CattleUSA Daily

Cow size has become a badge of honor in some circles, but when you strip away opinion and look strictly at biological efficiency, the numbers tell a different story. In this episode, Lauren breaks down the science behind cow size and maintenance requirements, comparing large-framed cows to moderate, high-performing cows in real-world forage-limited systems. From maintenance energy demands and reproductive performance to pounds weaned per acre, this conversation centers on measurable efficiency — not aesthetics, sale barn perception, or show ring trends.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/premiumCattleUSA 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/Key Takeaways• Efficiency is measured by pounds weaned relative to cow weight — not by frame size• Maintenance energy requirements increase disproportionately as cow size increases• Larger cows consume significantly more forage year-round• A cow should ideally wean 45–50% of her body weight• A 1,600 lb cow must wean 720–800 lbs to hit that benchmark• A 1,250 lb cow only needs 560–625 lbs to meet the same efficiency target• Maintenance is the largest annual nutritional cost in a cow herd• Bigger cows often require higher-quality feed to maintain reproductive performance• Reproductive failure erases any advantage from heavier weaning weights• Moderate cows tend to maintain body condition better in variable forage systems• Forage-limited ranches are constrained by acres, not headcount• More moderate cows per acre often means more total pounds produced per acre• Longevity compounds profitability more than frame score• Selecting for size alone selects for higher maintenance costs• True ranch efficiency is measured per acre and per unit of forageChapters00:00 Why cow size deserves a biological discussion01:30 How efficiency is actually measured02:30 Maintenance energy and dry matter intake explained03:40 The 45–50% weaning weight benchmark05:00 Reproduction under nutritional stress06:40 Forage-limited systems and stocking rate math08:10 Longevity and compounding profitability09:30 Selecting for efficiency over sizeKeywordscow size efficiency, beef cattle maintenance costs, pounds weaned per cow, cow body weight efficiency, forage-based cattle systems, ranch profitability metrics, stocking rate management, reproductive performance cattle, biological efficiency beef cattle, cow maintenance energy requirements, moderate frame cows, beef production economics

Cattle markets are sitting in a tight, sideways range, and it has everyone on edge. Cash has stayed supportive, but futures continue to hesitate at key resistance levels, creating a growing disconnect that feels fragile. In this episode, Lauren is joined by Dan Gerhold and Samantha Cozza-Wright to break down what is really happening beneath the surface. From Argentina beef quotas and screwworm headlines to seasonal demand shifts, hog market weakness, and grain price frustration, they walk through what matters right now, what is just noise, and why risk management still matters even when optimism is high.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/premiumCattleUSA 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• Cattle futures are stuck in sideways action while cash remains firm• 240 live cattle and 370 feeders continue to act as major technical resistance levels• Volatility has returned, even without dramatic fundamental changes• Argentina beef quota headlines created reaction, but long-term impact appears limited• Mexico border reopening remains uncertain due to screwworm concerns• Spring grilling demand will be critical to sustaining higher boxed beef values• Hog markets are starting to show seasonal softness after a strong run• Grain markets remain in limbo despite USDA adjustments• The market does not care about your cost of production• Waiting for the “perfect” top often results in missed profit windows• Risk management matters more when profits are available than when they are gone• Beef byproducts support far more of the economy than most consumers realizeChapters00:00 KU jokes and setting the tone02:30 Sideways cattle and technical resistance levels04:30 Cash vs futures disconnect and volatility concerns06:15 Argentina beef quotas and headline reactions08:20 Boxed beef, spring demand, and what breaks resistance11:50 Seasonal pullbacks in cattle and hogs15:20 Grain markets, USDA reports, and protecting new crop19:00 Food security, beef byproducts, and economic impactcattle market update, live cattle futures, feeder cattle futures, cash cattle vs futures, boxed beef prices, spring grilling demand, Argentina beef quota, Mexico border cattle, screwworm cattle update, hog market outlook, grain market outlook, corn price forecast, soybean market forecast, cattle risk management, price protection for cattle

Snow drought conditions across the western United States are raising serious concerns for water supplies, fire season risk, and downstream impacts throughout cattle country. In this episode, Lauren is joined by Gary Lezak to break down what the Lezak Recurring Cycle is showing for the rest of winter, what to expect across the Midwest in the coming weeks, and why this summer is already shaping up to be one producers need to plan for. From short-term storm windows to long-term drought and heat risks, this conversation connects the dots between weather patterns and real-world impacts on agriculture.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/premiumCattleUSA 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• Western snowpack is tracking below record-low levels• Utah and Colorado are seeing historic snow shortages• Nebraska remains a growing drought concern• The Midwest will see returning storm cycles over the next two weeks• Snow is possible around mid-February, but not a guaranteed major event• Spring moisture trends will become clearer in the next few weeks• The LRC indicates major western storms returning in March• A significant summer heat wave is already projected• August is shaping up to be the most critical heat window• Weather planning now matters for crops, water, and cattleChapters00:00 Catching up and snow drought overview01:40 Western snowpack concerns and water implications04:20 Nebraska drought trends and expansion risks05:45 What to expect over the next two weeks07:30 Storm cycle returns and Midwest snow potential09:20 Separating hype from reality on snowfall totals11:50 How the LRC improves long-range forecasting13:40 Summer heat outlook and crop implications15:30 Severe weather patterns later this year16:45 Final thoughts and planning aheadweather outlook agriculture, snow drought west, Nebraska drought, Midwest weather forecast, LRC weather cycle, summer heat forecast, cattle country weather, water supply concerns, spring storm outlook, long-range weather forecast

