Progressive Cattle Podcast

Don’t miss this episode of the podcast where John Masswohl, the emeritus director of international relations at the Canadian Cattle Association, takes a deep dive into the big topics related to U.S. and Canadian beef production, government transitions in both countries, and renegotiating trade agreements in 2026. Then don’t miss as the editors launch a new tradition: A celebration of Festivus from the holiday world of Seinfeld, complete with airing of grievances and feats of strength. It will be another Festivus miracle!

What if managing your herd felt more like managing an app than wrestling with wire and posts? In this episode we’ll break down how virtual fencing is reshaping grazing for livestock producers across the country. We’ll explain how a simple collar and phone app let producers draw fences over any terrain, protect sensitive areas, and move herds without setting foot in the pasture. Joined by Nofence National Sales Director, Eric Yates, we dig into the rising cost and rigidity of traditional fencing, the wildlife benefits of removing physical fence, and real examples of ranchers grazing steep, rocky, flood prone country they never could have used before. He also shares how Nofence helps producers plan grazing seasons months and years ahead, monitor animals in real time, and why he believes “virtual fence trained” cattle could be the next premium in the market. About Eric Yates: Eric Yates helps ranchers unlock new opportunities with virtual fencing technology as the US National Sales Director for Nofence. He joined Nofence in June 2025 and has been at the forefront of virtual fencing since 2023. A proud 2010 graduate of Texas A&M, Eric has spent his entire career in the cattle industry including more than a decade in animal health sales with Merial and Merck, to now leading the charge in transforming grazing management for herds across the US. This episode is sponsored by Nofence. Nofence empowers livestock producers to graze without compromise while respecting tradition and embracing innovation. Built by farmers for farmers, Nofence’s reliable virtual fencing system delivers peace of mind, supports sustainable livestock management, and unlocks new possibilities for the future of your operation.

Progressive Cattle Editor Tyrell Marchant sits down with Oklahoma State's Derrell Peel to sort through the politics and economic realities of the meat-packing industry, as well as how reopening the Mexican border to live cattle imports could affect U.S. markets. Then, join the crew as they debate how to build the best holiday dinner spread.

CattleCon 2026 is more than just a convention—it’s where the beef industry meets. Whether you're a seasoned producer, an industry expert or just starting out, this is the one event that you don’t want to miss. Guest: Hear from Kristin Torres, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Senior Executive Director of Meetings & Events on why CattleCon is shaping up to be the must-attend event for the beef industry. Questions: For those who might be new to CattleCon, can you start by explaining what this event is all about and why it’s such a big deal for the beef industry? CattleCon 2026 will be held in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, for the first time — what makes this location such a great fit for CattleCon? Every year brings something fresh — what are some of the new experiences or highlights attendees can look forward to at CattleCon 2026? Can you share a little bit about this year’s keynote speakers or general session themes? How does CattleCon help producers strengthen their businesses and stay ahead of industry trends? One of the biggest draws is the opportunity to connect with fellow cattle producers — what makes the networking at CattleCon so special? Any fun social events or after-hours activities attendees should put on their must-do list? Where can listeners go to register, book hotels, and find more details? This episode is sponsored by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

Join the Progressive Cattle crew as they try to make sense of the U.S. beef industry's import and export markets. Tyrell visits with Purina's Laurence Williams about the quality and management of beef-on-dairy calves and the evolving relationship between the beef and dairy industries. And, as the threat of New World screwworm becomes ever more imminent, Abby sits down with the East Foundation's Jason Sawyer to discuss where we stand in the defense against the potentially devastating pest.  

Luke Hisel of Redd Summit explains how Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF) Insurance is tied to historic rainfall and why the right grids and intervals make all the difference. In this episode, you’ll hear how one simple policy tweak could’ve quadrupled coverage, and what to ask your agent to make sure you’re not stuck with a cookie-cutter setup. If your current policy feels like a dud, it’s time for a smarter strategy. Visit reddsummit.com to learn how to tailor your PRF policy for your operation. This episode is sponsored by Redd Summit. Redd Summit Advisors is a team of ranchers and industry experts who help protect over 50 million acres nationwide with tailored risk management strategies.

Todd Miller of Head Honchos talks with Tyrell Marchant about H-2A programs and Abby George joins Joe Paschal, Texas A&M University, to discuss New World Screwworm and if it's ‘if it comes’, or ‘when it comes’. The podcast team chats about beef prices and the best western movie actors.

In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Backes-Belew from Purina Animal Nutrition dives into industry trends, including genetic advancements that are producing larger cows. Hear her recommendations for management practices necessary to keep up with the growth potential. Also, learn about how body condition scores can serve as a valuable management tool for helping producers build proper nutritional plans for optimal production. Find out how the Purina® All Seasons™ Cattle Nutrition Program gives you flexible, convenient solutions for the life of your herd. This episode is sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition. Purina Animal Nutrition LLC is a national organization serving producers, animal owners and their families through more than 4,700 local cooperatives, independent dealers and other large retailers across the United States. Driven by an uncompromising commitment to animal excellence, Purina Animal Nutrition is an industry innovator, offering America's leading brands of complete feeds, supplements, premixes, ingredients and specialty technologies for the livestock and lifestyle animal markets. Headquartered in Arden Hills, Minn., Purina Animal Nutrition LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Land O'Lakes, Inc.

