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

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

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