Casual Cattle Conversations

Breaking Down Profitability: Expenses, Goals and a Path Forward

Join host Shaye Wanner on the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast as she chats with Patrick Jones from the Noble Research Institute about strategies for ranch profitability. Learn how to set realistic financial goals, manage overhead and direct costs, and avoid common accounting pitfalls to ensure your ranch thrives.

Learn more about Noble: https://bit.ly/3DD7uG0

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

02:15 - Meet Patrick Jones

05:30 - Setting Financial Goals

10:45 - Understanding Overhead Costs

15:20 - Direct Costs and Common Mistakes

20:00 - Resources and Courses for Ranchers

25:30 - Patrick's Reflections and Advice

 

Hashtags: #RanchProfitability #CattleConversations #SustainableRanching

Choosing the Right Bull: Precision Genetics for Commercial Ranchers with Marty Ropp

Are you ready to make more confident bull-buying decisions that truly move your ranch forward? In this episode, Shaye Wanner visits with Marty Ropp of Allied Genetic Resources to discuss how commercial cow-calf producers can leverage genomics through the Right Bull program to select bulls that align with their goals and cows. Marty shares how precision mating, large-effect genes, and genomic compatibility are revolutionizing herd improvement—saving time, reducing risk, and increasing uniformity and profitability.

Whether you're buying one bull or managing hundreds, this episode will help you understand how to turn genetics into ROI.

What You’ll Learn:

• The biggest risks and missed opportunities in bull selection
• How the Right Bull program matches bulls to your cow herd
• What “large-effect genes” are and why they matter
• How both small and large producers can benefit
• What it costs to get started—and why it pays off

Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Marty Ropp’s background
01:45 – Why Marty bet on the beef industry
03:50 – Top risks in bull selection
05:30 – Defining goals for genetic selection
06:40 – How the Right Bull program works
11:20 – What large-effect genes mean for your herd
13:30 – Example of bull ranking and results
17:35 – How Right Bull is different from other programs
19:30 – Costs and return on investment
23:30 – Seedstock provider involvement and response
26:30 – Who this program is best suited for
28:15 – Breed flexibility & customization
31:45 – Marty’s reflections on his early career
33:10 – Final thoughts & how to connect

🔗 Resources & Links:
📌 Right Bull Program – https://bit.ly/44XIFzl

📌 Noble Research Institute – https://bit.ly/3DD7uG0
📌 Calf Marketing Short Course (Register by July 28th!) – https://bit.ly/46olT4K
📌 Pluck Seasoning (use code SHAYEWANNER for 15% off) – EatPluck.com
🌟 Support the show by leaving a review & sharing with your ranching peers.

Online Vs. Traditional Bull Sales: What Works Best for Ranchers?

In this episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, host Shaye Koester-Wanner reconnects with Casey Fanta, seedstock manager at Wulf Cattle, to explore how the beef industry is evolving—especially when it comes to online bull sales. Casey shares how COVID-19 accelerated their transition to digital auctions, the value of customer relationships, and how the beef quality landscape has changed over the years. From open houses to impulse buying, you'll get a deep look at the pros, cons, and practicalities of selling bulls online.

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Reconnecting and Industry Insights
01:51 – The Evolution of Beef Quality
03:56 – Transitioning to Online Bull Sales
07:12 – Customer Engagement in the Digital Age
10:31 – Balancing Tradition and Innovation
14:14 – Adapting to Online Sales
18:20 – Customer Relationships and New Clientele
21:07 – Reflections on the Beef Industry Journey

Key Takeaways:

• How online sales reduce impulse buying
• The critical role of communication in bull marketing
• Wulf Cattle’s approach to customer education and long-term relationships
• Beef quality trends and industry shifts over the decades

Episode Resources

Noble Research: https://bit.ly/3DD7uG0

Wulf Cattle: https://bit.ly/3I8Yri4

Cattle Marketing Series: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/sell-smarter

Pluck: https://eatpluck.com/?ref=SHAYEWANNER 

Keep or Cull: Economic Insights for Managing Open Cows

In this episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, Jon Biermacher joins to explore the critical economic decisions ranchers face—particularly around culling cows. Jon dives into the financial trade-offs, market signals, and resilience that define today's beef producers. Discover why cull cows can significantly impact ranch revenue and what ranchers need to consider before keeping open cows. This is a must-listen for producers wanting to make smarter, margin-driven decisions in a volatile market.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Cull cows can drive meaningful revenue.
• Ranchers must weigh costs, time, and resources when managing open cows.
• Market trends in beef prices reflect broader consumer demand.
• Ranchers show resilience and adaptability during economic pressure.
• Economic diplomacy supports industry-wide collaboration.

