Today on the Working Ranch Radio Show we are covering three things. First Dr. Rick Machen with the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management joins us as we discuss some exciting modifications they’ve made to their Master’s Program in Ranch Management… especially for those current college students that will be getting an undergraduate degree with as…

The Common Ground Summit… a meeting of 40 people across the country. These 40 represented various segments of the cattle industry. These 40 were comprised of what some might say would be small non-influential family operations to large influential registered operations, family feed yards, or sale barn owners. If these 40 where a herd of cows… the t…

Bovine Congestive Heart Failure. For me I’ve always assumed it was the same as High Altitude Disease or Brisket Disease, but in our cattle industry today where we see a push for performance and high growth, we are seeing it manifest itself at a point in time that is extremely costly to the feeder... right before slaughter. Dr. Kirk Ramsey and Dr. P…

The story of the Maude Family in Western South Dakota took center stage this past week as criminal charges against Charles and Heather Maude were dropped over a land issue in what many are saying was a rogue US Forest Service agent bringing charges of land theft over 25 acres of ground that have been fenced into the deeded ground for over 70 years.…

On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your Quality of Life (QOL) right now? Today Allan Crockett returns as our guest as we rip the band aid off the question that may be bouncing off the walls of your mind, "Is this the Quality of Life that I want going forward? We take a three-leg'd approach as we start with looking at how we can generate "Time an…

Jim Malooley, Director of Agrivoltaics Operations at Silicon Ranch, joins host Nick de Vries to discuss the innovative intersection of solar energy and regenerative land management. Jim shares how he went from running his own sheep farm to leading a team that oversees sheep grazing across three large solar ranches in Georgia. He dives into the uniq…

Virtual Fencing. It’s a topic that spurs intrigue for many of us, but often from a distance. Whether it’s the newness of the technology or the cost to implement. Today Matt Vermeesch with Nofence, joins as we explore the technology as a whole. Additionally, we’ll hear from Idaho rancher Tyson Coles with his perspective as a user. So, what are the f…

Managing a ranch in today’s industry is different that it was for the previous generations... and it continues to change. So, what are the skills a manager needs on today’s ranch? Rick Machen with the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management is my guest as he shares with us three umbrella areas that are critical for Ranch Managers. If you have asp…

Losing calves during pregnancy may not be a big factor in your operation, but it’s still a loss and it does affect your bottom line. So today Chloe Collins (University of Missouri Extension) walks us through what can cause Gestational Pregnancy Loss during the Early Embryonic phase of the first 45 days to the fetal period from 45 days to birth. Plu…

Like it or not, AI Technology is here and today we continue in our discussion with Mackenzie Burnett (Ambrook). Topics like how it could be used… for example to start the ball rolling on things like estate planning, enterprise analysis, or business negotiations. But then we also head down a line of questions about things like the morality of AI tec…

AI Technology… and I’m not talking Artificial Insemination. I’m talking about tools like ChatGPT. It has quickly risen to the surface in our vocabulary but what about our understanding of it? Today Mackenzie Burnett (Ambrook) returns as our guest as she walks through what it is, why it has suddenly come to the forefront, how it’s being used, and ho…

When it comes to bull selection, before you even look at a bull or look at all the numbers… there are some questions you must ask yourself. Dr. Saulo Zoca (University of Tennessee) walks us through some of these critical questions. Then, we must understand that first and foremost, this bull needs to stay healthy and breed cows. Finally we start loo…

It’s our Annual Market & Weather Outlook Show for the coming year! We start first with the Cattle Markets as Clint Berry (Superior Livestock & @HossTheBeefGuy) and I discuss the factors playing into our market for the next couple of years as well as the CattleFax market forecast prices from Fat Cattle down to bawlin’ calves. Plus, we'll discuss "ju…

Today we conclude my conversation with Allan Savory. It’s a deeper dive into what Holistic Management really looks like… and what it isn’t. And, if it crosses your mind about creating a future or legacy for your family or ranch operation you will find our conversation extremely valuable. Also does Holistic Management work with the principle of runn…

On this episode, host Nick de Vries is joined by Winston Vaughan, head of climate policy at Clearloop, Silicon Ranch's Carbon Solutions platform. Winston shares insights into Clearloop's innovative business model, which helps businesses of all sizes reclaim their carbon footprint by commissioning new solar projects in American communities where sig…

Today we continue with Part 2 of my conversation with Allan Savory. He is a firm believer that livestock MUST be a part of reversing what he fills is a threat to mankind… that being desertification. Today our conversation leads us down the road of talking about climate change. It is a topic that ranchers often feel they have to be defensive due to …

My guest today is none other than Allan Savory. A man who once despised livestock and now a fierce believer in the role of livestock to our planet. Today we hear the back story of what fuels his life’s work and passion for helping ranchers through Holistic Management. Through his beliefs and stances on land management, climate change, and other iss…

