Casual Cattle Conversations

Risk Management Ideas for Ranchers

In this episode of the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast, Shaye talks with Dr. Josh Maples about price risk management strategies for cattle producers. Dr. Maples discusses the importance of understanding risk tolerance and the various tools available to manage price risk, such as futures and options, and livestock risk protection (LRP). The conversation emphasizes the need for cattle producers to plan proactively rather than reactively. Topics include the financial and mental aspects of risk management, the role of diversification, and common mistakes producers make. Dr. Maples also shares useful resources for further information.

 

Links & Resources

 

Learn more about Ranching.com at https://bit.ly/3LMAizU

 

Sign up for the Profit Foundations for Ranchers here: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/profit-foundations-for-ranchers

 

Learn more about the Ranch Channel here: https://bit.ly/ranchchannel

 

Catch more conversations like this one and learn more at https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/

 

00:44 Meet Dr. Josh Maples

02:26 Importance of Risk Management

04:58 Financial Considerations for Risk Management

07:50 Price Risk Management Tools

15:46 Common Mistakes and Best Practices

18:47 Final Thoughts and Resources

How to Find Your Most Profitable Cows

In this episode of the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast, Shaye interviews Shane White from Ceres Tag. They discuss new features aimed at maximizing cow performance, focusing on fertility, estrous alerts, and calving alerts. Shane highlights how Ceres Tag's technology automates cow behavior tracking via satellite, providing valuable data for improving reproductive efficiency and profitability. They also cover how the new subscription model makes this technology more accessible to ranchers. The episode emphasizes the importance of data-driven decisions to enhance the future of ranching. 

Learn more about Ceres Tag here: https://bit.ly/45WlwfW

Catch more conversations like this one and learn more at https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/

• 00:15 Guest Introduction: Shane White from Ceres Tag 
• 01:10 The Importance of Ag Technology 
• 02:13 Overview of Ceres Tag's Offerings 
• 03:48 Maximizing Cow Efficiency with Data 
• 05:37 New Features: Fertility and Reproductive Capabilities 
• 08:35 Natural Service and Mounting Scores 
• 10:33 Synchronization and AI in Cattle 
• 14:27 Calving Alerts and Behavior Metrics 
• 18:51 Business Model and Cost Structure 
• 22:43 Impact on the American Beef Industry 
• 33:52 Final Thoughts and Contact Information 

Profit Tips for Managing Yearlings

In this episode of the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast, Shaye talks with Doug Ferguson, known as Mr. CattleMaster, about profitable strategies for selling, buying, and managing stocker cattle. The discussion covers various aspects of Doug's sell-buy marketing approach, the importance of managing high-risk cattle, and recognizing value in different cattle groups. Doug shares his insights on animal health protocols, the significance of knowing market trends, and the need for experience in handling different cattle types. The conversation also touches on common mistakes in the industry, how to make informed purchasing decisions, and strategies for maximizing profits in fluctuating markets. 

Catch more conversations like this one and learn more at https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/

Links & Resources

Start your free trial or learn more about CattleMax here: https://bit.ly/4aG7K5q

Get a head start on your year with our Profit Foundations for Ranchers Course here: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/profit-foundations-for-ranchers

Learn more about the Ranch Channel here: https://bit.ly/ranchchannel 

00:00 Welcome to Casual Cattle Conversations 

00:18 Introducing Doug Ferguson: Mr. CattleMaster 

02:36 The Sell-Buy Marketing Approach 

03:19 Why Stocker Cattle? 

04:17 Key Considerations for Buying Stockers 

08:12 Appraising and Managing Stocker Cattle 

15:28 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Stockers 

19:19 Marketing and Selling Strategies 

25:28 Final Thoughts  

New Year, New Goals: How to Increase Ranch Efficiency with CattleMax

In this episode of the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast, Shaye interviews Terrell Miller, founder and CEO of CattleMax, the leading cattle management software. They discuss the importance of setting New Year’s resolutions for ranchers, focusing on long-term profitability, goal-setting frameworks, and the significance of organized herd records. Terrell also shares insights on transitioning to digital records, using electronic IDs, integrating genomic testing, and the role of data in ranch management. Miller emphasizes the need for efficient data management to improve decision-making and ensure the sustainability of ranching operations for future generations.

