Screwworms, Staffing & Strategy: What Actually Works on the Ranch | Ep. 10

Screwworms, Staffing & Strategy: What Actually Works on the Ranch | Ep. 10

The podcast episode celebrates reaching the milestone of ten episodes and discusses employee engagement, the new world screw worm threat, ranch management, and the characteristics of great employees. It also explores tools and equipment for ranch operations, the ranch crew and operations, and the dynamics of hiring and retaining employees, including gender dynamics in ranch employment. The conversation covers a range of topics including the art of interviewing, employee management, the cost of turnover, standard operating procedures, fencing challenges, water sources and management, the cattle market, heifer retention, cost structure differences between plains and mountains, and the usage of ATVs vs. horses in operations. Takeaways * Employee engagement and retention are crucial for the success of a ranch operation. * The New World Screw Worm Threat poses a significant risk to cattle producers, requiring proactive management and preparedness. Effective interviewing is a skill developed through experience and practice. * Employee management and flexibility are crucial for employee satisfaction and retention. Chapters * 00:00 Podcast Introduction and Milestone Celebration * 07:05 Ranch Management and Employee Recruitment * 19:08 Ranch Crew and Operations * 26:30 Hiring and Retaining Employees * 32:15 The Art of Interviewing * 38:11 The Cost of Turnover * 46:34 Fencing Challenges: Plains vs. Mountains * 55:52 Cattle Market and Heifer Retention * 01:02:02 ATVs vs. Horses: Operations and Usage

Is the Bull Run Ending? Cattle Cycle Bottom Warnings & New Screwworm Threat in Texas | Ep. 9

The conversation covers two primary themes: cattle market signals and hay production/feeding strategies. The discussion delves into the changing dynamics of the cattle market, including insights from industry experts and the impact of market signals on ranching operations. Additionally, the conversation explores the role of hay production and feeding strategies in ranching, highlighting the importance of efficient management and financial considerations. The conversation delves into the financial aspects of ranching, including culling the herd based on age, making financial decisions, managing ranching like a hedge fund, the role of banking relationships, preparing for the cattle cycle low, volatility and marketing in the cattle industry, and branding and calving practices. The conversation delves into the intricacies of cattle branding and management, highlighting the challenges and strategies involved. It also explores the operations and challenges of ranching, shedding light on the complexities of multi-state ranching and the management of employees. The discussion provides valuable insights into the world of cattle ranching and the considerations involved in running a successful operation. Takeaways * Cattle market signals * Hay production and feeding strategies Culling the herd based on age is a financial decision * Understanding financial concepts is crucial for ranching success Cattle branding and management * Ranching operations and challenges Chapters * 00:00 Cattle Market Signals * 20:02 Culling the Herd Based on Age * 26:16 The Role of Banking Relationships in Ranching * 33:24 Volatility and Marketing in the Cattle Industry * 38:44 Branding and Calving Practices * 47:25 Ranching Operations and Challenges

Drought Liquidation, $7 Ground Beef & Cow Herd Strategy Right now | Ep. 8

In this Friday Happy Hour episode, Logan and Ea’Mon break down the latest USDA Cattle on Feed report — the first year-over-year increase in 18 months — and what it actually signals for producers. They dig into whether the numbers reflect real herd rebuilding or mostly drought-forced liquidation hitting feed yards across the country. The conversation covers the pressure of ground beef pushing toward $7 per pound at retail, consumer sentiment, and whether high prices are sustainable in the face of diesel costs and broader economic strain. They also share what they’re seeing on the ground with regional drought conditions, from the Sandhills to Wyoming and eastern Colorado, and discuss how it’s affecting stocking rates, grazing plans, and early liquidation decisions. On the marketing side, they talk about shifting more toward barn sales versus video, building valuable partnerships (including genetics), and practical moves they’re making with replacements and heifers. The episode wraps with an honest look at cow herd strategy — when to retain, sell, or position for potential expansion in this high-price environment, and why some experienced voices are calling for higher highs ahead. If you’re trying to make sense of the current market signals while managing drought and planning your own herd, this one’s for you. Chapters: * 00:00 – Introduction & Friday Happy Hour Teaser * 02:15 – USDA Cattle on Feed Report: First +2% Increase in 18 Months * 04:00 – Drought-Forced Liquidation vs. Real Herd Rebuilding * 07:00 – Ground Beef at $7/lb – Is It Sustainable? * 11:35 – Drought Pressures & Regional Conditions on the Ground * 19:45 – Super El Niño Outlook & Long-Term Market Implications * 39:30 – Marketing Shifts: Barn Sales, Video Sales & Strategic Partnerships * 45:15 – Cow Herd Strategy: Retain, Sell, or Expand? * 54:50 – Key Takeaways & What We’re Watching Next

On Ranch AI, Land Expansion Moves & How I Blew Up the Big Tractor | Ep. 7

The conversation covers topics such as weather and precipitation, ranching and cattle management, the impact of AI on the workforce, AI applications in agriculture, AI and job displacement, and the adoption of AI in agriculture. The hosts discuss the effects of weather on ranching, the use of AI in cattle management, and the potential job displacement due to AI in various industries. The conversation covers a range of topics, from the revolutionary impact of Starlink on ranching operations to the significance of conservation easements and the management of land acquisition and cash flow. It also delves into the use of debt as a tool for expansion and the rapid evolution of technology in the agricultural industry. Takeaways * Weather conditions impact ranching and cattle management. * AI has the potential to revolutionize agriculture and workforce management. Starlink's impact on ranching operations * The significance of conservation easements Chapters * 00:00 Weather and Precipitation * 08:09 Impact of AI on Workforce * 18:47 AI and Job Displacement * 25:01 Adoption of AI in Agriculture * 30:11 Revolutionizing Connectivity with Starlink * 41:50 The Significance of Conservation Easements * 53:02 Debt as a Tool for Expansion

$400 Feeder Cattle, Ted Turner's Legacy & Employee Management | Ep. 6

The conversation covers a range of topics including the passing of Ted Turner, management styles, hiring, beef prices, ranch operations, drought impact, and labor challenges. The hosts also discuss the ecological component of ranch operations, the use of bison meat, and the impact of drought on crop production. The conversation covers a range of topics including ranch management, employee stories, hiring processes, operational freedom, meeting structures, beef market dynamics, and the impact of drought on the cattle industry. The hosts also discuss the role of the beef checkoff program and the upcoming USMEF meeting. Takeaways * Ted Turner's passing has implications for ranch operations and management styles. * Labor challenges and the impact of drought on ranch operations are significant concerns. Ranch management involves daily operations, employee stories, and hiring challenges. * Operational freedom and employee involvement are key to successful ranch management. * Meeting structures and frequency play a crucial role in effective communication and decision-making. * The beef market is influenced by factors such as drought, imports, and government intervention. * The impact of drought on the cattle industry is significant, leading to lower cattle numbers and potential long-term effects. * The role of the beef checkoff program and the upcoming USMEF meeting are important for understanding market dynamics and industry trends. Chapters * 00:00 Impact of Drought on Ranch Operations and Beef Prices * 14:01 Labor Challenges and Drought Planning * 19:17 Changing Work Culture and Operations in Ranching * 24:30 Hiring Processes and Operational Freedom * 33:30 Role of the Beef Checkoff Program and USMEF Meeting