363: The Weather Divide Is Growing Across Cattle Country with Gary Lezack

363: The Weather Divide Is Growing Across Cattle Country with Gary Lezack

What does the rest of the summer have in store for cattle country? On this week's episode of the Cattle USA Daily Podcast, meteorologist Gary Lezak joins Lauren Moylan to break down the latest weather trends impacting ranchers and farmers across the country. From drought and wildfire concerns in the West to abundant rainfall across the Corn Belt, Gary explains what producers should be watching over the next 60 days and why the forecast could have major implications for crops, forage, and cattle operations. 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: * Drought continues to intensify across parts of Colorado and the western United States. * Heavy rainfall is improving crop conditions across much of the Corn Belt. * Heat patterns are expected to shift across the country during July and August. * El Niño continues to strengthen and could influence weather heading into fall and winter. * The latest LRC Model outlook for rainfall and temperatures across cattle country. * Why timely summer thunderstorms could make or break crop production. * Regional weather differences every producer should be monitoring. * What ranchers and farmers should expect through the remainder of the growing season. 00:00 – Introduction 00:33 – Colorado drought, wildfire concerns, and current weather conditions 01:57 – Rainfall across the Corn Belt and regional moisture outlook 04:02 – Heat building across the eastern U.S. and shifting weather patterns 06:03 – El Niño is strengthening: separating fact from fiction 08:47 – Why long-range weather patterns matter for agriculture 09:30 – LRC Model outlook for July and August 12:58 – What producers should watch over the next 60 days Gary Lezak, Lauren Moylan, Cattle USA Daily Podcast, weather forecast, agriculture weather, cattle country weather, El Niño, LRC Model, Lezak Recurring Cycle, drought, Corn Belt, Colorado drought, Nebraska drought, Kansas weather, Iowa weather, Illinois weather, Indiana weather, wildfire season, rainfall forecast, long-range forecast, summer weather outlook, crop conditions, forage production, pasture management, cattle producers, ranchers, farmers, corn crop, soybean crop, heat wave, precipitation outlook, agricultural podcast, livestock weather, harvest outlook, agriculture forecast

362: What Producers Should Watch After the Holiday Weekend with Samantha Cozza-Wright

Is the cattle market losing steam, or is this week's pullback simply a healthy pause? On this week's Cattle USA Daily Podcast, Lauren Moylan welcomes back market analyst Samantha Cozza-Wright to break down the latest movement in the cattle markets following a week of lighter trade, end-of-quarter profit taking, and renewed questions about where prices head next. Samantha explains why she's not ready to panic, why holiday trading often creates misleading signals, and what producers should actually be watching over the next 30 days.The conversation also dives into the latest USDA WASDE report, corn acreage and feed costs, cash cattle trade, packer leverage, imported beef, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, and why cow slaughter could become one of the biggest market drivers heading into the fall. Connect with Samantha:Email - samantha@cattleusainsurance.com Phone - 785-940-5533Links:CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l... 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361: Why Canadian Cattle Matter More Than Most U.S. Producers Realize with Curtis Vander Heyden

On today’s episode of the podcast, Lauren is joined by Canadian cattle producer Curtis Vander Heyden for a conversation about the similarities—and important differences—between the U.S. and Canadian beef industries. While separated by a border, producers in both countries face many of the same challenges: rebuilding the cow herd, navigating volatile markets, managing drought, and producing high-quality beef for consumers around the world. Curtis shares insights into Canada's cattle industry, how cross-border trade strengthens North America's beef supply, and why collaboration between producers on both sides of the border is more important than ever. The conversation also explores consumer demand, Country of Origin Labeling, herd rebuilding, sustainability, and the future of beef production across North America. Links: Curtis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-vander-heyden-ab141326a/ Canadian Cattle Association: https://www.cattle.ca/ 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: * The U.S. and Canadian beef industries are deeply connected through trade * Producers on both sides of the border face many of the same challenges * Cross-border cattle movement helps strengthen the North American beef supply * Herd rebuilding remains a slow process in both countries * Consumer demand continues driving optimism throughout the beef industry * Country of Origin Labeling remains an important topic for producers and consumers * Canadian cattle producers are focused on efficiency, sustainability, and profitability * Beef quality and food safety standards remain priorities across North America * Trade partnerships create opportunities for both U.S. and Canadian producers * Strong collaboration benefits the entire North American beef industry * The future of beef depends on innovation, producer resilience, and consumer trust * Despite different policies and production systems, producers share the same end goal Chapters: 00:00 Meet Curtis Vander Heyden and the Canadian cattle industry 03:15 Comparing Canadian and U.S. cattle production systems 07:10 Why cross-border cattle trade matters to both countries 11:30 Country of Origin Labeling and common misconceptions about Canadian beef 16:00 Herd rebuilding challenges north and south of the border 20:15 Consumer demand, exports, and the global reputation of North American beef 24:45 Sustainability, efficiency, and adapting to changing industry expectations 29:00 What U.S. and Canadian producers can learn from one another 33:15 The future of the North American beef industry Canadian cattle, Canadian beef, U.S. cattle industry, U.S. beef industry, North American beef, Canada cattle producers, American cattle producers, beef trade, cattle trade, cross-border cattle trade, Canadian ranching, Canadian ranchers, beef exports, beef imports, cattle markets, cattle industry, beef industry, herd rebuilding, cattle inventory, beef quality, food safety, cattle profitability, ranching in Canada, beef supply chain, cattle operations, agricultural policy, North American agriculture, livestock markets, beef exports, cattle podcast, agriculture podcast, Curtis Vander Heyden