Strong sale barn prices, aggressive buyer demand, and a cattle inventory report that confirmed tight supplies set the tone early this week — until labor headlines out of JBS Greeley added a new layer of uncertainty. In this episode, Lauren sits down with John Campbell to break down what they’re seeing at auction barns across Kansas and Wyoming, how the inventory report is influencing buyer behavior, and why a potential strike at one of the largest beef plants in the country matters far beyond futures screens. The conversation blends real market data, current events, rural economic realities, and a candid look at why volatility feels baked into today’s cattle market.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/premiumCattleUSA 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• Sale barns started the week with exceptional demand and strong price momentum• Light calves and quality yearlings saw especially aggressive bidding• The cattle inventory report reinforced that supplies remain tight• Heifer retention is showing early signs but remains uneven across regions• Buyer urgency reflects both tight supplies and fear of missing inventory• JBS Greeley workers voting to strike adds uncertainty to fed cattle flow• Large beef plants play an outsized role in rural economies and supply chains• Labor disruptions can ripple quickly through cattle markets• Market volatility is being driven by headlines as much as fundamentals• Strong prices don’t automatically mean a stable marketChapters01:30 Sale barn recap and early-week momentum03:45 Kansas market highlights and calf demand05:45 Inventory report reaction and supply discussion07:30 Heifer retention — what the numbers do and don’t show09:25 Breaking down the JBS Greeley strike vote11:30 Why plant disruptions matter beyond futures14:00 Rural communities, packing plants, and economic impact17:00 Market psychology and headline-driven volatility22:10 Final thoughts and what to keep watchingcattle market update, sale barn prices, feeder cattle market, cattle inventory report, heifer retention, JBS strike, beef packing plant labor, cattle market volatility, fed cattle supply, rural agriculture economy, cattle prices today, livestock market news

Volatility has returned to the cattle market in a big way, and this episode digs into why. Lauren is joined by Dan Gerhold and Samantha Cozza-Wright to break down recent swings on the futures board, uneven cash trade, headline-driven selloffs, and how quickly sentiment can flip at these levels. They cover the impact of packer disruptions, dairy cow slaughter, beef-on-dairy supply, grain market crosswinds, and the ongoing debate around heifer retention. This conversation cuts through the noise to focus on what’s actually moving the market and why producers should be paying attention right now.Key Takeaways• The cattle market is showing signs of nervousness with sharp selloffs occurring frequently• Futures volatility is impacting buyer behavior at sale barns and slowing aggressive bidding• The JBS Greeley plant labor situation adds uncertainty to slaughter capacity and beef supply• Dairy cow slaughter and beef-on-dairy calves continue to pressure the supply chain• High prices do not equal a stable market, especially when technical signals weaken• Heifer retention is happening, but not at a scale that signals rapid herd expansion• Replacement heifer prices reflect demand, even if overall retention remains uneven• Grass availability, land values, and cash flow are limiting factors for herd rebuild decisions• Government intervention headlines are adding unnecessary volatility and uncertainty• Grain markets are seeing modest support, but long-term supply still warrants risk management• Retail beef prices are easing, which could help demand heading into grilling season• Price still determines supply and demand, and the market is doing exactly what it’s designed to doChapters00:00 Market volatility and setting the stage02:00 Futures swings and nervous trade sentiment04:00 Early-week bullish momentum and sudden reversal06:30 Packer disruptions, dairy cow kill, and supply pressure09:00 Technical signals and why traders are getting spooked11:00 Political headlines and government intervention concerns13:30 Grain market update and managed money activity16:00 Cattle inventory report and heifer retention discussion18:45 Land prices, grass availability, and rebuild limitations22:40 Why price still matters more than narrativesKeywordscattle market update, cattle market volatility, live cattle futures, feeder cattle prices, cash cattle trade, cattle inventory report, heifer retention, beef supply chain, packer capacity, dairy cow slaughter, beef on dairy, grain market outlook, cattle market fundamentals, livestock markets, producer risk management

