357: 7 Hidden Costs Quietly Killing Ranch Profit

357: 7 Hidden Costs Quietly Killing Ranch Profit

On today’s episode of the podcast, Lauren dives into one of the most overlooked topics in the cattle business: the hidden costs that slowly erode profitability. While most producers closely monitor major expenses like feed, land, labor, and equipment, many of the biggest threats to long-term profitability come from small inefficiencies that often go unnoticed. Lauren breaks down seven common profit leaks found in cattle operations, including underperforming cows, poor time management, hay quality mismatches, equipment costs, grazing inefficiencies, delayed decision-making, and the importance of knowing your numbers. This episode is a practical reminder that improving profitability isn't always about finding more revenue—sometimes it's about identifying where money is quietly slipping away. 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: * Underperforming cows can quietly reduce herd profitability year after year * Small inefficiencies compound into significant financial losses over time * Time management is one of the most overlooked resources in ranching * Hay testing helps eliminate costly nutrition guesswork * Equipment ownership should be evaluated based on profitability, not convenience * Grazing distribution directly impacts forage utilization and carrying capacity * Delayed decisions often create larger financial consequences down the road * Understanding production costs and break-even points is critical for success * Profitability is often lost through small leaks rather than major mistakes * Awareness and consistent adjustments drive long-term operational improvement * Data-driven management leads to stronger business decisions * Ranch profitability requires both production and business management skills Chapters: 00:00 Why hidden costs matter more than most producers realize 02:05 The true cost of carrying "almost good enough" cows 04:30 How untracked time quietly drains profitability 07:15 Hay quality mismatches and nutrition mistakes 10:10 Equipment ownership versus equipment profitability 12:45 Grazing distribution and maximizing forage utilization 15:40 Why delayed decisions become expensive decisions 18:30 Understanding your numbers and finding profit leaks 21:00 Small changes that can improve ranch profitability ranch profitability, cattle operation profitability, ranch management, cattle business, beef industry, cow-calf operation, ranch economics, agricultural economics, farm management, cattle producers, ranchers, ranch efficiency, operational efficiency, profit leaks, hidden costs, cattle production, beef production, cost of production, break-even analysis, business management, ranch finances, cattle herd management, culling decisions, cow productivity, weaning weights, cattle nutrition, hay testing, forage quality, supplemental feeding, grazing management, rotational grazing, pasture management, forage utilization, carrying capacity, ranch labor efficiency, time management, agricultural leadership, ranch planning, farm profitability, equipment costs, machinery costs, cattle operation expenses

356: Cash Cattle Hit New Highs While Risks Keep Building with Dan and Samantha

Dan Gerhold and Samantha Cozza-Wright join Lauren once again today for a deep dive into the cattle market as prices continue pushing into uncharted territory. Cash cattle continue setting new highs, feeder cattle remain historically strong, and optimism remains widespread across much of the industry. But beneath the surface, questions are beginning to emerge about what comes next. Dan and Samantha discuss cash market strength, feeder cattle demand, basis levels, beef demand, imports, processing capacity, and the risks producers should be paying attention to as the industry moves through the second half of the year. They also examine the growing global appreciation for U.S. beef, why consumers continue supporting high beef prices, and how producers can position themselves for success while protecting against future market uncertainty. 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 continue finding support at historically high price levels * Feeder cattle futures have recovered significant ground following recent volatility * Strong beef demand remains one of the market's biggest bullish drivers * Wide basis levels continue creating opportunities and challenges for producers * Video auction prices reflect continued confidence in future cattle markets * Packer capacity and plant closures remain important long-term concerns * Beef imports continue increasing despite historically tight cattle inventories * Risk management remains critical even during record-setting markets * Export opportunities could expand as more consumers discover U.S. beef * Producer optimism remains high, but future market risks cannot be ignored * Deferred futures continue creating difficult hedging decisions * Market fundamentals remain supportive, but uncertainty still exists beyond the near term Chapters: 06:00 Feeder cattle futures, basis levels, and video sale activity 10:00 The challenge of managing risk in a historically strong market 13:00 LRP opportunities and protecting fall cattle sales 16:00 Herd rebuilding, cow slaughter, and long-term supply concerns 20:00 Why foreign visitors are falling in love with American beef 23:00 Beef demand, exports, imports, and global market opportunities 26:00 Checkoff dollars, consumer perception, and industry promotion 30:00 Grain markets, feed costs, and outside market influences 33:00 The biggest risks facing cattle producers heading into 2026 36:00 What Dan and Samantha are watching most closely moving forward cattle market, cattle market update, cattle prices, record cattle prices, cash cattle market, cash cattle prices, feeder cattle market, feeder cattle futures, live cattle futures, feeder cattle index, beef demand, beef industry, cattle industry, cattle producers, ranchers, cow calf producers, cattle feeding, feedyard economics, cattle marketing, risk management, livestock risk protection, LRP insurance, cattle hedging, basis levels, video cattle sales, cattle cycle, herd rebuilding, heifer retention, cow slaughter, beef exports, beef imports, global beef demand, profitability, cattle market outlook, agriculture podcast, cattle podcast, Dan Gerhold, Samantha Cozza-Wright

