Angus Underground

Chris Mackey, TN Ag Extension Service

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Elizabeth Marshall

Glenmary Farm

Bethany Daigle, Active Community Member/Volunteer

cmackey@utk.edu

Quotes:

“I had it on my heart to try to do something. … I felt like, given my position with SaleRing.live, there was a tool in my toolbox to help these people.” — Elizabeth [4:16]
“It’s easy to look at something that’s miles and miles away and turn your head to it and think that it’s never going to impact you, and you may be the person at some point that needs that kind of help and outreach.” — David [7:13]
“It’s a really humbling experience to see your town turn into ground zero.” — Bethany [15:00]
“The one good thing about America is we are a society that takes care of our own.” — David [16:40]
“Honestly, about 2% of the world is bad. The other 98% is really awesome.” — Chris [29:40]

Listener Q&A Oct 18, 2024

The show kicks off with a heartfelt discussion about the devastating storms that recently hit the Southeast and East, sharing their concerns for friends, colleagues, and listeners. They also highlight the upcoming Help Us Help Them benefit sale on SaleRing.live, Monday, November 4th at 7 p.m. EST, aimed at supporting those affected. From there, the team discusses the pros and cons of bull test stations before answering listener questions about everything from optimizing embryo production to finding the right balance between maternal and terminal traits in breeding programs.

Mentioned in this Episode:

BucksnortRanch.org

BlueprintAnimalNutrition.com

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Quotes:

“Do not expect them to sell them for you, because that’s not what’s going to happen.” [26:21]
“I think the heart, the heart of a bull test station… There’s no more appropriate time for that in this breed than right now. We need to be verifying cattle.” [28:04]
“There is a difference. Do your research, because not every test station is created equal. Ultimately, as a breeder, you have to analyze where you are and where you want to go.” [31:17]
“As long as that cow’s having a calf, sometimes you can get along pretty good.” [47:16]
“Balance is what keeps people in business.” [52:28]
“Raise some good cattle that don’t cause people problems, and that’s all the way from conception until it’s eaten on a plate." [52:28]

Bull Development & Maintenance Strategies Oct 04, 2024

David is joined by returning guest Josh Stroh, a beef nutritionist from Hubbard Feeds. Josh talks about the critical aspects of bull development, from feeding protocols to achieving long-term herd success. Josh shares some great tips for maintaining gut health, optimizing feed intake, and managing bulls to ensure they're in peak condition for breeding. He also discusses how to avoid overfeeding, the importance of consistency in feeding schedules, and strategies for improving skeletal and muscle development.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Hubbard Feeds

BucksnortRanch.org

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Quotes:

“You want bulls that are muscular and masculine, not couch potatoes.” — David [10:07]
“You’ve got to find that happy medium — get the right development and gain without making them too fat.” — David [10:23]
“Bulls are athletes. We need to treat them like young men in football practice.” — Josh [11:32]
“Consistency is key. Slow and steady wins the race.” — Josh [21:03]
“Attention to detail is everything in this business.” — David [21:38]
“Cattle are habitual. They have this internal clock, and consistency in feeding is everything.” — David [23:00]

Preconditioning and Weaning Sep 20, 2024

In this episode, David, Joe, and Vince are joined by special guest Mark Nold from Gettysburg, South Dakota. Mark shares insights from his work with the family operation of Nold Family Angus and Nold Animal Supply, focusing on the critical topic of pre-conditioning and weaning calves. They chat with Mark about vaccination protocols, parasite control, and how to set calves up for success during the stressful weaning process. Mark offers his recommendations on vaccination timing, nutritional support, and practical management strategies to minimize stress on herds and boost immune health.

