Cattlemen’s Call Podcast

Will your region see much-needed moisture, or could weather challenges intensify? Meteorologist Matt Makens joins Cattlemen's Call again to discuss why this El Niño could be one of the strongest on record, bringing amplified weather patterns across the country.

What does that mean for producers as you consider hay and forage supplies, drought recovery, herd health and winter planning? Hear his outlook and practical guidance to help...

Are you prepared to transition the management of your operation to your heirs? We unpack the complex conversation about legal and financial transition planning as well as methods to transition management and decision making to the next generation. Shannon Ferrell and Barb Downey share their personal experiences navigating loss and splitting family operations, and they give advice abou...

Kevin Birt, a first-generation Virginia producer, and Jeff Landrum, fourth-generation Iowa cattleman, discuss the different challenges facing cattle producers today, particularly access to land and capital for business growth and transition planning. In spite of these challenges, Kevin and Jeff are excited about the innovations evolving the industry. They both attended NCBA’s Young Cattlemen’s Conference and walked away...

Conservation easements are a durability tool. On this show, Erik Glenn, CEO of Colorado Cattlemen’s Ag Land Trust, is joined by Colorado rancher Lee Rooks, whose family circumstances led them to leverage a conservation easement on their ranch to preserve the grazing land in an area seeing rapid development. A conservation easement was the right choice for Lee and his family to protect their ranching operation, could it be the...

Whether managing a herd of 10 or 10,000 head, there are ways to mitigate risk in price, weather and market volatility. Clay Burtrum, Farm Data Services, is breaking down risk management programs like Livestock Risk Protection; Pasture, Rangeland and Forage; and Weaned Calf Risk Protection. Clay walks through the differences between these programs and considerations for producers using these tools to protect their herd. There are op...

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 highlig...

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 mov...

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 ...

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...

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...

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 #Futur...

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 Bradle...

Minnesota cattle farmers Rachel Gray and her son Nick Grundmeier share about their unique heifer development program. Little Timber Farms has come a long way since its dairy farming days, and now their innovative practices include seeding with drone technology, rotational grazing, bore water, and bale grazing in addition to their genetic advancements. Rachel, her father, and her son Nick have made decisions that maximize the profit...