367: What Nearly 50 Years in the Sale Barn Can Teach Every Producer with Dwayne Mayes

What can nearly five decades in the livestock marketing business teach today's cattle producers? In the first episode of our 2026 Cattle Marketing Hall of Fame series, Lauren sits down with Hall of Fame inductee Dwayne Mays to reflect on a remarkable career spanning nearly 50 years in the sale barn. From starting at the bottom to eventually owning one of the nation's most respected livestock markets, Dwayne shares the lessons, relationships, and values that shaped his career. The conversation explores the evolution of the cattle industry, the importance of integrity and trust, mentoring the next generation, and why faith has remained the foundation of his success.Links:Branded by Christ Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@brandedinchristCattleUSA 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:Dwayne Mays reflects on nearly 50 years of leadership in the livestock marketing industryWhy starting at the bottom gave him the perspective to lead successfullyHow trust, integrity, and long-term relationships built a Hall of Fame careerThe evolution of cattle marketing from local sale barns to video auctionsWhy timing, patience, and perseverance matter more than chasing quick successThe importance of investing in and mentoring the next generation of producersHow faith guided Dwayne's decisions throughout his careerWhy the future of the cattle industry depends on strong leadership and lasting relationshipsChapters:00:00 – Introducing Hall of Fame inductee Dwayne Mays01:06 – Growing up in Nebraska and beginning a career in the sale barn03:15 – Starting from the ground up and earning opportunities05:45 – Purchasing Ogallala Livestock and leading through decades of change08:10 – The evolution of cattle marketing and the rise of video auctions10:32 – The faith and values behind a successful career12:05 – Retirement, moving to Indiana, and finding a new purpose15:00 – Helping young producers get started in the cattle business16:01 – The advice every young rancher and entrepreneur should hear16:41 – Looking back on a lifetime in the livestock industry18:11 – Why God's timing is always worth trusting18:26 – Building a legacy that extends beyond the sale barn20:02 – Reflections on the Hall of Fame and the future of the cattle industryDwayne Mays, Lauren Moylan, Cattle USA Daily Podcast, Cattle Marketing Hall of Fame, livestock marketing, sale barn, livestock auction, Ogallala Livestock, cattle marketing, cattle auction, Nebraska cattle, ranching, cattle producers, beef industry, livestock industry, video cattle auctions, Western Video Market, cattle market history, agricultural leadership, ranch management, cattle business, livestock markets, cattle sales, Hall of Fame, agriculture podcast, mentoring young ranchers, succession planning, family ranching, faith in agriculture, agricultural legacy, livestock marketing career, cattle industry leadership, rural America, auction markets, cattle marketing history