Merck Animal Health with Austin Woltemath

Spring Street Farms: From Hollywood Stunts to Louisiana Wagyu

At the Big Texas Event in Fort Worth, hosted in partnership by the Texas Wagyu Association and the Australian Wagyu Association, American Cattlemen had the opportunity to sit down with one of the most unique guests of the conference: Greg Brazzell of Spring Street Farms in Louisiana. Brazzell came to the Wagyu business with a story unlike most cattle producers. Before building his Louisiana farm and beef program, he spent decades in the film industry as a stuntman, stunt coordinator, and second unit director.  Brazzell has worked in the stunt industry for more than 46 years. His path began early, with a chance meeting at a hotel in Dallas during the premiere of the John Wayne film Chisum. There, as a young boy taking photos in the lobby, Brazzell met western actor and cowboy Ben Johnson. Years later, that early connection came full circle. At age 21, Brazzell was asked to step in as a stunt double for Johnson, launching a long and successful career in film. Brazzell trained in judo, kung fu, Tae Kwon Do, and other martial arts, eventually finding his niche in fight scenes and car work. Over the years, he worked with well-known names in the movie business, including Chuck Norris and Aaron Norris, and traveled internationally for film projects. He also learned the hard, practical side of stunt work: building ramps, welding roll cages, turning cars over, learning fire stunts, and studying how to safely choreograph action scenes. Today, Brazzell is semi-retired from the film industry and focused on restoring and expanding Spring Street Farms in Louisiana. While he still works on a couple of movies a year, much of his energy now goes into the farm, which carries deep family meaning. Brazzell described walking into an old barn on the property and seeing trees growing through the middle of it. The roof was gone, and the structure needed major work. Rather than walk away, he saw a chance to honor his father and brother by restoring the farm and creating something lasting. He has since rebuilt the barn, added pipe fencing, designed corrals, and continued improving the operation. Brazzell is also building an 80-by-100-foot feed barn and has planted rye, oats, and white clover to support his cattle program. Although Brazzell grew up around cattle, he said Wagyu was new territory. A friend encouraged him to consider raising Wagyu, and that led him to seek out producers and industry leaders who were already doing the work every day. That is one reason he values events like the Big Texas Wagyu Sale. For Brazzell, the conference is not only about buying cattle; it is about learning genetics, marbling scores, feeding strategies, and best practices from experienced Wagyu breeders. Brazzell said he has only been involved with Wagyu for about two years, but he has already purchased cattle through the Big Texas Sale and continues working to improve his herd. One female he purchased carried a marbling score that represented an important step forward for his program. One theme Brazzell returned to throughout the conversation was the willingness of Wagyu producers to help one another. He compared it to the stunt business, where experienced professionals often pass knowledge down to the next person willing to learn. Brazzell said the ranchers and breeders he has met are generous with information, open about what they have learned, and eager to help newcomers understand the details of genetics, management, and beef production. Spring Street Farms currently runs about 45 head of cattle, including four bulls, with plans for continued growth. Brazzell has also begun selling Wagyu beef into local markets, including restaurants and a butcher shop in the Shreveport area. He said three restaurants are currently featuring his beef, allowing them to use it for special dishes or limited offerings. While the operation is still small, Brazzell sees opportunity in producing high-quality beef and building demand carefully. In addition to cattle, Brazzell is developing other parts of the farm, including honeybees, an orchard, and loblolly pine production. The broader goal is not just revenue, but stewardship, restoration, and honoring the legacy of his father, Lester Brazzell. For Brazzell, Spring Street Farms is personal. The restored barn will carry his father's initials, LB, as a tribute to the man who helped shape his love for cattle and the land.   For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com. [https://americancattlemen.com/podcasts/] American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By: Moly Manufacturing [https://www.molymfg.com/] Central Life Sciences [https://www.centrallifesciences.com/] Medgene [https://medgenelabs.com/] Forge [https://forge-ind.com/]

