346: Could GPS Ear Tags Change the Way We Manage Cattle Forever? with Dr. Megan Van Emon

346: Could GPS Ear Tags Change the Way We Manage Cattle Forever? with Dr. Megan Van Emon

On today’s episode of the podcast, Lauren is joined by Montana State University Extension Beef Cattle Specialist Dr. Megan Van Emon to discuss the research shaping the future of the beef industry. From GPS ear tags and virtual fencing technology to drought management, feed efficiency, record keeping, and cow herd profitability, Megan shares how producers can use both new technology and proven management practices to make better decisions. The conversation also explores how Extension bridges the gap between research and ranching, helping producers apply science-backed solutions to real-world challenges. Links: Dr. Megan Van Emon: https://animalrange.montana.edu/directory/faculty/1675579/megan-van-emon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-van-emon-7927693b/ 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: * GPS ear tags and virtual fencing are creating new opportunities for cattle management * Technology can help producers better understand grazing behavior and pasture utilization * Drought planning remains one of the biggest challenges facing cattle producers * There is no one-size-fits-all management strategy for every operation * Record keeping is one of the most valuable tools producers can utilize * Cow efficiency goes beyond feed efficiency and starts with reproductive performance * Strategic supplementation can improve herd performance while controlling costs * Producers should focus on cattle that fit their environment and management style Chapters: 00:00 Megan Van Emon's journey into beef cattle research 05:15 GPS ear tags, virtual fencing, and emerging ranch technology 10:20 Drought management and producer decision-making 15:00 Nitrate toxicity research and feed challenges 18:30 What actually makes an efficient cow? 23:00 Nutrition, supplementation, and controlling input costs 26:00 Record keeping, culling decisions, and long-term profitability 30:00 Bridging the gap between research and real-world ranching Megan Van Emon, Montana State University, beef cattle research, GPS ear tags, virtual fencing, cattle technology, precision livestock management, grazing management, drought management, ranch management, beef cattle extension, cattle producers, feed efficiency, cow efficiency, cattle nutrition, supplementation strategies, record keeping, cattle profitability, cow-calf operations, replacement heifers, grazing behavior, pasture management, livestock technology, nitrate toxicity, cattle research, beef industry, ranching, cattle management, livestock production, cattle genetics, reproductive efficiency, Extension education, Montana ranching, cattle operation management, beef production, agriculture podcast

345: A Major June Storm Pattern Is Taking Shape & Could Change the Rest of Summer with Gary Lezack

On today's episode of the podcast, Lauren is joined once again by the one and only Gary Lezak to discuss the major weather pattern developing across much of cattle country and why the next two weeks could have a significant impact on the rest of the summer. Gary breaks down recent rainfall, ongoing drought concerns, severe weather potential, summer heat forecasts, and what producers should be watching as we move deeper into June. 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: * Recent rains have improved conditions across much of the Midwest and Plains * Drought remains a concern in parts of the western U.S. * The next two weeks could play a major role in shaping summer weather patterns * Additional rainfall opportunities are expected for portions of cattle country * A significant heat event is still possible later this summer * Gary shares his latest thoughts on El Niño and hurricane season Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Current drought conditions and recent rainfall 03:00 Understanding the LRC weather cycle 05:00 Why weather patterns are repeating themselves 07:00 Rainfall outlook for the Midwest and Corn Belt 09:00 Summer weather shifts and changing precipitation patterns 10:30 Preparing for a potential August heat wave 12:00 Drought outlook for the Plains and Western states 13:00 Severe weather risks during the first half of June 15:00 What producers should watch over the next two weeks 16:30 El Niño hype versus reality 18:00 Hurricane season outlook 19:00 Final thoughts and weather resources Gary Lezak, weather forecast, agriculture weather, cattle country weather, summer forecast, June storm pattern, severe weather outlook, drought conditions, drought forecast, cattle producers, ranching weather, farming forecast, LRC weather model, Weather 2020, summer heat wave, August heat wave, rainfall forecast, Corn Belt weather, Midwest weather, El Niño, hurricane season forecast, long-range weather forecast, agricultural forecasting, cattle operation planning, pasture conditions, grazing management, crop weather outlook, Kansas weather, Nebraska drought, Colorado drought, ranch management, agriculture podcast, cattle industry weather, weather trends, severe storms

344: Screwworm Confirmed in Texas… Should Cattle Producers Be Worried? with John Campbell