355: The Next 60 Days Could Make or Break This Year's Crop with Gary Lezack

On today’s episode of the podcast, Lauren is joined by meteorologist Gary Lezak for a timely look at the weather patterns shaping the remainder of the growing season. As summer officially begins, producers across the country are seeing dramatically different conditions—from excessive rainfall and flooding concerns in parts of the Midwest to ongoing drought challenges in portions of Nebraska and Colorado. Gary breaks down why the next 60 days will be critical for crop development, what producers should watch during corn pollination, and where the greatest weather risks remain as we move deeper into summer. The conversation also covers heat waves, severe weather, long-range forecasting, and how shifting weather patterns could impact both crop and livestock producers in the months ahead. 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: * The next 60 days will play a major role in determining final crop yields * Corn pollination season is one of the most weather-sensitive periods of the year * Parts of the Corn Belt are entering summer with excellent soil moisture conditions * Drought concerns continue across portions of Colorado and western Nebraska * Excessive rainfall has created both opportunities and challenges in some regions * A July heat wave remains a possibility across portions of the Plains * Severe weather risks will continue before gradually tapering off later this summer * Weather conditions can shift quickly from too wet to too dry during the growing season * The LRC model continues to point toward regional differences in temperature and rainfall * Livestock and crop producers alike should closely monitor weather trends through August Chapters: 00:00 Summer officially arrives across cattle country 03:00 Rainfall totals and drought conditions across the Midwest 07:00 Why the next 60 days are so important for crop yields 10:00 Corn pollination and weather-related production risks 13:00 Heat wave potential heading into July 16:00 Severe weather, tornado season, and regional outlooks 19:00 Long-range forecasting and what producers should watch next Gary Lezak, Weather 2020, weather forecast, agriculture weather, farm weather, ranch weather, crop yields, corn pollination, corn production, soybean production, Midwest weather, Corn Belt weather, summer weather outlook, drought conditions, drought monitor, rainfall forecast, severe weather, tornado season, heat wave forecast, July weather outlook, agricultural forecasting, long-range weather forecast, LRC model, weather patterns, crop conditions, soil moisture, farming outlook, cattle country weather, livestock weather, hay production, forage conditions, pasture management, grazing conditions, crop stress, weather risk management, agriculture markets, corn belt forecast, Nebraska drought, Colorado drought, Kansas weather, Iowa weather, Missouri weather, Illinois weather, flood concerns, excessive rainfall, weather trends, agricultural producers, cattle producers, farmers, ranchers, agriculture podcast, cattle podcast.

354: Why It's Harder Than Ever to Get Started in the Cattle Business with Dr. Jennifer Hammack