Mentioned in this Episode:

BucksnortRanch.org

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Quotes:

“Mother Nature always wins.” — Mark [28:40]
“Number one, develop a relationship with your local vet. And number two, when you have a problem, get them involved and let them use their mind to help you solve that problem and set up the vaccine protocol that’s more geared towards their circumstances.” [34:04]
“I’m always on the war against the parasite.” — Mark [1:04:09]

Donor Selection Sep 06, 2024

Joe, Korbin, and Vince sit down to chat about the recent calving season, including the impact of drought on cattle operations and the challenges of maintaining healthy herds during tough conditions. They share insights into managing feed shortages, early calving issues, and the importance of mental health during these stressful times. The guys then focus on the topic of what makes a cow a donor and the careful considerations involved in choosing the right animals for breeding. They highlight what they’ve learned about managing genetics, selecting bulls, and navigating the complexities of embryo transfer programs.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Quotes:

“Even if it crashes and burns now, it was still worth it. And that’s just saying, you know, even if I go have a bad sale next year, it will still be worth it.” [1:39]
“Everybody wants to know some secret sauce to these marketing keys about getting people there. And what I’ve found is if you’re able to show your passion with people, the people will find you who think like you, and they’ll show up.” [2:12]
“I’m hopeful that a listener will hear this, and they will say, ‘You know what? Joe’s gone through that, and he’s had to sort through it, or he’s had friends go through it. And I’m not alone, because we don’t talk about mental health nearly enough in this ag business.” [11:57]
“I’ll be the first one to tell you guys that I struggle with it every day. It’s one of those things that when you’re running cows and things aren’t going well, whenever it gets dry and I don’t have any grass and I don’t have any way to get any feed, and I don’t have hay, it gets tough. I just want everyone else to realize that they’re not alone in that. I’m sharing those same problems you are having.” [12:42]
“I think a lot of times, if you had that mindset instead of, ‘Boy, how can I make her better?’ It’s more like, ‘How can I not screw this thing up? How can I make another one just like her?’” [43:08]

Celebrating Three Years of Angus Underground Podcast Aug 23, 2024

The full crew is back and here to celebrate their third anniversary! They share updates on their busy summers — from calving and crop work to family vacations. They then reflect on the podcast’s evolution, the valuable connections they’ve made with listeners, and the profound gratitude they feel for the overwhelming support that has sustained the show. Everyone agrees how the podcast experience has instilled lessons in humility, discipline, and maintaining perspective — so thank you, and here’s to the next three years ahead.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Quotes:

“Perspective means everything when it comes to forming an opinion.” [1:07:16]
“To be able to actually see that on this podcast we have made people’s lives easier and solved a problem for someone means a lot to me. It’s absolutely my favorite part.” [1:18:44]

The Bonsma Approach Aug 09, 2024

This week, David welcomes Darris Meitler of Meitler Cattle in Lucas, KS and Brent Lonker of Lonker Cattle in Fresno, CA. They dive into the principles for selecting cattle for functional efficiency, as taught by Dr. Jan Bonsma, a renowned animal scientist from South Africa. Darris and Brent share insights on Bonsma’s approach to evaluating cattle based on visual indicators of hormonal balance and adaptability, and how these principles can be applied to improve herd productivity and longevity.

Mentioned in this Episode:

The Bonsma All_Breeds Cattle Group

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

MeitlerCattle.com

Quotes:

“Three of my favorite things — wine, beef, and the fine art of breeding cattle.” [1:44]
“The great cattlemen are already breeding Bonsma-type cattle, they just don’t realize it.” [3:00]
“If you want to breed great cattle, it basically consists of three equal parts of observation, management, and science.” [29:57]
“Your cow herds are no better than the mothers of the bulls you’re using, and so that should tell you exactly where you’re at.” — Brent [32:43]
“If you apply the principles and you’re making those close decisions, the percentages are going to increase in your favor.” — Brent [1:26:03]

Top Cows in Angus History Jul 26, 2024

Dallas Woltemath, Advisor to ZWT Ranch, joins David and Vince to discuss the most influential cows in Angus breed history. The trio recaps a list of the top cows based on their own personal experience and input from the Angus community on social media. They discuss phenotypes, maternal lines, and their impact on shaping the modern Angus breed.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

ZWT Ranch

Quotes:

“It was interesting to see the common ground that a lot of people landed on and then get some ideas of cows that maybe you wouldn’t have thought of right off the top of your head.” — Dallas [4:40]
“She was an impressive beast, for sure.”