From the conversations at the coffee shop to the sale barn café, there’s FOUR questions just kind of hanging out there in the air… and I can guarantee you’ve probably engaged with someone recently over one or more of these questions. Today Dr. Kenny Burdine (University of Kentucky) joins me as he identifies FOUR questions that the 2025 Cattle Marke…

From what started as a group of ranchers believing that they needed to be more than just “price takers” in the cattle business to an elaborate idea of building multi-million dollar packing plant. Trey Wasserburger (TDAngus) returns as our guest to update us on the progress of Sustainable Beef LLC. It is now less than 3 months from the doors opening…

Sale Day… that day we all look forward to every year… but often manage the least for it. Brett Crosby (Custom Ag Solutions) and Dave Voth (Good Grazing Makes Cent$) join me today as we discuss the costs to our business when we don’t provide adequate time nor have the proper information of potential future market prices before us as we make manageme…

Wally Olson (Ranching.fyi) joins us today as we talk about some of the principles and thoughts he has regarding the current cattle market and cycle. He’ll explain his “Cow Bell” curve as a tool to find the undervalued and overvalued animal in your herd and why many Cow/Calf operations are a break-even business. We’ll also talk about the difference …

Today we reveal the top four show (subjects) of 2024... and after you hear them, I think you will agree why these where the top shows of the year. So listen as we start at #4 and conclude with the #1 show of 2024! #workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #cowpunchercoffee #TankToad #B…

We continue with our count down of the top show of 2024. Today we feature the shows ranked at #8 and work down to #5. From Utilizing the FREE Nutrients from our Cows to Product of USA Labeling. And what is the Canary in the Coal Mine when it comes to your animal's health and longevity? And end up with our #5 shows covers a topic about Dairy Cattle.…

We are counting down the top show of 2024. Today we feature the shows ranked at #12 and work down to #9. From Grazing to Controversial Vaccine, to the State of Kansas and NextGen Ranchers. Just in case you missed them, tune in as we play back parts of the interviews from the top shows of the year. #workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweat…

While none of us are eager to pay any more to Uncle Sam than we need to, proper tax planning is crucial so your year-end decisions are proactive rather than reactive. Jordan Steele, with Ranch Management Consultants walks use through effective year end planning and strategy. We’ll go through five areas to understand in your ranch business that will…

With the election in the rearview mirror and nearly all of President-Elect Trumps major cabinet picks announced, we sit down with Jess Peterson (USCA) who’s been advocating on behalf of cattlemen in Washington DC for many years and get his perspective. We'll discuss the picks for Secretary of Agriculture, Interior, as well as RFK at HHS. However, t…

If you’re of the Next Generation with plans of taking over the family ranch OR you have goals of having your own ranch someday (First Gen Rancher) stop and listen to this episode. And, if you are of the current generation that owns or is managing the ranch… stop and listen to this episode. Generational Transition and/or First-Generation ranchers ar…

Winter feeding costs take a lot of profit away from your ranch and often we find ourselves working for the cow. So, what are some alternatives? Dr. Bart Lardner from the University of Saskatchewan discusses what they have found in their research on Bale Grazing, Swath Grazing and Crop Residual Grazing. While these are not new concepts and you might…

Starting with a Clean Slate… I’m sure at some point that has crossed your mind. Whether it’s with your ranch business or even your personal life. Things feel cluttered, disorganized, over whelming, or stuck in a rut… and in many cases, not all, it starts with profitability. So today Allan Crockett returns as our guest as he walks us through what we…

As Director of Market Strategy at Silicon Ranch, Adian Markocic spends a majority of his time analyzing industry trends, regulations, and data to help guide the company's growth strategy. Adrian joins us to provide insight into the strategic planning and considerations that go into siting and developing new solar projects, as well as the evolving l…

It's called the "Silent Thief of Productivity"... we’re talking about Johne’s Disease. A disease that is highly contagious and fatal, because there is no cure for it. For most of us we assume it’s a disease that you see in the dairy industry, but now, we are starting to see it showing up in the beef herd. Dr. Susanne Hickley (Neogen) is back as my …

Dr. Kelley Neuhold returns as our guest as we discuss why you would consider adding crude protein to your cow’s diet… from maintaining a healthy body condition score to calving, to getting the most out of your low-cost feed sources. We'll also discuss one of the most commonly used protein sources, Urea. Why it’s used and some of the misconceptions …

Adding ZINC can reduce the impacts of muscle disease in cattle. Muscle Fatigue, which can be a precursor to animals not getting up and eating, thus leading to added stress, which leads to sickness. Dr. Stephanie Hansen, with Iowa State University (link to press release) has been leading the latest research on benefits of added zinc into the diet of…

mRNA Vaccines... another sticky subject in our cattle industry. While their is research on their potential use for cattle, there is no approved vaccines on the market. Dr. Lew Strickland with the University of Tennessee is we discuss mRNA technology. How it differs from our current vaccine technology, what advantages does it potentially have, conce…