Learn more about CattleMax and start your free trial here: https://bit.ly/4aG7K5q 

Catch more conversations like this one and learn more at https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ 

• 00:16 Meet Terrell Miller: Founder of CattleMax
• 00:59 The Importance of New Year's Resolutions for Ranchers
• 02:49 Setting Goals for Long-Term Profitability
• 03:35 Effective Frameworks for Goal Setting
• 06:34 The Role of Organization in Ranching
• 08:52 Features of CattleMax Software
• 18:56 Electronic IDs and Genomic Testing
• 22:36 Data Sharing and Privacy in Ranching
• 25:14 Transition Planning for Ranchers
• 27:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Spring Calving Health Tips

In this episode of the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast, Shaye discusses calf health during the calving season with Dr. Troy Dutton and Dr. Joseph Hochhalter, owners of Steele Veterinary Clinic. They delve into the importance of good nutrition, ensuring timely and adequate colostrum intake, and maintaining proper sanitation in calving barns to prevent diseases like scours and pneumonia. The conversation also covers differences in calving strategies based on seasonal weather conditions, emphasizing the need for preventive measures and good animal health practices year-round. This episode is filled with valuable insights for ranchers looking to improve calf health and overall herd productivity. 

Catch more conversations like this one and learn more at https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ 

 

Links & Resources 

• Start your free trial or learn more about CattleMax here: https://bit.ly/4aG7K5q 

• Get a head start on your year with our Profit Foundations for Ranchers Course here: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/profit-foundations-for-ranchers  

• Learn more about the Ranch Channel here: https://bit.ly/ranchchannel 

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 
• 00:17 Meet the Experts: Dr. Troy Dutton and Dr. Joseph Hochhalter 
• 01:14 Importance of Calf Health During Calving 
• 04:14 Challenges of Winter Calving 
• 08:47 Spring Calving: Adjusting to Weather Changes 
• 15:04 Preventative Measures for Calving Season 
• 16:25 Year-Round Animal Health Strategies 
• 18:16 The Critical Role of Colostrum 
• 20:33 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways 
• 23:24 Conclusion and Podcast Support 

Why We DNA Test Commercial Heifers

In this episode of the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast, Shaye discusses the importance and benefits of genomic testing for commercial heifers, a practice she uses on her ranch with her husband and father-in-law. Shaye explains the ease and process of taking tissue samples from the ear for DNA testing, the valuable data it provides, and how it helps in making informed decisions about heifer selection and bull selection, ultimately improving herd quality and productivity. She also shares personal insights into adapting to these advanced techniques on your own operation. Tune in wherever you listen to podcasts!  

 

Catch more conversations like this one and learn more at https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/

Learn more about Profit Foundations for Ranchers here: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/profit-foundations-for-ranchers

 

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 

00:17 Personal Insights on Genomic Testing 

05:23 The Process of Genomic Testing 

07:58 Benefits and Challenges of Genomic Testing 

16:39 Conclusion and Contact Information 

Retaining Ranch Employees

In this episode of the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast, Shaye interviews Kane Wellnitz about effective strategies for employee retention in ranching and agriculture. Kane shares insights from his experiences as a rancher and ag business owner, discussing challenges and solutions for retaining employees. Key topics include fostering ownership among employees, the importance of communication, and offering flexibility. Kane also touches on the necessity of providing competitive salaries and exploring talent from related industries. He provides an overview of his family's ranch operations and his consulting business, Landbridge Partners, emphasizing ways to improve management and maintain a committed workforce.