Infectious Diseases in Cattle with Dr. Beth Blevins Jul 12, 2024

David welcomes veterinarian Dr. Beth Blevins of All Creatures Mobile Veterinary Clinic and Rafter E Angus in Ronan, MT. They discuss the challenges of managing outbreaks like rotavirus and the importance of testing for diseases such as BVD and Johne’s disease. Dr. Beth gives her expert advice on prevention strategies, biosecurity measures, and the latest developments in cattle health management.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

All Creatures Mobile Clinic

Rafter E Angus

Quotes:

“It’s a roll of the dice when you test, but I think as a seed stock producer, we have an obligation.”
“If we’re selling cattle to others to use in a breeding operation, whether it’s commercial, or whether it’s purebred, we have an obligation to make sure that these cattle are free of these infectious diseases.”

It’s a Family Operation Jun 28, 2024

Joe, Vince, and Korbin celebrate the peak of summer, discussing preferred times and methods for cattle shows and favorite warm-weather activities with their herds. They then talk about the nuances of working alongside family, acknowledging both the rewards and challenges that can come with it. They talk about the importance of fostering family-like relationships with employees and the value of letting kids learn from their own mistakes.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Quotes:

“You show your banker your grass in the morning and your cows in the evening.” [4:26]
“Commercial cattlemen don’t want a lot out of the cattle. They just want them to do what you say they will do.” [7:23]
“Investing in our kids is super important.” [11:50]

Brand Building Jun 14, 2024

David is joined by return guest, Dave Mullins. Dave is the former Angus Association Regional Manager, Consultant for leading Angus herds throughout the county, livestock auctioneer, and founder of the online sales platform SaleRing.Live. Dave first shares the latest at SaleRing and why he’s optimistic about the future of the Angus industry. He and David then discuss building a successful business through your culture, network, and branding.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

SaleRing.Live

Quotes:

“In a world where they struggle and people say good help is hard to find, I’ve been blessed.” — Dave [6:59]
“Believe in what you want to do, even when it may not be the most popular. That’s okay. Own your lane.” — Dave [23:40]
“Branding is the art of differentiation.” — David Brier [29:10]
“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” — Warren Buffett [29:16]
You have to let people know who you are, and what you are.” — David [32:06]
“From a professional standpoint, the greatest blessing I have and will ever receive is the friendships and network that I have accumulated over the last 25 years across this country. Period.” — Dave [36:15]
“There's nothing that will pay dividends like your network.” — Dave [38:29]

Going to Grass & Preg Check Strategies May 31, 2024

It’s a fun week this week as the crew covers the upcoming American Angus Association sire evaluation update. Then they dive into different approaches for wintering cattle, grazing management, and vaccination practices across climates. The guys also talk through their preparation process for moving cattle to pasture as the season changes. During the “Grumpy Old Men” segment, the guys question what the main obligation is for customers in the industry.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Quotes:

“It’s amazing to me how different I would run things if I didn’t have to catch these cows all the time.” [36:13]
“The more information I can have, the better on these cows.” [53:01]
“If you are a young fellow wanting to get established in this business, the last thing you want is a bad reputation for being a slow payer, or a no payer!” [1:13:14]

Time Management In Your Business May 17, 2024

This week, the crew first welcomes Kylie Sherrill from Central Life Sciences, who joins to discuss Altosid IGR feed-through supplement for controlling horn flies in cattle and how producers can integrate it into their mineral programs. They then get into the valuable resources of time, and their tips and tricks for time management, including documenting everything in a calendar and scheduling important projects. They also touch on the challenges of multitasking, their biggest time drains, and the beauty of keeping things simple and doing what works best for your operation.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

AltosidIGR.com

Quotes:

“Genetic potential and the realistic ability to express those things are two completely different things.” [24:32]
“What's the most valuable resource of your life? Time. You can’t make more of it.” [50:12]

Cows, Culture, and Character May 03, 2024

David welcomes Jake Phillips from Australia, who shares his experience learning about the U.S. beef cattle industry through an extensive sponsored trip. Jake details his five-week trip across the U.S., including visits to renowned seedstock operations, universities, cattle conferences, and more. He and David talk about the importance of networking, lessons learned in operation culture and character, and the reminder that often the quality of the cattle is really correlated to the quality of the people.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Jake Phillips

Angus Australia

Quotes:

“It's about bringing people together.” — Jake [23:11]
“We really need to be playing at the highest quality. It doesn't matter if it's grapes, oranges, beef, or lamb, and that really starts with the people. The people growing it, producing it, and then marketing it.” — Jake [34:33]
“The question I had was, is it possible for a first generation seedstock operation to happen in one generation?” — Jake [35:50]
“Quite often the quality of the cattle is really correlated to the quality of the people.” [1:22:21]

