346: Could GPS Ear Tags Change the Way We Manage Cattle Forever? with Dr. Megan Van Emon

On today’s episode of the podcast, Lauren is joined by Montana State University Extension Beef Cattle Specialist Dr. Megan Van Emon to discuss the research shaping the future of the beef industry. From GPS ear tags and virtual fencing technology to drought management, feed efficiency, record keeping, and cow herd profitability, Megan shares how producers can use both new technology and proven management practices to make better decisions. The conversation also explores how Extension bridges the gap between research and ranching, helping producers apply science-backed solutions to real-world challenges.Links:Dr. Megan Van Emon: https://animalrange.montana.edu/directory/faculty/1675579/megan-van-emon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-van-emon-7927693b/CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/CattleUSA App IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cattleusa/id1673147759CattleUSA App Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edgarmcbee.cusamobile&pcampaignid=web_shareFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusa.shop/products/cattleusa-drive-premium-daily-newsletter?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9gCattleUSA 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:GPS ear tags and virtual fencing are creating new opportunities for cattle managementTechnology can help producers better understand grazing behavior and pasture utilizationDrought planning remains one of the biggest challenges facing cattle producersThere is no one-size-fits-all management strategy for every operationRecord keeping is one of the most valuable tools producers can utilizeCow efficiency goes beyond feed efficiency and starts with reproductive performanceStrategic supplementation can improve herd performance while controlling costsProducers should focus on cattle that fit their environment and management styleChapters:00:00 Megan Van Emon's journey into beef cattle research05:15 GPS ear tags, virtual fencing, and emerging ranch technology10:20 Drought management and producer decision-making15:00 Nitrate toxicity research and feed challenges18:30 What actually makes an efficient cow?23:00 Nutrition, supplementation, and controlling input costs26:00 Record keeping, culling decisions, and long-term profitability30:00 Bridging the gap between research and real-world ranchingMegan Van Emon, Montana State University, beef cattle research, GPS ear tags, virtual fencing, cattle technology, precision livestock management, grazing management, drought management, ranch management, beef cattle extension, cattle producers, feed efficiency, cow efficiency, cattle nutrition, supplementation strategies, record keeping, cattle profitability, cow-calf operations, replacement heifers, grazing behavior, pasture management, livestock technology, nitrate toxicity, cattle research, beef industry, ranching, cattle management, livestock production, cattle genetics, reproductive efficiency, Extension education, Montana ranching, cattle operation management, beef production, agriculture podcast