350: Heat Stress Could Be the Next Big Challenge for Cattle Country with Gary Lezack

350: Heat Stress Could Be the Next Big Challenge for Cattle Country with Gary Lezack

On today’s episode of the podcast, Lauren is joined by meteorologist Gary Lezak to discuss the weather extremes developing across cattle country as summer rapidly approaches. While some areas are dealing with excessive rainfall and flooded fields, others continue searching for drought relief. Gary breaks down the evolving summer weather pattern, severe storm risks, hay production concerns, heat stress potential, and why a major heat event remains on his radar for early August. The conversation also explores how changing weather patterns could impact cattle producers, crop farmers, and forage production throughout the remainder of the growing season. 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: * Rainfall has been excessive across portions of the Midwest and Corn Belt. * Drought conditions remain a concern in parts of the western plains. * The weather pattern currently developing resembles one seen last fall. * Severe weather risks remain elevated through mid-June. * Summer's arrival will bring shifts in the jet stream and precipitation patterns. * Early August continues to stand out as a potential period for significant heat stress. * Hay production and field conditions are becoming challenges in overly wet regions. * Producers should continue monitoring both moisture and heat as summer develops Chapters: 00:00 Rainfall extremes across cattle country 04:00 Why today's weather pattern resembles last October 08:00 Drought concerns and summer moisture outlook 11:00 Severe weather and tornado season update 14:00 Heat stress concerns for cattle producers 17:00 What producers should watch heading into summer Gary Lezak, weather forecast, summer weather outlook, cattle country weather, agriculture weather, drought conditions, drought monitor, severe weather forecast, tornado season, heat stress, cattle producers, ranching weather, farming forecast, Weather 2020, LRC weather model, rainfall forecast, Midwest weather, Great Plains weather, Corn Belt weather, flooded fields, hay production, forage conditions, pasture management, grazing conditions, crop weather, agricultural forecasting, long range weather forecast, summer heat wave, livestock weather, cattle industry weather, ranch management, beef industry, weather trends, agriculture podcast, cattle podcast, drought relief, severe storms, early August heat wave

349: Why Consumers Buy Beef for the Experience, Not Just the Meal with Cheryl DeVuyst

On today’s episode of the podcast, Lauren is joined by Dr. Cheryl DeVuyst of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board to discuss how consumer expectations are changing and what that means for the future of beef demand. From the refresh of the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. campaign to summer grilling season, digital marketing, retail partnerships, and family traditions, Cheryl shares why consumers are increasingly looking for more than just a meal—they're looking for an experience. The conversation explores how the beef industry is connecting with today's consumers, building trust, and creating the memories that keep beef at the center of the tableLinks:If you’d like to read the latest Impact Report or subscribe to The Drive, visit DrivingDemandforBeef.com.Route 66: https://www.kansasbeef.org/programs-e...Beef Recipes: https://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/ 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:- Today's consumers are looking for experiences, not just products.- The Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand is evolving to meet modern consumer habits.- Summer grilling season remains one of the most important drivers of beef demand.- Beef checkoff investments help keep beef visible across retail, foodservice, and digital platforms.- Family meals and grilling traditions create lasting connections to beef.- Convenience and digital shopping continue to shape consumer purchasing decisions.- Strong partnerships throughout the supply chain help keep beef top of mind.- Consumer demand for beef remains strong and resilient.Chapters: 00:00 Cheryl's trip to Greece and global perspectives on beef04:30 The Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. refresh09:00 Building relationships through the beef checkoff14:00 Reaching consumers in a digital-first world18:00 Summer grilling season and creating demand22:00 Why consumers buy experiences, not just meals26:00 The future of beef marketing and consumer outreachCheryl DeVuyst, Cattlemen's Beef Board, Beef It's What's For Dinner, beef checkoff, beef marketing, beef demand, consumer behavior, consumer trends, beef consumers, grilling season, summer grilling, beef promotion, beef advocacy, cattle industry, beef industry, family meals, food experiences, consumer trust, retail beef sales, digital marketing, beef recipes, beef education, beef outreach, restaurant partnerships, Texas Roadhouse, Walmart, Costco, McDonald's, foodservice, beef demand drivers, protein consumption, grilling culture, beef producers, cattle producers, beef sales, agriculture marketing, consumer engagement, agriculture podcast

