The Bushels and Beef Podcast

LRP (Livestock Risk Protection) has become a bigger part of the conversation in cattle country—especially when weather risk, grass availability, and market volatility all collide at the same time. In this episode of Bushels and Beef, livestock risk specialist Rich “Ricky” Knuppe (also a South Dakota cattle producer) talks through what he’s seeing on the ground during a wild spring across the Plains: drought conditions, major wildfire impacts, turnout and water concerns, and the tough decisions that follow.The conversation connects those realities to risk management planning—why some producers explore LRP coverage as a way to help manage downside price risk, how different operations think about protecting capital during high-priced cattle cycles, and what questions producers are asking during bull sale season and replacement decisions. This is a practical, producer-first discussion focused on education, planning, and understanding trade-offs—not predicting prices.Topics in this episode:LRP (Livestock Risk Protection) explained in plain language (high-level)Drought, wildfire aftermath, grass availability, and turnout decisionsBull sale season insights and heifer-retention signalsManaging risk when cattle prices are elevated and costs are realProducer mindset: planning for “what if” scenarios instead of reacting to headlinesDisclaimerThis video is for general education and market commentary only and is not individualized advice and is not a solicitation. Futures and options trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Coverage availability, costs, and outcomes vary by operation and location—consult your advisors regarding decisions for your specific situation.

USDA report day on Tuesday—and the Stocks & Plantings numbers can move grain markets fast. In this episode of Bushels and Beef, Logic Ag’s newest grain market advisor Allison Ryan joins the show to introduce her producer-first approach to grain marketing and to walk through key takeaways from the latest USDA release, including corn acres, soybean acres, and stocks.Allison explains why report-day reactions can be muted when surveys are completed weeks earlier—and why disciplined, proactive planning can matter more than reacting emotionally to a headline. The conversation also covers practical planning topics producers often evaluate: profitability and ROI, risk tolerance, working offers ahead of volatility, and keeping old crop and new crop decisions organized as inputs and market narratives shift.

The latest Cattle on Feed report can shape expectations fast—but the market reaction doesn’t always match the headline. In this episode of Bushels and Beef, Seth Vander Weide breaks down key takeaways from the March Cattle on Feed report and why higher placements didn’t automatically translate into a major futures selloff.They dig into what may be influencing cattle markets right now, including drought and wildfire pressure in parts of the Plains, how that can impact placement timing, and why the next phase of this cycle may depend heavily on the demand side—from boxed beef movement to consumer sensitivity (fuel costs, inflation, and broader uncertainty).The conversation also touches on the “tight supply” backdrop (including heifer retention questions), and why producers often focus on staying current, managing leverage, and thinking in scenarios instead of trying to predict one exact outcome.This video is provided for general education and market commentary only and is not individualized trading, hedging, insurance, or financial advice, and is not a solicitation to buy or sell futures, options, or any other commodity interest. Trading futures and options involves substantial risk of loss and may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Consult your advisors regarding decisions for your specific operation.

Grain markets can shift quickly when news hits—especially during spring when trade headlines, energy markets, and USDA reports are all competing for attention. In this episode of Bushels and Beef, Nick is joined by Adam Friedrichsen to discuss why recent action in corn and soybeans has felt “headline-driven,” what producers are watching into the USDA March 31 acreage & quarterly stocks report, and how to think about risk when markets move fast.

It’s “March Madness” in the cattle market—and not the basketball kind. In this episode of Bushels and Beef, Nick is joined by Dan Gerhold to unpack a frustrating stretch of volatility: choppy cash trade, abnormal basis behavior, and spreads that didn’t seem to match the fundamentals.Dan breaks down what basis means in cattle, why spread relationships (inversions vs carry) matter in bull vs bear conditions, and how money flow (managed money, equities volatility, and geopolitical headlines) can spill into livestock markets—even when cattle fundamentals don’t look dramatically different.They also zoom out to a producer decision-making framework that’s less about calling the exact top and more about protecting ROI over time: cutting through noise, reducing emotional decision-making, and using rallies to reduce risk in a disciplined way.

Cattle markets have been navigating a lot of moving parts. Cash trade signals, headline risk, and shifting producer sentiment heading into spring. In this episode of Bushels and Beef, Nick is joined by Fenton Nelson (LRP agent + working producer) fresh off the MU Extension Feedlot School to share real-world takeaways from Missouri producers and what he’s watching in the cattle market. They cover:What producers asked most at feedlot school (from experienced operators to folks just getting started) A practical, plain-language look at LRP and why some producers use it as a downside floor Spring seasonality in Missouri: sale barn flow, weather impacts, and on-the-ground marketing decisions How fuel prices, broader conflict headlines, and consumer budget pressures can become part of the conversation around beef demand Heifer retention, feeding efficiency, and what that could mean for supply discussion going forward Spring planning in Missouri: wheat greening up, planters coming out, and fertilizer costs/break-evens getting more attention If you’re a cattle producer heading into spring and trying to keep decisions grounded (instead of reactive), this episode focuses on frameworks: know your numbers, consider tools that fit your operation, and reduce the “emotion factor” in marketing when volatility picks up.LRP, cattle market update, Missouri cattle, feedlot school, risk management

Markets can turn on a headline fast—and that’s been especially true lately in grains and livestock. In Episode 10 of Bushels and Beef, Nick sits down with Preston McCoy to talk through what’s been driving recent moves in corn and soybeans, how producers can stay level-headed when the noise gets loud, and why having a plan (and a sounding board) matters. They also dig into practical risk-management conversations producers are having right now, including how some are thinking about LRP as a price floor in cattle markets and how tools like crop insurance/ECO can fit into a broader marketing strategy. If you’ve been feeling the “information overload” effect, this episode is built to be a clear, producer-focused reset: what matters, what’s noise, and how to make decisions that fit your operation.This recording is provided for general education and market commentary only and is not individualized trading, hedging, or insurance advice, and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any futures, options, or other commodity interests. Trading futures and options involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Crop insurance coverage, premiums, eligibility, and program rules vary by operation and location—consult your advisors and a licensed agent regarding decisions for your farm.

