Cattlemen’s Call Podcast
by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
Montana rancher and broadcaster Lane Nordlund hosts this monthly “coffee talk” style podcast focusing on the producers in the beef industry. Learn and laugh together with the stories of cattlemen and women from across the country. We all have stories to tell; we all have successes and failures; we all work with family and it’s always great to talk about what is going on in the beef industry across the country.
Episodes
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CattleCon 2027: The Countdown Is On!
CattleCon 2027 is just around the corner, and we’re getting a preview of what’s in store at one of the cattle industry’s biggest events of the year. NCBA President and Virginia cattleman Gene Copenhaver joins the conversation as he prepares to wrap up his year leading the association and looks...
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From North Dakota Ranch Kid to Rural Veterinarian
Paige Schmidt-Rios discusses the realities of being a young cattle producer, balancing life as a veterinarian and a cattle owner, and what opportunities and obstacles young cattle producers like her and her husband face today. Paige offers practical advice on current animal health concerns and…
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Will This El Niño Be the “Perfect Storm” Cattle Producers Need?
Will your region see much-needed moisture, or could weather challenges intensify? Meteorologist Matt Makens joins Cattlemen's Call again to discuss why this El Niño could be one of the strongest on record, bringing amplified weather patterns across the country. What does that mean for producers…
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How the LeValley Ranch Builds Water Resilience
Water is one of the most critical resources for ranchers, and prolonged drought is reshaping the way producers adopt innovative approaches, increase water efficiency and storage, and strengthen grazing systems. On this show, Mark LeValley and his son Ross describe how persistent drought led them…
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Lessons With a Lasting Impact
Every day brings new opportunities for future beef producers, and this episode dives into the importance of investing in people to build a strong future for the cattle industry. Kim Brackett, cow-calf producer and NCBA president-elect, emphasizes passing down ranching values and traditions to the...
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When Wildfire Strikes: Cattlemen Support Communities
Laura Field, executive vice president of Nebraska Cattlemen, and Kenny Rogers, NCBA policy division chair, share their firsthand experiences with wildfires. From stories of ranchers facing fast-moving flames to the long road of recovery that follows, they share what it’s like when wildfire…
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Legacy Planning: Protect Your Family and Wealth
Are you prepared to transition the management of your operation to your heirs? We unpack the complex conversation about legal and financial transition planning as well as methods to transition management and decision making to the next generation. Shannon Ferrell and Barb Downey share their...
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The Future of the Herd: Tomorrow’s Cattle Industry Leaders
Kevin Birt, a first-generation Virginia producer, and Jeff Landrum, fourth-generation Iowa cattleman, discuss the different challenges facing cattle producers today, particularly access to land and capital for business growth and transition planning. In spite of these challenges, Kevin and Jeff…
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The Cornerstone of a Conservation Easement is Finding the Right Partner
Conservation easements are a durability tool. On this show, Erik Glenn, CEO of Colorado Cattlemen’s Ag Land Trust, is joined by Colorado rancher Lee Rooks, whose family circumstances led them to leverage a conservation easement on their ranch to preserve the grazing land in an area seeing rapid...
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Livestock Haulers Need Commonsense Transportation Rules
Livestock haulers are a critical link in the cattle and beef supply chain, and they safely transport cattle across the country every day. Dusty Holley, executive vice president of Florida Cattlemen’s Association, and Kent Bacus, NCBA executive director of Government Affairs, discuss current…
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Navy SEAL Veteran Became a First-Generation Rancher
Greg Putnam, a Montana cattle producer who co-owns Little Belt Cattle Co. shares how his experiences in the armed forces led him to a career in beef production and aligned with the hard work necessary to succeed. His current project involves collaborating with local producers, restaurants and...
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How NCBA Defends U.S. Cattle Producers
Lane Nordlund sits down with NCBA CEO Colin Woodall and Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane for a conversation on NCBA’s producer-led policy process and its role in fighting back against regulatory overreach, protecting property rights and grazing access, and strengthening…
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Understanding Livestock Risk Management: LRP, PRF and More
Whether managing a herd of 10 or 10,000 head, there are ways to mitigate risk in price, weather and market volatility. Clay Burtrum, Farm Data Services, is breaking down risk management programs like Livestock Risk Protection; Pasture, Rangeland and Forage; and Weaned Calf Risk Protection. Clay...
