CattleUSA Daily

Meteorologist Gary Lezak returns to break down a newly established weather pattern that’s already leaving clear fingerprints across the country. With a cycle length near 73 days, this is one of the longest Lezak Recurring Cycles observed in decades. Gary explains why storms are hammering California but weakening as they move east, how anchor troughs and anchor ridges quietly control where weather systems thrive or fail, and why the unusually warm Christmas stretch is not random. The conversation connects today’s winter setup to what could become a major heat event in late July or early August, showing how understanding pattern behavior—not daily forecasts—can completely change long-range planning.LinksWeather 20/20 Dashboard Discount⁠ - https://www.weather2020.com/partner/cattle-usaSubstack - https://weather2020.substack.com/The Global Predictor App ⁠- ⁠https://www.weather2020.com/global-predictor-mobile-appYoutube⁠ -https://www.youtube.com/@Weather2020Follow Gary on X ⁠- https://x.com/glezak CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/Takeaways• The current weather pattern is cycling at roughly 73 days, making it one of the longest LRCs on record.• Long cycles do not eliminate storms, but they strongly influence where storms intensify and where they weaken.• Anchor troughs are regions where storms consistently grow stronger and occur more often.• Anchor ridges suppress storm development and weaken systems that move through them.• California is positioned near an anchor trough, increasing the risk of heavy rain, flooding, and major snowfall events.• Much of the central U.S. sits closer to an anchor ridge, causing storms to lose strength as they move east.• The warm Christmas weather is a defining signal within the cycle, not a short-term fluke.• That same warm pattern is expected to return in late July or early August as a significant heat event.• Knowing the cycle length improves seasonal planning far beyond what short-range forecasts can provide.Chapters00:00 Holiday Check-In and Why This Pattern Matters02:05 What the Lezak Recurring Cycle Tracks04:30 Anchor Troughs vs. Anchor Ridges Explained07:10 Why West Coast Storms Are Intensifying09:45 The 73-Day Cycle and Why It’s Unusual12:05 Connecting Christmas Warmth to Summer Heat14:50 What to Watch as the Pattern Continuesweather pattern, long-range forecasting, Lezak Recurring Cycle, LRC, anchor troughs, anchor ridges, winter weather patterns, seasonal forecasting, summer heat outlook, Weather 2020

John Campbell is back on the podcast, this time calling in from Oklahoma with a full breakdown of how the cattle market has snapped back from the fall crash. He walks through runaway calf prices at Winter Livestock in La Junta, high-dollar bred cows and pairs, and how Dodge City and Pratt are lining up with the rebound. Then he takes his auction barn hat off and unloads on the beef checkoff: where the money actually goes, why cattle producers should be asking harder questions, and how much is being spent on fluff instead of real demand. The episode wraps with some Christmas prime rib talk, Traeger confessions, and a reminder that expensive beef better be cooked right.LinksNominate or request to be a guest - forms.gle/fRkvzRenh7mqkDXV7 CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/Takeaways• La Junta saw a huge rebound in calves, with 2–4 weights and 5-weights pushing back toward pre-crash highs.• Light calves in multiple weight classes are effectively back to where they were before the late October–early November wipeout.• Bigger feeder cattle (7–9 weights) have not fully recovered yet, but John is optimistic they’ll keep working higher as supplies stay tight.• Stock cows, bred heifers, and pairs saw very strong demand: young spring-calving cows commonly brought upper-$3,000s to low-$4,000s.• Older cows were still several hundred higher than earlier in the fall, driven by expectations of profitable first calf crops.• Standout young pairs with light fall calves hit over $5,000, some of the highest pairs John has ever sold.• Dodge City and Pratt echoed the same story: lightweight steers and heifers ripping higher, with some local all-time records on certain steer weights.• As grass guys re-enter the market after the first of the year, John expects 600–650 lb steers with the right kind and condition to get even higher.• John calls out the beef checkoff for weak consumer-facing promotion and for funneling a big chunk of producer dollars into NCBA and “sustainability” agendas.• His bottom line: the cow factory is still short, the light calf market has real legs under it, and producers deserve more out of every checkoff dollar.Chapters00:00 Oklahoma, Border Jokes, and Holiday Road Miles01:24 La Junta Runaway Calf Market: Prices, Weights, and Volume03:57 Stock Cows, Bred Heifers, and $5,000 Young Pairs05:41 Dodge City and Pratt: How Other Winter Livestock Yards Compare08:02 Light Calves Nearly Fully Rebound, Heavy Feeders Still Climbing Back09:35 Looking Ahead: Grass Demand, Tight Supplies, and Early 2026 Setup11:09 John’s Beef Checkoff Rant: NCBA, Sustainability Money, and Recipe Cards15:03 Christmas Prime Rib, Traeger Mishaps, and Wrapping the Yearcattle market, calf prices, feeder cattle, bred cows, bred heifers, cow-calf pairs, stock cows, Winter Livestock, La Junta cattle market, Dodge City cattle market, Pratt Kansas cattle, beef checkoff, NCBA, cattle industry politics, herd rebuilding, grass cattle demand, prime rib, beef demand