Livestock Risk Protection has carried a bad reputation for years, often built on misinformation, outdated assumptions, and overly complicated explanations. In this episode, Lauren is joined by Samantha Cozza-Wright to break LRP down at a practical, producer-first level. From what LRP actually is to how it settles, how weights and timing work, and why flexibility is one of its biggest strengths, this conversation strips away the noise and focuses on how producers can realistically use LRP as a risk management tool. This episode is a true foundation-builder designed to educate, not sell.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/premiumCattleUSA 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• LRP is a government-subsidized insurance product, not a futures contract• It functions like a put option designed to protect downside risk• Producers keep full upside participation if markets rally• LRP does not settle on your individual cash sale price• Coverage is based on national market indices, not local prices• Weight flexibility exists as long as cattle remain within class ranges• Feeder cattle do not have to be sold by the coverage end date• Fed cattle must be marketed within the allowable window to remain eligible• Premiums are not due upfront and include a grace period after coverage ends• LRP premiums are typically cheaper than traditional futures options• Additional subsidies are available for beginning and veteran producers• Coverage can be booked per head, allowing small-scale participation• Applications do not obligate producers to purchase coverage• Quotes are updated daily and tied directly to futures markets• LRP is best used to protect breakevens, not predict market highsChapters00:00 Why LRP carries a bad reputation01:45 What Livestock Risk Protection actually is02:45 How indemnity payments work04:00 Weight classes and flexibility explained05:00 Why LRP does not settle on cash sales06:30 Feeder cattle vs fed cattle coverage rules07:25 How ending values are determined08:45 Premium costs, subsidies, and affordability10:30 Why per-head coverage matters12:10 The LRP application process13:55 Daily quotes and booking windows15:45 Coverage levels and timelines18:15 Premium examples and cost breakdown20:20 Claim process and documentation22:45 Using LRP for peace of mind, not perfectionlivestock risk protection, LRP insurance, cattle market risk management, feeder cattle insurance, fed cattle insurance, cattle price protection, USDA LRP program, cattle hedging alternatives, risk management for ranchers, cattle market volatility, producer education, cattle marketing strategies

Labor is no longer a short-term headache in agriculture. It’s a structural, generational problem that touches every segment of food production. In this episode, Lauren sits down with Marty to unpack why farms and ranches across the country are struggling to find help, how rural communities lost their pre-trained workforce, and why the labor issue can’t be solved by band-aids or waiting for someone else to fix it. From shrinking farm families and rural brain drain to the responsibility producers must take as employers, this conversation tackles the uncomfortable truths behind ag labor and what it will take to rebuild a sustainable workforce.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/premiumCattleUSA 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• Agriculture’s labor shortage affects every sector, not just cattle• The traditional “farm team” workforce has largely disappeared• Farm consolidation reduced the pipeline of pre-trained young workers• Rural communities have lost population, talent, and leadership over decades• Encouraging kids to leave agriculture created long-term workforce gaps• Labor issues exist at every level, from packing plants to management roles• Agriculture struggles to welcome people without ag backgrounds• Recruiting new workers requires patience, training, and better employers• Rural development and ag labor are directly tied together• Communities thrive when ag jobs keep people local and invested• Outreach to K–12 students is one of the most effective long-term solutions• Solving labor requires collective action, not isolated effortsChapters00:00 Why labor is agriculture’s most urgent issue02:10 How the traditional ag workforce disappeared04:00 Farm consolidation and the loss of pre-trained labor06:30 Why rural communities keep shrinking08:30 Parents encouraging kids to leave agriculture10:45 Brain drain and its impact on rural economies13:10 Why agriculture struggles to welcome outsiders15:50 Recruiting and training people with no ag background18:20 Labor as a rural development issue21:00 Why ag employers must improve to retain workers24:30 The role of schools and youth outreach27:45 How producers can get involved locally30:45 Why labor is everyone’s responsibilityagriculture labor shortage, farm labor crisis, rural workforce issues, ag employment challenges, labor in agriculture, rural economic development, ag workforce development, farm and ranch labor, recruiting in agriculture, ag labor solutions, rural communities and agriculture

Lauren sits down with Chase Markel, a PhD researcher at the University of Wyoming, to unpack one of the most overlooked efficiency drains in the beef industry: bovine congestive heart failure. From brisket disease at high elevation to subclinical heart failure in feedlot cattle, this episode breaks down what’s actually happening inside the animal, why many cases go unnoticed, and how emerging AI tools are changing the way the industry measures health, efficiency, and loss. Chase explains how machine learning and computer vision are being used inside packing plants to identify heart failure earlier, remove subjectivity from phenotyping, and uncover millions of dollars in hidden inefficiencies across the beef supply chain.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/premiumCattleUSA 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/Key Takeaways• Bovine congestive heart failure is not just a death loss issue but a widespread efficiency problem• Subclinical heart failure cases are far more common than most producers realize• Brisket disease and feedlot heart failure share the same physiological cascade but occur at different stages• Pulmonary hypertension places excess strain on the right ventricle, leading to systemic failure• Many cattle reach harvest with compromised heart function that impacts gain and carcass value• AI and computer vision can score cattle hearts with over 90% accuracy• Automated heart scoring removes human subjectivity and improves data consistency• Subclinical heart failure cattle show lower gain, lighter carcass weights, and reduced efficiency• The estimated industry cost of subclinical heart failure exceeds $100 million annually• Digital phenotyping could reshape genetic selection, traceability, and health management• AI tools offer scalable ways to collect phenotypes at a speed never before possible• Future adoption depends on making technology accessible and producer-friendlyChapters00:00 Chase’s background and research focus02:35 Why brisket disease and heart failure matter to producers04:40 The physiology behind pulmonary hypertension and heart failure07:40 The role of the right ventricle and systemic impacts09:55 Introducing AI and heart scoring in feedlot cattle12:20 Inside the packing plant and building an AI model14:45 Why consistency matters more than speed17:00 Digital phenotyping, genetics, and traceability19:15 Subclinical cases and the true cost to efficiency21:45 What this could mean for the next decade of beef production24:50 Final thoughts and where to follow Chase’s workbeef industry technology, bovine congestive heart failure, brisket disease, cattle heart health, AI in agriculture, feedlot efficiency, subclinical disease in cattle, beef production losses, digital phenotyping, cattle genetics, traceability in beef, pulmonary hypertension cattle, packing plant technology, beef research innovation

