The Bushels and Beef Podcast

EP. 21 Cattle Markets Ahead of Grilling Season: Demand Signals, Sale Barn Reality & LRP

Cattle markets heading into Memorial Day weekend can feel volatile and uncertain—right when grilling season puts beef demand in the spotlight. In this episode of Bushels and Beef, Fenton Nelson breaks down the current cattle market backdrop, how producers are thinking about demand from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and why some ranchers are skeptical that major “top-line” estimates always capture what’s happening at the sale barn level. You’ll hear discussion on consumer behavior (high-end cuts vs ground beef), the impact of fuel costs on household budgets, and how dryness in key cattle regions can add uncertainty into summer decisions. Fenton also shares a high-level framework producers often use when evaluating risk tools like LRP (Livestock Risk Protection) and other downside-risk concepts—focused on planning and understanding trade-offs, not predicting prices. In this episode: * Cattle market volatility and why it can feel “directionless” * Memorial Day beef demand and what to watch after the holiday * Sale barn observations vs large headline estimates (a “ground-truth” approach) * Cow-calf vs backgrounding vs feedyard pressures (margins, input costs) * LRP (Livestock Risk Protection) planning concepts (high-level)

EP. 20 May WASDE 2026: Wheat Surprise, Corn/Beans Trading Range & Volatility Planning | Allison Ryan

The May WASDE is the first official USDA look at new-crop supply and demand—and in 2026 it came with more volatility than many producers expected, especially on the wheat side. In this episode of Bushels and Beef, grain market advisor Allison Ryan breaks down the May WASDE report and what it may mean for corn, soybeans, and wheat as planting wraps up across the Midwest. You’ll hear discussion on how late planting season can create “blinders” while markets keep moving, why the May report can still produce surprises, and how producers often think about staying disciplined through headline-driven weeks (China discussions, geopolitical uncertainty, energy prices) and the shift into a weather market. The focus is on education and planning frameworks—how to evaluate your position, set targets in advance, and reduce emotional decision-making when volatility spikes. Disclaimer: This video is provided for general education and market commentary only and does not constitute individualized trading, hedging, investment, marketing, or financial advice, and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any futures, options, or other commodity interests. Futures and options trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Consult qualified advisors regarding your specific situation.

EP. 17 Fire, Bulls & the Board: Navigating a Wild Spring in Cattle Country

LRP (Livestock Risk Protection) has become a bigger part of the conversation in cattle country—especially when weather risk, grass availability, and market volatility all collide at the same time. In this episode of Bushels and Beef, livestock risk specialist Rich “Ricky” Knuppe (also a South Dakota cattle producer) talks through what he’s seeing on the ground during a wild spring across the Plains: drought conditions, major wildfire impacts, turnout and water concerns, and the tough decisions that follow. The conversation connects those realities to risk management planning—why some producers explore LRP coverage as a way to help manage downside price risk, how different operations think about protecting capital during high-priced cattle cycles, and what questions producers are asking during bull sale season and replacement decisions. This is a practical, producer-first discussion focused on education, planning, and understanding trade-offs—not predicting prices. Topics in this episode: * LRP (Livestock Risk Protection) explained in plain language (high-level) * Drought, wildfire aftermath, grass availability, and turnout decisions * Bull sale season insights and heifer-retention signals * Managing risk when cattle prices are elevated and costs are real * Producer mindset: planning for “what if” scenarios instead of reacting to headlines ---------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER This video is for general education and market commentary only and is not individualized advice and is not a solicitation. Futures and options trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Coverage availability, costs, and outcomes vary by operation and location—consult your advisors regarding decisions for your specific situation.

EP. 16 USDA Stocks & Plantings: Corn & Soybean Acres + A Proactive Grain Marketing Framework

USDA report day on Tuesday—and the Stocks & Plantings numbers can move grain markets fast. In this episode of Bushels and Beef, Logic Ag’s newest grain market advisor Allison Ryan joins the show to introduce her producer-first approach to grain marketing and to walk through key takeaways from the latest USDA release, including corn acres, soybean acres, and stocks. Allison explains why report-day reactions can be muted when surveys are completed weeks earlier—and why disciplined, proactive planning can matter more than reacting emotionally to a headline. The conversation also covers practical planning topics producers often evaluate: profitability and ROI, risk tolerance, working offers ahead of volatility, and keeping old crop and new crop decisions organized as inputs and market narratives shift.

EP. 15 March Cattle on Feed Report: Placements, Boxed Beef Demand, Drought & Cattle Supply

The latest Cattle on Feed report can shape expectations fast—but the market reaction doesn’t always match the headline. In this episode of Bushels and Beef, Seth Vander Weide breaks down key takeaways from the March Cattle on Feed report and why higher placements didn’t automatically translate into a major futures selloff. They dig into what may be influencing cattle markets right now, including drought and wildfire pressure in parts of the Plains, how that can impact placement timing, and why the next phase of this cycle may depend heavily on the demand side—from boxed beef movement to consumer sensitivity (fuel costs, inflation, and broader uncertainty). The conversation also touches on the “tight supply” backdrop (including heifer retention questions), and why producers often focus on staying current, managing leverage, and thinking in scenarios instead of trying to predict one exact outcome. This video is provided for general education and market commentary only and is not individualized trading, hedging, insurance, or financial advice, and is not a solicitation to buy or sell futures, options, or any other commodity interest. Trading futures and options involves substantial risk of loss and may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Consult your advisors regarding decisions for your specific operation.