This week’s conversation digs into the final stretch of 2025 cattle markets with Samantha and Dan breaking down the latest data, the holiday trade environment, and what early signals tell us about 2026. With a bullish cattle-on-feed report, surprising heifer retention, and consumer demand shifting toward cheaper cuts, the group parses out where leverage sits, what volatility still lurks, and why risk management matters heading into the new year. They also cover slaughter pace, cash trends, and how weather, grains, and global headlines are shaping the backdrop for Q1.LinksNominate or request to be a guest - forms.gle/fRkvzRenh7mqkDXV7 CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/Takeaways• Latest cattle-on-feed report came in bullish with placements sharply lower• Marketing numbers hit a 30-year low, adding upward tone• Holiday trade volume is thin, limiting major market moves• Consumer behavior is shifting toward lower-cost beef cuts like ground beef• Lack of MCOOL continues to muddy transparency for domestic producers• Heifer retention is finally showing up in slaughter data• Short-term bullishness comes from tighter feedyard numbers• Long-term herd rebuilding will take time even with more heifers kept• LRP remains critical for those who miss market highs• Grain markets are range-bound with little movement expected before January reportChapters00:00 Baby News, Frozen Screens, and Holiday Chaos01:35 Samantha’s Market Recap and Cattle-on-Feed Breakdown05:18 Why Consumer Demand Is Still the Wild Card07:00 Dan on Heifer Retention and the 2026 Setup09:25 Rebuilding the Herd and Managing Next Year’s Risk10:43 Grain Market Snapshot and January Expectations12:21 The Origin of “Kyle Lock the Gate”14:53 Closing Thoughts and Christmas Wishescattle markets, cattle prices, cattle on feed, heifer retention, consumer demand, beef demand, placements, slaughter numbers, grain markets, LRP, market volatility, risk management, cash cattle, feeder cattle

Most ranchers drift into January with half-finished books, fuzzy numbers, and a mental list of decisions they’ll “get to later.” But if you want a stronger, more profitable 2026, the work starts now. In this episode, Lauren breaks down the 10 essential year-end steps that determine your clarity, your margins, and how prepared you are for next year’s volatility. From knowing your true cost per cow to auditing herd performance, tightening your grazing strategy, meeting with your lender, and facing the decisions you’ve avoided all year, this checklist gives you the control and direction most operations never take the time to build.LinksCattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/Takeaways• Clean books are the foundation of every decision in 2026.• True cost per cow determines whether your ranch is profitable or guessing.• Ranking expenses by ROI exposes which costs drive value and which drain you.• Herd performance audits should drive culling decisions now, not in March.• Inventory prevents overspending and miscalculating winter feed needs.• Early lender and tax conversations protect cash flow and reduce surprises.• Reviewing your grazing year honestly prevents repeating mistakes.• Fixing labor inefficiencies is more valuable than adding people.• Avoidance compounds — unresolved issues become next year’s biggest problems.Chapters00:00 Why Year-End Work Determines Your 2026 Success01:27 Steps 1–3: Clean Books, True Cost Per Cow, and Ranking Expenses by ROI04:15 Steps 4–5: Herd Performance Audits and Full Inventory05:14 Steps 6–7: Lender Conversations and Year-End Tax Strategy06:30 Step 8: Reviewing Your Grazing Year Honestly06:58 Step 9: Labor Systems and Fixing Inefficiency07:33 Step 10: Facing the Decisions You Avoided All Year07:49 The Three Outcomes: Clarity, Control, Confidence — and What’s Coming Nextranch management, year-end planning, ranch finances, cost per cow, herd auditing, grazing review, ranch inventory, agricultural bookkeeping, ranch tax planning, lender meeting, cash flow management, labor efficiency, ranch business strategy, cattle operations, 2026 ranch planning

Grazing management is one of the most misunderstood and most financially consequential parts of running a ranch. In this episode, Lauren Moylan and Emma Coffman break down what rotational and regenerative grazing actually mean, why overgrazing now can cripple your pastures for decades, and how to approach winter forage and spring planning with realistic, financially feasible steps. Emma shares what she has learned while traveling across the country studying grazing systems firsthand, why “start small” is the rule every rancher should follow, and how better grazing decisions today set the foundation for a healthier 2026—both for the land and the cattle.LinksEmma's Links - https://linktr.ee/doubleeranch ⁠CattleUSA Website - ⁠https://www.cattleusa.com/⁠ Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia⁠ Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/⁠ Subscribe to our newsletter - ⁠https://www.cattleusadrive.com/⁠ CattleUSA Media - ⁠https://www.cattleusamedia.com/⁠ Lauren’s Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/⁠ Lauren’s Youtube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco⁠ The Next Generation Podcast Website - ⁠https://www.thenextgenag.com/⁠Takeaways• Regenerative grazing isn’t a trend—it’s simply managing grass based on science and region, not social media opinions.• The biggest rule producers miss: start small and make changes that match your finances and landscape.• Leaving 2–3 inches of stubble is critical for regrowth; bare-ground grazing delays recovery for years.• Overgrazing today can create problems that last decades, especially in drought-prone regions like Kansas and Texas.• Pastures need rest, hoof traffic, and sunlight access—not continuous grazing.• Virtual fencing, poly wire, or simple smaller paddocks can dramatically improve rest and rotation.• Many ranches struggle because they try to change everything at once; sustainable grazing requires incremental adjustments.• True “low-input” systems rely on healthy soil first, not more supplements or chemicals.• Regional experts (NRCS, Noble Research Institute, Center for Grazing Lands and Ranch Management) are far more reliable than online fads.• Flexibility matters: grazing systems must adjust year to year, season to season, and drought to drought.Chapters00:00 Why Winter Grazing Decisions Shape the Entire Next Year01:07 What Rotational and Regenerative Grazing Actually Are (Not the Buzzword Version)03:43 Starting Small: The Financially Smart Way to Change Grazing Practices05:35 Overgrazing Consequences: Why One Bad Season Can Damage Land for Decades07:26 Lessons From Across the Country: What Emma Saw on Real Ranches09:45 Using Experts, Data, and Forage Testing Instead of Social Media Advice11:03 Setting Up Pastures for 2026: Rest, Recovery, and Realistic Adjustments14:57 Final Takeaways and Where to Find More Grazing Resourceswinter forage, rotational grazing, regenerative grazing, grazing management, pasture recovery, drought management, forage testing, stocking decisions, soil health, ranch profitability, low-input ranching, grazing systems, NRCS, Noble Research Institute, Center for Grazing Lands and Ranch Management

