Casual Cattle Conversations

In this episode of the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast, Shaye chats with Luke Ressler about innovative ranching practices that improve both livestock management and soil health. Luke and his wife Elli operate a diversified ranch in Northeastern North Dakota. They delve into the benefits of using cover crops and bale grazing to extend grazing days and enhance soil quality, especially in challenging Northern climates. Luke shares insights from their fall and winter grazing practices, the integration of no-till farming, and their transition to fall calving. The episode also covers the challenges and learning curves associated with these methods, offering practical advice for ranchers looking to adopt similar strategies.   00:17 Meet Luke Ressler: Diversified Ranching in North Dakota 02:40 Grazing Practices and Soil Health 07:29 Cover Crops: Implementation and Benefits 19:27 Challenges and Adaptations in Ranching 25:10 Bale Grazing: Techniques and Benefits 34:30 Reflections and Future Plans   Learn more about Performance Beef: https://bit.ly/47PxY3W Learn more about Red Angus here: https://bit.ly/4iaU6bb  Connect with Shaye: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/

In this solo episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, Shaye Wanner walks through six key factors ranchers should consider when choosing herd management software. From cost and user access to ease of use and long-term value, Shaye shares real-world experiences from both seedstock and commercial operations. Whether you’re still jotting notes in a red calving book or testing out digital platforms, this episode will help you evaluate which system best fits your ranch’s needs, reduces stress, and increases profitability. 👉 Tune in for practical insights that make recordkeeping easier and more profitable for your operation. 📌 What You’ll Learn: 0:00 – Introduction 1:20 – Why herd records matter for profitability 2:20 – Factor 1: What problems does it solve? 4:45 – Factor 2: Will it work for your ranch in 5 years? 7:10 – Factor 3: Cost and return on investment 9:39 – Factor 4: User access and team needs 11:00 – Factor 5: Web-based, app-based, or both? 12:04 – Factor 6: Ease of use for your crew 14:32 – Bonus: Onboarding and training for success 16:00 – Final recap and closing thoughts Resources:  Performance Beef: https://bit.ly/47PxY3W https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/

Host Shaye Wanner speaks with Jared Ranly, a veterinarian and backgrounder, about effective strategies for receiving cattle and enhancing profitability in the beef industry. Jared shares his extensive experience in the cow-calf and backgrounding sectors, emphasizing the importance of health protocols, nutrition, and technology in managing cattle operations – specifically how Performance Beef positively impacts the profit and confidence of cattle feeders. The conversation also highlights common challenges faced during the receiving process and the significance of maintaining good veterinary-client relationships and accurate record-keeping for better decision-making. Learn more about Performance Beef: https://bit.ly/47PxY3W Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cattle Conversations 00:55 Jared's Background in the Beef Industry 04:05 Receiving Cattle: Key Steps and Protocols 10:05 Challenges in Receiving Cattle 14:02 Technology and Profitability in Cattle Management 22:01 The Importance of Record Keeping 23:58 Final Thoughts and Advice Connect with Shaye: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/

In this episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, host Shaye Wanner sits down with Katey Johnson, a first-generation rancher and beef advocate, to talk about addressing consumer concerns in today’s beef industry. From questions about grass-fed vs. grain-finished beef to myths about factory farms, Katey shares how she connects with consumers at farmers markets, online, and through direct-to-consumer beef sales. If you’ve ever wondered how to better engage with consumers or how to respond to tough questions about beef production, this conversation will give you practical insights and encouragement. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction with Shaye Wanner 01:35 – Why Katey Johnson bet on the beef industry 04:21 – Becoming a first-generation rancher 06:00 – Selling beef direct-to-consumer and shipping nationwide 07:21 – Common consumer concerns about beef production 09:22 – Explaining the beef lifecycle: cow-calf to feedyard 11:14 – Why Katey is “Team Beef” regardless of how it’s finished 13:03 – Grass-finished vs. grain-finished: consumer perceptions 15:24 – Shocking myths and misinformation consumers believe 17:05 – Beef’s role in upcycling food byproducts 18:30 – Addressing glyphosate and other health claims 19:57 – Building consumer trust as a rancher 21:27 – Advice for ranchers: engaging with consumers respectfully 23:36 – What Katey would do differently in her first five years 24:50 – Where to connect with Katey online Resources & Links: Follow Katey Johnson: @zerocattleranch @kateyjohnsoncreative Favorite Seasoning: EatPluck.com (use code ShayeWanner for 15% off) Free Ranching Community: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FKWGvQKxh/

In this episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, Shaye Wanner visits with Shane White of Ceres Tag and Justin Hossfeld of RangeView by Envu. Together, they explore how integrating these two technologies helps ranchers make data-driven decisions about grazing management, forage utilization, cattle performance, and theft prevention. From tracking real-time animal behavior to managing pastures with geospatial data, discover how technology can become your ranch’s “extra hired hand” while improving profitability and sustainability. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction with Shaye Wanner 01:15 – Why Shane White & Justin Hossfeld bet on the beef industry 03:30 – Overview of RangeView by Envu 05:15 – Introduction to Ceres Tag and its satellite-powered ear tags 06:55 – Data dashboards and grazing management tools in RangeView 09:05 – Alerts, utilization tracking, and planning pasture moves 12:39 – Measuring ROI: feed costs, efficiency, and time savings 14:40 – How ranchers can start with RangeView 16:00 – Benefits of Ceres Tag: forage intake, animal tracking, and theft prevention 19:55 – Real-time notifications and peace of mind 24:00 – Overcoming intimidation with technology adoption 25:30 – The power of integration: RangeView + Ceres Tag 30:30 – Individual animal data and management possibilities 32:40 – Future innovations for RangeView 34:05 – What’s next for Ceres Tag and ranching technology 36:00 – Final thoughts: Why now is the time to invest in technology 37:50 – Closing remarks and resources Resources: Learn more about RangeView: https://bit.ly/3JL7BlI Explore Ceres Tag: https://bit.ly/45WlwfW Connect with Shaye Wanner: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ Hashtags: #Ranching #BeefIndustry #CattleManagement #ForageUtilization #LivestockTechnology #BeefCattle #RanchManagement #CeresTag #RangeView #CasualCattleConversations