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to the Beef Industry and Its Resilience
07:28 – Cull Cows: Economic Considerations and Rancher Decisions
16:42 – Analyzing the Value of Keeping Open Cows
24:35 – Market Trends and Future Predictions for Ranchers
36:32 – Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections on Ranching

Episode Resources

Noble Research: https://bit.ly/3DD7uG0

Cattle Marketing Series: https://bit.ly/46olT4K

Pluck Seasoning: https://eatpluck.com/?ref=SHAYEWANNER

The Future of Virtual Fencing with SenseHub Vence

What if fencing your pastures no longer required posts, wires, or constant upkeep? In this episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, Shaye Wanner talks with Gary Tiller about virtual fencing technology and its game-changing potential for the cattle industry. From grazing efficiency and labor savings to better land utilization and improved quality of life for ranchers, Gary outlines how Merck Animal Health is shaping the future of livestock management with the SenseHub Vence product.

Discover what onboarding looks like, how the subscription model works, and how this tech supports sustainable agriculture and conservation programs. Whether you're a tech-savvy rancher or just curious about how this fits into your operation, this episode delivers insights that matter.

LEARN MORE ABOUT VENCE: https://bit.ly/4kfWrCG

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to Virtual Fencing and Its Importance
03:01 – Benefits of Virtual Fencing for Ranchers
05:59 – Individual Ranch Goals and Adoption of Technology
08:44 – Government Support and Conservation Programs
11:35 – How Virtual Fencing Technology Works
14:39 – Onboarding Process for Ranchers
17:33 – Software Features and Benefits
20:25 – Challenges and Hesitations in Adopting Technology
23:17 – Evaluating Fit for Virtual Fencing
26:09 – Intangibles and Quality of Life Improvements
29:13 – Personal Reflections and Career Insights

CONNECT WITH SHAYE: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/

The Truth About Wagyu with Arlie Reeves

In this episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, host Shaye Wanner chats with Arlie Reeves about her family's journey raising Wagyu cattle. From the breed’s rich history to marketing premium beef and correcting industry misconceptions, Arlie shares valuable insights for ranchers, consumers, and anyone curious about the future of high-quality beef. Learn how consumer demand, direct-to-consumer sales, and proper animal husbandry all play a role in building a resilient Wagyu operation.

Whether you're new to the breed or considering diversifying your herd, this episode offers practical ranching advice and real-world lessons from the pasture.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Wagyu cattle are prized for high marbling and quality.

• Consumer interest in Wagyu has surged post-COVID.

• Misconceptions persist around the breed’s origin and strength.

• Direct-to-consumer sales empower transparency and education.

• The cattle business requires patience and long-term vision.

• Local processor relationships are key to success.

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📌 Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Wagyu Cattle and the Beef Industry
03:11 – The Reeves Family Journey with Wagyu
06:12 – Marketing Wagyu Genetics and Beef
08:56 – Consumer Attraction to Wagyu Beef
11:48 – Misconceptions About Wagyu Cattle
14:59 – Advice for Aspiring Wagyu Ranchers
18:09 – Challenges and Resilience in Raising Wagyu
21:11 – Reflections and Lessons Learned
24:09 – Connecting with Consumers and Community

Episode Resources

https://bit.ly/4kfWrCG

https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ 

Why You Always Feel Behind on the Ranch And How to Fix It

In this solo episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, Shaye Koester-Wanner addresses a feeling many ranchers know all too well—feeling behind. She explores why that mindset exists, how it relates to the entrepreneurial nature of ranching, and how shifting your perspective can lead to greater satisfaction and measurable progress.