This week’s episode dives into a weather pattern that has finally revealed its true shape — and it’s a complicated one. Meteorologist Gary Lezak joins Lauren to break down the emerging 70–75 day LRC cycle, the extreme wind event sweeping across the Rockies, why Colorado’s snowpack continues to disappoint, and what all of this means for drought watchers across Kansas, Nebraska, and the central plains. From fire risk to January storm setups to the shifting influences of ENSO and the Arctic Oscillation, Gary lays out the real signals producers should track heading into winter and early spring.LinksHenry Repeating Arms - https://www.henryusa.com/cattle Weather 20/20 Dashboard Discount⁠ - https://www.weather2020.com/partner/cattle-usaSubstack - https://weather2020.substack.com/The Global Predictor App ⁠- ⁠https://www.weather2020.com/global-predictor-mobile-appYoutube⁠ -https://www.youtube.com/@Weather2020Follow Gary on X ⁠- https://x.com/glezak CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/Takeaways• A major high-wind event is sweeping Colorado and the northern plains due to the pattern’s setup.• Early analysis shows this year’s LRC cycle may be 70–75 days long — much longer than last year.• An anchor ridge near Colorado/Kansas is limiting snowfall and contributing to warm, dry conditions.• Colorado ski areas remain well below normal snowpack, increasing long-term drought and fire concerns.• The plains have been hit-or-miss: some Kansas areas are near average moisture despite the dry pattern.• Phase one of the LRC favors storm tracks through MT/ND/SD/IA, mostly missing Kansas and Nebraska.• Phase two brings stronger West Coast storms — including a Christmas-week California system.• January’s big risk window appears late January into early February, with potential for a plains ice/snow storm.• ENSO is trending toward neutral by mid-January, which may improve plains moisture opportunities.• AO/NAO have stayed mostly positive; if they dip negative, it could unlock the pattern’s storm potential.Chapters00:00 High Winds in Colorado and Why the Pattern Looks the Way It Does02:45 Forecast Accuracy, Public Perception, and Why Influencers Undermine Real Meteorology06:00 Understanding This Year’s Anchor Ridge and the Dry Rocky Mountain Setup08:21 Fire Risk, Human-Caused Starts, and Dry Fuels Across the West10:35 What Phase One and Phase Two Mean for January and the Plains12:51 ENSO, AO, NAO and How They’ll Influence late-winter Storm Potential15:18 Why January Could Flip — and What Producers Should Watch17:04 Top-Secret Insight: The New Cycle Length and What It Means for Spring PlanningLRC cycle, long-range weather, plains drought, Colorado wind, fire risk, California storms, ENSO neutral, AO index, NAO index, planting season forecast, winter storm potential, ranch weather, agriculture forecast, Weather 2020

In this episode, Lauren sits down with industry veteran Marty Ropp to cut through the noise on genomics and what it actually means for cattle producers. Marty shares how genomic tools have finally caught up to the promises made 20 years ago, why he believes their biggest value is on the cost-reduction side, and how precision mating and DNA-informed cow selection can quietly add up to serious long-term profit. From seedstock expectations to commercial heifer selection to system-specific genomic tools, this conversation is a straight-shot look at where genomics fits in a practical ranch business and what happens to those who ignore it.LinksAllied Genetics - https://alliedgeneticresources.com/ CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/Takeaways• Genomics is not just a buzzword; it is now a mature, science-based tool that meaningfully improves genetic decisions.• The biggest value of genomics is in reducing costs, especially through maternal, fertility, and longevity traits that are hard to measure.• Traditional tools work well for growth and carcass traits, but genomics shines where traits are “lowly heritable” in the old system.• Genomics acts like a risk-management guardrail, keeping operations out of the ditch and speeding up improvement.• ROI is slower and longer-term on the cow side, which makes it harder to market but more powerful economically.• Commercial herds should prioritize testing young and replacement females, not just bulls.• Seedstock producers who aren’t genomically testing all bulls and potential replacements are already behind.• Precision mating tools use genomics to avoid “wasted matings” and predict when that dream mating will actually produce a dud.• System-specific genomic indexes (for Wagyu programs, conventional grids, etc.) help align genetics to real-world profit targets.• Marty believes producers who lean into precision and genomics will drive the industry in 10–20 years, while resisters risk getting left behind like parts of the old swine genetics business.Chapters00:00 From Swine to Beef: Marty’s Path Into the Genetics World02:25 What Genomics Really Is — And Why It’s the Final Answer, Not the Sales Pitch05:24 Why the Biggest Genomic Payoff Is on Cost Reduction and Maternal Traits09:31 Precision, Not Hype: How Systems and Genomics Fit Together From Birth to Harvest13:48 Bulls vs. Cows: Where to Start Testing and Why Females Matter More Than You Think16:41 The Next 5–15 Years: Precision Mating, Sorting, and System-Specific Genomic Tools21:24 Lessons from the Swine Industry and Marty’s Warning for Beef Genetics22:35 Final Advice: Invest in Genomics, Then Actually Use the Datagenomics, cattle genetics, precision mating, maternal traits, cow longevity, reproductive efficiency, cost reduction, seedstock strategy, commercial cow-calf, precision agriculture, DNA testing, heifer selection, feeder cattle value, carcass traits, beef industry technology