Crop insurance spring prices are out, which means producers can start dialing in Revenue Protection (RP) decisions for the 2026 crop year. In this episode, Nick is joined by Jordan Hinkeldey, a crop insurance agent from Alta, Iowa, to break down what the spring price release means for guarantees, how RP works, and what producers may want to review before the sales closing deadline. They also cover the ARC and PLC safety-net programs—what’s changed, what producers are watching, and how these programs can fit alongside crop insurance planning. If you’re trying to connect insurance decisions to a broader risk-management plan (rather than reacting to headlines), this is a practical, producer-focused conversation.Topics Covered2026 crop insurance spring prices and what they influenceRevenue Protection (RP) explained in plain EnglishCoverage levels, guarantees, and why producers compare options differentlyARC / PLC program basics and what producers are watchingPlanning ahead for the sales closing deadlineAvoiding “information overload” and keeping decisions practical

Cash is doing the talking—and the rest of the board is trying to keep up. 🎙️In Episode 8 of Bushels and Beef, Nick sits down with Seth Vander Weide and Jason Noteboom to unpack what’s driving cattle markets, why more producers are looking at LRP as a price floor without the margin-call headache, and how they’re thinking about supply, heifer retention, and risk.They also pivot to the grain side with real-world talk on old crop soybean decisions, basis and storage math, and how February crop insurance pricing can shape new crop marketing plans—before spring decisions get locked in.

This week on The Bushels and Beef Podcast, Nick is joined by Adam Friedrichsen (Logic Ag Marketing) to break down the latest WASDE report, why corn and beans reacted differently, and what headline-driven trade (including China demand rumors) can do to volatility. They also cover South America weather (Brazil harvest delays vs. Argentina dryness), and shift gears to livestock with the latest chatter around Argentina beef imports and why many producers are thinking more about risk floors (including LRP discussions). Looking for help calculating break-evens or building a risk plan around crop insurance + marketing? Logic Ag Marketing supports producers with grain marketing, crop insurance planning, and livestock risk tools.

In this episode of the Bushels and Beef podcast, host Nick discusses the evolving landscape of crop insurance with expert Jordan Hinkeldey. They delve into the significance of the ECO program and its subsidies for 2026, the savings on MPCI premiums, and the support available for beginning farmers. The conversation also highlights the importance of integrating insurance with marketing strategies to enhance profitability for producers. Jordan shares insights on the current trends in crop insurance and offers practical advice for farmers navigating their options.

In this episode of the Bushels and Beef podcast, host Nick and guest Dan Gerhold discuss the current state of the cattle market, recent trends in hog prices, and the impact of new food guidelines on consumer behavior.They delve into the fragility of the market, influenced by social media rumors, and the importance of understanding demand versus supply dynamics. Dan shares insights on the cattle supply shortage, breakeven prices, and strategies for producers to navigate the market effectively. The conversation also touches on the effects of weather on cattle prices and the significance of risk management tools like LRP. Finally, they share personal anecdotes about ribeye steaks and offer advice for producers facing challenges in the current market.

In this episode of the Bushels and Beef podcast, Shane Holtorff and Melissa Schmidt from Logic Ag Marketing discuss the latest WASDE report and what it could mean for corn producers.They talk through the surprise increase in yield, acres, and ending stocks, the range of reactions they’re hearing from farmers, and how they are thinking about today’s grain markets and production costs.The conversation also touches on risk management considerations, cash flow planning, and some of the factors producers may want to keep in mind when making marketing decisions. Shane shares why this report has been especially frustrating for many, while Melissa points out a few constructive trends she’s watching, including ethanol demand and export activity.The episode wraps up with general ideas for how producers can approach their marketing plans in a challenging environment, and the value of accountability and support when working through decisions.

In this episode of the Bushels and Beef podcast, host Nick interviews Fenton Nelsen, a cattle producer and rodeo competitor, about Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) and its significance for cattlemen. Fenton Nelsen shares insights from his experience in the cattle industry, discussing market trends, common producer concerns, and the cost-effectiveness of LRP. He also highlights the importance of government subsidies for small producers and the role of risk management in ensuring the sustainability of cattle operations. Additionally, Fenton shares his passion for rodeo and how it connects him with the cattle community.

In this episode of the Bushels and Beef podcast, host Nick visits with guests Rich and Steven about ranch life and risk management. They talk about how Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) can be used as one tool to help manage market ups and downs. The conversation includes personal ranching experiences, thoughts on learning about different risk management options, and ideas for young ranchers as they get started. Rich and Steven also share their perspectives on working with business partners and paying attention to net profits, not just top-line revenue.

In this podcast episode, Shane Holtorff from Logic Ag Marketing discusses the challenges farmers face with complicated software and the importance of simple, effective tools for grain marketing. They delve into the services offered by Logic Ag, including grain basis and risk management strategies, while sharing personal anecdotes and insights into the agricultural industry. The conversation emphasizes the need for education and partnership in making informed marketing decisions.Takeaways:Farmers dislike complicated software that is hard to use.Logic Ag Marketing focuses on grain and livestock risk management.Indecision in marketing can lead to missed opportunities.Education is crucial for effective grain marketing strategies.Having a partner in grain marketing can alleviate stress.The importance of timely decision-making in agriculture.Farmers should seek out resources for education and support.Simple tools can empower farmers to make informed decisions.Building a partnership with clients is key to success.