Shaye shares actionable advice for setting clear goals, practicing self-reflection, and celebrating milestones—no matter how small. If you’re a rancher driven to succeed but often feel stuck or behind, this episode is a reminder that your progress deserves recognition.

Key Takeaways:

• Ranchers share traits with high-performing entrepreneurs.

• Progress should be measured backward, not forward.

• Writing down goals helps you realize when you’ve surpassed them.

• Celebrating achievements builds morale and motivation.

• Success should be defined on your own terms.

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Success in Ranching
02:52 – Measuring Progress and Setting Goals
06:07 – Celebrating Achievements and Defining Success

Episode Resources

Move the Ranch Forward https://bit.ly/3YzU7h4

Vence https://bit.ly/4kfWrCG 

Ambrook www.ambrook.com/casualcattle

Creep Feeding: Will it Pay Off?

In this episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, Shaye Wanner and Mark Johnson discuss the practice of creep feeding in cattle management. They explore the advantages and disadvantages of creep feeding, its impact on calf weight gain, and the factors influencing its profitability. The conversation also delves into the importance of selecting the right ration for creep feeding and the potential of creep grazing as an alternative. Mark emphasizes the need for producers to evaluate their specific circumstances and market conditions to determine the viability of creep feeding in their operations.

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Creep Feeding
05:00 Understanding Creep Feeding Benefits
10:08 Evaluating Profitability Factors
15:05 Ration Considerations for Creep Feeding
18:03 Final Thoughts on Creep Feeding

 

Episode Resources

Try Ambrook for FREE: ambrook.com/casualcattle 

Vence: https://bit.ly/4kfWrCG 

https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/

Creep Grazing: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/casual-cattle-conversations-podcast-shownotes/creep-grazing 

Bloodlines and Bottom Lines: Navigating Family and Finance on the Ranch

In this episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, host Shaye Wanner sits down with Dave Specht, a leading voice on generational ranching and family business continuity. Together, they dive into the complexities of ranch succession planning, emphasizing the importance of long-term goals, financial transparency, and the often-overlooked influence of matriarchs in agriculture.

Listeners will gain insights into:

• Aligning generational expectations

• Building stronger family relationships

• Encouraging rising generations to find their fit

• Using family history to shape future business decisions

Whether you're planning a ranch transition or strengthening your family’s communication, this episode is packed with valuable advice on securing the future of your family operation.

Chapters:

• 00:00 – Introduction to Generational Ranching Dynamics

• 03:06 – Understanding Long-Term Goals in Family Ranching

• 05:54 – The Importance of Family Relationships

• 09:13 – Financial Transparency Across Generations

• 11:50 – Aligning Goals: Growth vs. Lifestyle

• 14:47 – The Role of Family History in Decision Making

• 18:06 – Generational Differences in Lifestyle Expectations

• 20:58 – Identifying Fit for the Family Business

• 24:03 – The Role of Matriarchs in Family Business Continuity

• 26:46 – Final Thoughts on Family Relationships and Business Success

Resources

Try Ambrook for FREE: ambrook.com/casualcattle 

https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ 

A Simple Path to Financial Clarity for Ranchers with Ambrook

In this episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, host Shaye Wanner sits down with Jason and Candice, alongside Maika from Ambrook, to unpack the realities of diversified ranching, the power of precise bookkeeping, and how financial clarity is reshaping ranch businesses. From navigating multiple enterprises to earning consumer trust, this conversation is packed with insights for modern ranchers committed to growth, profitability, and transparency.

Whether you're running a multi-faceted operation or just looking to better understand your numbers, this episode sheds light on how tools like Ambrook can offer ranchers more control, confidence, and clarity.

Get 1 month of Ambrook FREE: ambrook.com/casualcattle 

Key Takeaways:

• Diversification is a smart strategy for risk management and profitability.

• Clear bookkeeping reduces stress and improves decision-making.

• Consumer confidence in agriculture starts with transparency.

• Tools like Ambrook empower families running ranches and farms.

🔗 Learn more about Ambrook: ambrook.com/casualcattle
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https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/