CattleUSA Daily

334: Packers Exposed & the Truth About Who Really Controls the Cattle Market with John Campbell

On today’s episode of the podcast, Lauren is joined once again by the one and only John Campbell to break down the latest cash cattle market trends, drought conditions across cattle country, feeder cattle demand, and what he believes may be ahead for the market this summer. The conversation then shifts into a candid discussion about growing frustration among independent cattle producers, industry representation, packer influence, consolidation in the beef industry, and why so many ranchers feel increasingly disconnected from organizations claiming to represent them. 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: * Cash cattle markets may be showing signs of softening after historic highs * Lightweight calves and quality pairs continue seeing strong demand * Drought and wildfire conditions remain major concerns across cattle country * Independent cattle producers continue voicing frustration over industry consolidation * Many ranchers feel disconnected from organizations representing the beef industry * Concerns around packer influence and market leverage continue growing * Producer numbers continue declining across the United States * Discussions around mandatory checkoff dollars remain controversial * More producers are questioning the future structure of the cattle industry * The divide between independent producers and large industry interests continues widening Chapters: 00:00 Introduction + drought and cattle country conditions 03:30 Cash cattle market update and feeder cattle demand 07:00 Is the cattle market starting to soften? 10:00 Regional market highlights and pair demand 13:00 John responds to recent industry controversy 16:00 Independent producers vs industry establishment 20:00 Packers, consolidation, and cattle market frustration 24:00 The future of independent cattle producers John Campbell cattle market, cattle market controversy, independent cattle producers, packer influence cattle industry, cattle market consolidation, NCBA discussion, ranchers frustrated, beef industry politics, cattle market update, cash cattle market, feeder cattle prices, cattle producer representation, livestock market commentary, cattle industry consolidation, ranching industry issues, beef packers, cattle industry podcast, drought cattle country, rancher concerns, cattle market volatility, independent ranchers, beef industry discussion, cattle checkoff debate, livestock markets, cattle producer advocacy, family ranching future

333: China’s Trade Deal Could Send Cattle Prices Exploding This Summer with Samantha Cozza-Wright

On today’s episode of the podcast, Lauren is joined by cattle Samantha Cozza-Wright again to break down another wild week in the cattle markets, including the growing impact of China’s new trade deal, record boxed beef prices, strong cash cattle movement, drought and wildfire concerns across cattle country, and why global demand could continue pushing cattle prices even higher this summer. The conversation dives into export markets, grilling season demand, futures volatility, beef consumer trends, and what all of it means for producers heading into some of the most important months of the year. Connect with Samantha: Email - samantha@cattleusainsurance.com Phone - 785-940-5533 Links: Nominate or request to be a guest - forms.gle/fRkvzRenh7mqkDXV7 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: * Cash cattle markets continue showing strong momentum heading into summer * Boxed beef values are nearing historic highs again * China renewed hundreds of U.S. beef export licenses * Expanded export demand could add significant carcass value * Futures markets remain volatile despite strong cash fundamentals * Drought and wildfire conditions continue impacting producer decisions * Many producers are still holding back cattle despite drought concerns * Beef demand remains the backbone of the current market * Memorial Day and summer grilling season will be important demand indicators * Export markets are becoming increasingly important to long-term beef demand Chapters: 00:00 Introduction + drought, fires, and cattle country conditions 03:30 Cash cattle market update and boxed beef strength 07:00 Futures volatility and feeder cattle outlook 10:00 China trade deal and export market reaction 14:00 Why global beef demand matters to U.S. producers 17:00 Consumer spending, inflation, and beef prices 20:00 Summer grilling season and beef demand outlook cattle market update, Samantha Cozza-Wright, China beef trade deal, cattle prices summer 2025, boxed beef prices, cash cattle market, live cattle futures, feeder cattle market, beef export markets, China U.S. beef exports, cattle industry news, beef demand outlook, grilling season beef demand, drought cattle country, wildfire cattle industry, cattle futures volatility, beef inflation prices, global beef demand, cattle market analysis, U.S. beef exports, boxed beef cutout values, beef consumer demand, cattle market podcast, beef trade news, agriculture markets, livestock markets, beef industry trends

