Cutting Feed Costs In 2026 With Winter Grazing, Cattle News, And Bull Sales

It’s The Ranch It Up Radio Show! Join Jeff Tigger Erhardt, Rebecca Wanner AKA BEC and their crew as they hear how winter grazing could save big when it comes to the feed bill.  Plus, detailed market recaps, news you need to hear, upcoming bull sales and lots more all wrapped into this brand new episode of The Ranch It Up Radio Show. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel. Cut Winter Feed Costs: Winter Grazing With Jayce Doan Of Black Leg Ranch  Winter grazing cattle offers significant benefits for livestock producers looking to reduce feed costs, improve soil health, and increase pasture efficiency. By allowing cattle to graze stockpiled forage or cover crops during winter months, producers can lower reliance on stored hay, reduce labor and equipment expenses, and enhance nutrient cycling through natural manure distribution. Winter grazing also supports healthier soils by improving organic matter, reducing erosion, and promoting stronger forage regrowth in spring—making it a sustainable, cost-effective cattle management strategy with long-term productivity gains. Jayce Doan Of The Black Leg Ranch Utilized Winter Grazing & Other Regenerative Practices Jayce Doan works alongside his parents, brothers, and wife to operate a diverse regenerative agriculture operation at Black Leg Ranch near McKenzie, North Dakota. The family raises cattle and bison, while also managing cover crops and additional crop enterprises, all guided by holistic and regenerative land-management principles. Jayce earned a degree in Animal Science from Montana State University in 2016 before returning home to continue the legacy of Black Leg Ranch, which was founded in 1882 by his great-great-grandfather. Today, Jayce represents the next generation of ranchers committed to strengthening both the land and the rural community. The ranch supports a wide range of integrated enterprises, including cow-calf and yearling cattle operations, custom grazing, bison production, and cover crop systems. In addition, the family operates Rolling Plains Adventures, a hunting outfitting business; Black Leg Events, an agri-tourism venue; Black Leg Brewery; and Black Leg Meats, which offers grass-finished beef and bison certified through the Audubon Conservation Bird Friendly Program. Jayce, along with his father and two brothers, has pursued extensive education in holistic management, participating in training and workshops that shape decision-making across every enterprise. These principles are applied to improve soil health, increase biodiversity, and enhance long-term profitability while restoring ecosystem function. Passionate about regenerative agriculture, Jayce is dedicated to rebuilding natural resources, capturing and storing carbon, supporting wildlife habitat, and producing nutrient-dense, healthy food for consumers. He is especially focused on sharing a young producer’s perspective, helping others who are beginning their journey in holistic management and regenerative ranching. Tyson Reaches Multi-Million-Dollar Deal With Direct Beef Buyers Tyson Foods has agreed to pay $82.5 million to resolve a proposed class-action lawsuit alleging the company conspired to inflate U.S. beef prices by intentionally restricting supply. The settlement was disclosed Wednesday in a filing with the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, marking a significant development in ongoing litigation targeting major beef producers. The lawsuit was brought on behalf of grocery stores, food distributors, and other direct purchasers of beef products, who claimed Tyson Foods and other large meatpacking companies coordinated production cuts to drive up prices. According to the plaintiffs, the alleged conspiracy affected boxed beef and retail-ready beef cuts sold between 2015 and 2022, a period marked by rising beef prices across the supply chain. Attorneys representing the plaintiffs stated they are currently finalizing the settlement agreement and expect to submit it to the court for approval. If approved, the settlement would compensate businesses that purchased beef directly from Tyson during the alleged price-fixing period, while Tyson Foods continues to deny wrongdoing. Reference:  https://meatingplace.com/tyson-reaches-multi-million-dollar-deal-with-direct-beef-buyers/?utm_source=omeda&utm_medium=email&utm_cid=1103020073&utm_campaign=MTGMCD260104003&utm_date=20260105-0315   Ozark Regional Stock Yard Sets Records Ozarks Regional Stockyard in West Plains, Missouri kicked off 2026 with a historic start, delivering one of the highest-priced cattle sales ever recorded at the barn. The January 2 Special Pre-Vac Sale shattered expectations, setting 28 new all-time price records and establishing unprecedented highs across multiple weight classes. The spotlight was firmly on 5-weight steers, which dominated the sale and rewrote the record books. Eight of the top 10 highest prices in Ozarks Regional history came from this weight class, led by 19 head averaging 521 pounds selling for $515.00 and 10 head at 516 pounds bringing $505.00—marking the first time 5-weight calves have ever surpassed the $500 mark at the barn. 4-weight steers were equally impressive, with top prices reaching $585.00 and $570.00, securing six of the top 10 all-time sales in that category. Momentum carried into the 6-weight class, where 14 head at 603 pounds sold for $450.00 and 25 head at 631 pounds brought $445.00, contributing to seven new record highs. The record-breaking trend continued with 7-weight steers, as 14 head at 700 pounds sold for $404.00, officially crossing the $400 threshold for the first time in barn history. Even 8-weights posted standout results, with 65 head at 809 pounds bringing $369.50, ranking fourth highest all time. From lightweight calves to heavy feeders, the January 2 sale underscored the strength of the cattle market and solidified Ozarks Regional Stockyard’s reputation as a leader in high-performing livestock auctions. By any measure, this sale will be remembered as one of the best to ever hit the ring in West Plains. Featured Experts in the Cattle Industry Jayce Doan – Black Leg Ranch https://www.blacklegranch.com/ Follow on Facebook: @BlackLegRanch Kirk Donsbach – Financial Analyst at StoneX https://www.stonex.com/ Follow on Facebook: @StoneXGroupInc Shaye Wanner – Host of Casual Cattle Conversation https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ Follow on Facebook: @cattleconvos Contact Us with Questions or Concerns Have questions or feedback? Feel free to reach out via: Call/Text: 707-RANCH20 or 707-726-2420 Email: [email protected] Follow us: Facebook/Instagram: @RanchItUpShow YouTube: Subscribe to Ranch It Up Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/RanchItUp Catch all episodes of the Ranch It Up Podcast available on all major podcasting platforms. Discover the Heart of Rural America with Tigger & BEC Ranching, farming, and the Western lifestyle are at the heart of everything we do. Tigger & BEC bring you exclusive insights from the world of working ranches, cattle farming, and sustainable beef production. Learn more about Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner (BEC) and their mission to promote the Western way of life at Tigger and BEC. https://tiggerandbec.com/ Industry References, Partners and Resources For additional information on industry trends, products, and services, check out these trusted resources: Allied Genetic Resources: https://alliedgeneticresources.com/ American Gelbvieh Association: https://gelbvieh.org/ Axiota Animal Health: https://axiota.com/multimin-campaign-landing-page/ Imogene Ingredients: https://www.imogeneingredients.com/ Jorgensen Land & Cattle: https://jorgensenfarms.com/ Medora Boot: https://medoraboot.com/ RFD-TV: https://www.rfdtv.com/ Rural Radio Network: https://www.ruralradio147.com/ Superior Livestock Auctions: https://superiorlivestock.com/ Transova Genetics: https://transova.com/ Westway Feed Products: https://westwayfeed.com/ Wrangler: https://www.wrangler.com/ Wulf Cattle: https://www.wulfcattle.com/