Warm temps, melting snow, and a half-marathon training confession set the stage for what turns into one of the most candid episodes of the year. Host Lauren Moylan sits down with market analyst and cattle feeder Dan Gerhold to talk holiday cattle markets, LRP strategy, and what 2026 might really look like for margins. Then Dan takes off the CattleUSA Insurance hat, puts on his feeder hat, and unloads a blunt, unapologetic rant about beef demand: dietitians still pushing lean and portion control, checkoff dollars sleepwalking through the carnivore and keto moment, and why Make America Healthy Again should have beef front and center. It’s part market rundown, part reality check on how this industry is (and isn’t) talking to the consumer.LinksCattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/Takeaways• Holiday cattle trade is typical: shorter kill weeks, quieter boards, but coming off a strong “Santa Claus rally” in cash.• Recent weeks saw meaningful strength in fat cattle and feeder prices, giving producers a better end to 2025 than many expected.• Dan expects tighter margins in 2026 for feedlots and backgrounders compared to the big profit runs of 2025.• Year-end is prime time to use LRP and options as both risk management and tax tools; producers should talk with their accountants now.• Despite years of new research supporting higher-protein, higher-fat diets, many dietitians and major brands are still pushing “lean” and strict portion control.• Dan argues the beef checkoff is missing a massive opportunity to ride the carnivore and keto wave with hard data and aggressive consumer marketing.• He questions why checkoff dollars aren’t funding big, visible campaigns that highlight saturated fat, protein, and real health outcomes tied to beef.• Internal finger-pointing at packers and retailers is easier than facing the core issue: long-term demand is built at the consumer level, not in investigations.• With two-plus years of potential “Make America Healthy Again” momentum, beef should be at the policy and messaging table, not sitting quietly on the sidelines.• Grain and energy markets are still sluggish, which complicates the feed side; Dan remains concerned about beef demand and pricing power going into 2026.Chapters00:00 Warm Winter, Half-Marathon Plans, and Setting the Scene01:45 Holiday Trade, Cash Rally, and Where the Cattle Market Sits Now03:22 Short Kill Weeks, Tax Season, and Using LRP as a Year-End Tool05:27 2025 Recap: Big Profits, Producer Pain, and Tighter Margins Ahead05:49 Dan’s Rant: Dietitians, Lean Beef Messaging, and a Frustrated Feeder09:38 Checkoff Dollars, Carnivore/Keto Momentum, and a Missed Marketing Window13:51 Same Team, Same Consumer: Why Internal Blame Won’t Fix Demand18:32 Grains, Energy, and Why Dan’s Worried About 2026 Beef Demand20:09 Final Market Notes and Closing Thoughtscattle markets, beef demand, beef checkoff, holiday trade, LRP, risk management, feeder margins, grain market, energy prices, carnivore diet, keto diet, saturated fat, nutrition messaging, MAHA, consumer behavior, dietitians, cattle feeders, cow-calf producers, CattleUSA Daily Podcast

Representative Tracey Mann returns to the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on the Bridge 8 announcement, ag trade realities, input costs, and what farmers should expect heading into 2025. Lauren digs into whether the $12 billion in tariff-derived support will actually move the needle, how soon producers might see relief, and what happens if the trade negotiations everyone is banking on stall out. Rep. Mann also outlines what Farm Bill 2.0 needs to fix, what was truly accomplished in the Working Families Tax Cuts bill, and how Congress plans to keep key programs from expiring. It’s a candid look at policy, markets, and the political landscape shaping the future of American agriculture.LinksRep. Tracey Mann's Website - https://mann.house.gov/ CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/Takeaways• Bridge 8 uses $12B in tariff revenue to help farmers absorb high input costs and low commodity prices.• Not every producer will feel the same level of impact; effectiveness will vary by commodity and region.• Additional support from the Working Families Tax Cuts bill begins in January, including stronger crop insurance and higher reference prices.• Ag trade deficits grew significantly in the previous administration; new deals aim to reverse that trend.• China, the U.K., and other partners have early ag-purchase commitments, but enforcement remains critical.• Unfunded programs from the earlier legislation have been extended so nothing lapses at year-end.• Priorities for Farm Bill 2.0 include Food for Peace reforms, promoting U.S. commodities in global aid, and expanding precision ag tools.• Input costs remain the biggest driver of why safety-net programs need updates.• Farmers need policy certainty to operate confidently, especially in volatile markets.• Rural values—faith, family, hard work, responsibility—remain central to Rep. Mann’s advocacy.Chapters00:00 Kicking Off with Bridge 8 and the State of Farm Economics01:20 Is $12B Enough? What Support Looks Like Across Commodities02:23 Trade Deals, Surpluses Lost, and What Farmers Should Expect03:17 What Happens to Programs Set to Expire at Year-End04:50 Farm Bill 2.0 Priorities and What Still Needs to Get Done06:04 Why Policy Certainty Matters for American Agriculture07:01 Final Thoughts from Rep. Mann and Closing Remarksag policy, Bridge 8, farm bill, tariff revenue, trade deals, crop insurance, reference prices, input costs, agricultural economics, U.S. agriculture, Rep. Tracey Mann, commodity markets, MAP funding, FMD funding, food aid, precision agriculture, rural values

