American Cattlemen Podcast

The American Cattlemen Podcast is your multimedia hub for the business of beef, bringing you industry news, information, and entertainment. Follow us so you never miss an episode—and don’t forget to tell your neighbors and friends!

American Cattlemen Podcast is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 100 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts American Cattlemen Podcast, a business show with 100 episodes published.

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  Episode #401

  Rhoades Ranch: Genetics Developed with a Purpose

  Aug 19, 202638 min

  There is something to be said for developing cattle in the same kind of environment where you expect them to perform. That philosophy has been at the heart of Rhoades Ranch in Cambria, California, since the program began in 2006. Rhoades Ranch develops its cattle in rough country that asks them to travel, stay sound, and prove their ability to perform. The goal is straightforward: produce bulls with the durability and athleticism to cover country and reach cows while combining those practical traits with strong phenotype and a balanced EPD package. The result is a powerful set of Angus genetics made for the seedstock breeder and commercial producer alike. I really enjoyed talking with Justin Rhoades for this episode of Genetics & the Gavel. One thing became apparent very quickly during our conversation: Justin genuinely wants to help improve his customers' genetics. He isn't simply interested in selling bulls. He thinks about where those genetics are headed, what his customers are trying to accomplish, and how Rhoades Ranch cattle can help advance their programs. I think that mindset says a lot about the Rhoades program. Today's cattle producers have access to more genetic information than ever before, and Rhoades Ranch embraces the opportunity to make genetic progress. At the same time, Justin understands that the numbers have to translate into cattle that work in the real world. For seedstock producers, that means genetics with the potential to complement a breeding program and create the next generation of cattle. For commercial cattlemen, it means bulls expected to travel, remain durable, breed cows and sire calves that can add value. It's about finding balance between genetic progress and practical performance. That philosophy will be on display at the Rhoades Ranch Annual Production Sale on September 5, 2026, in Cambria, California. Justin and I talked about the depth of this year's offering and the opportunities available for cattlemen with different breeding objectives. But the sale isn't limited to Angus genetics. Rhoades Ranch will also offer working horses and working cow dogs, and I think those animals add another dimension to the story of this operation. Anyone who has spent much time around a working cattle ranch understands the value of a dependable horse and a good cow dog. They aren't there for decoration—they are part of getting the job done. In many ways, that fits perfectly with the philosophy behind the Rhoades cattle. Whether you're talking about bulls, horses or dogs, usefulness matters. What I appreciated most from my conversation with Justin was his focus on the people who ultimately put these genetics to work. There is plenty of excitement surrounding a powerful set of Angus genetics, but behind the pedigrees, EPDs, and phenotype are cattlemen trying to make their next calf crop better than the last. Justin understands that. For anyone considering the Rhoades Ranch offering, I encourage you to listen to our conversation on Genetics & the Gavel, powered by American Cattlemen Media, spend some time studying the offering, and visit with Justin about what you're trying to accomplish in your own program. The Rhoades Ranch Annual Production Sale is on September 5, 2026, at 1:00 PM Pacific in Cambria, California. Whether you're looking for Angus genetics to advance a seedstock program, bulls to strengthen a commercial cow herd, or working horses and cow dogs for the ranch, there is plenty worth taking a look at. At the end of the day, the Rhoades Ranch philosophy is pretty simple: develop genetics with a purpose and help customers make their cattle better. For previous episodes of Genetics & the Gavel, please visit: www.americancattlemen.com. American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By: Moly Manufacturing Central Life Sciences Medgene Forge