Linn Post & Pipe with Kyle Peters

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, he's the director of business development for American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Kyle Peters, the General Manager and President of Linn Post & Pipe. In this episode, Kyle and Dustin sit down to discuss the company's rich history, commitment to innovation, and its continued impact on the cattle industry. Growing up in the family business, Kyle shares how his early experiences sweeping shop floors and working in manufacturing helped shape his appreciation for craftsmanship, hard work, and the importance of serving agricultural communities.  Kyle reflects on the origins of Linn Post & Pipe, a company founded more than 50 years ago by his grandfather with a vision of creating jobs and strengthening rural America. What began as a small welding and fabrication shop evolved into a leading manufacturer of continuous fencing, gates, portable corrals, and livestock handling equipment. Throughout the conversation, Kyle explains how that original mission of supporting cattle producers remains at the heart of everything the company does today. The discussion highlights the evolution of livestock handling equipment and the growing demand for portable, efficient systems that meet the needs of today's ranchers. Kyle provides an inside look at the development of the Wrangler Pro Series Portable Corral, explaining how years of customer feedback, field experience, and innovative engineering led to a system designed to improve operator safety, increase efficiency, and simplify cattle handling. From redesigned adjustable alleyways to enhanced safety features and improved mobility, the Pro Series reflects the company's dedication to solving real-world challenges faced by producers. Dustin and Kyle also explore broader trends shaping the beef industry, including larger operating footprints, labor efficiency, and the increasing need for equipment that can move with producers as grazing operations expand. Kyle emphasizes that successful product development starts by listening to customers and understanding the day-to-day realities of life on the ranch. Whether you're managing a commercial cow-calf operation, expanding your livestock facilities, or simply interested in the future of cattle handling technology, this episode offers valuable insights into innovation, rural entrepreneurship, and the importance of designing equipment that helps producers work smarter, safer, and more efficiently while preserving the values that have guided family-owned agricultural businesses for generations.   For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com. [https://americancattlemen.com/podcasts/] American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By: Moly Manufacturing [https://www.molymfg.com/] Central Life Sciences [https://www.centrallifesciences.com/] Medgene [https://medgenelabs.com/] Forge [https://forge-ind.com/]