In this episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, host Shaye Wanner sits down with Jim Strickland, a sixth-generation Florida rancher managing multiple operations across the state. Together, they discuss how Vence’s virtual fencing technology is transforming ranch management—helping producers through hurricanes, improving wildlife habitats, protecting calves from predators, and creating new opportunities for conservation. Jim shares real-world examples from his ranches, from reducing calf losses to alligators to managing grazing for wildlife corridors and water quality. He also explains how his employees adapted to the technology and what ranchers should consider before adopting it. If you’re curious about the future of ranching technology and how it ties into profitability and stewardship, this conversation is full of practical insights. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction with Shaye Wanner 01:18 – Why Jim Strickland bets on the beef industry 04:19 – Overview of Strickland Ranch and Blackbeard Ranch operations 09:31 – How Jim was introduced to virtual fencing technology 15:20 – Conservation and wildlife benefits of virtual fencing 21:55 – Managing hurricanes with Vence 28:05 – Protecting calves from alligators 33:12 – How employees adapted to the technology 38:58 – Challenges ranchers should know before starting 43:44 – Opportunities for public land grazing 44:24 – Questions to ask before investing in virtual fencing 47:18 – Closing thoughts and resources Resources: Blackbeard's Ranch | Strickland Ranch | Lost Girl Prairie Ranch | Florida Conservation Group | Vence Virtual Fence

Join Shaye Wanner on the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast as she delves into the intricacies of improving pregnancy rates in cattle with expert Lacey Quail. Discover practical strategies and insights to enhance reproductive efficiency in your beef cow herd.   Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction by Shaye Wanner 01:15 - Meet Lacey Quail: Background and Expertise 03:45 - Understanding Conception vs. Pregnancy Rates 07:30 - Industry Standards and Expectations 10:00 - Troubleshooting Low Pregnancy Rates 15:20 - Importance of Herd Records 18:45 - Missed Opportunities in Reproductive Management 22:00 - Observing Breeding Behavior 25:00 - Final Thoughts and Resources   Hashtags: #CattleRanching #ReproductiveEfficiency #LivestockManagement   Resources: SenseHub Vence: https://bit.ly/4kfWrCG Rising Ranchers Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19PZX3xByi/ Don't forget to leave a rating or review and share this episode with fellow ranchers who might find it valuable. Happy ranching!

Join Shaye Wanner and Aaron Berger as they dive into the world of ranch profits, exploring how ranchers can effectively utilize their profits while being tax conscious. From strategic investments to innovative technologies, discover insights that can transform your ranching operations. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation that promises to keep your herd ahead of the curve. Resources: Learn more about SenseHub Vence: https://bit.ly/4kfWrCG Connect with Shaye: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:15 Investing in People 7:30 Strategic Financial Planning 14:45 Innovative Ranching Technologies 21:00 Long-term Profit Utilization 28:00 Conclusion Hashtags: #Ranching #Agriculture #ProfitManagement

Join Shaye Wanner as she sits down with Emma Coffman, a first-generation beef producer, to explore her journey into the ranching industry. Emma shares her experiences, challenges, and the innovative technologies shaping modern ranching. Whether you're a seasoned rancher or new to the field, Emma's story offers valuable insights and inspiration. Key Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction by Shaye Wanner 02:15 - Emma Coffman's entry into ranching 10:30 - The role of technology in modern ranching 18:45 - Tips for aspiring first-generation producers 25:00 - Building relationships in the industry 28:30 - Final thoughts and advice from Emma Resources Emma's Website: https://doubleeranchadvocacy.com/ Vence: https://bit.ly/4kfWrCG Rising Ranchers: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16xGD2etnp/   #Ranching #BeefProduction #FirstGenFarmer #AgricultureInnovation #Podcast   Don't forget to leave a rating and review, and share this episode with friends who might find it valuable. Connect with Emma through the links provided in the show notes for more insights and resources.

Join host Shaye Wanner as she delves into the inspiring journey of Todd and Taylor Stegall and Callie Barber, who are revolutionizing school lunches by introducing local beef into the system. Discover the challenges and triumphs of sourcing locally, the impact on students, and the benefits for the local economy. Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction by Shaye Wanner [01:30] Todd Stegall on his passion for cattle ranching [04:00] Callie Barber discusses the logistics of local beef in schools [07:15] The USDA inspection process explained [10:00] Community support and collaboration insights [13:00] Challenges and triumphs in local food sourcing [16:00] Final thoughts and call to action Key Highlights: Todd Stegall shares his passion for cattle ranching and the importance of quality beef. Callie Barber discusses the logistics and benefits of integrating local beef into school programs. Insights into the USDA inspection process and its role in local food sourcing. The importance of community support and collaboration in local food initiatives. #LocalBeef #SchoolLunch #CattleRanching #USDA #SustainableFood #CommunitySupport Don't miss this insightful episode! Subscribe now and leave a review to support our mission of bringing quality content to your feed. Happy ranching! Ready for more ranching conversations? Join the Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19PZX3xByi/ Learn more about the Stegall Ranch ➡️ https://www.stegallcattle.com/