332: AI Is Coming for Agriculture and Most Cattle Producers Aren’t Ready with Gabe Wright

Today on the Cattle USA Daily Podcast Lauren sits down with Gabe Wight to talk about AI, record keeping, technology adoption, and where innovation is headed in the cattle industry. Artificial intelligence and technology are rapidly changing agriculture, but many cattle producers still aren’t using the tools already available to them. From flashlight farming and ranching in Arkansas to building tech companies and launching Herd Advisor, Gabe brings a unique perspective from both agriculture and the business world. The conversation dives into why so many producers struggle with record keeping, how technology can improve decision making and profitability, and where AI may start impacting everyday ranch management in the years ahead. They also discuss balancing innovation with preserving the lifestyle and traditions that make the cattle industry what it is today. Links: Herd Advisor Website: https://www.herdadvisor.com/ Herd Advisor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdadvisor Herd Advisor TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@herdadvisor Nominate or request to be a guest - forms.gle/fRkvzRenh7mqkDXV7 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 [https://www.cattleusa.shop/products/cattleusa-drive-premium-daily-newsletter] 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: * AI and technology are rapidly entering the agriculture industry * Many producers still struggle with practical record keeping systems * Technology should improve profitability, not complicate ranching * Better records lead to stronger long-term business decisions * Predictive tools and AI can help identify herd performance trends * Producers are facing increasing pressure around traceability and regulation * Technology adoption in agriculture often comes down to ease of use * Ranchers still value preserving the lifestyle and culture of the industry * AI may eventually become a true business management tool for producers * Innovation is moving quickly and producers need to stay ahead of it Chapters: 00:00 Introduction + Gabe Wight background 04:00 Building businesses inside and outside of agriculture 08:00 AI, technology, and innovation in agriculture 12:00 Why producers struggle with record keeping 16:00 Technology that actually improves the bottom line 20:00 Herd records, predictive tools, and decision making 24:00 The future of AI and ranch management 28:00 Balancing technology with the ranching lifestyle AI agriculture, artificial intelligence cattle industry, cattle ranch technology, herd record keeping, ranch management software, agriculture innovation, cattle producer technology, AI cattle ranching, herd advisor app, cattle business management, livestock record keeping, predictive analytics cattle, agriculture technology trends, ranch profitability tools, cattle industry innovation, precision agriculture cattle, cattle ranch data management, ag technology adoption, ranching future technology, beef industry innovation, livestock business tools, cattle herd management, agricultural AI tools, ranch efficiency technology, cattle operation management

331: Connecting Consumers to Beef Takes More Than independent Processing with Bobbie Rae Smith

