Casual Cattle Conversations

Casual Cattle Conversations

Casual Cattle Conversations is the podcast for beef cattle producers and ranchers to explore new ideas and hear stories that will help them improve their current management practices. Shaye Koester - Wanner connects listeners to other cattle producers and beef industry experts to discover what management practices, industry trends, current events and inspiring stories are impacting today’s beef cattle industry.

Episodes

November 24, 2025 23 mins

In this episode of the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast, Shaye Wanner speaks with Karla Wilke, cow-calf and stocker management specialist from the University of Nebraska, about managing cattle performance during harsh winter conditions. The discussion covers the impact of cold weather on cattle, optimal body condition scores, and strategies for cold stress management. Karla provides practical tips on using windbreaks, bedding, a...

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In this episode of the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast, Shaye Wanner interviews ranchers Jon and Patty about their approach to marketing open heifers. The conversation covers various sales methods, the importance of genomic testing, and strategies for building a high-quality herd. Jon and Patty share insights into their decade-long relationship with Wasem Red Angus, their balanced approach to breeding and selection, and the ben...
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In this episode of the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast, Shaye talks with Kelly Sanders about fetal programming and its implications for cattle nutrition. Kelly shares his journey and passion for cattle, discussing his role at Westway Feed Products.

He explains the technical aspects of fetal programming, the impacts of environmental and nutritional factors on cattle development, and provides practical advice for ranchers to ensu...

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November 3, 2025 46 mins
In this episode of the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast, Shaye visits with Rocky Brown to discuss effective fall and winter watering systems for cattle ranchers. Rocky, who operates Wald Fencing, a local farm supply store, shares expert advice on both temporary and permanent watering solutions to help keep water flowing and reduce winter maintenance headaches.   Highlights include tips on various watering systems, the benefits ...
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In this episode of the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast, Shaye is joined by Jeananne from the Red Angus Association of America (RAAA) to discuss the advantages of value added programs for cattle producers. The conversation covers the importance of genetic verification, age and source documentation, and the specific benefits of RAAA's programs such as Angus Access and Allied Access. Jeananne explains how these programs boost mark...

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In this episode of the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast, Shaye Wanner speaks with Elaine Froese about the critical and often overlooked topic of non-family farm transition plans. Elaine, a seasoned expert in farm transitions and coaching, emphasizes the importance of considering non-family members in continuity plans. She offers insights for both the rising generation seeking better opportunities and the senior generation witho...
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In this episode of the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast, Shaye talks with Tucker Brown about using social media as an alternative revenue stream for ranchers. Tucker shares his journey of leveraging platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to not only market their cattle operations but also create a substantial income. He discusses the challenges and rewards, the transition from casual posting to serious content c...
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In this episode of the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast, Shaye chats with Luke Ressler about innovative ranching practices that improve both livestock management and soil health. Luke and his wife Elli operate a diversified ranch in Northeastern North Dakota. They delve into the benefits of using cover crops and bale grazing to extend grazing days and enhance soil quality, especially in challenging Northern climates. Luke share...

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In this solo episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, Shaye Wanner walks through six key factors ranchers should consider when choosing herd management software. From cost and user access to ease of use and long-term value, Shaye shares real-world experiences from both seedstock and commercial operations.

Whether you’re still jotting notes in a red calving book or testing out digital platforms, this episode will help you evaluate wh...

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Host Shaye Wanner speaks with Jared Ranly, a veterinarian and backgrounder, about effective strategies for receiving cattle and enhancing profitability in the beef industry.

Jared shares his extensive experience in the cow-calf and backgrounding sectors, emphasizing the importance of health protocols, nutrition, and technology in managing cattle operations – specifically how Performance Beef positively impacts the profit and confid...

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September 15, 2025 25 mins

In this episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, host Shaye Wanner sits down with Katey Johnson, a first-generation rancher and beef advocate, to talk about addressing consumer concerns in today’s beef industry. From questions about grass-fed vs. grain-finished beef to myths about factory farms, Katey shares how she connects with consumers at farmers markets, online, and through direct-to-consumer beef sales.

If you’ve ever wondered...

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In this episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, Shaye Wanner visits with Shane White of Ceres Tag and Justin Hossfeld of RangeView by Envu. Together, they explore how integrating these two technologies helps ranchers make data-driven decisions about grazing management, forage utilization, cattle performance, and theft prevention.

From tracking real-time animal behavior to managing pastures with geospatial data, discover how technol...

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In this episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, host Shaye Wanner sits down with Jim Strickland, a sixth-generation Florida rancher managing multiple operations across the state. Together, they discuss how Vence’s virtual fencing technology is transforming ranch management—helping producers through hurricanes, improving wildlife habitats, protecting calves from predators, and creating new opportunities for conservation.

Jim shares ...

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Join Shaye Wanner on the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast as she delves into the intricacies of improving pregnancy rates in cattle with expert Lacey Quail. Discover practical strategies and insights to enhance reproductive efficiency in your beef cow herd.

 

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction by Shaye Wanner

01:15 - Meet Lacey Quail: Background and Expertise

...

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Join Shaye Wanner and Aaron Berger as they dive into the world of ranch profits, exploring how ranchers can effectively utilize their profits while being tax conscious. From strategic investments to innovative technologies, discover insights that can transform your ranching operations. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation that promises to keep your herd ahead of the curve.

Resources:

Learn more about SenseHub Vence: https:/...

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August 11, 2025 29 mins

Join Shaye Wanner as she sits down with Emma Coffman, a first-generation beef producer, to explore her journey into the ranching industry. Emma shares her experiences, challenges, and the innovative technologies shaping modern ranching. Whether you're a seasoned rancher or new to the field, Emma's story offers valuable insights and inspiration.

Key Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction by Shaye Wanner

02:15 - Emma Coffman's entry into r...

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Join host Shaye Wanner as she delves into the inspiring journey of Todd and Taylor Stegall and Callie Barber, who are revolutionizing school lunches by introducing local beef into the system. Discover the challenges and triumphs of sourcing locally, the impact on students, and the benefits for the local economy.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction by Shaye Wanner

[01:30] Todd Stegall on his passion for cattle ranching

[04:00] Callie B...

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Join Shaye Wanner in a compelling conversation with Lamar Steiger as they delve into consumer perceptions and buying patterns in the beef industry. Discover insights from Lamar's unique experiences as both a rancher and a retail consultant.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction by Shaye Wanner

02:15 - Lamar Steiger's background and journey in the beef industry

05:30 - The importance of consumer perceptions and buying patterns

10:45 - La...

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Join host Shaye Wanner on the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast as she chats with Patrick Jones from the Noble Research Institute about strategies for ranch profitability. Learn how to set realistic financial goals, manage overhead and direct costs, and avoid common accounting pitfalls to ensure your ranch thrives.

Learn more about Noble: https://bit.ly/3DD7uG0

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

02:15 - Meet Patrick Jones

05:30 - ...

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Are you ready to make more confident bull-buying decisions that truly move your ranch forward? In this episode, Shaye Wanner visits with Marty Ropp of Allied Genetic Resources to discuss how commercial cow-calf producers can leverage genomics through the Right Bull program to select bulls that align with their goals and cows. Marty shares how precision mating, large-effect genes, and genomic compatibility are revolutionizing herd i...

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