348: A South Texas Rancher's Reality Check on New World Screwworm with Allie Fillingim

On today’s episode of the podcast, Lauren is joined by South Texas rancher Allie Fillingim for a boots-on-the-ground conversation about New World Screwworm and what cattle producers should really be paying attention to right now. Located just outside of San Antonio, Allie shares how ranchers in her region are approaching the situation, what practical management changes they're making, and why preparation matters more than panic. The discussion covers herd health, fly control, biosecurity, veterinary partnerships, land stewardship, and the importance of staying informed as the situation continues to develop. Most importantly, Allie offers a grounded perspective on how producers can focus on what they can control while supporting one another through another challenge facing the cattle industry.Links:Allie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allie-fillingim-m-s-pmp-25057b210/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:- South Texas producers are focused on preparation, not panic.- New World Screwworm is a serious issue, but it is manageable with proper protocols.- Daily observation and early detection are critical for cattle producers.- Veterinarians remain one of the most important resources for producers.- Fly control, parasite management, and biosecurity all play a role in prevention.- Land stewardship and grazing management can support overall herd health.- New World Screwworm is not a food safety concern for beef consumers.- The cattle industry continues to come together during times of uncertainty.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Allie's ranching background03:00 What producers near the border are saying about Screwworm07:00 Practical management changes ranchers are making10:00 Separating legitimate concerns from media panic14:00 Building a ranch-specific response plan18:00 Land stewardship, grazing, and fly control21:00 Why consumers shouldn't fear beef safety23:00 Community, resilience, and supporting fellow producersNew World Screwworm, Screwworm Texas, South Texas ranching, Allie Fillingim, cattle producers, cattle health, livestock health, ranch management, cattle industry, beef industry, fly control, parasite control, biosecurity, herd health, veterinary medicine, cattle operations, regenerative agriculture, land stewardship, grazing management, rotational grazing, pasture management, Texas cattle producers, cattle ranching, beef production, livestock management, ranch resilience, cattle industry news, USDA Screwworm, animal health, cattle producer resources, cattle country, livestock industry, beef safety, ranching podcast, agriculture podcast, cattle operation management, emergency management, crisis preparedness

347: Screwworm Panic Sends Markets Into Another Tailspin with Samantha Cozza-Wright

On today’s episode of the podcast, Lauren is joined by Samantha Cozza-Wright to discuss another wild week in the cattle market following the confirmation of New World Screwworm in the United States. Samantha breaks down how the market reacted, why traders continue to chase headlines, and whether the recent selloff was justified or simply another example of volatility taking over. The conversation also covers feeder cattle prices, drought-related cattle movement, consumer demand, packer leverage, and the importance of risk management as producers prepare for the second half of the year. Connect with Samantha:Email - samantha@cattleusainsurance.com Phone - 785-940-5533 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: * Confirmation of New World Screwworm sparked another sharp reaction in the cattle market * Samantha believes the market significantly overreacted to the news * Closed southern borders continue to support cattle prices and long-term supply fundamentals * Feeder cattle markets remain extremely volatile and headline-driven * Early cattle movement caused by drought could impact beef supplies later this year * Cash cattle prices remain relatively strong despite recent board weakness * Producers are increasingly focused on risk management and protecting profits * Consumer demand will continue to play a major role in market direction this summer Chapters: 00:00 Weather across cattle country and market recap 03:00 New World Screwworm confirmed in Texas 07:00 Why the market reacted so aggressively 12:00 Feeder cattle volatility and headline trading 16:00 Risk management and protecting profitability 20:00 Drought, cattle movement, and fall market concerns 24:00 Consumer demand, packers, and the road ahead Samantha Cozza-Wright, cattle market update, cattle market news, New World Screwworm, screwworm Texas, cattle prices, feeder cattle market, feeder cattle prices, live cattle futures, cattle futures, livestock markets, cattle industry, cattle producers, ranching, beef industry, beef demand, cattle volatility, commodity markets, cattle risk management, LRP insurance, drought and cattle, cattle cycle, cow calf producers, livestock marketing, packer margins, cash cattle market, cattle economics, agricultural markets, beef production, cattle market analysis, livestock industry, cattle country news, ranch management, cattle market outlook, cattle trading, agriculture podcast

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