Jordan O’Neill, a beef cattle nutritionist, joins the conversation today to share what she has seen on her own operation and with her customers as drought impacts cattle numbers and cattle nutrition across the country. New technologies have opened doors to reducing feed waste and increasing feed efficiency. Jordan has advice for all types of producers to improve their cattle feeding techniques.

The Mannix Brothers Ranch in Helmville, Montana, can’t be described as just a cattle ranch. They also manage timber, a direct-to-consumer grass-finished beef program, and most recently, a restaurant. With a large family operation, diversification was inevitable, yet the long-held ideals of conservation and work ethic haven’t ceased. David and Randy Mannix join the podcast to explain the evolution of the operation.

Texas cattlemen and father and son, Donnell and Tucker Brown of RA Brown Ranch, a historic ranch in Throckmorten where they raise commercial and purebred cattle as well as registered Quarter horses. The Brown family is an exceptional example of generational transfer and creating opportunity for each new generation that wants to be a part of the ranch. When family operations wonder if they need to adapt to survive, as Tucker put it, “You don’t have to change, but you do have to compete with those who do.”

Cattle producers across the country deal with predators that are listed as “endangered” or “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. Whether those are panthers in the Southeast or mountain lions in the West, these predators are killing livestock, and producers are often limited in their ability to protect their animals and receive compensation for losses. We sit down with guests from California, Colorado, Wisconsin and Washington, D.C., to discuss what NCBA and states are doing to protect producers.

We are back with Meteorologist Matt Makens to discuss the shifting weather patterns we are seeing in the U.S. during the start of 2023. Matt and Lane discuss the potential for cattle producers in the West to finally see some relief in their ongoing drought. Is this a sign of a transition from La Niña to El Niño? Matt also gives a regional forecast for all parts of the U.S. to help producers manage risk for the year. This podcast was brought to you in partnership with AgRisk and WSR Insurance.

Todd Wilkinson, newly elected NCBA president, shares what it means to him to be surrounded by family when he took the helm at the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. Todd discusses the challenges he and his family have faced, and he sees many operations facing, when it comes to transferring the farm or ranch to the next generation, dealing with those awkward conversations amongst family members. In addition, he explains what his issues he will prioritize as he leads NCBA this year.

The largest and leading beef cattle association in the U.S., the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, is celebrating its 125th anniversary. Past Presidents Jo Ann Smith, the first female president, and Craig Uden join to share what has changed throughout the past decades. Where was the cattle industry 50 years ago? Where is it headed in the next 50 years? We cover it all in this conversation!

Kristin Torres and Thad Larson of NCBA join Lane to give you all the details about the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. Hear what meetings they recommend you participate in and learn more about the most exciting events, including the Friday night concert. Plus, hear what star will be joining producers for the Opening General Session.

Being in the cattle business means you need to be mindful of the environment and your economic viability. The way data is collected on operations today looks dramatically different than it did 50 or even 15 years ago with new technology held literally in your fingertips. But it can be daunting to look at this data and determine what is useful to ensure that generations after you can ranch. Lane spoke with a local Wyoming rancher and a data expert to talk about the best way to start and how to use data in a variety of ways.

Some farmers and ranchers are beginning to test the waters of virtual fencing with their cattle, especially those in rough, rugged country. Montana rancher Leo Barthelmess describes the way virtual fencing technology has changed his operation and given him more knowledge about his herd.