Winter is here, forage is fading, and a lot of cows are walking into the hardest part of the year underfed and overworked. In this episode, Lauren Moylan and advocate Emma Coffman get brutally clear about what that really means: every decision at the feed bunk shows up later in your calving ease, your BRD rates, your weaning weights, and the size of your check at the sale barn. From why a cow needs to calve in a body condition score 5–6, to how fetal programming works, to when it’s smarter to sell cows than starve them, Lauren Moylan and Emma Coffman walk through practical, science-backed winter nutrition strategy. They dig into hay and forage testing, mineral programs, regional differences, using extension services, and why “pay for it now or pay for it twice later” is the economic reality for every herd heading into 2026.LinksEmma's Links - https://linktr.ee/doubleeranch ⁠CattleUSA Website - ⁠https://www.cattleusa.com/⁠ Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia⁠ Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/⁠ Subscribe to our newsletter - ⁠https://www.cattleusadrive.com/⁠ CattleUSA Media - ⁠https://www.cattleusamedia.com/⁠ Lauren’s Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/⁠ Lauren’s Youtube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco⁠ The Next Generation Podcast Website - ⁠https://www.thenextgenag.com/⁠Takeaways• A calf’s potential starts in utero; genetics mean nothing if the cow is underfed during pregnancy.• Cows need to calve in a body condition score 5–6; too thin or too fat both create calving and health problems.• Underconditioned cows (3.5–4 BCS) rarely “bounce back” and their calves stay stunted and discounted for life.• Winter is not the time to make harsh budget cuts on feed, supplements, or minerals if cows are already behind.• If feeding the herd properly is not financially realistic, downsizing is smarter than running twice as many skinny cows.• Hay and forage testing is non-negotiable; crude protein and quality swing more than most producers assume.• One bale sample is not enough; pH, soil, and field variation mean multiple core samples across lots are needed.• Mineral or soil tests done once are not a lifetime answer; drought, rain, and storage all change the nutritional picture.• Not every “miracle” product fits every operation; ranchers should lean on science and numbers, not marketing.• Regional extension services and universities can often test forage cheaply or free and connect producers to local expertise.• Having cows in good flesh buys time when forage quality drops, leases change, or drought tightens conditions.• Keeping detailed cost and feed records is the only way to know true breakeven and whether the operation is actually profitable.• True diversification or “extra” jobs don’t justify ignoring the math; if the cow business doesn’t pencil, it won’t last.Chapters00:02 Vegas, NFR, and Staying Healthy on the Road01:31 Why Winter Nutrition Starts the Day a Cow Conceives03:35 Body Condition Score: The 5–6 “Sweet Spot” and What Happens Outside It06:18 Thin Cows, Stunted Calves: Long-Term Damage from Undernutrition08:52 Hay and Forage Testing: Knowing What You’re Actually Feeding11:14 Mineral Programs, Soil Tests, and When to Ignore the Sales Pitch12:12 Using Extension Services and Local Experts to Get Real Data13:42 Planning for Drought, Hay Shortages, and a Stable 2026 Calf Crop14:12 Good Foundations Buy You Time When Conditions Change15:38 Recordkeeping, True Breakevens, and When Downsizing Makes More Sense16:30 Closing Thoughts and How to Get in Touch with Emma Coffmanwinter feeding, fetal programming, body condition score, BCS 5–6, cow nutrition, forage testing, hay quality, mineral program, cow-calf profitability, downsizing, drought planning, extension services, BRD risk, weaning weights, ranch recordkeeping

This winter’s atmosphere is officially locked in, and it is not the pattern a lot of people were hoping for. In this episode, meteorologist Gary Lezak joins host Lauren Moylan to unpack the new Lezak Recurring Cycle, why the Colorado Rockies are sitting on roughly 40% of normal snowpack, and what that means for drought risk across Nebraska, Kansas, and the broader ag belt. Gary Lezak explains the two main phases driving this year’s weather, why social media “apocalypse” forecasts are missing the mark, and how farmers and ranchers can use the LRC to plan moisture, planting windows, and storm risk from now through spring.LinksWeather 20/20 Dashboard Discount⁠ - https://www.weather2020.com/partner/cattle-usaSubstack - https://weather2020.substack.com/The Global Predictor App ⁠- ⁠https://www.weather2020.com/global-predictor-mobile-appYoutube⁠ -https://www.youtube.com/@Weather2020Follow Gary on X ⁠- https://x.com/glezak CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/Takeaways• Drought areas are not shrinking yet; whether dryness expands across Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri will be decided in the next 2–3 months.• The first phase favors Alberta Clippers and heavy Great Lakes snow; cities like Chicago could end up with well above-normal totals.• The second phase shifts the jet into the West Coast, sending storms into California and occasionally into the central plains.• Colorado’s ski country is sitting at roughly 40% of average snowpack, a red flag for fire season, runoff, and long-term water supply.• Western Nebraska and western Kansas sit on the edge of a potentially dry corridor that needs to be watched closely through winter.• Despite online hype about “the worst winter ever,” the pattern so far has produced brief cold shots followed by strong warmups.• The LRC gives a framework to map which weeks are likely wetter or drier from January–May, giving agriculture a planning edge.• A stronger phase-two jet in late December and again in mid-January/mid-February could bring a significant plains storm or ice event.• Long-range confidence grows over the next few weeks as more cycles complete, sharpening forecasts for planting and early growing season.Chapters00:00 Road Trips, Dogs, and Tumbleweeds: Gary Lezak Checks In from Colorado02:35 First Big Question: Is This Pattern Setting Up a Major Drought?03:30 Two Phases of the New LRC: Clippers North, Questions for the Plains04:35 Thin Snowpack in Colorado and What It Signals for Fire and Drought Risk06:28 How This Winter Pattern Could Shape Nebraska–Kansas Moisture07:34 Weather Hype vs. Reality: Social Media Forecasts and Actual Data08:57 What We’ve Seen So Far: Cold Shots, Fast Warmups, and No “Monster” Blizzard Yet09:35 Why Spring Moisture Still Matters Most for the Ag Belt10:41 Watching Phase Two: Holiday Storm Potential and a Maybe-White Christmas11:40 Driving Through Cattle Country: Ground-Level Perspective from Nebraska and Kansas12:42 Waiting on the West Coast Storm Door to Open Again13:18 Where to Find the Full 40-Page Winter Forecast and Weather 2020 Resourceswinter weather, long-range forecast, Lezak Recurring Cycle, LRC, drought risk, Colorado snowpack, Great Lakes snow, Alberta Clippers, California storms, ice storm potential, Nebraska weather, Kansas weather, agricultural planning, Weather 2020, seasonal forecast, planting season outlook, moisture patterns, cattle country weather