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How Wine Glass Ranch Became the 2025 ESAP National Winner
Learning a new way to ranch; it requires risk, but it also helps the ranch grow and realize new opportunities. Jeff and Logan Pribbeno of Wine Glass Ranch, the 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award Program National winner, explain their progressive way of thinking on their operation in the…
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Choosing the Right Genetics for Better Results w/ Troy Rowan
Troy Rowan with the University of Tennessee, dives into genetic innovations and research, examining the potential for producers to tailor EPDs to their environment, forage quality and animal health protocols. Better genetic predictions help producers select the animals that will perform best for...
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Building a Ranch that Endures
Operating in the rugged mountain country of Los Angeles County, cattleman Mike Williams faces the same challenges producers encounter across the West — water scarcity, forage pressure, labor shortages and market fluctuations. He talks candidly about how “survival mode” keeps many ranchers…
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Strong Cattle Demand w/ a Tight Supply: CattleFax Update w/ Randy Blach
Higher prices in the cattle industry are the result of cattle producers increasing the quality of our product, with 84% of fed cattle grading Choice or higher and 12% grading Prime today. However, herd expansion is occurring at a very slow pace, and Randy Blach, CEO of CattleFax, reminds…
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Late Winter Precipitation and Spring Weather Patterns w/ Matt Makens
Atmospheric Scientist Matt Makens returns to the show following his presentation at CattleCon, bringing an in‑depth look at the spring weather outlook for producers. Matt breaks down the latest trends in moisture patterns, temperature shifts, and spring weather forecasts, emphasizing the critical...
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From the Ground Up: Forage and Hay for Cattle Success
Innovation is driving efficiency for the everyday cattle producer, and forage plays a crucial role in the cattle herd’s success. Scott Birker shares how his partnerships have shaped new ideas and solutions in baling and forage equipment to help his family save time and labor, giving Scott more…
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Virginia Cattleman Gene Copenhaver Leads NCBA
Gene Copenhaver took the reins as NCBA President after CattleCon 2026. He and his son Will join the podcast and share how they’ve worked together to transition majority ownership of Copenhaver Brothers Farms to Will and how they partner to make business decisions. Gene is excited for his year...
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Maddux Cattle Company Herd Dispersal
Maddux Cattle Company, located in southwest Nebraska, was homesteaded in 1886 and has grown in the last 140 years and now sustains about 2,500 cows and 5,000 yearlings. In 2026, the Maddux Cattle Co. is dispersing their mature bred cow herd at the Ogallala Livestock Auction. In this conversation,...
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Meeting in Music City!
With CattleCon 2026 just around the corner, Feb. 3–5, in downtown Nashville — we’re taking a look at some of the standout highlights heading to Music City. In this episode, we preview what’s ahead with Grammy-nominated songwriter and keynote speaker Jimmy Yeary, who shares how the power of...
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Keep Cattle Moving: The Secure Beef Supply Plan
We’re tackling a critical topic for every cattle producer: business continuity and biosecurity during a disease outbreak. Joining us are Dr. Julia Herman, DVM and beef cattle specialist at NCBA, and Dr. Danelle Bickett-Weddle, DVM with Preventalytics. They discuss how the Secure Beef Supply (SBS)...
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Predators and Policy: Ranching and Regulation in the Age of ESA Reform
In this episode, we bring together voices from both the ranching and the policy front. Joining us are California cattle producer, Rick Roberti, and Kaitlynn Glover, executive director of Government Affairs for NCBA and the Public Lands Council. Together, they explore the real-world impacts of the...
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Trending Now: From Commodity to Quality
The high demand for beef continues, and consumers are seeking a high-quality product. Beef producers have been answering that call, as is evident in the upward trend of beef quality grades, specifically Prime and Choice. Paul Dykstra, with Certified Angus Beef, joins to discuss the shifting...