Cold weather, light receipts, and strong prices set the tone for this episode as Lauren Moylan sits down with John Campbell for a wide-ranging conversation that blends market reality with industry tension. From stocker and feeder prices across Colorado and Kansas to cow sales that stayed surprisingly strong despite snow and cold, the cattle market continues to defy expectations. The conversation then shifts beyond price into harder topics. Protest culture, firearms responsibility, immigration numbers, beef labeling, imported beef, and whether Product of the USA labels actually matter to consumers. Equal parts market update and cultural gut check, this episode doesn’t try to smooth the edges. It says the quiet parts out loud.Key Takeaways• Cold weather slowed receipts but did not weaken the cattle market• Feeder and stocker cattle continued to sell at historically strong levels• Lighter-weight cattle showed strength, especially in the 450–550 lb range• Cow and bred female markets stayed stout despite weather challenges• Internet bidding played a major role in supporting cow sales• The cattle market remains supply-driven more than demand-driven• Strong prices don’t eliminate deeper structural industry issues• Protest culture and personal responsibility sparked sharp discussion• Responsible firearm ownership requires situational awareness• Immigration numbers are shifting for the first time in decades• Product of the USA labeling alone won’t fix consumer trust• Labels without education don’t move demand• Imported beef concerns deserve facts, not assumptions• The beef industry struggles to communicate value to consumers• Cultural conversations inside ag are becoming harder but more necessaryChapters00:00 Welcome back and opening banter02:00 Cold weather and early-week market conditions04:40 Feeder and stocker cattle price recap07:15 Cow sales, bred females, and internet bidding09:30 Dodge City recap and winter receipts12:30 Regional price comparisons across Kansas and Colorado15:30 Why the cattle market keeps holding despite disruptions16:45 Minnesota shooting and protest discussion20:30 Firearms, responsibility, and situational awareness25:40 Imported beef, labeling, and consumer education33:30 Where the industry goes from herecattle market update, feeder cattle prices, stocker cattle market, cow market prices, winter cattle sales, cash cattle trade, beef imports, product of the USA beef, MCOOL discussion, beef labeling debate, cattle industry commentary, agricultural markets, livestock market update

Cold weather, uneven trade, and tight supplies continue to define the cattle market as the industry moves deeper into winter. In this episode, Lauren is joined by Dan Gerhold and Samantha Cozza-Wright to break down what last week’s weather disruptions actually did to cash trade, why feeder markets feel choppy, and what February demand realistically looks like. From cattle on feed data to heifer retention, imports, exports, and the role of the U.S. dollar, this conversation cuts through the noise to focus on what matters and what doesn’t right now.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/premiumCattleUSA 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• Weather disruptions delayed sales and created uneven market signals• Cash trade remains the focal point while the board stays volatile• Feeder markets showed mixed results with sharp regional differences• February demand is historically choppy and rarely inspiring• Valentine’s Day demand helps selectively but doesn’t carry the whole cutout• Slaughter reductions were largely weather-driven, not demand-driven• Beef imports are helping fill gaps created by reduced kills• The weaker U.S. dollar improves export competitiveness but adds volatility• Cattle on Feed data reinforced tight supplies rather than signaling expansion• Heifer retention is happening, but not at expansion-cycle levels• Border closures and dairy-beef dynamics continue to skew year-over-year comparisons• Bigger inventory signals won’t fully reveal themselves until late summerChapters00:00 Cold weather and early-week market disruptions02:00 Feeder market recap and regional differences03:10 Winter demand realities and February expectations04:20 Cutout trends and packer margin pressure05:40 Imports, exports, and the role of the U.S. dollar07:30 How currency moves impact beef trade09:50 Cattle on Feed report breakdown12:00 Heifer retention vs tight supply reality15:00 Why summer placement data may look misleading17:20 What to actually watch nextcattle market update, feeder cattle prices, cash cattle trade, winter cattle markets, cattle on feed report, heifer retention, beef demand trends, beef imports and exports, packer margins, U.S. dollar impact, livestock markets, February cattle demand

