Cattlemen’s Call Podcast

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.

Sustainability Is Here To Stay

Cattle producers Mike Williams, Brantley Ivey and James Vaughn are NCBA Sustainability Goals Task Force Members. Joined by Dr. Jason Sawyer of the King Ranch Institute, they share their insights on NCBA’s new sustainability goals, released at the 2021 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. This group of cattle producers, family men and environmental stewards tell how these goals were developed and how they will be achieved.

Ag Influencers Pt. 2: Continuing the Story

Kiah Twisselman, Courtenay DeHoff and Macey Hurst join us again at the 2021 Cattle Convention and NCBA Trade Show. These women are pursuing their passions and ambitions in livestock production, raising cattle and advocacy. They have pursued new avenues of business and new platforms since we last spoke with them, but they continue to share their stories of overcoming adversity in agriculture.

Shaping and Creating: Greeley Hat Works’ Trent Johnson

Cowboy hats are an essential component and tool for cattlemen and women’s daily lives. Master hat maker Trent Johnson owns Greeley Hat Works in Greeley, CO. Since 1909, Greeley Hat Works provides not only a service, but an outlet of personal expression for anyone interested in wearing a hat. Trent discusses the process and history of creating cowboy hats. As well, how the iconic hat creates a connection with beef consumers worldwide with cattle producers in America.

A Digital Transformation: Ranch Management Software

5th generation Colorado rancher Coby Buck shares how his family is optimizing their grazing, improving livestock performance and making better decisions with insights through AgriWebb’s ranch management software. The easy way to keep better records in real-time – even offline. Get better insights to make decisions on the ground or in the office. And it’s all unique to your ranch.