23. The Science of Embryo Selection with Dr. Cara Wells

23. The Science of Embryo Selection with Dr. Cara Wells

Embryo transfer and IVF have become powerful tools for accelerating genetic progress in cattle—but selecting the right embryos remains one of the biggest challenges in reproductive management. In this episode of The Future of Beef Show, Dr. Cara Wells joins hosts Jim Johnson, Dr. Jessica Sperber, and Ian Wheal to explore the science behind embryo selection and how new technologies are helping producers make more informed breeding decisions. As founder and CEO of EmGenisys, Cara explains how artificial intelligence, machine learning, and video-based embryo analysis are bringing objective data to a process that has traditionally relied on visual grading alone. The conversation covers the differences between conventional embryo transfer and IVF, the role of genomics and sexed semen in modern breeding programs, and how improved embryo evaluation could increase pregnancy rates while reducing costs. Cara also shares the entrepreneurial journey that led to the creation of EmGenisys—from undergraduate research and a TED Talk-inspired idea to a growing ag-tech company focused on improving reproductive outcomes. From embryo grading and pregnancy prediction to AI-powered sex determination and the future of precision breeding, this episode offers an inside look at the technologies shaping the next generation of cattle reproduction. What You'll Learn: • The differences between conventional embryo transfer and IVF • Why embryo transfer can accelerate genetic progress in commercial and seedstock herds • How embryo viability has traditionally been evaluated—and the limitations of visual grading • How AI and machine learning can help predict embryo health and pregnancy success • Why objective embryo analysis could improve conception rates and reduce costs • The role of genomics in donor selection and embryo testing • The benefits and tradeoffs of sexed semen in cattle breeding programs • How non-invasive embryo sexing could create new opportunities for producers • The entrepreneurial story behind EmGenisys and its development from research to commercial application • What the future of reproductive technology could mean for the beef industry Links: Future of Beef Show: www.futureofbeef.com [http://www.futureofbeef.com] Learn more about EmGenisys: www.emgenisys.co [http://www.emgenisys.co] Read more from Drovers: www.drovers.com [http://www.drovers.com] Learn more about Breedr: www.breedr.co [http://www.breedr.co] Learn more about Corteva Agriscience: www.rangeandpasture.com [http://www.rangeandpasture.com] Learn more about Whole Cottonseed: https://wholecottonseed.com/ [https://wholecottonseed.com/]

22. The Future of Canadian Beef with Ryder Lee

Canada and the U.S. are more intertwined in beef than most producers realize—and Ryder Lee is one of the people making sure that relationship works. In this episode of The Future of Beef Show, Ryder joins hosts Jim Johnson, Dr. Jessica Sperber, and Ian Wheal to explore how Canadian cattle production mirrors—and differs from—the U.S. industry. Drawing on decades of experience from a cow-calf upbringing to leading the Canadian Cattle Association, Ryder breaks down the geography of Canadian feeding, the reality of cross-border cattle flows, and why traceability has evolved from a disease response tool into a competitive market advantage. What You'll Learn: • How Canadian cattle country compares regionally to the U.S.—from Alberta feedlots to Ontario's covered barns • Why Canada runs at roughly 1/10th the size of the U.S. herd, and what that means for trade • How cross-border feeder and fed cattle flows support packing plants on both sides of the border • Why Canada became a net feeder importer—and why that dynamic shifts year to year • How BSE shaped Canada's national RFID traceability system and why it's now a market access tool • What the Canadian beef grading system shares with—and how it differs from—USDA quality grades • Why the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef has put Canada at the forefront of global sustainability conversations • What Ryder sees as the biggest policy challenges and opportunities for Canadian producers over the next decade Links: Future of Beef Show: www.futureofbeef.com\ Learn more about the Canadian Cattle Association: www.cattle.ca\ Read more from Drovers: www.drovers.com\ Learn more about Breedr: www.breedr.co\ Learn more about Corteva Agriscience: www.rangeandpasture.com

