Casual Cattle Conversations

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
📩 Subscribe to the Casual Cattle Conversations newsletter for weekly insights.

https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ 

Ranch Wedding Venues: Is this the solution to quitting your off-farm job?

Are wedding venues and AirBNBs really a good way for ranchers to make more money? In this episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, host Shaye Wanner sits down with Jason Wrich to explore how ranchers can diversify their income through alternative revenue streams like event hosting, Airbnb, and direct-to-consumer beef sales.

Jason shares the real story behind launching a destination ranch wedding venue, including the startup challenges, marketing strategies, and customer relationships that helped his business grow. He also offers insight into how direct-to-consumer agriculture and a focus on sustainable ranch business models can support generational success in the rural economy.

Whether you're considering alternative revenue for your own operation or just curious about entrepreneurship in agriculture, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration.

🔑 Topics Covered:

Starting a wedding venue on a ranch

Selling beef and pork directly to consumers

Hosting Airbnb guests on rural property

Managing startup costs and marketing

Long-term vision for sustainable ranch businesses

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to Alternative Revenue Streams

03:13 – Transitioning to Direct-to-Consumer Beef

05:18 – Starting a Wedding Venue Business

08:56 – Challenges in the First Year

12:10 – Location and Market Feasibility

16:10 – Unique Selling Points of the Venue

20:22 – Long-Term Goals and Vision

23:39 – Building Customer Relationships

25:30 – The Rewarding Aspects of Hosting Events

27:39 – Marketing Strategies for the Venue

29:39 – Advice for Aspiring Wedding Venue Hosts

✏️ RESOURCES

Westway Feed Products https://bit.ly/4lBtKRK

Ambrook Free Trial ambrook.com/casualcattle

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

Wrich Ranches https://www.wrichranches.com/

 

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more real conversations that help you grow your ranching business.

#RanchingReinvented #CattleRanching #RanchBusiness #AlternativeRevenue #DirectToConsumerBeef #FarmWeddingVenue #AgriTourism #RuralEntrepreneurship #SustainableRanching #CasualCattleConversations #ModernRancher #BeefBusiness #RanchLife

Mental Health and Ranching: Why You Should Dig Up the Family History Book

Why is mental health in agriculture still hard to talk about? In this episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, Shaye Wanner talks with Bridgette and Lauren from the Rural Well Podcast about breaking generational cycles, building support systems, and encouraging therapy in rural communities. From signs of strong mental health to understanding generational trauma, this episode offers tools, stories, and real talk for farmers, ranchers, and anyone passionate about supporting mental health in ag.

 

🧠 Topics Covered:

Why mental health awareness is growing in agriculture

How to spot strong vs. struggling mental health

Resources and training for rural communities

Validating others’ experiences in farm families

The role of therapy and generational healing

✅ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more rancher-focused conversations!

 

📌 CHAPTERS:

00:00 – Introduction to Mental Health in Agriculture

02:05 – Why Bet on Agriculture?

03:30 – The Birth of the Rural Well Podcast

07:07 – Awareness of Mental Health in Agriculture

09:01 – Signs of Strong Mental Health

12:30 – Training for Mental Health Awareness

15:02 – Support Systems for Farmers

16:52 – Therapeutic Approaches for Farmers

18:07 – Understanding Generational Trauma

23:01 – Transforming Trauma into Strength

27:00 – The Role of Validation in Relationships

36:03 – Generational Perspectives on Mental Health

39:42 – Resources for Mental Health Support

Agri-stress helpline – 833-897-2474

National Farmers’ Mental Health Alliance

The Angel Network

 

Episode Resources

Westway Feeds: https://bit.ly/4lBtKRK

Rural Way Promotions: https://bit.ly/42IqKMd

 

#MentalHealthInAg #RuralMentalHealth #FarmerWellness #GenerationalTrauma #TherapyForFarmers #AgriculturePodcast #SupportFarmers #RuralWellPodcast #CasualCattleConversations #AgMentalHealth

Bull Fertility 101: Genetics, Soundness Exams & Vet Collaboration | Jennifer Koziol

Fertility is the foundation of profitability in any cow-calf operation—and in this episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, Shaye Wanner is joined by Jennifer Koziol to talk about everything producers need to know about bull fertility. They break down the importance of breeding soundness exams, the difference between subfertility and infertility, and how genetics, nutrition, and stress affect a bull's ability to perform.

You’ll also hear valuable tips on managing young bulls, making smart bull-buying decisions, and working with veterinarians to set your herd up for success.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Bull Fertility

02:08 – The Importance of Breeding Soundness Exams

08:09 – Understanding Subfertility vs. Infertility

12:40 – Genetic Factors in Bull Fertility

15:44 – Developing Bulls for Optimal Fertility

24:10 – Buying Bulls: Key Considerations

28:30 – Collaboration Between Veterinarians and Producers

 

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations that help you build a profitable and future-focused ranching business.

 

📕 Resources

Westway Feed Products https://bit.ly/4lBtKRK

Performance Beef https://hubs.la/Q03cBlb50

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

 

#CasualCattleConversations #BullFertility #CowCalfProduction #RanchingSuccess #BreedingSoundness #BeefGenetics #YoungBulls #VeterinarianPartnership #LivestockManagement #CattleNutrition #SubfertilityVsInfertility

Maximizing Cattle Nutrition and Cost Efficiency with Liquid Feed

In this episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, Shaye Wanner talks with Kelly Sanders and Taylor Garcia from Westway Feed Products to break down the real benefits of liquid feed in the beef industry. From improving cattle nutrition to supporting better ranch management, this conversation tackles everything from urea safety and cost savings to optimizing calf growth. If you're curious about feed safety, supplement strategies, and boosting profitability on your ranch, this episode is for you.