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  Episode #400

  Staying Ahead of Bovine Respiratory Disease

  Aug 10, 202621 min

  Bovine respiratory disease remains one of the cattle industry’s most persistent and costly health challenges. Despite decades of vaccines, treatments, and management practices, BRD rates have not declined—and some reports suggest mortality is increasing. In this episode of the American Cattleman Podcast, host Dustin Hector sits down with Dr. Bob Gentry of MedGene to examine why respiratory disease continues to demand producers’ attention and how emerging tools may help them respond more effectively. With 45 years of veterinary experience spanning mixed-animal practice, cattle reproduction, technical service, and animal health innovation, Dr. Gentry brings a practical perspective to the conversation. He explains why calves become especially vulnerable as maternal antibodies fade, often just as weaning and other stressful management events approach. Listeners will learn why preconditioning and vaccinating before stress remain essential parts of a herd health strategy. The discussion explores both familiar and frequently overlooked contributors to the BRD complex. Dr. Gentry reviews established pathogens such as IBR, BVD, BRSV, and PI3, then examines the growing importance of bovine coronavirus, now a leading respiratory virus detected by diagnostic laboratories. He also discusses bovine influenza D, bovine rhinitis virus, bovine astrovirus, and bovine adenovirus 3, along with the bacterial threats that may follow viral infection. Producers will hear which early warning signs deserve attention, including nasal discharge, coughing, depression, reduced appetite, and poor performance. Dr. Gentry also explains “summer pneumonia,” why apparently low-stress nursing calves may still develop disease, and how unprotected animals can break with BRD after weaning. Finally, the episode highlights advances in prevention and diagnostics. Dr. Gentry discusses MedGene’s prescription platform vaccines for coronavirus and influenza D, as well as rapid PCR testing that can identify pathogens from nasal swabs collected from live animals. With results potentially available within 24 to 48 hours, producers and veterinarians can make faster, more targeted intervention decisions. Whether you raise calves, manage a backgrounding operation, or oversee feedlot health, this episode offers timely insight into recognizing BRD, strengthening prevention, using diagnostics, and staying ahead of respiratory threats before they become costly losses. Tune in for guidance supporting healthier cattle and resilient operations. For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit: www.americancattlemen.com. American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By: Moly Manufacturing Central Life Sciences Medgene Forge

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  Episode #399

  More Than a Female Sale: Building Customer Success One Generation at a Time

  Aug 7, 202619 min

  Female sales are easy to describe with numbers. This many open heifers. This many bred females. This many pregnancies and embryo packages. But numbers alone do not explain what has made the Next Generation Foundation Female Sale last for 28 years. That story is about cattle, but it is also about people. It is about consignors willing to offer their best, buyers willing to trust the program, and a sale team that stays involved long after the final lot leaves the ring. I recently visited with Nick Dwyer of Dwyer Cattle Services about the 2026 sale, set for Sunday, August 30th, at the home farm in Roseville, Illinois. This marks Nick’s fifth year leading the event and the 28th year he and his dad, Bob, have hosted it together. Nick believes this is the deepest offering they have ever assembled. That is a strong statement after nearly three decades, but the catalog supports it. More than 200 head and genetic opportunities represent show-ready heifers, commercial bred females, elite cow prospects, pregnancies, embryo packages and herd bulls. What makes the sale different is not simply the size of the offering. It is the range. A buyer can find a heifer built for the show ring and then turn the page to a female designed to become the kind of cow that produces herd bulls and replacement females for years. That kind of diversity does not come from one herd. This year’s sale represents 61 consignors, each bringing different cow families, breeds and breeding goals to the offering. Nick and Bob’s work managing sales across the country gives them the opportunity to evaluate cattle from many programs and identify genetics that can add value in different ways. Just as important is what happens after sale day. Nick does not believe the job ends when a female changes hands. Much of his spring and early summer is spent visiting past customers, evaluating cattle and following the progress of genetics purchased through previous sales. Many of the lots in this year’s catalog trace back to earlier Next Generation purchases. That may be the best measure of the sale’s success. Some customers have earned banners in the show ring. Others have generated meaningful genetic and financial returns in their breeding programs. Both matter. The cattle business is built on relationships, and the best sale programs understand that a satisfied buyer is more valuable than a one-time sale. The customer-success pages in this year’s catalog make that point better than any advertisement could. Last year, cattle sold into 23 states and Canada. That reach says something about the quality of the cattle, but it also says something about the confidence buyers have in the people behind them. Nick encourages buyers to arrive early, walk through the offering and visit with the consignors. That is good advice. A catalog can provide pedigrees, EPDs and footnotes, but a conversation with the breeder can tell you how a cow family performs, what kind of calves it produces and where those genetics may fit in your own program. The Next Generation Foundation Female Sale is not built around one type of buyer or one definition of success. It is designed to offer cattle that can work in the show ring, the pasture and the donor pen. For producers looking to improve their herd, add a proven cow family or find a female with the potential to make an impact for years, the trip to Roseville may be well worth the time. And if the weather turns warm, Nick says there will be an ice cream truck waiting. After 28 years, they apparently have the sale-day details figured out too. More Than a Female Sale: Building Customer Success One Generation at a Time For previous episodes of Genetics & the Gavel, please visit: www.americancattlemen.com. American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By: Moly Manufacturing Central Life Sciences Medgene Forge