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Missouri Farm Blends Legacy and Innovation
Although Missouri isn’t known for being the home of vineyards and wineries, Windy Wine Company and KK Farms Red Angus are shaking up the narrative. Ken Keesaman and his son Kody operate a Red Angus herd, selling bulls locally and around the country, while Ken’s son Kraig used his culinary passion...
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It Takes a Village – How Partnerships Improved These Operations
The climate, forage species and desired cattle type vary greatly for these three producers who are 2025 ESAP Regional Winners. Mike Wilson, Whispering Hills Farm in Kentucky; Jack Smith, Smith Family Farms in Iowa; and Logan Pribbeno, Wine Glass Ranch in Nebraska, are on the show talking about…
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Where the Wild Things Graze
Whether it’s migrating birds, elk and deer, large predators or invasive species, these three cattlemen have spent decades adapting their management plans to coexist and promote the health of wildlife along with their cattle. Gregory Gardner, G&G Livestock & Cathey Cattle Co.; Mark Overstreet, M&D...
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Matt Makens Talks Weather Patterns, Cattle Comfort and Screwworm
Matt Makens returns to the show to talk about weather patterns that changed from his spring outlook and created unexpected moisture in different regions of the country this spring and summer. He also discusses his Cattle Comfort Index, a tool he is developing to help cattle feeders and cow-calf...
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King Ranch Institute: Building Leaders for Ranching’s Future
On this episode, host Lane Nordlund visits with Dr. Rick Machen, Executive Director of the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management, and graduate Garrett Stribling. They share the Institute’s mission of preparing future ranching leaders, the value of advanced training in ranch management, and…
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Get Back to Doing What You Love Without Pain
Cattle producers know what it’s like to push through pain to get the job done, finish chores, feed and take care of their family. And Rachel O’Grady has personal experience with overcoming extreme pain to pursue her goals. Now she helps rural farmers, ranchers and rodeo athletes to heal and find...
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Colin Woodall & Ethan Lane Talk One Big Beautiful Bill
With the recent passing of the One Big Beautiful Bill, NCBA CEO Colin Woodall and Senior Vice President Ethan Lane dive into the important pieces of this bill for cattle producers including tax provisions. They examine Congress’s work on disaster relief programs and wildfire management as well as...
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Special Episode: The Threat of New World Screwworm
The New World screwworm has become a topic of discussion amongst cattle producers in the last few months as the pest has moved into Mexico. NCBA, state affiliates and USDA have partnered, working to prepare for this potential threat. In this episode, host Lane Nordlund sits down with NCBA CEO…
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Larry Primeaux: Game Warden, Guardsman and Cattleman
Larry and Ellie Primeaux, first-generation cattle farmers in Mississippi, balance full-time careers with raising Angus and Brangus cattle. Larry, a dedicated game warden and K-9 handler with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, brings his deep knowledge of local wildlife…
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Forestry & Forage: A New York Cattleman’s Story
Brett Chedzoy of Angus Glen Farms in Watkins Glen, New York, shares how his family built a successful grass-fed cow-calf operation practicing agroforestry and silvopasture. As the 2024 ESAP Region I award winner, Brett discusses sustainable grazing, managing 100 paddocks across 500 acres, and…
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How Can the Industry Improve Carcass Measurements?
Accuracy is important to move the industry in the right direction and cattle size and frame have changed significantly, but the yield grading system hasn’t changed since the 1960s to match them. We need new technology and new grading algorithms to accurately measure carcass data and return profit...
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Gina Tran: Bridging Cultures in the Cattle Industry
Gina Tran grew up in Orlando, Florida, without any agriculture experience or family connection. However, her introduction to agriculture in the FFA classroom transformed the trajectory of her thinking and education. Gina went on to earn an animal science degree from the University of Florida and...
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Heifer Development Farm Shines with Sustainable Practices
Minnesota cattle farmers Rachel Gray and her son Nick Grundmeier share about their unique heifer development program. Little Timber Farms has come a long way since its dairy farming days, and now their innovative practices include seeding with drone technology, rotational grazing, bore water, and...
