

Casual Cattle Conversations
casualcattleconversations
Casual Cattle Conversations is the podcast for beef cattle producers and ranchers to explore new ideas and hear stories that will help them improve their current management practices. Shaye Koester - Wanner connects listeners to other cattle producers and beef industry experts to discover what management practices, industry trends, current events and inspiring stories are impacting today’s beef cattle industry.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 8, 2025 • 39min
Two Grazing Tools Ranchers Need to Know About
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

Sep 1, 2025 • 50min
How Virtual Fence is Solving Real Problems for Real Ranchers
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

Aug 25, 2025 • 27min
Strategies to Improve Pregnancy Rates in Cow Herd
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!

Aug 18, 2025 • 29min
Tax Conscious Ways for Ranchers to Spend Profits
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

Aug 11, 2025 • 30min
Tips for First Generation Ranchers
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.

Aug 4, 2025 • 19min
How Ranchers Can Sell Beef to Schools—and Why It Matters
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/

Jul 28, 2025 • 38min
How Retailers View Beef: Consumer Trends Ranchers Can’t Ignore
Join Shaye Wanner in a compelling conversation with Lamar Steiger as they delve into consumer perceptions and buying patterns in the beef industry. Discover insights from Lamar's unique experiences as both a rancher and a retail consultant.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction by Shaye Wanner
02:15 - Lamar Steiger's background and journey in the beef industry
05:30 - The importance of consumer perceptions and buying patterns
10:45 - Lamar's role in improving Walmart's beef reputation
15:00 - The impact of COVID-19 on consumer behavior
20:30 - The significance of traceability in the beef supply chain
25:00 - Genetic selection and its role in consumer satisfaction
30:15 - The future of coordinated supply chains
35:00 - Lamar's reflections on his early years in the beef industry
40:00 - Closing thoughts and call to action
Resources:
Calf Marketing Course: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/sell-smarter
PLUCK discount: SHAYEWANNER eatpluck.com
#BeefIndustry #ConsumerInsights #Ranching #SupplyChain #Walmart #GeneticSelection #COVID19Impact Don't forget to check out the resources mentioned in the show notes and support the podcast by leaving a review or sharing it with a friend. Happy ranching!

Jul 21, 2025 • 22min
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

Jul 14, 2025 • 33min
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.

Jul 7, 2025 • 24min
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