Working Ranch Radio Show

Earlier this year, Dr. Kenny Burdine from the University of Kentucky joined us to outline four key cattle-market questions for 2025. Now, as we close out the year, we circle back to see what’s been answered — from heifer retention and slaughter weights to competing proteins, trade, and tariffs. Then we shift gears to a question every rancher faces: whether to buy replacements or develop your own. Dr. Burdine walks us through the economics behind that decision and why using today’s strong market wisely can set the stage for the next decade of ranch profitability.

Later, Dr. Elizabeth Backes-Belew (Purina Animal Nutrition) discuss with us tips for rebreeding success and setting cows up for their next calf crop.

Link to: Cattle Market Notes Weekly

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From cattle expansion to succession planning and the future of the beef business — this week we dig into the big picture of where our industry stands. Industry consultant Dr. Nevil Speer is our guest as we discuss what current cow numbers are telling us, why some producers may be choosing to retire, and how a lack of succession planning continues to erode family ranches across the country. And in the midst of it all, Speer reminds us why there’s still plenty of reason for optimism — and why there’s never been a better time to be in the cattle business.

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When’s the right time to calve — and what’s it really costing you? Dr. Bob Larson with Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine joins us to talk through five key questions every rancher should ask when setting their calving window. From matching forage and labor to feed efficiency, to tightening up that calving period and improving breed-up rates — we dig into how timing affects everything from profitability to cow performance. Because in the end, it’s not just about raising calves… it’s about managing cows, costs, and profitability.

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Estate Planning... a big issue our family ranches must deal with but often avoided or do it incorrectly in trying to save money.  This only creates bigger problems after Mom and Dad have passed.   Attorney Dal Houston joins us today as we discuss topics like trusts versus a will.  The difference between a revocable trust and an irrevocable trust, practical information on LLC’s, plus much more.  You might be thinking this is a show Mom and Dad need to listen to, but if you ranch in any way, shape, or size, no matter your age… I’d advise you to listen in. 

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Ranching is changing — and the future may depend on how we adapt. Today we visit with Chip Kemp with 701X to explore how technology is enhancing tradition. From the million-dollar impact of monitoring livestock, to tackling labor shortages and overhead costs, to the bigger question of keeping the family brand on the gate for the next generation — this conversation digs into why precision agriculture may be the key to doing more with less and building a sustainable future in ranching.

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On this episode of the Working Ranch Radio Show, we visit with Colorado rancher Tim Bedell, a recipient of the state’s Seal of Climate Literacy. Tim shares how his ambassadorship for ranching and involvement in FFA are bridging the gap between generations as climate and environmental conversations grow more complex. Later, we’ll shift from climate to cattle care—discussing strategies to get stressed cattle back on feed and water quickly upon arrival with my guests from TechMix.

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On this episode of the Working Ranch Radio Show, Dr. Carson Roberts from the University of Missouri lays out Ten Reasons You Should Quit Making Hay. From the skyrocketing cost of equipment to the hidden toll on soil health, we’ll explore why it may be time to take a hard look at haying and what it means for your bottom line. We’ll also touch on issues like oversupply, labor challenges, and winter-feeding strategies — all with profitability in mind.

And while we’re thinking profits, we’ll visit with Trevor Greenfield of Rio Nutrition on how ranchers can maximize returns through efficiency in feed and pasture, building resilience for the future.

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On this episode of the Working Ranch Radio Show, we explore the fast-growing role of drone technology in ranching. From weed and invasive species control to fly management and even feed delivery in rugged country.  Kelley Wittenberg (Central UAS Technologies)is our guest as we discuss how drones are becoming a practical tool on the ranch. Then later, meteorologist Don Day joins us with his Fall and Winter Outlook, including the potential for colder temperatures east of the Rockies and the possibility of bigger winter storms ahead.

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Weaning is one of the most stressful times in a calf’s life — where health, nutrition, and management all collide. In this episode, we dig into how producers can minimize stress, choose the right methods for their operation, and build a robust health program that keeps calves thriving long after weaning. Dr. Ron Lemenager with Purdue University is my guest as we discuss the Keys to Successful Weaning.

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How much is Heat Stress really costing your operation? It might be more than you think — and it’s not just about weight loss or conception rates. Dr. Michelle Calvo-Lorenzo with Elanco Animal Health joins us to talk about why heat stress is a problem, what the science says about its effect on both herd health and profitability, and what steps you can take to mitigate it.

Plus a conversation with Ted Perry(Purina) about mitigating stress in calves at weaning.

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State and county fairs have long been a bridge between rural and urban. But as our society drifts further from production agriculture, that bridge is under pressure — financially, culturally, and politically. From rising costs to volunteer burnout, lack of participation to being a political football… So how do we refocus? How do we, in the ag industry, protect these events that tell our story. Today, Jeremy Parsons from the Iowa State Fair and Taylor Pulfer with the State Fair of Texas join me as we discuss… What’s the future of our county and state fair? And what’s our role in making sure they can continue for future generations?  

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It was a record-breaking "Week in the Rockies Sale" that delivered big numbers.  But what does it all mean for us heading into the second half of the year?  Superior Livestock’s Clint Berry is back with us as we unpack the results of the sale. We’ll cover everything from market fundamentals and program calf sales… to weaning decisions and delivery timing. We’ll also hit on heifer prices, signs of retention, and what Clint calls the “best buy” in the cattle market right now. What can we take away from the Week in the Rockies Sale? Find out on this episode of the Working Ranch Radio Show.

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The cattle market is at an all-time high which probably means for most of us we are seeing a pretty healthy profit this year.  So, the question is, how should we strategically use the profit? Dallas Mount (Ranch Management Consultants) returns as we work through this question… starting first at debt.  Then we'll work through the desire for business growth, cash flow, investing in yourself, benchmarks, and managing your business with principles versus emotion. It’s not just about your profit… it’s what you do with it!

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Today we dive into what it really takes to keep America free and strong: a food system that supports family farms and ranches—because a country that can feed itself stands independent. I’m joined by Amanda Radke—rancher, author, speaker and podcaster —who shares powerful insights on protecting private property rights, revitalizing rural America, and uniting as cattle producers. Keeping American Fed and Free on Today’s Episode of the Working Ranch Radio Show.

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Today we look at some very basic management practices that data shows will increase the value of your calves when you go to market them.  The values has been derived from data through a partnership between Superior Livestock, Kansas State University, and Merck Animal Health.  So today Dr. Chris Thomsen with Merck joins us as he walks us through the data.  From breeding management to calfhood management, that also includes looking at the ROI on Precondition... what about Weaning? And what about the four things that DOESN’T affect the value of your calves?  Tune in to find out what those four things are and What Actually Pays a Net Premium on Your Calves!

Also, Ted Perry (Purina) will join us later in the show as we talk about the importance of some that is often taken for granted in our nutritional needs for our livestock... WATER.

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