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

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

352: If Agriculture Doesn't Tell Its Story, Someone Else Will with Josie Holland

On today’s episode of the podcast, Lauren is joined by writer, event producer, and agricultural communicator Josie Holland for a conversation about the power of storytelling in agriculture. From rodeos and western events to social media, rural communities, and consumer engagement, Josie shares why producers can no longer afford to sit on the sidelines when it comes to telling their stories. The discussion explores the role events play in connecting consumers to agriculture, the importance of face-to-face relationships in an increasingly digital world, and how the next generation of agricultural advocates can help shape public perception before someone else shapes it for them. Whether you're a cattle producer, rodeo fan, agricultural communicator, or simply passionate about the future of rural America, this episode is a reminder that every conversation has the potential to make an impact. Links: Josie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josiemac/ 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: * Agriculture must tell its story before others tell it for us * Rodeos and western events create valuable consumer connections * Face-to-face conversations still matter in a digital-first world * Building trust starts long before a crisis occurs * Social media can be a powerful tool when used intentionally * Community events help strengthen rural America and agriculture * Curiosity and relationship-building open doors across industries * Young producers have an important role in agricultural advocacy * Every producer has a story worth sharing with consumers * The future of agriculture depends on meaningful communication * Networking remains one of the industry's greatest strengths * Small interactions can create lasting impacts on public perception Chapters: 00:00 Josie's background in event production and communications 04:00 Why rodeos and western events matter to agriculture 08:00 Community, networking, and industry connections 12:00 Consumer exposure and agricultural education 16:00 Controlling the narrative through storytelling 21:00 Building relationships across agriculture 25:00 Social media, advocacy, and the next generation 29:00 What agriculture can do better moving forward Josie Holland, agricultural storytelling, agriculture communication, ag communications, agricultural advocacy, cattle industry, beef industry, ranching, western industry, rodeo industry, rodeo production, western events, agricultural events, consumer education, consumer engagement, agriculture marketing, rural America, rural communities, agricultural leadership, social media in agriculture, agricultural influencers, beef producers, cattle producers, livestock industry, livestock producers, western lifestyle, agricultural networking, rodeo marketing, storytelling in agriculture, agricultural public relations, agriculture and social media, producer advocacy, agricultural policy, consumer trust, food production, ranch life, western culture, livestock shows, National Western Stock Show, agricultural outreach, rural development, agriculture podcast, cattle podcast, next generation agriculture, Gen Z agriculture, agricultural careers, agricultural education

351: From Show Cattle to Commercial Herds, Everyone Wants Better Cattle with Taylor Sterzbach

Lauren is joined by Taylor Stertzbach on today's episode of the Cattle USA Daily Podcast. Taylor is a sales manager at PBS Animal Health and co-owner of a family show cattle operation in Ohio. Taylor offers a unique perspective on the beef industry through both her professional role in animal health and her personal involvement in raising and marketing show cattle. The conversation explores the evolution of the show cattle industry, emerging animal health technologies, New World Screwworm preparedness, producer challenges across different regions of the country, and why staying curious is one of the most valuable traits anyone can bring to agriculture. Taylor also shares her journey into the cattle industry after growing up in the equine world and discusses the opportunities available to the next generation of agricultural professionals. Links: Taylor's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-stertzbach-157562145/ 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 show cattle industry continues to evolve, with growing emphasis on breed characteristics and junior exhibitors. * Animal health companies are introducing innovative technologies that can improve cattle management and profitability. * New World Screwworm has been a major topic of discussion within the animal health industry for more than a year. * GPS ear tags, diagnostics, and other technologies are helping producers make more informed decisions. * Cattle producers across the country face different challenges depending on their region and operation type. * Return on investment remains a key factor in producer adoption of new products and technologies. * Social media and industry events are creating new opportunities for people entering agriculture. * Despite challenges, the beef industry remains connected by a common goal: raising quality cattle and producing quality beef. Chapters: 00:00 Taylor's journey from horses to the beef industry 05:00 Changes in the show cattle industry 09:00 New World Screwworm and animal health concerns 13:00 Emerging technologies and innovation in cattle production 17:00 Understanding producers across different regions 21:00 Social media, networking, and finding a place in agriculture 24:00 Why Taylor remains optimistic about the beef industry Taylor Stertzbach, PBS Animal Health, animal health, beef cattle industry, show cattle, cattle producers, livestock industry, New World Screwworm, GPS ear tags, cattle technology, cattle innovation, beef production, cattle management, livestock health, animal health products, show cattle industry, Angus cattle, Limousin cattle, junior livestock shows, cattle genetics, producer education, livestock marketing, beef industry trends, cattle operations, fly control, livestock technology, agriculture careers, social media in agriculture, NCBA, cattle ranching, beef advocacy, agricultural leadership, cattle podcast, agriculture podcast, future of agriculture, beef cattle management, livestock producers.

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