On today’s episode of the podcast, Lauren is joined by Dr. Jennifer Hammack, agriculture instructor at Western Oklahoma State College and lifelong cattle producer, for a conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing today's beef industry. From growing up on one of the largest ranches in Texas to building her own cow-calf operation from the ground up, Jennifer shares her perspective on genetics, herd rebuilding, land ownership, technology, and the future of agriculture. The discussion dives into why it has become increasingly difficult for young producers to enter the cattle business, how rising land prices and competing land uses are reshaping rural America, and what today's producers can do to position themselves for long-term success. Jennifer also offers valuable insight into educating the next generation and why she remains optimistic about the future of the cattle industry despite the challenges ahead. Links: Western Oklahoma State College - https://www.wosc.edu/ WOSC Ag - https://www.wosc.edu/index.php?page=agriculture2#agabout Dr. Jennifer Hammack - https://www.wosc.edu/index.php?page=jennifer-hammack 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: * Building a cattle operation takes more time and capital than ever before * Rising land prices continue creating barriers for young producers * Data centers and competing land uses are changing rural communities * Genetics and EPDs remain valuable tools for improving herd performance * Herd rebuilding remains difficult despite historically strong cattle prices * Technology adoption continues to reshape cattle production * Business management skills are just as important as production knowledge * The next generation of producers remains eager to learn and get involved * Community colleges play an important role in agricultural education * Experience, patience, and long-term planning are critical for success * Drought and weather cycles continue influencing expansion decisions * The future of the cattle industry depends on bringing new people into agriculture Chapters: 00:00 Growing up on one of Texas' largest ranches 06:00 How the cattle industry has changed over the last decade 09:00 Genetics, EPDs, and improving commercial cattle herds 13:00 Technology's growing role in cattle production 15:00 Educating and inspiring the next generation of agriculture 19:00 Data centers, land prices, and rural America 23:00 Herd rebuilding and heifer retention challenges 29:00 What the future holds for the cattle industry 32:00 Advice for young producers trying to get started Dr. Jennifer Hammack, Western Oklahoma State College, cattle industry, beef industry, cattle producers, ranching, ranch management, young ranchers, beginning farmers, beginning ranchers, next generation agriculture, agricultural education, animal science, beef cattle genetics, EPDs, expected progeny differences, herd rebuilding, heifer retention, cow-calf operations, commercial cattle, Angus cattle, cattle production, cattle technology, precision agriculture, agricultural technology, ranch succession, land ownership, ranch land, rural America, data centers

353: Everyone Wants to Know: When Does the Cattle Market Finally Break? with Samantha Cozza-Wright

On today’s episode of the podcast, Lauren is joined by Samantha Cozza-Wright to discuss the latest developments in the cattle market following a week of renewed optimism and recovering futures prices. While the market has regained significant ground since the recent selloff, producers are still facing the same question: how long can this run continue? Samantha breaks down cash cattle strength, feeder cattle volatility, drought concerns, New World Screwworm headlines, packer dynamics, consumer demand, and the many factors influencing producer decision-making as the industry moves into the second half of the year. The conversation also explores why today's cattle market feels different than previous cycles and what producers should be watching as they make critical decisions heading into summer and fall.Connect with Samantha:Email - samantha@cattleusainsurance.com Phone - 785-940-5533Links: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 Takeways:- Cash cattle markets continue providing stability- Feeder cattle futures have recovered significant losses- Drought and wildfire concerns remain major threats- Heifer retention and herd rebuilding remain complicated- New World Screwworm headlines continue impacting market sentiment- Consumer demand for beef remains surprisingly resilient- Packer behavior remains a critical market driver- Volatility continues creating uncertainty for producers- Risk management remains essential in today's market- Long-term supply fundamentals continue supporting prices- Expansion remains difficult despite strong cattle values- Producers face increasingly complex business decisionsChapters:00:00 Market recovery and summer conditions across cattle country04:00 Why cattle futures have rallied back08:00 The upcoming Cattle on Feed report and market expectations11:00 Drought, wildfires, and the realities of herd expansion15:00 New World Screwworm and headline-driven volatility19:00 Consumer demand, inflation, and beef prices23:00 Why producers are struggling to make long-term decisions27:00 Risk management, protection strategies, and what's nextSamantha Cozza-Wright, cattle market update, cattle market forecast, cattle prices, feeder cattle market, live cattle futures, feeder cattle futures, cattle market outlook, beef industry, cattle industry, cattle producers, ranching, ranch management, livestock markets, commodity markets, beef demand, consumer demand, cattle cycle, cattle economics, drought conditions, wildfire impacts, herd expansion, heifer retention, cow herd rebuilding, cattle inventory, New World Screwworm, screwworm Texas, cattle volatility, market volatility, packer margins, packer influence, cash cattle market, cattle on feed report, cattle feeding, feeder cattle prices, cattle marketing, risk management, LRP insurance, livestock risk protection, agricultural markets, beef production, ranch profitability, cow calf producers, cattle operations, agricultural economics, cattle country news, beef prices, inflation and beef, cattle industry trends, summer cattle market, fall cattle market outlook, agriculture podcast, cattle podcast