There’s a phrase in ranching that sounds noble, hardworking, and respectable: the cows come first. And while the intention behind it is good, somewhere along the way it quietly turned into a belief that ranchers exist to serve their cattle. In this solo episode, Lauren challenges that mindset head-on and makes the case for something many ranchers feel but rarely say out loud. The cows are not the boss. When cattle stop working for the ranch and start running it, burnout, inefficiency, and resentment follow. This episode breaks down where that mindset came from, why it persists, and how shifting it can change the economics, workload, and sustainability of a ranch.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• Good stewardship does not require martyrdom• Ranchers didn’t adopt “cows come first” out of laziness, but loyalty and sacrifice• When margins tightened, the industry response was to work harder instead of redesign systems• Cows stop working for you when they breed late, need constant intervention, or don’t fit the forage base• Problem cows quietly dictate labor hours, feeding schedules, and stress levels• Sentiment often overrides performance, especially with legacy cows or “just good enough” females• Cows don’t carry history or legacy, they carry cost• When inefficiency runs the system, burnout follows• High-performing cows simplify labor, tighten reproduction, and reduce stress• Sustainable ranches ask one core question: does this cow earn her place here?Chapters00:00 The phrase that sounds noble but causes problems01:45 How loyalty and sacrifice reshaped ranch decision-making03:25 When cows stop working and start managing you05:07 What a working cow actually looks like06:30 Stewardship vs martyrdom07:17 The question that changes everything08:20 Why the next generation won’t inherit burnout09:05 Putting control back in the rancher’s handsranch management, cow efficiency, cattle culling decisions, ranch burnout, sustainable ranching, stockmanship mindset, cow performance, forage-based systems, ranch labor efficiency, generational ranching, cow herd management

Dan Leahy breaks down what most ranch “apprenticeships” are missing: a written plan, a weekly cadence, and honest accountability. He walks through the Foundation for Ranch Management apprenticeship workbook page by page, explaining how ranches can map their annual ranch cycle, build a multi-year skill pathway, and run the entire program off a simple Friday meeting. The big theme is clarity. Apprentices shouldn’t be guessing what “good” looks like, and mentors shouldn’t be training in chaos with no structure. Dan also draws a hard line between job culture and ownership culture, and why the best candidates are the ones showing up with an owner’s mentality.LinksDan's Email - ranchresource@gmail.com Nominate 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• A ranch apprenticeship is already happening for most people, the difference is whether you run it on purpose or let it happen by accident.• The job culture puts the employer in the driver’s seat. The ownership culture attracts higher-caliber candidates who want responsibility and show initiative.• A written plan removes “different assumptions” and turns the relationship into something both sides can actually measure.• The Friday meeting is the backbone: review the past week, plan the next week, and cover the weekend so nobody is guessing.• The annual ranch cycle sheet forces the ranch to define what happens when, month by month, instead of running everything by memory and habit.• The apprenticeship pathway uses a simple 1–3 rating system that rewards honesty: 1 = need to start, 2 = can do with help, 3 = can do and teach.• Training is the most expensive thing for the ranch because it pulls the mentor away from other work, so it has to be tracked and used intentionally.• The weekly work plan and work log show the difference between “what we thought would happen” and “what actually happened,” including hours spent on training, work, and learning.• If an apprentice leaves early, mentors need to decide upfront if they’re committed to ranching as an industry, not just extracting value for their own place.• Accountability works best in a high-trust environment where people can admit mistakes, learn fast, and keep moving forward instead of hiding failures.Chapters00:00 Intro and why this episode is the “nitty gritty” program breakdown01:05 Job culture vs ownership culture and why mindset drives everything04:45 How the workbook is structured and why writing it down matters07:50 The Friday meeting system and how it prevents confusion and drift12:10 The annual ranch cycle “capture sheet” and building a real ranch plan17:40 Skill pathway ratings (1–3), brutal honesty, and why misrepresenting skills backfires26:50 Weekly work plan + work log: tracking training vs work vs learning and why time matters38:30 Making the program work long-term, turnover realities, and how to get the materialsranch apprenticeship, ranch management, apprentice program, ranch succession, management succession, ownership mindset, job culture, ranch training, ranch mentorship, annual ranch cycle, ranch plan, weekly work plan, Friday meeting, time tracking, apprenticeship workbook, Foundation for Ranch Management, training accountability, ranch labor, ranch leadership, ranch operations