360: Before You Buy More Cows, Fix These 10 Things First

On today's episode of the podcast, Lauren breaks down one of the biggest misconceptions in the cattle business: that improving profitability always requires expansion. While adding more cows or more acres can grow an operation, the greatest return often comes from tightening the small inefficiencies already hiding within it. Lauren walks through a practical 10-point ranch efficiency audit, covering everything from feed management and hay waste to labor flow, grazing distribution, equipment utilization, and financial tracking. If you're looking to improve margins without dramatically changing your operation, this episode provides simple, actionable strategies that can have a lasting impact on your bottom line. 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: * Small operational improvements often create the biggest financial gains * Feeding accuracy can significantly reduce unnecessary feed costs * Hay waste quietly drains thousands of dollars from many operations * Unproductive cows consume resources without generating adequate returns * Shorter calving seasons improve efficiency and marketing consistency * Better labor flow saves valuable time and reduces daily inefficiencies * Equipment should earn its keep—not simply take up space * Proper grazing distribution maximizes forage production Chapters: 00:00 Why expansion isn't always the answer to higher profits 02:20 Feeding accuracy and the hidden cost of overfeeding 05:15 Reducing hay waste and improving feeding efficiency 08:30 Identifying unproductive cows that hurt profitability 11:45 Why tighter calving seasons improve the bottom line 14:45 Labor flow, daily routines, and saving valuable hours 17:45 Equipment ownership versus equipment profitability 20:30 Grazing distribution and making every acre work harder 23:45 The cost of delayed decisions and poor timing 26:30 Hay testing, mineral programs, and nutrition management 29:15 Building a simple system to track costs, margins, and profitability ranch management, ranch profitability, ranch efficiency, cattle operation, cattle business, beef industry, cattle producers, cow-calf operation, ranch audit, ranch efficiency audit, ranch profit, cattle profitability, operational efficiency, farm management, agricultural business, agricultural management, cost of production, break-even analysis, feed management, feeding accuracy, hay waste, hay feeding, hay testing, forage testing, cattle nutrition, mineral supplementation, cow productivity, culling decisions, calving season, calving management, weaning weights, labor efficiency, ranch labor, equipment management, machinery costs, equipment depreciation, grazing management, rotational grazing, pasture management, forage utilization, stocking rate, carrying capacity, financial management, ranch finances, business planning, cattle economics, livestock management, ranch sustainability, producer education, agriculture podcast, cattle podcast, beef cattle management

359: The Dirty Secret About Who Really Controls the Cattle Market… Packers Exposed

On today's episode of the podcast, Lauren is joined by cattle market analyst John Campbell for one of the most eye-opening conversations yet about who really controls today's cattle market. John breaks down Alternative Marketing Agreements (AMAs), how fed cattle are priced, why negotiated cash trade continues to shrink, and what many producers don't realize about Certified Angus Beef premiums. Drawing from his own recent feedyard closeouts, he explains how plant averages, carcass grids, and packer leverage impact producer profitability. The conversation also explores why so many feedyards participate in AMAs despite the frustrations, how market concentration has changed the industry, and what could happen if cattle numbers eventually begin to rebuild. 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 * How Alternative Marketing Agreements (AMAs) actually work * Why many producers never receive the premiums their cattle earn * The truth behind Certified Angus Beef qualifications * How plant averages determine premiums and discounts * Why negotiated cash trade has become such a small percentage of the market * How packers have gained significant leverage over fed cattle pricing * Why many feedyards feel they have no alternative but to participate in AMAs * The risks producers face if cattle supplies eventually rebuild * Why market concentration continues to be one of the biggest issues facing the cattle industry today * What producers need to understand before marketing finished cattle Chapters 00:00 John returns to the podcast 03:10 Current fed cattle and feeder cattle market update 06:45 What is an Alternative Marketing Agreement (AMA)? 10:15 The truth about Certified Angus Beef premiums 15:45 How packers calculate premiums and discounts 21:00 Why negotiated cash trade keeps shrinking 26:30 Why producers still participate in AMAs 31:40 Could today's cattle market structure survive herd rebuilding? 37:15 Final thoughts on the future of cattle marketing Alternative Marketing Agreements, AMA cattle, cattle markets, fed cattle, feeder cattle, cattle pricing, packers, beef packers, negotiated cash trade, Certified Angus Beef, CAB premiums, cattle grids, carcass premiums, carcass pricing, cattle industry, beef industry, cattle marketing, fed cattle pricing, livestock markets, ranching, cattle producers, beef production, feedlots, independent cattle producers, cattle economics, John Campbell, CattleUSA Podcast, agriculture podcast