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Before Disaster Strikes: Key Preparations
We are breaking down what farmers and ranchers need to do to prepare for an emergency on their operation – whether it’s a flood, a wildfire, an equipment accident or a foreign animal disease outbreak J.J. Goicoechea and Kip Wills are on the show giving advice ranging from how to prepare for a...
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The Collaborative Edge: Transforming Feedlots Through Combined Recommendations
Tune into a practical discussion between veterinarians and nutritionists delivering practical perspectives on optimizing feedlot performance through combined recommendations. This conversation with TELUS Agriculture’s Drs. Kee Jim, Matt May, and Breck Hunsaker covers critical market challenges,...
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Downey Ranch: Stewards in the Flint Hills
Barb Downey and Joe Carpenter with Downey Ranch were honored as the 2024 Environmental Stewardship Award National winners. Hear how their family navigates transition planning with their two daughters, how they initiated rotational grazing and bale grazing, and their experience with GPS collars on...
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Third Party Verification Programs
We are diving into different verification programs and what opportunities are available for cattle producers. Cattle producer Nancy Jackson, DVM, of Southern Cross Farm, Clint Berry with Superior Livestock, and John Saunders, CEO of IMI Global and Where Food Comes From, talk through the…
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Moisture, Temperature, and Extreme Weather – What 2025 Has in Store
Beef cattle farmers and ranchers are preparing for spring 2025 and all that comes with it — calving and planting. Meteorologist Matt Makens once again joins the podcast to highlight the weather challenges in the months ahead, namely dry conditions in many western parts of the country. As beef...
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Nebraska’s Buck Wehrbein Shares His Journey to Become NCBA President
Buck Wehrbein has decades of experience feeding cattle, learning and growing from great mentors, and participating in NCBA leadership. Buck and his wife, Sandy, talk about their experiences living in Texas, raising a family on a feedyard and their decision to return to Nebraska. Buck shares what…
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Protecting Your Herd: The Secure Beef Supply Plan
Biosecurity has been getting a lot of attention recently. With foreign animal diseases like foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) making headlines, understanding the role that producers, veterinarians, transporters, and state and federal agencies is important if an outbreak occurs. Producers and experts…
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Building a Better Future for Rural Veterinary Practices
In this episode of the Cattlemen's Call Podcast, host Lane Nordlund speaks with Dr. Rosslyn Biggs from Oklahoma State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Dr. Wyatt Catron, a practicing veterinarian in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas. The conversation explores the critical role...
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Beef for Backpacks: Feeding Wyoming's Future
On this episode of Cattlemen’s Call, we’re diving into the impactful Beef for Backpacks program, a collaborative effort led by Wyoming First Lady Jennie Gordon, the Wyoming Hunger Initiative, and 307 Meat Company. This inspiring initiative ensures food-insecure children in Wyoming have access to...
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Edutainment on the Range: Tucker Brown’s Influence in Agriculture
Lane Nordlund chats with Tucker Brown of R.A. Brown Ranch about blending family ranching with a growing social media presence. Tucker shares how he uses platforms like Instagram and TikTok to educate and entertain audiences, connecting consumers to agriculture. He highlights the importance of...
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Combat to Cattle: Veteran Rancher Max Krupp
Max Krupp served our country in the armed forces to protect Americans, and now he serves his community by raising grass finished, natural beef in Texas. Max describes how military leadership shaped him and how those skills transfer to his career with Halo K Cattle Co. and mentoring other men and...
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Producers Emphasize Loyalty During Hurricanes
Producers in the Southeast who have been hit by the recent hurricanes, Helene and Milton, are set back at least a month in their cattle production timelines. Florida cattlemen Alex Johns and Dale Carlton share what producers are experiencing today as they work to recover and clean up their...
About this show
Montana rancher and broadcaster Lane Nordlund hosts this monthly “coffee talk” style podcast focusing on the producers in the beef industry. Learn and laugh together with the stories of cattlemen and women from across the country. We all have stories to tell; we all have successes and failures; we all work with family and it’s always great to talk about what is going on in the beef industry across the country.
Hosted by
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association