Lauren sits down with Gary Lezak for a winter weather check-in as Colorado experiences one of the most extreme snow droughts on record. They break down what’s happening in the atmosphere right now, why storm systems keep missing key regions, and how the recurring weather pattern helps identify risk windows months in advance. From winter storm threats in Texas to early signals for drought and summer heat, this episode focuses on how producers can think ahead instead of reacting late.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• Colorado is experiencing its lowest snow year on record, with major implications for fire risk, water supply, and reservoirs.• The recurring weather pattern explains why storm systems keep weakening as they move through the Rockies.• Risk windows matter more than exact forecasts. They help identify when disruption is most likely, not just if it will happen.• Texas sits in a higher-risk zone for winter weather impacts this week, while Kansas and Missouri are on the edge.• The broader weather pattern is not expected to suddenly change, even as La Niña trends toward neutral.• California has a higher-confidence storm risk window later in the winter, particularly in early March.• Early summer heat signals are already showing up in the pattern, with potential impacts during key crop development periods.• February and March will be critical months to determine whether drought areas expand or stabilize heading into planting season.Chapters00:00 Colorado snow update and setting the stage01:50 Snow drought impacts beyond ski season03:30 What the LRC is and how risk windows work05:20 Winter storm risk and regional impacts07:10 Why storms keep missing Colorado08:40 Looking ahead to spring and summer signals10:45 Drought watch and what to monitor next12:30 Final thoughts on planning ahead with weather dataweather risk windows, snow drought, Colorado weather, LRC weather pattern, winter storm outlook, drought monitoring, summer heat risk, long-range weather forecasting, agricultural weather planning

Lauren is back with John Campbell for another rapid-fire cattle industry rundown, covering what’s moving markets and what’s just loud noise. They talk sale barn tone, winter weather pressure, Canada putting a pause on new animal ID regulations, Colorado pausing wolf reintroduction after federal pushback, and the chaos sparked by Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller’s screwworm comments that whiplashed futures without changing a single real-world fact. If you’re tired of rumor-driven volatility and policy headlines that hit producers first, this episode is for you.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• Sale barns are still trading strong overall, but some weight classes showed a softer tone even when “steady” on paper.• Regional barns across the Midwest and Mountain West remain active, with high demand still showing up in top-end sales.• Canada has reportedly paused new animal ID regulations after major practical concerns about implementation.• Colorado has paused wolf reintroduction, after federal concerns over sourcing and high wolf mortality raised major questions.• Wolf policy continues to carry real cost, both in program spend and producer impact, with outcomes under heavy scrutiny.• Sid Miller’s screwworm comments created market whiplash, proving (again) how fast speculators react to headlines.• Producers already understand the screwworm risk. The real damage comes from public messaging that triggers panic selling.• The industry is in a better position than before due to improved tools and preparedness, but volatility punishes timing.• Bottom line: a lot of “news” doesn’t change fundamentals, but it can still move futures and mess with real people.Chapters00:00 Road life and market check-in01:00 Local sale barn recap and where the softness showed up03:59 Regional market rundown across key barns05:58 Why cash trade stayed steadier than the board06:38 Weather impacts and regional differences08:40 Canada pauses new animal ID regulations09:30 Colorado pauses wolf reintroduction and federal pressure12:30 Sid Miller screwworm comments and futures market whiplash15:30 Why rumor-driven selling hurts producers first18:35 Wrap-up and what to watch next weekcattle markets, sale barn report, feeder cattle prices, winter cattle market, livestock auctions, screwworm, cattle health policy, futures volatility, speculator impact, animal ID regulations, Canada cattle policy, wolf reintroduction, Colorado wolves, livestock producer risk

Lauren is joined by Dan Gerhold and Samantha Cozza-Wright for a candid market check-in as extreme cold weather moves across much of the country and volatility continues to define the cattle trade. They break down how headlines, winter weather, feeder demand, and packer leverage are shaping current price action, while also looking ahead to seasonal trends, grain markets, and what could matter most as the industry moves deeper into winter and toward spring.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• The cattle market remains fragile, with headlines and commentary capable of moving prices quickly even without new fundamentals.• Extreme cold can temporarily support cash cattle prices as shrink and hauling conditions tighten supply.• Feeder cattle markets have cooled slightly after an aggressive early January run, but prices remain historically strong.• Grass cattle demand has played a major role in supporting feeder prices, though that support may ease seasonally.• Seasonal patterns suggest sideways trade into February, with March and spring demand still an open question.• Tight cattle supplies continue to underpin longer-term optimism despite short-term volatility.• Grain markets appear to be trying to build a base after recent pressure, with price levels likely to drive new demand.• Export demand and global trade remain price-driven, even amid tariff concerns and political uncertainty.• Upcoming USDA reports could inject fresh volatility depending on how inventory and placements are estimated.Chapters00:00 Cold weather check and setting the tone01:00 Headlines, rumors, and fragile market reactions03:00 Cash cattle, winter shrink, and packer leverage05:00 Feeder cattle trends and seasonal shifts06:45 Looking ahead to February and spring seasonals08:40 Supply tightness and retention questions10:00 Grain market update and base building12:30 Global demand, trade pressure, and price signals15:40 Upcoming reports and final thoughtscattle market volatility, winter cattle trade, feeder cattle trends, cash cattle prices, grain market outlook, corn prices, weather impact on markets, USDA reports, beef supply dynamics

