In this mid-year market check-in on Running on Grass, Logan Pribbeno from Wine Glass Ranch and Ea’Mon O’Toole from Ladder Ranch break down what’s really driving cattle prices right now — even as some charts flash warning signs.We open with the latest price action and the viral tweets shaping the conversation, then dive into the stunning USDA export sales report that showed 126,062 metric tons of U.S. beef sold in a single week — a nearly 500% jump from the prior week. Much of it was late-reported volume, including record-shattering one-week sales to Chile and Italy. Is this the demand signal the market has been waiting for?Derrell Peel’s latest analysis on drought-driven herd risk and the telling heifer slaughter graph gets a close look, alongside live results and commentary from Superior Week in the Rockies (240,000+ head on offer this week).Then we shift to the bigger picture: the Federal Reserve’s $10 billion liquidity injection, Dr. Dave Kohl’s K-shaped economy framework, and why productive ranchland may be one of the smartest inflation hedges available — especially when retail giants are being asked to cut ground beef prices for consumers feeling the squeeze.Logan and Ea’Mon bring honest, boots-on-the-ground perspectives from their own operations, sharing what these signals mean for marketing, grazing plans, and long-term land decisions.Whether you’re running cows, watching markets, or thinking about your next land move, this episode gives you the data and the real-world context to make better decisions.Timestamps• Market Reality Check, Export Spike & Superior Sale• Drought Herd Risk & Heifer Graph• Inflation, Liquidity & the K-Shaped Economy• Operational Tweaks & Closing Takeaways

The conversation covers a range of topics including the impact of rainfall on grasslands, the resilience of perennial grasslands, podcast shoutouts and sponsorship, investment in high dividend ETFs, financial education and mentorship, water infrastructure ROI, equipment regrets and priorities, holistic management and systems approach, mentorship, and education. The conversation covers strategic equipment investment, taking a sabbatical, agricultural bailouts, E15 fuel push, small operator opportunities, and grazing school and field day. It emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity in ranch equipment, the impact of taking a sabbatical on team management, the implications of government aid for farmers, and the opportunities for small operators in the agricultural industry.TakeawaysResilience of perennial grasslandsImportance of water infrastructure ROI Quality over quantity in ranch equipmentThe impact of taking a sabbatical on team managementThe implications of government aid for farmersOpportunities for small operators in the agricultural industryChapters00:00 Weather and Rainfall05:17 Investment and Financial Planning12:16 Infrastructure Investment26:19 Holistic Management and Systems Approach32:30 Strategic Equipment Investment43:30 Agricultural Bailouts and E15 Push58:15 Small Operator Opportunities

The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including grazing practices, disease impact on cattle, market updates, nutrition content testers, future of beef pricing, regional beef quality, and market dynamics for premium beef. The discussion also delves into the impact of soil quality on beef production. The conversation covers topics related to soil health, grazing management, cattle weights, shrink and fill management, water and feed management, cattle handling, facility management, ranch succession, and returning to the ranch after college. The discussion emphasizes the impact of these factors on cattle health, weight gain, and overall ranch profitability. The conversation delves into the poetry of working cattle, teaching kids to find their passion, planning for the future of the ranch, motivating kids, the impact of college and life experience, the importance of family dynamics, the challenge of motivating kids, the influence of life experiences, the significance of college experience, the value of personal agency, the impact of leadership and succession, the role of ego in business, the importance of family unity, preparing kids for ranching, the unique challenges of ranching, the decision-making deadline, the influence of life experiences, the impact of personal agency, the importance of planning for the future, the influence of life experiences, the impact of external factors, the future of ranching, the importance of planning for the future, the value of sharing knowledge, and the importance of taking action.TakeawaysGrazing practices and cattle management are influenced by environmental factors and learning from past mistakes.Disease outbreaks can have a significant impact on cattle herds, leading to economic and health challenges.The future of beef pricing and market dynamics may be influenced by nutrition content testers and the emergence of premium beef products. Effective grazing management leads to soil health and nutrient-dense forage.Cattle weight gain and shrink management are critical for ranch profitability. Passion drives successFamily unity is crucial for successionChapters00:00 Exploring New Territory05:56 Nutrition Content Testers12:10 Regional Beef Quality20:25 Soil Quality and Beef Production26:05 Cattle Water and Feed Management34:03 Returning to the Ranch41:39 The Poetry of Working Cattle47:02 The Significance of College Experience52:03 The Decision-Making Deadline58:25 The Value of Sharing Knowledge