Top Takeaways:

• Liquid feed enhances pasture utilization and cow health.

• Urea is safe and effective when used correctly.

• Calves over 500 lbs can benefit from liquid nutritional supplements.

• Liquid feed improves labor efficiency and can reduce feed costs.

• Ranchers should seek customized feed programs for best results.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction to Liquid Feed and Its Importance

• 02:57 – Understanding Urea in Liquid Feed

• 05:58 – The Safety and Efficacy of Urea

• 08:55 – Cost Benefits of Liquid Feed

• 11:57 – Nutritional Value and Composition of Urea

• 15:12 – Year-Round Liquid Feed Availability

• 18:12 – Impact on Calf Growth and Development

• 20:48 – Debunking Myths About Urea

• 24:05 – Liquid Feed Delivery and Accessibility

• 26:48 – Final Thoughts and Resources

Connect with Westway Feed Products
📍 Learn more: https://bit.ly/4lBtKRK 

 

Achieve Your Ranch Goals Faster 👉 https://bit.ly/3YzU7h4 

Connect with Shaye – https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ 

A Must Attend Beef Industry Event

In this episode of the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast, host Shaye Wanner speaks with Dr. Bob Weber about the upcoming Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) convention. They discuss the importance of encouraging the younger generation to return to ranching, the role of BIF in the beef industry, and the significance of networking at such events.

The conversation also highlights the Young Producer Symposium, which aims to engage young ranchers in discussions about entrepreneurship, transition planning, and advocacy. Additionally, they explore the impact of AI and machine learning on ranching practices, as well as the logistics of the BIF convention and the value of attending.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

02:19 Encouraging the Next Generation in Ranching

05:14 Understanding the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF)

11:05 The Importance of Networking at BIF

14:38 Young Producer Symposium Overview

22:23 Key Topics at the BIF Convention

34:38 The Role of AI and Machine Learning in Ranching

39:00 Tours and Event Logistics

42:10 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

BIF https://bit.ly/42tg9Du

Performance Beef https://hubs.la/Q03cBlb50

Vigortone Mineral https://bit.ly/3Xe6EGr

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

Connect with the Shaye https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/

#ranching #farming #beefcattle #beefgenetics #cattlebusiness

Grazing Mistakes that Could Cost You the Ranch

In this episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, host Shaye Wanner talks with Devlon Ford of the Noble Research Institute about the fundamentals of grazing management, cattle management, and regenerative ranching. They cover the importance of understanding carrying capacity, stocking rate, and stock density to ensure sustainable and profitable ranching practices.

Devlon provides valuable insights on how to create effective grazing plans, avoid common mistakes, and adapt your strategy for better livestock health and increased profitability. This episode is packed with expert advice on how to balance your grazing strategy to avoid costly mistakes, improve your land, and achieve long-term sustainability. Whether you're a rancher or looking to start in the industry, this conversation will help you make informed decisions about your grazing management.

Key Topics:

The science of grazing management

Carrying capacity vs. stocking rate

How stock density affects soil health and grazing efficiency

The impact of grazing decisions on profitability and livestock health

Creating adaptive grazing plans for your ranch

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment to let us know your thoughts on regenerative ranching and sustainable grazing practices!

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Grazing and Profitability

02:24 - Understanding Carrying Capacity vs. Stocking Rate

14:36 - The Importance of Stock Density in Grazing Management

18:48 - Profitability Implications of Grazing Decisions

22:20 - Adaptive Grazing Strategies for Different Operations

26:22 - Common Mistakes and Missed Opportunities in Grazing Plans

30:00 - Evaluating and Adjusting Herd Size for Sustainability

Resources:

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

Cargill/Vigortone Mineral – https://bit.ly/3Xe6EGr

Performance Livestock Analytics – https://hubs.la/Q03cBlb50

Move the Ranch Forward – https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ranchermind-events/p/move-the-ranch-forward-2025

#grazing #stockingrate #nobleresearch #ranching #beef

Getting Back to Face-to-Face Consumer Interactions

Advocating for the beef industry isn’t just about social media posts—it’s about real, face-to-face conversations that build trust and understanding. In this episode, Kathy Tokash joins Shaye Wanner to share how ranchers can make a difference by engaging with consumers, healthcare professionals, and students.

From classroom visits to conversations in the grocery store, Kathy discusses how personal stories and everyday interactions help bridge the gap between ranchers and consumers. Learn how advocacy has evolved and why even small efforts can shape the future of ranching.

🔹 Why face-to-face advocacy is more powerful than ever
🔹 How youth engagement ensures a strong future for the beef industry
🔹 The role of nutrition education in consumer trust

🔹How advocacy has changed over time
🔹 Easy ways to get started with advocacy today

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to Beef Advocacy: Why it Matters More Than Ever

02:14 – The Importance of the Beef Industry in Everyday Life

05:26 – Face-to-Face Advocacy Strategies: How Ranchers Can Connect with Consumers

11:05 – Advocacy in Healthcare Settings: Educating Professionals on Beef’s Benefits 16:36 – Engaging with Youth: Inspiring the Next Generation of Ranchers & Advocates 24:40 – The Evolution of Advocacy: From Beef Samples to Meaningful Conversations 26:20 – Getting Involved in Advocacy: Small Steps Every Rancher Can Take

Resources

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

Performance Livestock Analytics: https://hubs.la/Q03cBlb50

Cargill Animal Nutrition: https://bit.ly/3Xe6EGr

Casual Cattle Conversations https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/

Tune in to learn how you can champion the beef industry and create lasting connections—one conversation at a time!

#BeefIndustry #CattleAdvocacy #Ranching #ConsumerEducation