When cattle prices finally bounce back, most producers’ minds go straight to optimism, not labeling law. In this episode, host Lauren Moylan and John Campbell walk through a sharp rebound in the sale barns at La Junta, Riverton, and Dodge City, why light calves are once again knocking on October highs, and what that could mean heading into grass turnout. Then the conversation takes a hard turn into one of the industry’s most emotional topics: Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling. John Campbell lays out why mCOOL has become a “sacred cow,” why he doubts it will significantly change consumer behavior, and how imported beef, food labeling laws, and real-world grocery decisions collide with the way producers think the world works.LinksCattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/Takeaways• Recent sales in La Junta, Riverton, and Dodge City show a strong rebound, with light calves in many cases back near October highs.• Feeder and calf prices on suitable turnout cattle jumped $30–$40 per head in a matter of weeks in some weight classes.• John Campbell expects tight supplies of light cattle and seasonal grass demand to support even higher prices into spring.• Despite recent volatility and “bad news,” a lot of pessimism has been taken out of the cattle market for now.• John Campbell views mCOOL as a “good idea,” but not the number one issue the beef industry should be willing to die on.• He argues most consumers do not truly shop by country of origin; they buy on habit, price, and convenience more than label fine print.• The U.S. imports a large share of its food, including the majority of fruits, vegetables, and almost all seafood, and consumers rarely check those origins.• Labeling is already highly regulated; adding mandatory country-of-origin language risks even more complexity, enforcement, and tiny unreadable print.• Lauren Moylan raises concerns about current “Product of USA” rules that allow imported beef slaughtered and packaged domestically to wear a U.S. label.• Both agree that the bigger strategic question is whether mCOOL would actually shift consumer behavior enough to justify the cost and regulatory burden, especially when the industry still needs imported lean beef and steady demand at the meat case.Chapters00:00 Checking In from the Road: Offices, Cell Phones, and Never Sitting Still01:22 La Junta, Riverton, and Dodge City: Rebound Runs and Big Jumps in Calf Prices05:35 Why Light Calves May Still Have More Upside Heading Into Grass Season06:50 John Campbell Lights Up the M-COOL Debate and Questions Industry Priorities09:11 What Consumers Really Look At: Labels, Origin, Price, and Convenience13:55 Folgers, Honduras, and Imported Food: A Reality Check on Label Obsession18:23 Lauren Moylan Pushes on “Product of USA,” Imports, and Trade Realities24:10 Do We Need M-COOL—or Do We Need People Eating More Beef?26:33 Closing Thoughts, Listener Reactions, and a Promise of More Uncomfortable Conversationscattle markets, calf prices, La Junta sale, Riverton sale, Dodge City sale, light calves, turnout cattle, price rebound, mCOOL, Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling, product of USA, beef imports, food labeling laws, consumer behavior, grocery buying decisions, U.S. beef industry, trade and imports, lean beef demand, regulatory burden, John Campbell, Lauren Moylan

The cattle market just put producers through one of the wildest years in recent memory, and this episode does not sugarcoat it. Lauren Moylan sits down with Dan Gerhold and Samantha Cozza-Wright to unpack a year defined by $400–$500 per head price swings, an $80 per hundredweight collapse in two months, dead cat bounces on low open interest, and a cash market that refuses to roll over. They dig into why producers froze on coverage during the rally, panicked on the way down, and now hesitate again as prices snap back. From shrinking cash transparency in Texas and unseasonably strong ground beef demand, to 2026 volatility risks, LRP sticker shock, and a grain market that looks ready to grind higher, this conversation is a blunt playbook on how to quit reacting emotionally and start using rallies to protect the top of the market.LinksCattleUSA Insurance - ⁠https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠⁠CattleUSA Website - ⁠https://www.cattleusa.com/⁠Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia⁠Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/⁠Subscribe to our newsletter - ⁠https://www.cattleusadrive.com/⁠CattleUSA Media - ⁠https://www.cattleusamedia.com/⁠Lauren’s Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/⁠Lauren’s Youtube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco⁠The Next Generation Podcast Website - ⁠https://www.thenextgenag.com/⁠Takeaways• The market has been violently volatile, with some calf types swinging $400–$500 per head inside a month.• Cash is “really strong” and packers still need cattle, but transparency is eroding as Texas drops out of reported negotiated trade.• Ground beef demand is unseasonably strong, shifting focus away from high-end cuts as the holidays approach.• Volume, slaughter, and price drifting lower together is a red flag Dan is watching closely.• Producers largely skipped coverage on the way up, then panic-booked hedges after Trump comments and a sharp break lower.• Psychology is driving a lot of bad decisions: waiting for “just $10–$15 higher” keeps producers exposed.• 2026 is set up to be just as volatile as 2025 if producers do not change how they manage risk.• LRP feels expensive because option volatility exploded, but structured correctly it can still protect meaningful price windows.• Dan outlines using LRP with options to narrow cost and protect the top slice of the market instead of insuring all the way to zero.• The latest USDA grain report was a “nothing burger,” but seasonal tendencies still point toward firmer corn into early spring.• If corn rallies into the $4.70–$4.95 range, Dan urges producers to get serious about hedging 2026 feed costs.• Samantha stresses using this rally to protect, not waiting for the next $20–$80 per hundredweight washout.• Even in chaos, there is opportunity for disciplined producers who reward rallies instead of chasing safety after the fall.Chapters00:01 Winter Updates and Weather Misery in Iowa and Kansas01:14 Choppy Futures, Gaps, Moving Averages, and Holiday Kill Expectations02:37 Cash Strength, Shrinking Texas Transparency, and Ground Beef Demand04:47 Slaughter, Volume, Restaurant Season, and Consumer Behavior Risks06:12 Looking Past 2025: Screwworm Headlines, Border Speculation, and 2026 Uncertainty07:52 Producer Psychology: Panic Booking, Missed Rallies, and Emotional Hedging09:50 $400–$500 Head Swings, Option Premiums, and the “To Zero vs To Reality” Problem12:08 LRP Structure, Option Strategies, and Protecting the Top of the Market14:28 Grain Market “Nothing Burger,” Yield Questions, and Seasonal Corn Rally Potential16:16 Final Advice: Use the Rally, Protect Profits, and Get the Prime Rib Thawedcattle markets, volatility, cash trade, Texas negotiated trade, market transparency, ground beef demand, producer psychology, risk management, LRP, options strategies, price protection, grain market, corn prices, USDA report, 2026 cattle outlook