It’s fair season and be sure to catch the anticipation and sounds of Idaho’s Cassia County Fair, as our own columnist and Fair Board member Paul Marchant introduces the fair board president Trevor Stapelman, an FFA advisor Cami Schumann, and Addi Jones, overall champion from the heifer futurity contest. And catch up with two of CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange analysts, Rob Fox and Abbi Prins, on the ranching work force and herd rebuilding.

Join Progressive Cattle Podcast co-host Tyrell Marchant as he visits with West Texas A&M's Trent Schwartz to discuss how the meat packing, retail and food service sectors are adjusting to handling and marketing larger carcasses than ever before. The team also previews the August issue of the magazine and ponders an alternate reality where the U.S. livestock industry is dominated by ... hippos?

Carrie Veselka visits with Theo Beaumount, Senior Enterprise Sales Manager at Halter, joined by California ranchers Lauren Sizemore and Teal Cody. They discuss the real-life application of virtual fencing and the adoption of technology into day-to-day ranch management. The podcast crew also welcomes Progressive Cattle summer intern Taryn Cox, and tests their knowledge of global export markets and cattle inventory numbers against the 2025 Beef Stats poster, included in the July issue of Progressive Cattle.

In this episode of the Progressive Cattle Podcast, Ted and Elizabeth join the show to unpack key management strategies for today’s beef producers. From the benefits of value-added programs to cow size and forage demand, the conversation offers practical insights for optimizing herd performance. The discussion also dives into the importance of water quality—especially during drought—and the surprising costs of horn flies. Whether you’re evaluating inputs or planning for the season ahead, this episode is full of timely, actionable takeaways. This episode is sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition.

Abby speaks with T.R. Lansford, Texas Animal Health Commission, about the threat of New World screwworm and the closure of the border to live cattle imports from Mexico. Tyrell talks with Dawn Hnatow from Cattle Up Stockmanship about reducing stress on livestock and workers through better communication with those animals. And the Progressive Cattle crew tell branding and fence building stories.

Derrell Peel of Oklahoma State University talks with David Cooper about beef supplies and global trade in 2025 in this episode of the Progressive Cattle Podcast. Mandy Carr Johnson of NCBA shares demand initiatives and Beef Checkoff programs with Abby George. And the podcast team discusses all the beef David had on a recent death-defying cruise to Mexico. 

Catch up with the Progressive Cattle Podcast interviews in the April issue with Greg Hanes, of the Cattlemen's Beef Board on its checkoff spending, and Return on Investment study benefits; and Patrick de Haan a fossil fuel analyst with GasBuddy on summer gas blends, trade tariffs, and diesel prices this summer.

Spring calving brings new life to the farm—but also brings unpredictable weather. One day, it’s warm and sunny. The next, a cold front moves in, bringing rain, snow or mud. These swings can create major stress for young calves, affecting their health and growth. For producers, that means staying vigilant—starting with gut health to strengthen immunity. In this episode, Paul Nuttelman, Midwest sales representative with DBC Ag Products, shares what he sees on farms and why proactive gut health and immune support can be the foundation for growing strong, healthy calves that command premium prices. Here is the episode breakdown: ~1:00 – Paul introduces himself ~1:51 – How Paul helps farmers in his role ~3:03 – Calving season challenges ~4:12 – Steps to prepare for calving success ~5:08 – Probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics ~6:10 – Key ingredients when choosing a calf product ~7:10 – What sets Last Stand apart ~7:40 – Shifting away from antibiotics ~9:05 – Day-one protocols ~9:49 – Beyond day one ~10:44 – Favorite success story ~13:54 – One piece of advice ~14:40 – Where to learn more This episode is sponsored by DBC Ag Products.

In the final NCBA 2025 episode, the editorial team shares a sneak peek of the March issue, and Carrie Veselka visits with Jared Knock of AgSpire, about beef supply chain sustainability and helping operations make improvements from the ground up. David Cooper and Dan Halstrom, president and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation, discuss the current state of beef exports and what lies ahead for global market conditions.

Once again, the crew checks in from CattleCon 2025 in San Antonio. Join us as we visit with NCBA's Kaitlynn Glover about some of the most pressing D.C. issues impacting the cattle industry; talk risk management in the current beef market with Rabobank's Lance Zimmerman; and learn more about the science of beef yield with John Stika from Certified Angus Beef.

Join the editors from San Antonio as they visit with Angus Gidley-Baird a senior analyst at Rabobank about Australia’s recent herd liquidation and rebuild; Dennis Laycraft and Tyler Fulton from the Canadian Cattle Association on the U.S.-Canada-Mexico tariff standoff; and Justin Hossfeld, national sales manager at Envu Range and Pasture, on grazing management technology tools.

The team discusses everything from TikTok politics to Valentine's Day candy. Meanwhile, Tyrell chats with Alltech's Bryan Sanderson about the cattle cycle and how producers of all scopes and sizes will decide how and when the national cow herd will start its upswing. Finally, Tyrell talks to Erik Kalsta with Western Landowners Alliance about how producers can manage their herds profitably in the presence of wild neighbors such as wolves, grizzlies and elk.