Independent processing has become one of the biggest conversations in the beef industry, but Bobbi Rae Smith and the team at Medicine Lodge Meat Company believe ranchers need more than just a processor. Lauren sits down today with Bobbi Rae to discuss how Medicine Lodge Meat Company is helping producers market beef directly to consumers, tell their stories, build local food systems, and create stronger relationships between ranchers and urban consumers. From rancher bundle programs and mobile meat trailers to producer marketing and community partnerships, this episode dives into what outside of the box thinking in the beef business really looks like. Links: Medicine Lodge Meat Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551463331218&sk=reels_tab Medicine Lodge Meat Company Website: https://www.medicinelodgemeatco.com/ Nominate or request to be a guest - forms.gle/fRkvzRenh7mqkDXV7 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 [https://www.cattleusa.shop/products/cattleusa-drive-premium-daily-newsletter] 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: * Independent processing alone is not enough for today’s beef industry * Consumers want to know where their beef comes from * Producer storytelling is becoming a major part of beef marketing * Direct-to-consumer beef sales continue to grow * Stronger local food systems benefit both producers and consumers * Independent processors must innovate to stay competitive * Community partnerships strengthen rural economies * Ranchers need marketing support alongside processing services * Building relationships between producers and consumers creates long-term value * Outside-the-box thinking is helping reshape the local beef business Chapters: 00:00 Introduction + Bobbi Rae Smith background 03:00 The story behind Medicine Lodge Meat Company 06:30 Why independent processing alone isn’t enough 10:00 Helping ranchers market beef directly to consumers 14:00 Rancher bundle programs and producer storytelling 18:00 Mobile meat trailers and reaching urban consumers 21:00 Building stronger local food systems and communities 24:00 Innovation, relationships, and the future of beef marketing independent meat processing, direct to consumer beef sales, beef marketing, ranch to consumer beef, local beef processing, Medicine Lodge Meat Company, beef industry innovation, producer consumer connection, branded beef programs, rancher beef marketing, local food systems agriculture, cattle industry marketing, beef supply chain, independent processors cattle industry, rural agriculture business, producer storytelling agriculture, mobile meat trailer, farm to table beef, supporting local ranchers, beef marketing strategies, independent beef processors, Kansas beef industry, direct beef sales, beef consumer education, local meat processing

330: Gray Wolves, Public Lands & Federal Grazing: What Producers Need to Know with Kaitlynn Glover

Today on the podcast, Lauren sits down with Kaitlynn Glover, Executive Director of the Public Lands Council and leader of natural resources policy at NCBA, to discuss two major issues impacting cattle country right now: public lands grazing and the fight to delist the gray wolf. She shares updates straight from Washington, D.C. on federal grazing policy, wildfire management, Endangered Species Act reform, recreation pressure on public lands, and the latest developments surrounding gray wolf delisting efforts. The conversation also dives into how federal land policies directly impact Western ranchers, what NCBA and PLC are focused on right now, and why producer engagement with lawmakers matters more than ever. Links: Public Lands Council Websitel: https://publiclandscouncil.orgPublic Lands Council Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PublicLandsCouncil NCBA: https://www.ncba.org/key-issues/current-issues/natural-resources Kaitlynn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlynn-glover-60847769 Nominate or request to be a guest - forms.gle/fRkvzRenh7mqkDXV7 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 [https://www.cattleusa.shop/products/cattleusa-drive-premium-daily-newsletter] 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: * New federal grazing regulation updates are being developed for the first time in decades * Public lands policies directly impact more than half of the Western cattle herd * Agencies are beginning to shift toward more collaborative land management approaches * Wildfire prevention and drought management remain major concerns across cattle country * The fight to delist the gray wolf continues through Congress, the courts, and the White House * Producers across the West continue facing livestock losses tied to wolf populations * NCBA and PLC are actively working on Endangered Species Act reform efforts * Recreation, travel management, and federal land access remain key issues for ranchers * Grazing continues to gain recognition as an important land management tool * Producer voices and grassroots engagement are critical in shaping policy decisions Chapters: 00:00 Introduction + Caitlin Glover joins the podcast 02:00 Public lands grazing updates and federal policy changes 06:00 Why public lands matter to Western cattle producers 09:00 Wildfire policy, recreation pressure, and federal land management 12:00 The shift toward collaborative grazing management 16:00 Gray wolf delisting updates and producer concerns 20:00 Congress, the courts, and the future of wolf management 24:00 Drought, fire season, and current priorities in Washington 27:00 Why producers need to stay involved in policy conversations public lands grazing, gray wolf delisting, cattle producers, NCBA, Public Lands Council, federal grazing permits, Western ranching, BLM grazing, Forest Service grazing, wolf management, Endangered Species Act, cattle country news, wildfire management ranching, federal lands policy, livestock grazing regulations, cattle industry policy, grazing permits, public land ranching, livestock losses wolves, ranching legislation, agriculture policy update, federal land access, Western cattle industry, wolf population management, grazing management, rancher advocacy, cattle industry news, drought cattle country, grazing regulations update, NCBA policy update