 

Catch more conversations like this one and learn more at https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/

 

Learn more about Profit Foundations for Ranchers here: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/profit-foundations-for-ranchers 

 

 

00:00 Introduction to Casual Cattle Conversations

00:17 Guest Introduction: Kane Wellnitz

02:09 Kane's Ranching Background

04:37 Employee Retention Strategies on the Ranch

05:27 Consulting Business Insights

06:54 Lessons Learned in Hiring and Retention

09:23 Challenges and Solutions in Ranch Management

13:03 Finding and Retaining the Right Employees

27:07 Final Thoughts and Advice

30:54 Conclusion and Podcast Support

What Ranchers Need to Know About Vitamin A

In this episode of the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast, Shaye is joined by Dr. Blane Lowe to discuss vitamin A deficiencies in cattle herds. The conversation covers the importance of vitamin A for cattle health, symptoms of deficiency, and prevention strategies. Dr. Lowe explains how vitamin A impacts various organ systems, reproductive efficiency, and overall cattle productivity. The episode also delves into environmental factors affecting vitamin A uptake and practical supplementation methods, including a specialized product developed by Dr. Lowe. With expert insights, this episode is essential for ranchers aiming to maintain the health and productivity of their herds during the winter months.

00:00 Welcome to Casual Cattle Conversations

 

Catch more conversations like this one and learn more at https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/

 

Learn more about Profit Foundations for Ranchers here: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/profit-foundations-for-ranchers

 

00:18 Introduction to Vitamin A Deficiencies

00:49 Meet Dr. Blane Lowe

02:24 The Importance of Vitamin A in Cattle

04:03 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin A Deficiency

05:34 Geographical and Environmental Factors

07:32 Supplementation Strategies

15:02 Innovative Solutions: OPT Aid

17:01 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Tax Tips for Ranchers

In this episode of the 'Casual Cattle Conversations' podcast, Shaye interviews CPA Hannah Mann, who specializes in serving agricultural clients. They delve into practical tax and bookkeeping tips for ranchers, highlighting the importance of effective and marginal tax rates, and the potential benefits of income averaging using Schedule J. Hannah Mann shares her passion for the agricultural industry and her unique insights from both a professional and personal perspective. The discussion also covers common mistakes ranchers make with end-of-year bookwork and tips on utilizing software like Ambrook for efficient bookkeeping. Hannah emphasizes the importance of knowing your effective tax rate to make informed financial decisions and avoid unnecessary expenditures. Listeners will find valuable strategies to better manage their financials and leverage tax benefits specific to the agricultural industry. 

Learn more about Ambrook: ambrook.com/casualcattle   

Catch more conversation like this one and learn more at https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/

00:00 Welcome to Casual Cattle Conversations 
00:18 Introducing Hannah Mann: Tax Tips for Ranchers 
01:08 Hannah's Passion for Agriculture 
02:43 Tax Strategies and Bookkeeping Tips 
07:05 Common Mistakes in Ranch Bookkeeping 
11:22 Effective Tax Rate vs. Marginal Tax Rate 
21:59 Retirement Accounts for Farmers and Ranchers 
25:58 Understanding Raised vs. Purchased Cattle 
26:57 Importance of Accurate Bookkeeping 
28:10 Tips for Organizing Bookwork 
29:08 Benefits of Using Ambrook Software 
31:46 Challenges with QuickBooks 
42:19 Tax Strategies and Effective Tax Rates 
45:19 Final Thoughts and Recommendations 

Cattle Market Q&A

In this episode of the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast, Shaye sits down with Tim Petry from North Dakota State University to discuss the intricacies of the current cattle markets. The conversation covers producer-submitted questions, providing insights on price trends, the impact of global markets, and the future outlook for the cattle industry. Tim sheds light on the importance of sticking to traditional marketing plans, the volatility in the futures market, and the factors influencing the high demand and low supply scenario. He also shares valuable resources for producers to stay updated. Tune in for a comprehensive discussion aimed at helping producers make informed decisions in a fluctuating market. 

Get the resources mentioned in this episode here: https://bit.ly/CCC-resources 

Learn more about Profit Foundations for Ranchers here: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/profit-foundations-for-ranchers 

Order your flavor of Pluck here: https://eatpluck.com/?ref=SHAYEWANNER 

• 00:42 Meet Tim Petry: Cattle Market Expert 

• 03:38 Current State of the Cattle Market 

• 10:54 Producer Questions: Beef Prices and Market Trends 

• 15:53 Global Cattle Herds and Future Market Predictions 

• 23:24 Strategies for Producers in a Volatile Market 

• 30:11 Resources and Current Events 

• 39:15 Conclusion and Listener Support