Beef doesn’t end at the rail. It ends in a box. Brianna Buseman from Marble breaks down what “pack-off” actually is, why it’s one of the most repetitive and labor-heavy parts of a beef plant, and how Marble uses conveyor systems plus computer vision to identify cuts, track product tied to plant programs, and help plants move boxed beef out the door with more consistency and less chaos. She also gets honest about the hard part in food processing: it’s not just building tech, it’s building tech that survives washdown, cold temps, zero downtime tolerance, and real-world training with high turnover crews.LinksMarble Technologies - https://www.seemarble.com/Pack Off Video - https://www.seemarble.com/pack-off Nominate 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• Marble focuses on pack-off because it’s repetitive, labor-heavy, and required, but doesn’t add value to the cut itself.• Computer vision has to be trained. Marble showed cameras hundreds of thousands of images so they can correctly classify cuts.• Plants already sort carcasses by grades/programs, and Marble helps track product tied to those programs and report usable data back to the plant.• The goal isn’t “replace people.” It’s helping plants operate through absenteeism, seasonal labor churn, holidays, and disruptions without production falling apart.• Operator adoption improves when the system is designed to be simple, ergonomic, safe, and easy to train, especially with high turnover.• Food processing automation has unique constraints: washdown, hot water, chemicals, pressure, then running cold immediately after, with no room for fogged cameras or downtime.• Beef specs are getting more complex (more variations per cut), and cattle are getting bigger, which increases the need for better logistics and efficiency.• Data only matters if it becomes actionable. Marble’s value is turning weights/images/outputs into something plants can use to improve decisions and consistency.• Brianna’s context check: one long-time pack-off worker can box enough beef in a year to feed roughly 330,000 people at average consumption. That’s the scale of labor in this area.Chapters00:00 Meet Brianna and what Marble actually is02:40 Why pack-off is the target: boxed beef, repetition, and labor intensity03:10 How the cameras “learn” cuts and why training matters04:10 What Marble tracks: cut ID, program/grade tracking, weights, and reporting back to the plant09:45 Training and adoption inside plants after installs11:25 Why ag adoption is slow: “what works” vs “what’s better”17:20 Consolidation/closures, tough margins, and why efficiency matters19:20 What success looks like long-term: crawl, walk, run tech adoptionmarble, automation, beef processing, meatpacking, pack-off, boxed beef, computer vision, machine learning, food processing technology, plant efficiency, labor shortages, washdown equipment, meat science, USDA grading programs, beef logistics, data in meat plants, adoption of ag technology

Lauren and Emma break down how nutrition messaging around beef went off the rails and why it still matters to cattle producers today. They talk through how past dietary guidelines and food scoring systems elevated ultra-processed foods while pushing beef to the bottom, how convenience culture and lack of food education fueled that shift, and why consumers became disconnected from protein quality altogether. The conversation stays grounded in what was actually said in the transcript: misinformation sticks, education gaps compound, and whether producers like it or not, nutrition narratives directly impact long-term beef demand.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• Past nutrition guidelines and food scoring systems ranked ultra-processed foods higher than beef, creating long-term consumer confusion.• Beef wasn’t displaced because of data alone, but because of how nutrition was communicated to the public.• Convenience culture played a major role as fewer households cooked meals regularly or understood basic food preparation.• Consumers were taught to fear fat and red meat while being encouraged toward boxed and processed foods.• Nutrition education largely disappeared from schools, leaving consumers without context for food choices.• Protein quality and bioavailability were rarely explained, even though they matter more than raw protein numbers.• Misinformation tends to stick longer than corrections, especially when it’s simple or fear-based.• Beef demand is influenced by nutrition narratives just as much as price or supply.• Producers can’t fully outsource education if they want long-term demand stability.• Rebuilding trust in beef requires clarity, repetition, and real-world conversations, not slogans alone.Chapters00:00 New Year check-in and setting the stage01:40 Why this topic matters even if you’re a producer03:20 How beef ended up ranked below processed foods05:20 Food scoring systems and consumer confusion07:10 Convenience culture and the decline of cooking09:20 Missing nutrition education in schools11:30 Protein quality vs protein quantity13:40 Why misinformation sticks longer than facts15:40 How nutrition narratives affect beef demand18:00 What producers underestimate about consumer perception20:10 Wrapping it up and why this isn’t going awaynutrition guidelines, beef nutrition, food pyramid, my plate, processed foods, protein quality, beef demand, consumer perception, nutrition misinformation, food education, red meat health, beef industry communication

Lauren sits down with Gary Lezak for a grounded look at the winter weather pattern shaping conditions across the CattleUSA region. While much of the Plains has experienced an unusually warm and dry start to winter, Gary explains why this isn’t random and what the long-range cycling pattern says about what’s ahead. From snowpack and moisture concerns to late-winter cold risks and summer heat signals already showing up, this conversation focuses on what ranchers should actually be watching and why this winter still matters.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• Much of the Plains and Rockies have seen a warmer and drier-than-normal winter so far.• Colorado snowfall is running well below average, raising longer-term moisture concerns.• Nebraska stands out as a key area to monitor for potential drought expansion.• Kansas has benefited from rain instead of snow, helping short-term moisture but not snowpack.• The current weather pattern has been consistent since October and is not random.• Major weather events are repeating on a roughly 10–11 week cycle.• This cycling pattern is showing up across the Northern Hemisphere, not just the U.S.• Anchor ridges are weakening storms in some regions while shifting precipitation types.• Cold outbreaks and winter storms are still possible later in winter.• Summer heat risk is already emerging for parts of the Southern Plains.Chapters00:00 Winter recap, warm weather, and snowpack concerns03:30 Dry zones, moisture patterns, and drought risk areas06:00 The repeating weather cycle and why it matters09:30 Anchor ridges, storm behavior, and model limitations12:30 Late winter cold risks and spring outlook15:20 Wrap-up and what ranchers should watch nextweather outlook, winter weather, cattle market weather, long range forecast, moisture concerns, drought risk, snowpack, Plains weather, Nebraska drought, Kansas rainfall, Colorado snow, weather cycles, LRC weather pattern, anchor ridge, severe weather outlook, ranch planning, cattle operations, seasonal weather risk

