current weather setup across cattle country, ongoing drought concerns in parts of the Plains, the potential for summer heat waves, and why there is already so much buzz around El Niño. The conversation also dives into Gary’s long-range weather forecasting model, the LRC, and how producers can use long-term weather trends to better prepare for heat stress, moisture patterns, and operational decision making in the months ahead. Links:Weather 20/20 Dashboard Discount⁠ - https://www.weather2020.com/partner/cattle-usa [https://www.weather2020.com/partner/cattle-usa] Substack - https://weather2020.substack.com/ [https://weather2020.substack.com/] The Global Predictor App ⁠- ⁠https://www.weather2020.com/global-predictor-mobile-app [https://www.weather2020.com/global-predictor-mobile-app] Youtube⁠ -https://www.youtube.com/@Weather2020 [https://www.youtube.com/@Weather2020] Follow Gary on X ⁠- https://x.com/glezak [https://x.com/glezak]  CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m [https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m] ⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/ [https://www.cattleusa.com/] Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia [https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/ [https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/] Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusa.shop/products/cattleusa-drive-premium-daily-newsletter?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9g [https://www.cattleusa.shop/products/cattleusa-drive-premium-daily-newsletter?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9g] CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/ [https://www.cattleusamedia.com/] Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/ [https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/] Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco [https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco] The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/ [https://www.thenextgenag.com/] Key Takeaways:- Gary says the current weather pattern is still tracking very close to schedule- Severe weather season is beginning to wind down as summer approaches- Heat stress and disease pressure will become major concerns for cattle producers this summer- Early to mid-August could bring one of the strongest heat waves of the summer- Drought conditions are still significant across parts of Colorado, Nebraska, and the southern Plains- El Niño is developing, but Gary says it is still in its early stages- The media hype surrounding a potential “super El Niño” may be premature- Long-range forecasting tools can help producers prepare for wet and dry periods weeks in advance- Hurricane activity could be slightly below average this year if El Niño strengthens- Weather remains one of the biggest variables affecting agriculture and cattle operations every year Chapters:00:00 Introduction + Summer weather outlook for agriculture01:00 Gary’s cross-country road trip adventure04:45 California storms and the repeating weather pattern06:20 The LRC weather cycle explained07:15 Severe weather season winding down09:00 Drought conditions across cattle country10:00 Summer heat waves and cattle stress concerns11:20 How producers can use long-range weather forecasting12:00 Breaking down El Niño and why it matters14:00 Hurricane season outlook and tropical storm potential15:00 Summer rainfall expectations and drought persistence16:30 Final thoughts on preparing for summer weather risks Gary Lezak, weather forecast, agriculture weather, cattle weather forecast, El Niño, summer heat wave, cattle heat stress, drought conditions, long-range weather forecast, LRC weather model, Weather 2020, cattle country weather, agricultural forecasting, severe weather season, moisture outlook, summer drought, cattle operations, farming weather, ranch weather, Plains drought, weather pattern, climate outlook, Kansas weather, Nebraska drought, Colorado drought, hurricane season forecast, agricultural podcast, cattle producer resources, farming conditions, weather and agriculture

338: Last Week’s Selloff Has Us Asking: Is the Cattle Market Crashing? With Samantha Cozza-Wright

On today’s episode of the podcast, Lauren is joined once again by Samantha Cozza-Wright to break down last week’s volatile cattle market selloff and answer the question many producers are asking right now: Is the cattle market crashing? The conversation dives into feeder cattle volatility, the recent Cargill labor situation, drought-driven placements, cash cattle fundamentals, and why Samantha believes the cattle market still has strong long-term support despite recent fear and headline-driven trading. Lauren and Samantha also discuss consumer beef demand, cattle market resilience, New World Screwworm concerns, and what producers should realistically expect heading into summer. Connect with Samantha:Email - samantha@cattleusainsurance.com Phone - 785-940-5533Links:Nominate or request to be a guest - forms.gle/fRkvzRenh7mqkDXV7 CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l... 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337: The Future of Beef Is in the Hands of the Next Generation with Wes Shaw

On today’s episode of the podcast, Lauren is joined by Wes Shaw, a fifth generation Texas cattle rancher and Texas Tech student currently pursuing a future in agricultural policy and advocacy. Wes shares his experience interning in Washington D.C., working around the Farm Bill, New World Screwworm discussions, and rural policy issues while also balancing life back home on his family’s cattle operation in the Texas Panhandle. The conversation dives into the disconnect between rural America and Washington, why young producers need to stay involved in policy conversations before decisions are made, and how the next generation of agriculturists can continue shaping the future of the beef industry through leadership, communication, and advocacy.Links: Wes's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-shaw4/CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/CattleUSA App IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cattleusa/id1673147759CattleUSA App Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edgarmcbee.cusamobile&pcampaignid=web_shareFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusa.shop/products/cattleusa-drive-premium-daily-newsletter?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9gCattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/Key Takeaways: - Why young cattle producers need to stay involved in policy conversations-The disconnect between Washington D.C. and rural America- Why agriculture must be proactive instead of reactive- New World Screwworm concerns and protecting U.S. cattle production- The importance of the Farm Bill for cattle producers- How internships and advocacy programs help shape future ag leaders- Why staffers in Washington are often just as important as elected officials- The future of agriculture, technology, and cattle production- Challenges facing young producers entering the cattle industry- Why Gen Z could play a major role in the future of agricultureChapters: 00:00 Introduction to Wes Shaw and Agricultural Policy01:11 Wes Shaw’s Background and Family Cattle Operation03:20 Experiencing Washington D.C. as a Young Rancher05:52 Why Agricultural Policy Matters to Producers08:50 Farm Bill Conversations and Rural Advocacy11:32 Young Producers and Political Disconnect14:24 Why Relationships in D.C. Matter16:19 Bridging the Gap Between Producers and Policy19:29 Texas Tech’s Agricultural Policy Internship Program23:05 Advice for Young People Entering Agriculture25:43 Why Wes Is Optimistic About Agriculture’s Future27:40 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Rural Americacattle market, cattle industry, agricultural policy, cattle ranching, farm bill, new world screwworm, Texas cattle rancher, beef industry, rural America, agriculture advocacy, Washington DC agriculture, cattle producers, livestock policy, agriculture leadership, Texas Tech agriculture, young farmers and ranchers, next generation agriculture, rural policy, agricultural communications, American cattle industry, agriculture internships, beef production, cattle herd, ag advocacy, policy and agriculture, cattle producers in Washington, ranching future, Gen Z agriculture, agriculture technology, livestock industry leadership