354: Why It's Harder Than Ever to Get Started in the Cattle Business with Dr. Jennifer Hammack

On today’s episode of the podcast, Lauren is joined by Dr. Jennifer Hammack, agriculture instructor at Western Oklahoma State College and lifelong cattle producer, for a conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing today's beef industry. From growing up on one of the largest ranches in Texas to building her own cow-calf operation from the ground up, Jennifer shares her perspective on genetics, herd rebuilding, land ownership, technology, and the future of agriculture. The discussion dives into why it has become increasingly difficult for young producers to enter the cattle business, how rising land prices and competing land uses are reshaping rural America, and what today's producers can do to position themselves for long-term success. Jennifer also offers valuable insight into educating the next generation and why she remains optimistic about the future of the cattle industry despite the challenges ahead.Links:Western Oklahoma State College - https://www.wosc.edu/WOSC Ag - https://www.wosc.edu/index.php?page=agriculture2#agaboutDr. Jennifer Hammack - https://www.wosc.edu/index.php?page=jennifer-hammackCattleUSA 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:Building a cattle operation takes more time and capital than ever beforeRising land prices continue creating barriers for young producersData centers and competing land uses are changing rural communitiesGenetics and EPDs remain valuable tools for improving herd performanceHerd rebuilding remains difficult despite historically strong cattle pricesTechnology adoption continues to reshape cattle productionBusiness management skills are just as important as production knowledgeThe next generation of producers remains eager to learn and get involvedCommunity colleges play an important role in agricultural educationExperience, patience, and long-term planning are critical for successDrought and weather cycles continue influencing expansion decisionsThe future of the cattle industry depends on bringing new people into agricultureChapters:00:00 Growing up on one of Texas' largest ranches06:00 How the cattle industry has changed over the last decade09:00 Genetics, EPDs, and improving commercial cattle herds13:00 Technology's growing role in cattle production15:00 Educating and inspiring the next generation of agriculture19:00 Data centers, land prices, and rural America23:00 Herd rebuilding and heifer retention challenges29:00 What the future holds for the cattle industry32:00 Advice for young producers trying to get startedDr. Jennifer Hammack, Western Oklahoma State College, cattle industry, beef industry, cattle producers, ranching, ranch management, young ranchers, beginning farmers, beginning ranchers, next generation agriculture, agricultural education, animal science, beef cattle genetics, EPDs, expected progeny differences, herd rebuilding, heifer retention, cow-calf operations, commercial cattle, Angus cattle, cattle production, cattle technology, precision agriculture, agricultural technology, ranch succession, land ownership, ranch land, rural America, data centers