Ranch income can swing wildly from year to year, and diversification is the go-to solution most producers assume they need. In this episode, Lauren Moylan breaks down why diversification only works when it integrates cleanly into the operation instead of adding chaos. She lays out which income strategies actually strengthen a cattle business, the common traps that drain profit and time, and how ranchers can identify opportunities that match their land, labor and long-term goals.LINKSCattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/TAKEAWAYS• Ranch income is unpredictable, which is why diversification must reduce stress—not add it.• New revenue streams should reinforce the core cattle business and fit the ranch’s land, labor, and resources.• Every operation is unique, and diversification strategies should reflect that.• Hunting leases can generate passive income but require liability planning and infrastructure.• Direct-to-consumer beef has strong margin potential but demands time-intensive marketing and customer sales.• Timing is often more important than projected profitability.• Most ranchers are already time-poor, making workflow audits essential before adding new ventures.• The most effective diversification often comes from monetizing existing strengths rather than chasing unrelated opportunities.CHAPTERS00:00 Understanding Ranch Income and Diversification Challenges02:22 Effective Diversification Strategies for Ranchers05:13 Identifying Energy Sinks in Diversification08:16 The Importance of Time Management in Diversification09:01 The Right Approach to Sustainable Diversificationranch income, diversification, cattle business, income strategies, ranch management, sustainable farming, ranching challenges, revenue streams, agricultural business, livestock management

Labor may be one of the most emotional and misunderstood pieces of ranch management, and Lauren Moylan takes a clear-eyed look at why hiring help feels harder than ever. By breaking down the true economics of paid and unpaid labor, she explains the math problems hiding behind most ranch operations, why good help is so valuable, and how producers can build labor strategies that match both reality and revenue. From family labor to outsourcing and pay expectations, this episode reframes what sustainable labor looks like on today’s ranch.LINKSCattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/TAKEAWAYS• Labor challenges on ranches are rooted in economics more than emotion.• Skilled ranch help is rare, expensive, and difficult to retain.• Many operations rely on underpaid or unaccounted labor, especially family labor.• The “labor crisis” is largely a numbers problem—most ranches can’t justify full-time wages.• Outsourcing specific tasks can sometimes be cheaper and more efficient than hiring.• Producers must align pay with both skill level and the operation’s actual revenue.• Understanding the value of family labor is essential for accurate cost tracking.• A healthy work environment can attract strong employees even at modest wages.• Ranchers need systems, not just people, to reduce labor pressure.• Clear expectations and fair compensation are key to sustainable labor management.CHAPTERS00:00 The Labor Dilemma in Modern Ranching01:47 Breaking Down the Real Economics of Ranch Labor04:02 Smarter Labor Strategies: Hiring, Outsourcing, and Efficiency06:18 The True Value of Family Labor07:44 Balancing Fair Pay with Operational Reality08:20 Closing Thoughtsranch labor, economics, hiring strategies, family labor, ranch management, labor costs, ranching challenges, employee value, agricultural workforce, ranch operations

Winter has officially taken shape in the atmosphere, and Lauren Moylan and Gary Lezak break down what the fully formed cycle reveals about the months ahead. With a long LRC pattern driving everything from drought shifts to potential ice storms, the conversation unpacks the signals farmers and ranchers should watch as the season develops. Gary lays out the major themes in his 40-page winter forecast and explains how this year’s unusually long cycle could influence storm intensity, regional snow totals, and agricultural planning.LINKSWeather 20/20 Dashboard Discount⁠ - https://www.weather2020.com/partner/cattle-usaSubstack - https://weather2020.substack.com/The Global Predictor App ⁠- ⁠https://www.weather2020.com/global-predictor-mobile-appYoutube⁠ -https://www.youtube.com/@Weather2020Follow Gary on X ⁠- https://x.com/glezak CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/TAKEAWAYS• The winter weather cycle is now fully established, allowing clearer long-range projections.• Gary Lezak’s winter forecast is extensive this year, driven by a uniquely long atmospheric cycle.• Each winter operates under its own pattern, and this season’s blueprint is already showing its signature traits.• Early drought indicators are improving in select regions but remain a concern for much of the plains.• Southern California is positioned for a notably wet stretch under the new LRC cycle.• Several winter systems are expected to intensify as the season progresses.• The Midwest may face a high-impact ice storm within this cycle.• A warm spell is likely in mid-December across the eastern United States.• The LRC provides a structural guide for understanding storm placement, intensity, and timing.• Forecasting will never be perfect, but the LRC continues to outperform traditional long-range models.CHAPTERS00:00 How the Winter Pattern Has Fully Set Up09:08 Drought Movement and Agricultural Implications11:59 Storm Tracks, Ice Risk, and Regional Winter Expectations15:11 The LRC Blueprint: What This Cycle Tells Us Going Forward16:30 Closing Thoughts and Forecast Resourceswinter weather, weather forecasting, drought conditions, winter storms, LRC, weather patterns, climate predictions, agriculture, snow forecasts, seasonal weather