Landgraf Ranch Focuses on Data-Driven Wagyu Genetics

As Wagyu breeders, seedstock producers, and beef industry leaders gathered for the Big Texas Event hosted by the Texas Wagyu Association and Australian Wagyu Association, one topic repeatedly surfaced: how genetics can improve beef quality and profitability. During the event, American Cattlemen sat down with Kenny Landgraf of Landgraf Ranch, a respected Wagyu producer known for his analytical approach to cattle breeding and genomic selection. Landgraf shared his journey into the cattle industry, his focus on elite Wagyu genetics, and why commercial cattle producers should pay attention to the opportunities Wagyu genetics can bring to their operations. Unlike many cattlemen, Landgraf did not grow up in a traditional ranching family. Born in New York and later relocating to Texas, he spent more than 25 years working as a financial advisor before purchasing his first property in 2015. “I’ve always been data-driven,” Landgraf explained. “When I finally bought land, I knew I wanted cattle, and I had always been fascinated by what people called ‘Kobe cows.’” His initial investment began with Angus cattle before evolving into registered Wagyu genetics. That decision ultimately led him into the rapidly growing world of genomic selection and performance-based breeding. Given the size of his operation, Landgraf knew competing on volume would be difficult. “I can’t win the quantity game,” he said. “So I decided to focus on the quality game.” That strategy led him to Australian Wagyu genetics and the extensive performance data available through Australian breeding programs. Unlike traditional pedigree-based selection, Wagyu breeders increasingly utilize genomic information to identify cattle with superior performance traits. Landgraf began investing heavily in elite semen and genetics from leading Australian bloodlines entering the United States through Texas-based programs. His business model initially focused on producing and marketing elite genetics rather than retail beef sales. “We wanted to breed top-quality animals using genomic information and performance data,” he said. Today, Landgraf Ranch continues to market genetics while also expanding into beef production to validate how genomic predictions translate into real-world carcass performance. One of the primary advantages of Wagyu breeding programs is the growing availability of genomic data and selection indexes. Landgraf explained that modern Wagyu breeders now have access to tools that evaluate marbling potential, carcass characteristics, growth performance, and other economically important traits. “Phenotypically, two bulls may look exactly alike,” he said. “But what’s on the inside matters. If one has significantly better marbling genetics, that’s going to create more value.” For Wagyu producers, marbling remains one of the most important economic drivers. “The value of a carcass isn’t just weight anymore,” Landgraf explained. “It’s marbling multiplied by carcass size.” As the American Wagyu Association continues expanding its genomic programs, producers now have more tools than ever to make informed breeding decisions. Landgraf believes one of the greatest opportunities for the beef industry lies in the strategic use of Wagyu genetics within commercial cow-calf operations. Many commercial producers are discovering that Wagyu bulls offer several advantages, including:  Lower birth weights  Excellent fertility  Improved marbling  Increased carcass quality grades  Enhanced consumer eating experiences “I recently worked with a producer who was dealing with calving difficulty issues,” Landgraf said. “Using Wagyu influence helped solve those birth weight concerns while also improving beef quality.” According to Landgraf, the influence of Wagyu genetics is already visible throughout the U.S. beef industry. “When I entered the business around 2015, only a small percentage of U.S. beef graded Prime,” he said. “Today that number is significantly higher, and I believe Wagyu genetics have played a role in improving overall beef quality.” One of the highlights of the Big Texas Event was the presence of leadership from multiple Wagyu organizations, including the American Wagyu Association, Australian Wagyu Association, and Texas Wagyu Association. Landgraf sees this collaboration as a positive sign for the industry’s future. “All three organizations need each other,” he said. “Iron sharpens iron. The more these groups work together, the better the industry becomes.” Recent announcements regarding shared technology platforms and genomic evaluation systems signal increasing cooperation among international Wagyu organizations. While premium Wagyu beef often commands higher prices than conventional beef, Landgraf believes consumers increasingly recognize the value. In addition to superior flavor and tenderness, Wagyu beef is often marketed for its favorable fatty acid profile and eating experience. “It tastes great, and consumers are learning more about its health benefits,” he said. Landgraf also notes that Wagyu-influenced F1 cattle provide an affordable entry point for consumers seeking premium beef quality without the cost associated with Fullblood Wagyu. As production expands, he expects more consumers to experience Wagyu genetics through both retail and direct-to-consumer beef programs. As genomic technology continues to advance and commercial producers seek ways to improve carcass value, Landgraf believes Wagyu genetics will play an increasingly important role in the beef industry. Whether through improved marbling, lower birth weights, enhanced fertility, or superior eating quality, Wagyu cattle continue to demonstrate their ability to add value throughout the beef supply chain. For producers looking to improve beef quality while maintaining profitability, Landgraf believes the future remains bright. “The tools are there,” he said. “Now it’s about using the data to make better decisions and produce better beef.”   For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com. [https://americancattlemen.com/podcasts/] American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By: Moly Manufacturing [https://www.molymfg.com/] Central Life Sciences [https://www.centrallifesciences.com/] Medgene [https://medgenelabs.com/] Forge [https://forge-ind.com/]