The hosts discuss the current weather conditions, the state of their ranches, and the challenges they face due to lack of rain. They also touch on topics such as employee management, standard operating procedures, autonomy, and the differences in ranching practices between different regions. The conversation covers a range of topics including ranching, agriculture, and the use of ATVs and horses. It also delves into the changing landscape of beef production and the potential impact of new technology on the industry. The discussion highlights the challenges and costs associated with running horses and ATVs, as well as the evolving role of future ag leaders.TakeawaysEmployee retention is a significant challenge for many ranches.Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are essential for new employees but become less necessary as employees gain experience and autonomy.Ranching practices and challenges vary significantly between different regions and climates. Ranching and agriculture are undergoing significant changes, requiring a shift in strategy and innovation.The use of technology and data in beef production is expected to revolutionize the industry, potentially changing the way beef is sold and priced.Chapters00:00 Ranching Practices and Challenges in Different Regions01:03:20 Future Ag Leaders and Industry Trends

The podcast episode celebrates reaching the milestone of ten episodes and discusses employee engagement, the new world screw worm threat, ranch management, and the characteristics of great employees. It also explores tools and equipment for ranch operations, the ranch crew and operations, and the dynamics of hiring and retaining employees, including gender dynamics in ranch employment. The conversation covers a range of topics including the art of interviewing, employee management, the cost of turnover, standard operating procedures, fencing challenges, water sources and management, the cattle market, heifer retention, cost structure differences between plains and mountains, and the usage of ATVs vs. horses in operations.TakeawaysEmployee engagement and retention are crucial for the success of a ranch operation.The New World Screw Worm Threat poses a significant risk to cattle producers, requiring proactive management and preparedness. Effective interviewing is a skill developed through experience and practice.Employee management and flexibility are crucial for employee satisfaction and retention.Chapters00:00 Podcast Introduction and Milestone Celebration07:05 Ranch Management and Employee Recruitment19:08 Ranch Crew and Operations26:30 Hiring and Retaining Employees32:15 The Art of Interviewing38:11 The Cost of Turnover46:34 Fencing Challenges: Plains vs. Mountains55:52 Cattle Market and Heifer Retention01:02:02 ATVs vs. Horses: Operations and Usage

The conversation covers two primary themes: cattle market signals and hay production/feeding strategies. The discussion delves into the changing dynamics of the cattle market, including insights from industry experts and the impact of market signals on ranching operations. Additionally, the conversation explores the role of hay production and feeding strategies in ranching, highlighting the importance of efficient management and financial considerations. The conversation delves into the financial aspects of ranching, including culling the herd based on age, making financial decisions, managing ranching like a hedge fund, the role of banking relationships, preparing for the cattle cycle low, volatility and marketing in the cattle industry, and branding and calving practices. The conversation delves into the intricacies of cattle branding and management, highlighting the challenges and strategies involved. It also explores the operations and challenges of ranching, shedding light on the complexities of multi-state ranching and the management of employees. The discussion provides valuable insights into the world of cattle ranching and the considerations involved in running a successful operation.TakeawaysCattle market signalsHay production and feeding strategies Culling the herd based on age is a financial decisionUnderstanding financial concepts is crucial for ranching success Cattle branding and managementRanching operations and challengesChapters00:00 Cattle Market Signals20:02 Culling the Herd Based on Age26:16 The Role of Banking Relationships in Ranching33:24 Volatility and Marketing in the Cattle Industry38:44 Branding and Calving Practices47:25 Ranching Operations and Challenges

In this Friday Happy Hour episode, Logan and Ea’Mon break down the latest USDA Cattle on Feed report — the first year-over-year increase in 18 months — and what it actually signals for producers. They dig into whether the numbers reflect real herd rebuilding or mostly drought-forced liquidation hitting feed yards across the country.The conversation covers the pressure of ground beef pushing toward $7 per pound at retail, consumer sentiment, and whether high prices are sustainable in the face of diesel costs and broader economic strain. They also share what they’re seeing on the ground with regional drought conditions, from the Sandhills to Wyoming and eastern Colorado, and discuss how it’s affecting stocking rates, grazing plans, and early liquidation decisions.On the marketing side, they talk about shifting more toward barn sales versus video, building valuable partnerships (including genetics), and practical moves they’re making with replacements and heifers. The episode wraps with an honest look at cow herd strategy — when to retain, sell, or position for potential expansion in this high-price environment, and why some experienced voices are calling for higher highs ahead.If you’re trying to make sense of the current market signals while managing drought and planning your own herd, this one’s for you.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction & Friday Happy Hour Teaser02:15 – USDA Cattle on Feed Report: First +2% Increase in 18 Months04:00 – Drought-Forced Liquidation vs. Real Herd Rebuilding07:00 – Ground Beef at $7/lb – Is It Sustainable?11:35 – Drought Pressures & Regional Conditions on the Ground19:45 – Super El Niño Outlook & Long-Term Market Implications39:30 – Marketing Shifts: Barn Sales, Video Sales & Strategic Partnerships45:15 – Cow Herd Strategy: Retain, Sell, or Expand?54:50 – Key Takeaways & What We’re Watching Next

