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

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

358: Stretching Grass Isn't the Goal, Protecting Your Operation Is

When drought sets in, most producers aren't just trying to stretch grass, they're trying to stretch time. Time until the next rain, the next flush of growth, or the next opportunity to avoid making a difficult decision. In this episode, Lauren breaks down the practical strategies that actually help preserve pasture productivity during dry conditions and explains why many common drought management practices can end up doing more harm than good. From stocking rate and rotational grazing to supplementation, pasture recovery, and decision making, this episode focuses on protecting both this year's operation and next year's forage base. 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: * Stocking rate is the foundation of every successful drought plan * Early decisions preserve more options than delayed reactions * Rest periods become even more important during drought conditions * Overgrazing today reduces forage production for future seasons * Grazing distribution can significantly improve pasture utilization * Strategic supplementation supports cattle but cannot replace grass * Protect your most productive pastures for long-term recovery * Drought management requires prioritization, not perfection Chapters: 00:00 Why drought is really about managing time, not just grass 02:15 Stocking rate: the foundation of every grazing strategy 05:10 Why making early decisions always beats waiting 08:15 Rest periods, pasture recovery, and avoiding overgrazing 11:40 Improving grazing distribution with water and fencing 15:05 Supplementation: when it helps—and when it becomes expensive 18:30 Protecting your best ground during drought conditions 21:45 The myth of "just getting through" a drought 24:45 Building a ranch that's ready to recover when the rain returns drought management, drought strategies, cattle drought management, ranch drought planning, grazing management, rotational grazing, pasture management, forage management, pasture recovery, overgrazing, stocking rate, cow-calf operations, cattle producers, ranchers, beef cattle, beef industry, forage utilization, grass management, pasture health, grazing distribution, temporary fencing, water placement, cattle supplementation, hay feeding, drought nutrition, cattle condition, herd management, destocking, culling decisions, ranch profitability, ranch management, agricultural management, livestock management, carrying capacity, pasture resilience, drought recovery, regenerative grazing, sustainable ranching, forage production, livestock nutrition, cattle operation, ranch planning, drought preparedness, agriculture podcast, cattle podcast

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.