On today’s episode of the podcast, Lauren is joined by John Campbell to discuss the breaking news that a case of New World Screwworm has officially been confirmed in South Texas. John breaks down what we know so far, what this means for cattle producers, how the USDA is responding, and why consumers should not panic about the safety of the beef supply. The conversation covers the biology of screwworm, the challenges large ranches may face if infestations spread, potential market reactions, and the importance of communicating accurate information as news of the confirmation continues to circulate across the country. As always, John brings his unique mix of insight, humor, and straight talk to one of the biggest cattle industry stories of the year. 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: * A New World Screwworm case has been confirmed in South Texas * The confirmed case involves a single calf near the Texas-Mexico border * USDA has implemented a quarantine zone and continues sterile fly releases * Screwworm is a serious concern for cattle producers, especially large ranching operations * Screwworm is not a food safety issue and does not impact beef quality * Consumers do not need to be concerned about beef products entering the food supply * Large ranches with extensive grazing systems face greater management challenges * Ivermectin and other parasite control tools remain important prevention measures * Market reaction will depend largely on media coverage and producer perception Chapters: 02:00 Weekly cattle market update 06:00 Breaking news: Screwworm confirmed in Texas 08:00 What producers need to know right now 10:00 Understanding the screwworm life cycle 12:00 Why screwworm is not a food safety issue 15:00 John Campbell's "Screwworm for Dummies" segment 18:00 Challenges facing large ranches and cow-calf operations 20:00 USDA response and sterile fly program 22:00 How producers can protect their herds 24:00 Potential cattle market implications 26:00 Communicating with consumers and avoiding misinformation new world screwworm, screwworm confirmed in Texas, Texas cattle industry, cattle market news, John Campbell, cattle producers, beef industry, livestock health, USDA screwworm response, sterile fly program, Texas ranching, cattle parasites, cattle disease management, cattle market update, livestock producers, cow calf operations, beef production, food safety, cattle ranching, ivermectin cattle, livestock health concerns, cattle industry news, agriculture podcast, beef supply chain, cattle market reaction, ranch management, livestock disease prevention, cattle operation management, South Texas ranching, cattle producer resources, beef consumer education, cattle country news

343: Livestock Risk Protection: What Every Cattle Producer Needs to Know in 2026 with Samantha Cozza-Wright

Samantha Cozza-Wright joins Lauren once again on today's episode for a deep dive into Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) and the major changes cattle producers need to understand heading into the 2026 coverage year. Samantha breaks down how LRP works, why more producers are using it to manage risk in today’s volatile cattle market, and how it compares to traditional futures and options strategies. She also explains new updates taking effect July 1, including expanded unborn calf coverage, beginning farmer benefits, drought exemptions, and other important policy changes that could impact cattle operations across the country. Connect with Samantha:Email - samantha@cattleusainsurance.com Phone - 785-940-5533 LinksCattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l... 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342: The Fundamentals Are Bullish... So Why Is the Cattle Market Falling? with Samantha Cozza-Wright

On today’s episode of the podcast, Lauren is joined by Samantha Cozza-Wright for another cattle market update as volatility continues to dominate the conversation across cattle country. The two break down softer feeder cattle prices, uncertainty in the futures market, drought-driven calf movement, consumer beef demand, and the big question many producers are asking right now: are we actually expanding the U.S. cattle herd or simply maintaining it? Samantha also shares her thoughts on beef demand, market risk, and why producers need to be thinking strategically about protecting profitability in one of the most volatile cattle markets in history. Connect with Samantha:Email - samantha@cattleusainsurance.com Phone - 785-940-5533 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: * Volatility continues to be the defining theme of the cattle market * Feeder cattle prices have softened after rapid spring rallies * Futures markets remain disconnected from short-term cash market signals * Consumer beef demand remains stronger than many expected * Retail beef movement continues supporting the market * New World Screwworm concerns remain on producers' radar * Drought conditions are pushing more calves to market earlier than normal * Questions remain about whether the U.S. cattle herd is truly expanding * Cow slaughter continues trending lower while heifer retention increases * Risk management becomes increasingly important as cattle values rise Chapters: 01:30 Rainfall across cattle country and drought relief 03:00 Why cattle markets remain extremely volatile 05:00 Feeder cattle weakness and futures market concerns 07:00 New World Screwworm rumors and market implications 08:30 Cash cattle, packers, and beef demand 11:00 Why retail beef demand remains surprisingly strong 13:00 Early calf movement and drought pressure 15:00 Are we actually expanding the U.S. cattle herd? 17:00 Cow slaughter, heifer retention, and future supply 19:00 Why profitability still comes with major risk 21:00 Protecting cattle values in a volatile market 22:00 Final thoughts and market outlook cattle market, cattle market update, Samantha Cozza-Wright, feeder cattle market, cattle futures, live cattle futures, cattle prices, beef demand, cattle industry, ranching, cow calf producers, drought and cattle, cattle herd expansion, heifer retention, cow slaughter, New World Screwworm, beef market outlook, feeder cattle prices, cattle volatility, risk management, LRP insurance, cattle producers, livestock markets, beef industry, ranch management, cattle market news, agriculture podcast, cattle cycle, beef demand outlook, cattle market analysis, livestock industry, U.S. cattle herd, cattle economics, ranching podcast, beef production