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  Episode #397

  Bovine Congestive Heart Failure | Dr. Wayne Ayers

  Jul 20, 202630 min

  Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, he's the Director of Business Development for American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Dr. Wayne Ayers, Senior Beef Cattle Technical Consultant with Elanco Animal Health, for an informative discussion on Bovine Congestive Heart Failure (BCHF), also known as bovine pulmonary hypertension or right-sided heart failure. As the disease continues to affect cattle at both high and low elevations, Dr. Ayers explains why producers across the country should become familiar with its causes, symptoms, and risk factors. Drawing from decades of veterinary experience in private practice, academia, and animal health research, Dr. Ayers breaks down the science behind Bovine Congestive Heart Failure in practical terms. He discusses how pulmonary hypertension places increasing stress on the heart, eventually leading to heart failure in affected cattle. Listeners learn to recognize common warning signs, including brisket edema, bottle jaw, fatigue, labored breathing, and jugular vein distension, while also understanding why early recognition is critical since the disease is almost always fatal once clinical signs appear. The conversation explores the growing body of research surrounding the condition, including the discovery of genetic markers that significantly increase an animal's risk of developing Bovine Congestive Heart Failure. Dr. Ayers explains how genetic testing can help producers make more informed breeding decisions and reduce the prevalence of susceptible animals over time. He also discusses the connection between bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and heart failure, highlighting how previous lung damage can dramatically increase the likelihood of cattle developing BCHF later in life. Beyond genetics, Dustin and Dr. Ayers examine practical management strategies that may help reduce risk throughout the production cycle. Topics include implementing strong vaccination programs, minimizing handling stress, preventing respiratory disease, reducing heat and cold stress, providing adequate shade and bedding, and adjusting feeding programs for higher-risk cattle. They also discuss how communication between cow-calf producers, backgrounders, and feedlots can improve long-term herd health by identifying at-risk bloodlines and sharing valuable performance data. Whether you're a commercial cattle producer, feedlot manager, veterinarian, or anyone involved in the beef industry, this episode delivers valuable insights into one of the industry's emerging health challenges. Dr. Ayers provides practical recommendations that can help producers better understand Bovine Congestive Heart Failure, improve herd management decisions, and protect the long-term health and profitability of their cattle operations. For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit: www.americancattlemen.com. American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By: Moly Manufacturing Central Life Sciences Medgene Forge

