Practically Ranching

Kelli Retallick is President of Angus Genetics, Inc, a subsidiary of the American Angus Association. AGI was established in 2007 to provide services to the beef industry that assist in the genetic evaluation of economically important traits.In this episode, we start with the basics of Expected Progeny Differences. We then discuss the continued need for phenotypes and measurements, even as genetic evaluations incorporate more genomic information into their calculations and algorithms. We talk about new EPDs coming down the pike for better reproductive efficiency selection tools. We touch on gene editing technology and even get philosophical on whether all this science diminishes the "art" that many still believe should exist in cattle breeding.This episode may best resonate with those in the seedstock sector, but it's a conversation that should be good for other industry segments, as well, as we strive for the most practical, profitable genetics possible in the beef industry.Angus Genetics Inc.

Dr. Larry Corah has served the beef industry in various roles over the past 60 years. His diverse degrees within animal husbandry and science are only eclipsed by the diverse jobs that he has held within the industry. Larry has seen many wild swings within the beef industry but has always maintained a steady demeanor and strong desire for knowledge and solutions for producers.In this episode, we talk about the effect of Beef x Dairy product on our industry, beef demand through the pandemic, increased carcass size challenges, new mid-sized packers and price discovery. Like always, Larry is well-versed in just about any beef topic he's thrown, so it's a great conversation.

Gordon Hibbard owns the Kansas Heartland franchise of the Dale Carnegie Training Course. He formerly led both the Kansas 4H Foundation and the Kansas Farm Bureau, plus has held countless volunteer leadership positions throughout his life. Gordon grew up in my home county, serving as an FFA District officer for SE Kansas in 1971, just 51 years prior to our son Lyle serving in this same capacity. He's always had a knack for communication, interpersonal communication and finding the best in people. What's more, his lovely wife, Karen also leads the Manhattan (KS) Convention & Visitor's bureau as their longtime Director.In the podcast, your host incorrectly associated Dale Carnegie with the Carnegie Library system. In fact, Andrew Carnegie, the  19th century steel mogul and philanthropist, was the man who funded thousands of libraries built across the U.S. (and countless other philanthropic endeavors). The two men are not related. My apologies for the incorrect association.www.dalecarnegie.comBook: How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie

Luke Westerman is a Supervisory District Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Kansas. He provides consulting, technical assistance and leadership for farmers, ranchers and landowners wishing to best manage the natural resources on their land. In our conversation, we touch on the formation of the Flint Hills, the woody invasion of the plains and the many functions of this unique ecosystem in Kansas. We are fortunate to have folks like Luke who look at their government "job" as much more than just a paycheck. Luke is deeply invested in the Flint Hills region and all of its flora and fauna. He and his wife, Mindy, are our friends and fellow leaders in our community.  Mindy is our kids' 4H club leader and Luke now serves as our Eureka City Fire Chief (didn't even get time to talk about that on this episode), as well as various other volunteer positions.So enjoy this discussion about the Flint Hills, how they have persisted through the centuries, and what lessons they can teach us as we go forth.Home | NRCS (usda.gov)

Kurt Hogan was formerly the lead of Digital Transformation at The Boston Consulting Group and lives in Atherton, CA, where he continues to work with growing software companies as an investor and operator.  Originally from the Spearville, KS, area, he has worked as a business consultant in computer and digital technology for more than 25 years.Kurt and his wife, Kate, have both spent their careers travelling around the world while assisting large companies improve their technology, data management, labor and other business operations. Now living in the heart of the Silicon Valley, they are on the forefront of business and social trends. As they work and live in this competitive, fast-paced region, they still recognize the importance of rural America, its people and values.Listen as Kurt highlights some areas where the beef community can best adapt and implement technology to most effectively grow and improve our businesses in the future.

Glen and his family are great neighbors, customers and friends. They own and operate a diverse ranching operation consisting of custom grazing, a cowherd and even a small direct beef business.We cover plenty of practical ranching issues this week, ranging from tasks associated with custom grazing of yearlings in the Flint Hills to rangeland fire to cattle handling and even family communication and succession planning. Notes:www.ksfire.org

Jarrod Gillig is President of Business Operations and Supply Chain - North America Protein at Cargill. In this role, he oversees operations for their beef division, as well as several other protein segments within Cargill’s scope.Jarrod grew up on a farm near Odessa, MO, and has been with Cargill in a variety of roles over his tenure. In addition to his “day job," Jarrod and his family also have a small herd of cattle and his children are active in 4H and the National Junior Hereford Association.My conversation with Jarrod is a continuation of several episodes (#3, 8 and 10) over the past month or two that have touched on fed cattle marketing and the challenges that we have seen over the past few years in cattle marketing—especially at the fed cattle level.

Charly Cummings is an auctioneer, cattleman and entrepreneur from Yates Center, Kansas. An LMA World Champion Auctioneer, Charly continues to be a proponent of the auction method of marketing cattle, land and other agricultural products.As we continue our discussion of beef cattle marketing, Charly shares his first-hand perspective of how producers can study trends, consult with marketing experts and formulate a plan to best market their cattle. In addition, he shares his belief that producers need to research the issues, consider various viewpoints, communicate and then develop some unity to address marketing challenges and help sustain our farms and ranches into the future.If you haven't already, listen to Episodes 3 and 8 as we continue this topic of beef cattle marketing. www.superiorlivestock.comVaughn Roth Land Brokers

Jeanne and David Clawson are farmers and ranchers. They're leaders. They're former 4H'ers and raised their three children in the Kansas 4H program in Meade County.Join us as we discuss the many values that 4H offers our youth, plus get insight on how to find that balance between "winning at all costs" and "letting the kid sink or swim."Good luck to all of you involved in 4H during this busy time of year. We wish you all the best....now I have to go help the kids clip show steers.

Shawn Tiffany and his brother, Shane, own and manage Tiffany Cattle Company, Inc, a complete cattle feeding and marketing service in eastern Kansas. Tiffany Cattle Co. has a one-time capacity of 35,000 head in their three feedyards. Shawn’s primary duties are the farming and grain inventory side of their business, as well as assisting in cattle health, feeding management, marketing and financial aspects of Tiffany Cattle Co. Shawn currently serves as President-Elect of the Kansas Livestock Association. In addition, Shawn is part of Elevate Ag, a company that offers products, services and knowledge for regenerative agriculture.Shawn and his wife, Nicky, spend countless hours educating their family, their community and the world about agriculture and the values that rural America holds dear.Links:www.tiffanycattle.comwww.elevateag.comwww.Wingit.usTwitter: @Shawn_TiffanyMarket to Market Podcast: www.iowapbs.org/shows/mtom/mtom-podcast/podcast/7827/taking-hat-congress-talk-cattle-shawn-tiffany