Cattlemen’s Call Podcast

Matt Makens Talks Weather Patterns, Cattle Comfort and Screwworm

Matt Makens returns to the show to talk about weather patterns that changed from his spring outlook and created unexpected moisture in different regions of the country this spring and summer. He also discusses his Cattle Comfort Index, a tool he is developing to help cattle feeders and cow-calf producers to manage heat stress on cattle and give producers better opportunity to prepare. In addition, Matt explores the history of the New World screwworm and explains what temperatures and environments NWS thrives in. Plus, hear from our partners Rabo AgriFinance and Ritchie.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Clip from Holes (2003), Walt Disney Pictures — “I’m tired of this, Grandpa!”
Clip from Reno 911!, Comedy Central — “New Boot Goofin’.”

King Ranch Institute: Building Leaders for Ranching’s Future

On this episode, host Lane Nordlund visits with Dr. Rick Machen, Executive Director of the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management, and graduate Garrett Stribling. They share the Institute’s mission of preparing future ranching leaders, the value of advanced training in ranch management, and how KRIRM’s legacy is shaping the next generation of cattlemen and women.
#KingRanchInstitute #RanchManagement #Cattlemen #FutureOfRanching #AgLeadership #BeefIndustry
#CattlemensCall #CattlePodcast #NCBA #LaneNordlund #RanchingLife #AgPodcast
 

Get Back to Doing What You Love Without Pain

Cattle producers know what it’s like to push through pain to get the job done, finish chores, feed and take care of their family. And Rachel O’Grady has personal experience with overcoming extreme pain to pursue her goals. Now she helps rural farmers, ranchers and rodeo athletes to heal and find pain relief without surgery or endless appointments. Rachel shares her story of overcoming a paralyzing disability and how that shaped her business, MSK Guide based out of Arizona, where she finds solutions for ranchers and farmers to continue working and earning a living, doing what they love. This episode is sponsored by MSK Guide (www.mskguide.com).
 

Colin Woodall & Ethan Lane Talk One Big Beautiful Bill

With the recent passing of the One Big Beautiful Bill, NCBA CEO Colin Woodall and Senior Vice President Ethan Lane dive into the important pieces of this bill for cattle producers including tax provisions. They examine Congress’s work on disaster relief programs and wildfire management as well as NCBA’s work defending public land grazing. With producer profitability always top of mind, NCBA’s Washington, D.C., team has had a busy year and is continuing to advocate on behalf of cattle producers on a variety of issues. 

Special Episode: The Threat of New World Screwworm

The New World screwworm has become a topic of discussion amongst cattle producers in the last few months as the pest has moved into Mexico. NCBA, state affiliates and USDA have partnered, working to prepare for this potential threat. In this episode, host Lane Nordlund sits down with NCBA CEO Colin Woodall and Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association First Vice President Stephen Diebel to discuss the issue as it stands today.

Larry Primeaux: Game Warden, Guardsman and Cattleman

Larry and Ellie Primeaux, first-generation cattle farmers in Mississippi, balance full-time careers with raising Angus and Brangus cattle. Larry, a dedicated game warden and K-9 handler with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, brings his deep knowledge of local wildlife to their cattle operation. Ellie, a passionate 5th-grade teacher, integrates agriculture into the classroom, educating the next generation about farming and rural life. Larry and Ellie offer real-life insights into modern cattle farming plus the challenges and rewards of starting from scratch. They discuss how Larry’s law enforcement and military career often take him away from the farm for long stretches, but how fulfilling it is to serve their community and country. Larry and Ellie have taken advantage of opportunities for beginning producers and see value in meeting peers in the industry and furthering their education.
 

Forestry & Forage: A New York Cattleman’s Story

Brett Chedzoy of Angus Glen Farms in Watkins Glen, New York, shares how his family built a successful grass-fed cow-calf operation practicing agroforestry and silvopasture. As the 2024 ESAP Region I award winner, Brett discusses sustainable grazing, managing 100 paddocks across 500 acres, and using cattle to improve both land and legacy. From Argentina to upstate New York, their story displays stewardship, family, and forward thinking.
The Environmental Stewardship Award Program is sponsored by USDA NRCS, Corteva Agriscience, and USFWS.

How Can the Industry Improve Carcass Measurements?

Accuracy is important to move the industry in the right direction and cattle size and frame have changed significantly, but the yield grading system hasn’t changed since the 1960s to match them. We need new technology and new grading algorithms to accurately measure carcass data and return profit to the producer. Professor Ty Lawrence with West Texas A&M University and James Henderson with the Bradley 3 Ranch in Texas join us to talk about the changes coming to red meat yield.
https://www.stockmanshipandstewardship.org/

Gina Tran: Bridging Cultures in the Cattle Industry

Gina Tran grew up in Orlando, Florida, without any agriculture experience or family connection. However, her introduction to agriculture in the FFA classroom transformed the trajectory of her thinking and education. Gina went on to earn an animal science degree from the University of Florida and work on numerous large ranches in Florida and Texas where she learned to rope, ride and so much more. Her passion for cattle farmers and ranchers led her to co-host a podcast, Herding Her Story, to share the challenges and beauty of the beef industry and has been a guide for her future career path. Learn more at herding-her-story.blubrry.net.

Heifer Development Farm Shines with Sustainable Practices

Minnesota cattle farmers Rachel Gray and her son Nick Grundmeier share about their unique heifer development program. Little Timber Farms has come a long way since its dairy farming days, and now their innovative practices include seeding with drone technology, rotational grazing, bore water, and bale grazing in addition to their genetic advancements. Rachel, her father, and her son Nick have made decisions that maximize the profitability and longevity of the business and the land. They are proud to represent Minnesota as the 2024 Region III Environmental Stewardship Award Program winner, sponsored by USDA NRCS, Corteva Agriscience, and USFWS.