Black Jack Ranch Bringing Wagyu Genetics to Commercial Cattle Producers

During the Texas Wagyu Association and Australian Wagyu Association Conference in Fort Worth, industry leaders gathered for educational seminars, networking, and preparation for the highly anticipated Texas Wagyu Sale. Among them was Kim Howard of Black Jack Ranch, a progressive Mississippi-based Wagyu operation focused on premium beef production and seedstock development. Located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Black Jack Ranch manages approximately 600 head of cattle and calves 180 to 200 calves annually. Howard described the operation as an “80/20 program,” with 80% focused on beef production and 20% dedicated to seedstock genetics.  The ranch harvests between 10 and 12 cattle monthly and operates a successful farm-to- market retail store. Their popular Saturday Wagyu smash burger events routinely sell 180 to 200 burgers in just a few hours. Howard believes commercial cattle producers can significantly benefit from incorporating Wagyu genetics into their operations. Using elite Wagyu sires, including a bull named Samurai purchased at a previous Texas Wagyu Association sale, the ranch has consistently achieved exceptional carcass quality and Prime-grade beef. Many commercial producers have concerns about feeding periods and phenotype differences when considering Wagyu crossbreeding. Howard emphasized that performance, carcass merit, and profitability should remain the focus. Black Jack Ranch markets both Fullblood Wagyu and F1 Wagyu beef directly to consumers. According to Howard, customers consistently recognize the rich, buttery flavor that Wagyu genetics contribute to the eating experience. The ranch has also embraced embryo transfer technology to accelerate genetic progress. Last year, the operation purchased the top two females at the Texas Wagyu Association Sale for $215,000 each, investments that are already producing elite offspring. Howard also praised the collaborative culture within the Wagyu industry, noting that producers willingly share knowledge and help newcomers succeed. As interest in premium beef continues to grow, Howard believes Wagyu genetics offer commercial cattle producers an opportunity to increase carcass value, improve quality grades, and meet consumer demand for exceptional beef.   For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com. [https://americancattlemen.com/podcasts/] American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By: Moly Manufacturing [https://www.molymfg.com/] Central Life Sciences [https://www.centrallifesciences.com/] Medgene [https://medgenelabs.com/] Forge [https://forge-ind.com/]

Building a More Fertile Cow Herd with KeyLix

In this episode of the American Cattleman Podcast, host Kaid Panek welcomes Cam Spackman of KeyLix for an in-depth discussion on one of the most overlooked yet critical components of a successful cow-calf operation: mineral supplementation. As calving season comes to a close and producers shift their focus toward breeding season, Kaid and Cam explore how the right nutrition program can improve body condition, increase conception rates, and ultimately boost profitability.  Cam explains the science behind chelated (organic) trace minerals and why their higher absorption rates make them more effective than traditional inorganic mineral sources. By helping cattle utilize a greater percentage of the nutrients they consume, chelated minerals reduce waste while ensuring cows receive the essential trace minerals needed for reproduction, immune function, and overall health. The conversation centers on the importance of body condition score (BCS) as a key driver of reproductive success. Cam shares research demonstrating the dramatic difference in breed-back rates between cows calving in poor condition versus those maintained at an optimal body condition score. He also discusses how KeyLix's Breed Back Omega Tub, formulated with ground flaxseed and omega-3 fatty acids, supports reproductive performance by improving body condition, enhancing immune function, and helping both cows and bulls perform during breeding season. Kaid shares firsthand experiences from his own operation, explaining how becoming more intentional with mineral supplementation has resulted in tighter calving windows, healthier calves, improved breed-back percentages, and stronger overall herd performance. Together, they emphasize that successful supplementation isn't about feeding more—it's about feeding the right product at the right time based on the nutritional demands of each stage of production. The episode also addresses the challenges facing western cattle producers, including drought, rising feed costs, and rebuilding the nation's cow herd. Cam explains how customized mineral programs can help producers adapt to local forage conditions, water quality, and regional deficiencies while maximizing the return on every nutrition dollar invested. Whether you're managing a commercial cow-calf herd or seedstock operation, this episode provides practical, research-backed strategies for improving herd fertility, maximizing mineral efficiency, and building a nutrition program that supports long-term success in today's challenging cattle industry.   For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com. [https://americancattlemen.com/podcasts/] American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By: Moly Manufacturing [https://www.molymfg.com/] Central Life Sciences [https://www.centrallifesciences.com/] Medgene [https://medgenelabs.com/] Forge [https://forge-ind.com/]