Cattlemen’s Call Podcast

Atmospheric Scientist Matt Makens returns to the show following his presentation at CattleCon, bringing an in‑depth look at the spring weather outlook for producers. Matt breaks down the latest trends in moisture patterns, temperature shifts, and spring weather forecasts, emphasizing the critical need for late‑winter precipitation after a dry December and January.

He also explains why much of the western U.S. will rely on end‑of‑se...

Innovation is driving efficiency for the everyday cattle producer, and forage plays a crucial role in the cattle herd’s success. Scott Birker shares how his partnerships have shaped new ideas and solutions in baling and forage equipment to help his family save time and labor, giving Scott more time to focus on his family and the future of their multi-generational farm in Iowa. From the ground up, Scott’s hay a...

Gene Copenhaver took the reins as NCBA President after CattleCon 2026. He and his son Will join the podcast and share how they’ve worked together to transition majority ownership of Copenhaver Brothers Farms to Will and how they partner to make business decisions. Gene is excited for his year leading NCBA, especially as he sees young cattlemen and women who are eager to get involved in beef production and step into leadership, and ...

Maddux Cattle Company, located in southwest Nebraska, was homesteaded in 1886 and has grown in the last 140 years and now sustains about 2,500 cows and 5,000 yearlings. In 2026, the Maddux Cattle Co. is dispersing their mature bred cow herd at the Ogallala Livestock Auction. In this conversation, John Maddux walks us through the background of this decision and the opportunity for producers to acquire some of the genetics that they’...

With CattleCon 2026 just around the corner, Feb. 3–5, in downtown Nashville — we’re taking a look at some of the standout highlights heading to Music City.

In this episode, we preview what’s ahead with Grammy-nominated songwriter and keynote speaker Jimmy Yeary, who shares how the power of storytelling connects country music with the lives of cattlemen and women, and NCBA President Buck Wehrbein, who highlights what attendees can e...

We’re tackling a critical topic for every cattle producer: business continuity and biosecurity during a disease outbreak. Joining us are Dr. Julia Herman, DVM and beef cattle specialist at NCBA, and Dr. Danelle Bickett-Weddle, DVM with Preventalytics. They discuss how the Secure Beef Supply (SBS) was created, how a USDA grant has helped NCBA improve educational resources SBS planning, and its importance for keeping cattle moving du...

In this episode, we bring together voices from both the ranching and the policy front. Joining us are California cattle producer, Rick Roberti, and Kaitlynn Glover, executive director of Government Affairs for NCBA and the Public Lands Council. Together, they explore the real-world impacts of the Endangered Species Act, the controversy surrounding gray wolf protections, and the broader implications for ranchers across the West and ...

The high demand for beef continues, and consumers are seeking a high-quality product. Beef producers have been answering that call, as is evident in the upward trend of beef quality grades, specifically Prime and Choice. Paul Dykstra, with Certified Angus Beef, joins to discuss the shifting dynamics of quality grades and what they mean for today’s cattle producers. Paul offers insights into market trends and the factors driving dem...

Although Missouri isn’t known for being the home of vineyards and wineries, Windy Wine Company and KK Farms Red Angus are shaking up the narrative. Ken Keesaman and his son Kody operate a Red Angus herd, selling bulls locally and around the country, while Ken’s son Kraig used his culinary passion to begin a winery, incorporating various fruits and grapes that work well in Missouri's climate. Kraig’s creativity led him to develop un...

The climate, forage species and desired cattle type vary greatly for these three producers who are 2025 ESAP Regional Winners. Mike Wilson, Whispering Hills Farm in Kentucky; Jack Smith, Smith Family Farms in Iowa; and Logan Pribbeno, Wine Glass Ranch in Nebraska, are on the show talking about the partnerships, programs and mentors that have shaped the way they raise and market cattle and how they take care of their natural resourc...

Whether it’s migrating birds, elk and deer, large predators or invasive species, these three cattlemen have spent decades adapting their management plans to coexist and promote the health of wildlife along with their cattle. Gregory Gardner, G&G Livestock & Cathey Cattle Co.; Mark Overstreet, M&D Overstreet Ranch; and Bob McCan, McFadden Ranch dive into which plant and animal species have been a challenge for them and w...

Matt Makens returns to the show to talk about weather patterns that changed from his spring outlook and created unexpected moisture in different regions of the country this spring and summer. He also discusses his Cattle Comfort Index, a tool he is developing to help cattle feeders and cow-calf producers to manage heat stress on cattle and give producers better opportunity to prepare. In addition, Matt explores the history of the N...

On this episode, host Lane Nordlund visits with Dr. Rick Machen, Executive Director of the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management, and graduate Garrett Stribling. They share the Institute’s mission of preparing future ranching leaders, the value of advanced training in ranch management, and how KRIRM’s legacy is shaping the next generation of cattlemen and women.

#KingRanchInstitute #RanchManagement #Cattlemen #FutureOfRanching ...

Cattle producers know what it’s like to push through pain to get the job done, finish chores, feed and take care of their family. And Rachel O’Grady has personal experience with overcoming extreme pain to pursue her goals. Now she helps rural farmers, ranchers and rodeo athletes to heal and find pain relief without surgery or endless appointments. Rachel shares her story of overcoming a paralyzing disability ...

With the recent passing of the One Big Beautiful Bill, NCBA CEO Colin Woodall and Senior Vice President Ethan Lane dive into the important pieces of this bill for cattle producers including tax provisions. They examine Congress’s work on disaster relief programs and wildfire management as well as NCBA’s work defending public land grazing. With producer profitability always top of mind, NCBA’s Washington, D.C., team has had a busy y...

The New World screwworm has become a topic of discussion amongst cattle producers in the last few months as the pest has moved into Mexico. NCBA, state affiliates and USDA have partnered, working to prepare for this potential threat. In this episode, host Lane Nordlund sits down with NCBA CEO Colin Woodall and Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association First Vice President Stephen Diebel to discuss the issue as it stands t...

Larry and Ellie Primeaux, first-generation cattle farmers in Mississippi, balance full-time careers with raising Angus and Brangus cattle. Larry, a dedicated game warden and K-9 handler with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, brings his deep knowledge of local wildlife to their cattle operation. Ellie, a passionate 5th-grade teacher, integrates agriculture into the classroom, educating the next generation...

Brett Chedzoy of Angus Glen Farms in Watkins Glen, New York, shares how his family built a successful grass-fed cow-calf operation practicing agroforestry and silvopasture. As the 2024 ESAP Region I award winner, Brett discusses sustainable grazing, managing 100 paddocks across 500 acres, and using cattle to improve both land and legacy. From Argentina to upstate New York, their story displays stewardship, family, and forward think...

Accuracy is important to move the industry in the right direction and cattle size and frame have changed significantly, but the yield grading system hasn’t changed since the 1960s to match them. We need new technology and new grading algorithms to accurately measure carcass data and return profit to the producer. Professor Ty Lawrence with West Texas A&M University and James Henderson with the Bradley 3 Ra...