Casual Cattle Conversations

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

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/

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. 📌 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/ 

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

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 

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/ 

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/ 

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

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

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