So, what are the behaviors that we see in Efficient Cattle and the behaviors in the Non-Efficient Cattle? Basically, finding that cow that can do everything she’s supposed to do, but do it with less in her environment. Dr. Jim Sprinkle, Extension Beef Specialist with the University of Idaho is my guest as we talk about their latest research that lo…

Today you get to ride along with me as I explore three different products that I am interested in knowing more about that would be applicable to… really any ranch or livestock operation of any shape and size. Now if you’re like me, you’re not necessarily looking for short cuts, but you are looking for ways to work smarter. So today we’ll learn abou…

Silicon Ranch partner Nextracker has pioneered several innovations in solar tracker technology, including independent row, weather aware tracking algorithms, and have been leading the charge on domestic supply chain improvements. CEO Dan Shugar joins us for a discussion on how their innovations have reduced both costs and environmental impacts whil…

Meteorologist Don Day is my guest today as he offers his Fall and Winter 2025 Weather Outlook… and all the key factors that play a role in our weather in 2024 are completely different than last year. We’ll first take a general view of the weather outlook, then will work across the continent by regions, and finally some general conversation about th…

Selling the ranch may be the first option that comes to mind… or maybe I should say, the last thing you want to do. So then what are some other options that you can consider? Jerome Chvilicek, (Hall and Hall) is my guest as we discuss options... some you may have considered and some you hadn’t thought of. But in either case you may not be sure how …

Two views on the topic Mandatory Animal Identification. First, we'll hear from NCBA's Ethan Lane followed by a different perspective from the US Cattlemen's Justin Tupper. Two independent conversations as I ask a variety of questions on this controversial topic like: Is a foreign disease a legitimate concern? Is our current system of tracking worki…

Today it’s the story of Charles and Heather Maude, a young ranch family in Southwest South Dakota that have found themselves indicted for theft of federal property over 25 acres of National Grass Lands that had been a part of this 5th generation ranch family since 1910. Rachel Gabel, spokesperson for the Maude family, is my guest as we unpack this …

What are you doing on your ranch to make it more resilient to drought or extreme winter weather conditions? Dr. Paul Beck (OK State) is my guest as that question leads our conversation. Dr. Beck will outline three areas that we can manage with our ranches to build that “resilience” in our ranching operation. Yes, the conversation will range from co…

TMR Mixing wagons... not just for the dairies and large feeding operations and today Dr. Kelley Neuhold (Westway Feed Products) and what he is referring to are TMR Mixers. Now TMR Mixers are not necessarily new in our industry but as more ranchers are picking them up used or new, what are some things we need to know about them. For example, what’s …

Galen Gerrish with American Grazing Lands Services is my guest. They sell a lot of fencing material across the country and today we are going to discuss the components that they are finding success in for building Permanent Electric Fence, Portable Electric Fence, as well as Energizers. Things like wire, line posts, and insulators. Maybe you’ve bee…

No doubt you’ve heard the phrase, “There’s an App for That”. On this program, Dave Voth with Good Grazing Makes Cents, joins us as we discuss a few of the apps that are available to us for Grazing Management. He’ll give us his review of some, and we’ll discuss others that he’s excited about as well. But the purpose for an app is to help us be effic…

Anna Clare Monlezun, rancher and rangeland ecosystem scientist, joins Nick de Vries to discuss grassland ecosystems, sustainable grazing practices, and the co-location of solar energy generation and regenerative agriculture. Anna Clare shares updates on a project close to her heart, Cattle Tracker, which aims to co-locate cattle grazing with solar …

Dr. Steve Paisley, (University of Wyoming) is back as a guest as we focus of Mid-Summer Nutrition in our cow herd. Some of you are dealing with little to no grass, while other have grass, but its quality is quickly declining. So, what are some options? Also, the market is good right now. What factors should you consider as you make strategic plans …

With the high cattle markets it easy to get lulled into a false sense of profitability. Allan Crockett is back as our guest as we are halfway through the calendar year and it’s a good time to reevaluate and be proactive for both planning for the rest of this year and future business plans. From marketing to tax Planning, to making wise decisions wi…

It's a market like we’ve never seen before! Clint Berry is back with us as we recap the results from the latest Superior Livestock Video Sale and talk about the tone it set as we look ahead to the summer sales and fall run. . Are we seeing any sign of herd retention? Is there the return on adding value to your calves whether it’s through various ma…

Ron Scott (Purina) is my guest as we jump into a deep discussion on Fetal Programming. We’ll explore a study done out of NDSU on heifer calves all the way from birth to a calving cow and the correlation between the nutrition, minerals, vitamins, their mommas received and their performance as 1st time mommas and their ability to re-breed. Fetal Prog…