Cattle markets are shifting fast, and Lauren Moylan and John Campbell dig into the forces reshaping price discovery and producer confidence. With a major packing plant in Nebraska shutting down and Brazilian beef imports accelerating, the industry is facing structural pressures that reach far beyond weekly price moves. This conversation breaks down how these changes ripple through cash markets, influence volatility, and challenge the long-term stability of the domestic cattle sector.LinksCattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/TAKEAWAYS• The cattle market continues to hold strength despite sharp, unpredictable swings.• A Nebraska packing plant closure is tightening regional capacity and influencing bids.• Rising Brazilian beef imports present real competitive pressure for U.S. producers.• Short-term political decisions can create long-term vulnerabilities for the industry.• Cash markets remain the backbone of true price discovery, even in volatile cycles.• Speculation and rapid market reactions often magnify price instability.• Structural changes in the packing sector raise questions about future resilience.• Producers must understand both domestic disruptions and global dynamics to stay ahead.• Advocacy and industry involvement are more important than ever in shaping policy.• A clear grasp of market trends helps producers make informed management decisions.CHAPTERS00:00 Market Discussion with John Campbell33:02 Final Thoughts and Closing RemarksKEYWORDScattle market, beef imports, market report, livestock, cattle industry, plant closures, Brazilian beef, market trends, agriculture, livestock trading

The cattle markets are closing out the year with more questions than answers, and Lauren Moylan and Samantha Cozza-Wright break down the forces driving the latest swings. From market volatility and whispers of insider trading to the growing pressure around heifer retention and the uncertainty heading into 2026, this conversation cuts through the noise and focuses on what producers actually need to watch. With slaughter capacity tightening and input costs refusing to settle, the episode highlights the tension between short-term market reactions and long-term planning for herd stability.LINKSCattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/TAKEAWAYS• Volatility continues across all sectors of the cattle market, with major price swings happening quickly.• Speculation around insider trading is adding uncertainty and distrust to market reactions.• External pressure from political comments, media coverage, and government actions is influencing beef prices.• Strong holiday demand is expected to keep the market active through the end of the year.• Producers are struggling with heifer retention decisions in a market that refuses to stabilize.• Early 2026 is expected to bring more movement, not less, with predictions leaning toward continued volatility.• Cash demand for placements remains high as feeders scramble to secure inventory.• Recent beef plant closures are tightening slaughter capacity and influencing market timing.• Rising input costs are creating added strain on producer decision-making.• Predictability and stability remain the biggest needs for ranchers heading into the new year.CHAPTERS00:00 Winter Arrivals and Ongoing Market Volatility07:12 Market Dynamics and Speculation Around Insider Trading12:47 Holiday Beef Demand and What It Signals for Early 202617:50 Closing Thoughts and Looking AheadKEYWORDScattle markets, insider trading, market volatility, beef prices, heifer retention, agricultural economy, livestock trading, market predictions, cattle industry news, producer insights

Body condition scoring isn’t a side task. It’s one of the most accurate predictors of profitability in a cow-calf operation. In this episode, we dig into why BCS matters, how it ties directly to reproduction, feed savings, and weaning weights, and the checkpoints every producer should be scoring at. When you understand the fat cover on your cows, you can manage nutrition before it becomes a crisis, spot forage problems early, and put real dollars back into your operation.LinksCattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/TakeawaysBody condition scoring is a powerful management tool.BCS measures fat reserves on a scale from 1 to 9.Cows with a BCS of 5 or better breed back faster.Research links BCS to profitability in cattle operations.Maintaining condition can save thousands in feed costs.Scoring should occur at multiple key checkpoints.Thinner cows require higher quality feed.BCS trends can indicate forage quality issues.Knowing BCS helps in negotiating prices for heifers.Regular scoring is essential for herd health management.Chapters00:00 Understanding Body Condition Scoring (BCS)02:43 The Financial Impact of BCS on Ranching03:57 Implementing BCS for Better Herd ManagementBody Condition Scoring, BCS, cattle management, herd health, profitability, nutrition, reproduction, feed savings, cow scoring

The conversation takes a deep dive into the debate surrounding M-COOL (Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling) as host Lauren Moylan and guest Emma Coffman unpack how the policy was created, why it was dismantled, and what its absence means for both producers and consumers. They cut through the noise around labeling laws, imported beef, and trade pressures that shape the U.S. food system, offering clarity on what’s true, what’s misunderstood, and what the industry needs moving forward. The discussion closes with a lighter look at holiday food traditions and why beef often wins out over turkey at the Thanksgiving table.LINKSEmma's Links - https://linktr.ee/doubleeranch ⁠CattleUSA Website - ⁠https://www.cattleusa.com/⁠ Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia⁠ Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/⁠ Subscribe to our newsletter - ⁠https://www.cattleusadrive.com/⁠ CattleUSA Media - ⁠https://www.cattleusamedia.com/⁠ Lauren’s Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/⁠ Lauren’s Youtube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco⁠ The Next Generation Podcast Website - ⁠https://www.thenextgenag.com/⁠TAKEAWAYSM-COOL refers to Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling, a policy removed due to international trade pressures.Consumer demand for transparency is rising, but current trade rules limit how beef can be labeled.Imported beef must meet strict U.S. safety standards despite lacking origin labeling.Local producers often provide premium products at prices that reflect real production costs.The beef supply chain includes regulators, packers, trade partners, and independent ranchers.Fear-based messaging around imported beef creates unnecessary confusion.Efforts to reinstate M-COOL must consider potential trade retaliation.Transparency and education are essential for rebuilding consumer trust.Holiday seasons amplify conversations about food origins and quality.CHAPTERS00:00 Thanksgiving Banter and Setting the Conversation03:25 What M-COOL Really Means06:05 How Origin Labeling Shapes Consumer Understanding09:07 Trade Barriers and the Challenges of Reinstating M-COOL11:54 Safety, Transparency, and the Future of Beef Labeling16:09 Closing Thoughts and Holiday Food TraditionsM-COOL, beef industry, country of origin labeling, USDA, consumer education, transparency, agriculture, food safety, trade policies, Thanksgiving, beef imports, labeling laws, ranching, cattle industry, agricultural policy