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  Episode #396

  Old Three Wagyu Builds Genetics, Relationships, and Opportunity

  Jul 20, 202617 min

  One of the highlights of the Big Texas Event, hosted jointly by the Texas Wagyu Association and Australian Wagyu Association, is the opportunity to reconnect with some of the industry’s most progressive breeders. Among them is Emily Searle of Old Three Wagyu, a Texas-based operation known for elite Fullblood Wagyu genetics, premium beef production, and a strong commitment to producer education. During the event, Searle sat down with American Cattlemen to discuss the growth of Old Three Wagyu, the opportunities Wagyu genetics create for commercial producers, and the lessons learned from the ranch’s first production sale. Searle grew up in Washington County, Texas, often referred to as the birthplace of Texas, where her roots in agriculture began with commercial cattle production. After earning a degree in Agricultural Education from Texas A&M University, she joined Old Three Wagyu and quickly became involved in marketing, sales, genetics, and day-to-day ranch operations. Today, Old Three Wagyu is part of a diversified agricultural business that includes both cattle and wine production through Rowland Taylor Vineyards. “We run about 300 head of Fullblood Wagyu cattle and grow approximately 200 tons of wine grapes annually,” Searle explained. “The Wagyu and wine combination have been a unique opportunity for us and allows us to connect consumers directly to agriculture.” Old Three Wagyu owner Kerr Taylor purchased the Washington County property nearly two decades ago after building a successful career in Houston real estate. What began as a commercial cattle operation evolved into a nationally recognized Wagyu breeding program. “Kerr wanted to continually improve the cattle herd,” Searle said. “When he discovered Wagyu genetics and the quality of beef they could produce, that became the foundation for what Old Three Wagyu is today.” The ranch continues to focus heavily on genetic advancement, utilizing carcass data, feeding programs, and performance information to guide breeding decisions. Wagyu Genetics and the Commercial Producer One topic gaining significant attention throughout the Wagyu industry is the use of Wagyu bulls in commercial cow- calf operations. Searle believes the benefits are substantial. “When you introduce a Wagyu bull into a commercial breeding program, you’re improving marbling while still maintaining strong growth performance,” she explained. “You’re creating cattle that can achieve Prime and Prime Plus carcass grades while continuing to add value throughout the beef supply chain.” In addition to carcass quality, Wagyu cattle offer several practical advantages, including:  Improved marbling  Enhanced beef quality grades  Lower birth weights  Calving ease  Greater consumer satisfaction “As an industry, we should always be striving to improve beef quality,” Searle said. “Wagyu genetics provide producers with another tool to help accomplish that goal.” Data-Driven Decisions Drive Genetic Progress While premium beef remains the end goal, Searle emphasized that meaningful genetic progress requires measurable data. Old Three Wagyu maintains a feeder and finishing program that allows the ranch to collect carcass information and evaluate performance from pasture to plate. “You can’t make genetic advancements without real-world data,” she said. “Following cattle through the feeding phase and collecting carcass information helps us make better breeding decisions within our seedstock program.” This commitment to data-driven selection continues to position the operation among the industry’s leading Wagyu programs. One recurring theme throughout the Big Texas Event was the collaborative culture within the Wagyu breed. For producers considering Wagyu for the first time, Searle offered reassurance. “There are so many people in this breed willing to help,” she said. “The data, registration process, genetics, and breeding decisions can feel overwhelming at first, but there are experienced producers who are happy to answer questions and share what they’ve learned.” That culture of mentorship and collaboration has become one of the breed’s greatest strengths. “The relationships within the Wagyu industry are truly special,” Searle added. Lessons Learned from the First Old Three Wagyu Production Sale Earlier this year, Old Three Wagyu hosted its inaugural production sale, known as the Irreplaceable Showcase. The event represented far more than simply selling cattle. “It was really about telling our story,” Searle said. Months of planning, genetic selection, breeding decisions, photography, video production, catalog development, and customer outreach all culminated in a single event showcasing the ranch’s best genetics. “We were able to share Kerr and Jill Taylor’s vision, our breeding philosophy, and the direction of our program,” she explained. The sale also provided an opportunity to connect with both experienced Wagyu breeders and commercial cattle producers interested in incorporating Wagyu genetics into their operations. As Old Three Wagyu prepares for its second production sale scheduled for April 10, 2027, the team is already making breeding decisions and evaluating future sale offerings. The long-term goal remains consistent: produce superior cattle, improve beef quality, and continue building relationships throughout the industry. For Searle, one of the most rewarding aspects of the business remains introducing consumers to Wagyu beef for the first time. “Watching someone experience Wagyu and seeing their reaction when that steak melts in their mouth is something special,” she said. As consumer demand for premium beef continues to grow, Old Three Wagyu appears well-positioned to help shape the future of both the Wagyu breed and the broader beef industry. For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit: www.americancattlemen.com. American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By: Moly Manufacturing Central Life Sciences Medgene Forge

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