The conversation covers topics such as weather and precipitation, ranching and cattle management, the impact of AI on the workforce, AI applications in agriculture, AI and job displacement, and the adoption of AI in agriculture. The hosts discuss the effects of weather on ranching, the use of AI in cattle management, and the potential job displacement due to AI in various industries. The conversation covers a range of topics, from the revolutionary impact of Starlink on ranching operations to the significance of conservation easements and the management of land acquisition and cash flow. It also delves into the use of debt as a tool for expansion and the rapid evolution of technology in the agricultural industry.TakeawaysWeather conditions impact ranching and cattle management.AI has the potential to revolutionize agriculture and workforce management. Starlink's impact on ranching operationsThe significance of conservation easementsChapters00:00 Weather and Precipitation08:09 Impact of AI on Workforce18:47 AI and Job Displacement25:01 Adoption of AI in Agriculture30:11 Revolutionizing Connectivity with Starlink41:50 The Significance of Conservation Easements53:02 Debt as a Tool for Expansion

The conversation covers a range of topics including the passing of Ted Turner, management styles, hiring, beef prices, ranch operations, drought impact, and labor challenges. The hosts also discuss the ecological component of ranch operations, the use of bison meat, and the impact of drought on crop production. The conversation covers a range of topics including ranch management, employee stories, hiring processes, operational freedom, meeting structures, beef market dynamics, and the impact of drought on the cattle industry. The hosts also discuss the role of the beef checkoff program and the upcoming USMEF meeting.TakeawaysTed Turner's passing has implications for ranch operations and management styles.Labor challenges and the impact of drought on ranch operations are significant concerns. Ranch management involves daily operations, employee stories, and hiring challenges.Operational freedom and employee involvement are key to successful ranch management.Meeting structures and frequency play a crucial role in effective communication and decision-making.The beef market is influenced by factors such as drought, imports, and government intervention.The impact of drought on the cattle industry is significant, leading to lower cattle numbers and potential long-term effects.The role of the beef checkoff program and the upcoming USMEF meeting are important for understanding market dynamics and industry trends.Chapters00:00 Impact of Drought on Ranch Operations and Beef Prices14:01 Labor Challenges and Drought Planning19:17 Changing Work Culture and Operations in Ranching24:30 Hiring Processes and Operational Freedom33:30 Role of the Beef Checkoff Program and USMEF Meeting

The podcast covers a range of topics including the future of Tyson's poultry and beef operations, the impact of plant closures on the beef industry, reflections on life and purpose, the impact of wildfires on ranchers, market trends and selling strategies, and the role of capitalism in agriculture. The conversation delves into economic factors, government intervention, community support, market predictions, and the future of the industry. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by generational ranchers, the origins and legacy of the ranch, historical land purchases, the complexities of leasing land, building relationships with landlords, ranching stories and mishaps, book discussions on Goggins and Undaunted Courage, and management styles and employee relations.TakeawaysThe impact of Tyson's shift to poultry on consumers and the beef industryThe resilience and challenges faced by ranchers in the face of wildfires Generational challenges in ranchingLegacy and origins of ranchingLand value and historical purchasesChallenges of leasing landBuilding relationships with landlordsRanching stories and mishapsBook discussions: Goggins and Undaunted CourageManagement styles and employee relationsChapters00:00 The Future of Tyson's Poultry and Beef Operations07:05 Ben Sasse's Interview and Reflections on Life (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcT9O5Sjmd0)19:00 Market Trends and Selling Strategies (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1LxRNjVtWZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr)24:38 Generational Challenges in Ranching30:17 Family History and Ranching Beginnings36:17 Building Relationships with Landlords41:45 Ranching Stories and Mishaps48:44 Management Styles and Employee Relations