21. The Future of Red Angus with Greg Ruehle

Red Angus is gaining ground—and Greg Ruehle is helping lead the charge. In this episode of The Future of Beef Show, Greg joins hosts Jim Johnson, Dr. Jessica Sperber, and Ian Wheal to explore why the Red Angus breed is uniquely positioned at this critical moment in the beef industry. Drawing on his experience across breed associations, government affairs, and commercial beef production, Greg explains why record-low cattle supplies and surging consumer demand create a once-in-a-career opportunity—and how Red Angus intends to make the most of it. What You'll Learn: • Why Red Angus is well-suited to rebuilding the U.S. cow herd, especially in the South • How the breed's maternal and terminal traits complement crossbreeding systems • Why the Allied Access Yellow Tag program is advancing individual animal tracking • How mandatory total herd reporting strengthens Red Angus EPD data • Why packers are increasingly opening Red Angus cattle to grid schedules • How breed associations can go beyond the herd book to drive real industry change Links: Future of Beef Show: www.futureofbeef.com Learn more about the Red Angus Association of America: www.redangus.org Read more from Drovers: www.drovers.com Learn more about Breedr: www.breedr.co Learn more about Corteva Agriscience: www.rangeandpasture.com Learn more about Whole Cottonseed: https://wholecottonseed.com/

20. Virtual Fencing with Andrew Fraser

From virtual fences to real-time herd data, ranching is entering a new era—and Andrew Fraser is helping lead the shift. In this episode of The Future of Beef Show, Andrew joins Jim Johnson, Dr. Jessica Sperber, and Ian Wheal to explore how smart collar technology is transforming the way cattle are managed on pasture. As President of Halter Inc., Andrew shares how a simple idea—a collar for cows—has evolved into a powerful system for controlling grazing, tracking behavior, and unlocking better decision-making for producers. This conversation goes beyond the technology itself to focus on real-world impact. From reducing labor demands and eliminating the need for extensive fencing to improving pasture utilization and enabling more flexible grazing systems, Andrew explains why virtual fencing is gaining traction across beef operations in the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand. The episode also dives into the growing role of data in ranching—from tracking animal movement and health to the future potential of measuring feed efficiency at the individual cow level. Along the way, the group discusses how AI is being applied in practical ways, why labor and succession are critical challenges, and how technology can make ranching more sustainable, scalable, and attractive to the next generation. What You’ll Learn: * How virtual fencing works and how cows are trained to respond to sound cues * Why pasture management is the foundation of productivity and profitability * How smart collars provide real-time visibility into animal location and behavior * The potential to measure feed intake and efficiency in grazing systems • How technology can reduce reliance on fencing and lower infrastructure costs * Why labor savings and staff retention are key drivers of adoption * How behavioral data can improve animal health monitoring and decision-making * The role of AI and machine learning in practical, on-farm applications * Why flexibility in grazing systems can unlock better land and herd performance Links: Future of Beef Show: www.futureofbeef.com [http://www.futureofbeef.com] Learn more about Halter: www.halterhq.com [http://www.halterhq.com] Read more from Drovers: www.drovers.com [http://www.drovers.com] Learn more about Breedr: www.breedr.co [http://www.breedr.co] Learn more about Corteva Agriscience: www.rangeandpasture.com [http://www.rangeandpasture.com] Learn more about Whole Cottonseed: https://wholecottonseed.com/ [https://wholecottonseed.com/]

19. Beef Innovation with Dr. Vaughn Holder

From rumen science to global food systems, innovation in beef production is happening at every level—and Dr. Vaughn Holder is right at the center of it. In this episode of The Future of Beef Show, Vaughn joins Jim Johnson, Dr. Jessica Sperber, and Ian Wheal to explore how research, innovation, and systems thinking are shaping the future of beef. Drawing on his role leading global beef research at Alltech, Vaughn explains why the industry must focus on efficiency over trends, what we’ve learned from the methane debate, and where the next wave of innovation is heading. From rumen microbiology and feed efficiency to soil health, nitrogen, and consumer perception, this episode connects the science inside the cow to the broader ecosystem—and ultimately to the future of the beef industry. What You’ll Learn: • Why efficiency—not trends—should drive sustainability in beef production • What the methane debate taught us about rumen function and microbiome research • How new technologies like probiotics and essential oils may improve cattle performance • Why systems thinking—from soil to animal to consumer—is critical for future innovation • The role cattle play in upcycling nutrients and supporting global food systems • How changing nutrition guidelines could impact beef demand and public perception • Why innovation and collaboration are essential to solving real industry challenges Links: Future of Beef Show: www.futureofbeef.com Learn more about Alltech: www.alltech.com Read more from Drovers: www.drovers.com Learn more about Breedr: www.breedr.co Learn more about Corteva Agriscience: www.rangeandpasture.com Learn more about Whole Cottonseed: https://wholecottonseed.com/