Cattlemen’s Call Podcast

Wildfire: Ranchers Play Role in Fuels Reduction

As catastrophic wildfires continue to impact the Western U.S., ranchers like Mark Roeber and their livestock play a critical role in fuels reduction on the nations public lands. Roeber is the fourth generation on his family’s ranch in Paonio, Colorado, which was homesteaded in 1889 by his great grandfather. Mark is Vice President of the Public Lands Council and gives his insight on the role ranchers and livestock play in the management of the nations public lands.

What NCBA Is Looking Forward to in 2022

Happy New Year! The cattle industry saw a lot of changes in 2021 under the Biden administration from the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to the implementation of a trade deal with Japan and much more in between. We talk with NCBA CEO Colin Woodall and Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane to hear their expectations for the coming year. What has changed since the beginning of 2021? What challenges can cattle producers expect to face in 2022? What goals will NCBA prioritize this year? Listen in to catch all the details!

Holiday Memories from the Ranch

The holiday season is the perfect time to reflect on memories shared with family and friends that might inspire tears of gratitude or tears of laughter. Everyone has stories to tell about holiday shenanigans or heartfelt traditions shared with loved ones. On this episode of Cattlemen’s Call, we are joined by NCBA President-Elect Don Schiefelbein and Policy Division Chair Mark Eisele as they recount holiday tales from their ranches. Hear what anecdotes come to mind when they think of the holiday season. They also share what has shaped their year as officers for NCBA and what they are most proud of. Get to know your NCBA leadership through their personal stories and thoughts. Happy Holidays!

New Processing Plant Opens After Pandemic

Cattlemen and women are working together to open small, locally-owned processing facilities across the U.S. We are joined by Derek Thompson, one of the owners of NextGen Cattle Co. and co-owner of Missouri Prime Beef Packers in Pleasant Hope, MO. After facing processing difficulties that hurt many cattle producers during COVID-19, Missouri Prime Beef Packers opened in early 2021 to offer custom processing and safe, fresh meat to their clients.

Veterans Day: Brothers In Farming

Today, we recognize the veterans who have served our country and given time to protecting us and our loved ones. We are joined by brothers John and Peter Lehning from New York who followed in their father’s footsteps and joined the U.S. Air Forces. Both brothers became pilots — John flew aerial refueling tankers and Peter flew medical evacuation helicopters. Their brotherly banter is a debate between which is better — planes or helicopters. Now, the brothers work together to manage Lehning Farms where they direct-market their beef to customers looking for whole, halves or quarters of beef. These brothers share their unique story of military service, ranching and community involvement.

A Veteran Saved by Cattle

Marvin Frink served 15 years in the U.S. Army, risking his life in various tours across the world. After returning home, Marvin wasn’t the same. But with the help of his father, Marvin found purpose and companionship through raising cattle in Red Springs, N.C. Agriculture and raising beef gave Marvin a sense of responsibility and value again. Today, Marvin runs Briarwood Cattle Farm with his wife, Tanisha, and their children. Listen to how they are expanding their business and giving back to the community.

Meteorologist Matt Makens Provides Weather Outlook

Across the country this year, cattlemen and women have been burdened by natural disasters such as hurricanes, drought and wildfires. We sat down with Matt Makens to ask him what the weather conditions are currently like for the U.S. and where they are headed as we enter winter. He forecasts the drought situation facing the West and talks about large-scale weather events like El Niño/La Niña. Matt also shares his region-by-region expectations for winter. Ranchers can plan and prepare their operation with a good knowledge of what weather patterns will look like in the future.

A Look Into Stocker Production with Bryan Kozak

During the 2021 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, we had the opportunity to interview Bryan Kozak, of Southern Rhythm Farms in Kentucky. We are also joined by Randal Morris from Micro Technologies, the sponsor of the Cattlemen’s Connection booth at the trade show. Hear about Kozak’s experience as a stocker producer. He shares with us the current challenges in this sector, what opportunities producers have, and what tools help him enhance his operation.

Product of the U.S. Label: What’s the Status?

Gene Copenhaver joins us on this episode of Cattlemen’s Call to discuss the Product of the USA label. The Virginia cattlemen has been an influential member of the grassroots policy process NCBA relies on to improve policy conditions for U.S. cattle producers. Listen in as Gene explains the benefit of source-verified labels and the importance of a transparent producer/consumer relationship. Additionally, learn how you, as a producer, can take advantage of AMS Process Verified Programs.

Colorado Cattle Ranch Wins 2020 National ESAP Award

In this episode of Cattlemen’s Call we are joined by Steve Wooten, one of the owners of Beatty Canyon Ranch, who shares his experience and wisdom stewarding a six-generation ranch in Kim, Colo. Steve talks about the importance of maintaining the ranch so his children and grandchildren have the opportunity to make it home one day, if they choose. We all know there are many challenges when it comes to cattle ranching, especially in a drought-prone area. Steve discusses the sustainable practices he and his family implement on their ranch to maintain forage, improve wildlife habitat, increase native specie populations, and still manage a profitable operation.