John opens with a strong market week and even stronger prices on lightweight calves, then the episode turns into a blunt reality check on Canada’s new cattle traceability rules. The core issue is not tagging cattle. It’s the expectation that producers log every movement, location, and ID detail within seven days, even in real-world ranch scenarios where premise IDs don’t exist, cattle are commingled, and logistics change mid-haul. John lays out why the policy reads clean on a PowerPoint but collapses the second it hits pasture gates, portable pens, community grazing, and normal neighbor-help situations. The takeaway is simple: paperwork doesn’t stop disease, but it can absolutely stop commerce.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• The cattle market stayed strong again this week, with lightweight steer calves continuing to climb and heavy steers also higher.• Some heifer classes were steadier this week, but the overall tone stayed firm to higher.• Regional markets were also higher, with places like Salina showing eye-watering strength on multiple weight classes.• Canada’s updated cattle traceability requirements push the reporting burden onto the producer with tight timelines.• The policy assumes every location has a usable premise ID, but many real grazing setups do not.• Portable pens, remote pastures, commingled grazing, and mixed ownership areas make “perfect traceability” unrealistic in practice.• Everyday ranch logistics break the system: split loads, last-minute hauling help, gate cuts, multiple drop locations, and cows that blend back into big groups.• The rule set creates a bookkeeping and compliance nightmare that will hit small and mid-sized producers hardest.• John’s argument is that this goes beyond disease traceability and drifts toward data collection that can later be used to control behavior and participation.• The biggest risk is policy creep: once the framework exists, fines and enforcement become the lever that forces consolidation.Chapters00:00 Snow and moisture, then straight into a strong market week01:20 Lahana market recap: calves higher, feeders strong, replacements still hot04:10 Regional check-in: Salina and Dodge City staying firm to higher07:20 Topic shift: Canada’s new traceability rules and why they’re a practical disaster12:30 Real-world ranch scenarios that break the system: premise IDs, commingling, portable pens, split loads19:10 The real consequence: compliance pressure, fines, and forcing people out23:20 Why this matters to U.S. producers and what to watch before it shows up here44:00 Wrap-upcattle market, cattle prices, feeder cattle, stocker cattle, heifer market, replacement heifers, auction market recap, Salina cattle market, Dodge City cattle market, Canada cattle regulations, Canadian traceability, cattle ID rules, premise ID, EID tags, cattle movement reporting, commingled grazing, community pastures, portable pens, compliance burden, producer regulation, cattle industry policy

Lauren challenges one of the most common phrases in agriculture: “we’re just hanging on until the kids take over.” While that mindset often comes from grit, sacrifice, and deep love for the land, this episode draws a hard line between perseverance and deferred collapse. Lauren unpacks why survival alone is not a succession plan, what the next generation is really inheriting beyond land and cattle, and why intentional sustainability matters more than endurance at all costs.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• Hanging on through thin margins and burnout is not the same as building a legacy.• Legacy is not survival mode. Legacy is sustainability with intention.• When an operation only works because someone is underpaid, overworked, and absorbing stress, the business is already breaking.• The next generation inherits systems, debt, habits, and risk tolerance, not just land and livestock.• Many ranches are unintentionally handing down outdated models that cannot support another family.• Young producers are entering an industry with higher land values, higher interest rates, more regulation, and less margin for error than ever before.• Real legacy requires uncomfortable conversations before a crisis forces them.• Sustainability means knowing true costs, running cows that pay their way, and building labor systems that don’t burn people out.• Downsizing, restructuring, or diversifying income can be acts of leadership, not failure.• A legacy that costs health, marriage, financial stability, or joy is not something worth protecting.Chapters00:00 The phrase everyone hears: “we’re just hanging on02:10 Perseverance vs. deferred collapse05:05 The reality young producers are stepping into today06:10 The uncomfortable questions legacy requires08:30 Why downsizing or change can be leadership10:20 Final takeaway: build something worth stepping intoagriculture legacy, ranch succession, generational transition, sustainable ranching, farm transition planning, ranch profitability, cost per cow, labor burnout, rural leadership, agricultural sustainability, family ranch succession, next generation ranchers, farm business planning, intentional leadership, cattle operation longevity