Beyond the Basics of Genomics with Jim Johnson of Zoetis Animal Genetics Apr 19, 2024

It’s all about genomics this week, with special guest Jim Johnson from Zoetis Animal Genetics. Jim, who owns JMar Genetics in Appomattox, VA, explains how genomic testing works and how markers are used to predict traits. He discusses how genomics can help breeders make genetic progress faster while emphasizing that the direction breeders choose is up to them. Jim also provides insight into the accuracy of genomic tests and how environmental factors may influence genetic expression.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Crooked Creek Angus

Creek Insure

Upchurch Angus

Brands and Barbed Wire

Zoetis

JMAR Genetics

Lawson Family Farms

Quotes:

“Figure out where you want to go and be disciplined about heading in that direction.” — Jim [18:27]
“I spent my whole career educating people and I just want to entertain people. I want people to get the opportunity to tell their stories.” — Jim [24:40]
“I want an opportunity for somebody's grandkid in 10 years to go back and hear their grandfather's story.” — Jim [25:04]
“If you want to run as fast as you can for longevity, fertility, and predictability, genomics will help you get there.” — Jim [50:29]

Are you Pedigree Aware? Apr 05, 2024

This week, a conversation with a loyal listener sparks a conversation amongst the crew on the topic of pedigree snobbery and intentional breeding. They debate the use of historic sires like Complete after examining pedigree awareness and goals. They also emphasize balancing lineage relevance with discipline, and how clear objectives guide effective selection toward a breeder’s vision.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Crooked Creek Angus

Dr. Madhi Saatchi

Salering.live

Quotes:

“Everybody finds something different, and that’s what I think is so neat.” [9:59]
“If you don’t have a program in mind; if you don’t have a goal in mind, you are still going to sell all of your experiments right through to the commercial industry where those folks live and die by the fun you’re having.” [15:40]
“If you can’t find a good seedstock provider, be one.” [15:51]
“Figure out where you want to go with your program. That should be first.” [17:10]
“Consider whose opinions you’re gonna get on social media.” [18:39]
“I think we all have a little bit of pedigree snob in us.” [23:50]
“Being pedigree aware is really, really important and you don’t have to be a snob about it.” [30:50]
“If you really want to get to this objective you’re breeding towards, you’ve got to use your own sires, and you’ve got to stay disciplined and on course.” [56:44]
“There is a big difference between pedigree snob and pedigree educated, much different.” [1:02:46]

Minerals with Josh Stroh, Beef Nutritionist with Hubbard Feeds Mar 22, 2024

It’s all about minerals this week with guest Josh Stroh, Beef Nutritionist with Hubbard Feeds. Josh addresses the importance of minerals for cattle health and productivity, how minerals support reproduction and growth, and how mineral needs can differ significantly depending on location. He talks about how producers can evaluate their mineral programs suitable for their operations and environments.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Cooked Creek Angus

Hubbard Feeds

Quotes:

“Think of it as tools in your tool shed and you’re just equipping that animal to maximize the kind of performance levels you want.” — Josh [9:42]
“Whoever you’re buying your mineral product from, if they aren’t making you money with their product, don't buy it.” — Josh [24:28]
“I think it comes back to who you trust, who you want to deal with, what you're comfortable with. If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.” — Josh [1:13:09]

Estrus Synchronization Protocols Mar 08, 2024

The crew welcomes the distinguished Robert Whitacre, co-owner of Breeder Link in Winchester, Virginia. In a topic timely for spring breeding, Robert talks about the best estrus synchronization protocols and methods, along with some cool tools to help make synchronization easier and more effective. The guys also talk about the importance of selecting the best protocol based on management abilities and heifer development.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

MarshallandFennerFarms.com

Quotes:

“At the end of the day, if the heifers are not cycling, nothing is going to make them cycle. Nothing is going to make them breed. It’s just nature, and it’s got to run its course.” [31:56]
“You can’t highlight it enough, understanding what your people are capable of and what your facilities are capable of with your management and time.” [50:54]
“Sometimes, we just need to know what our management is capable of or not before deciding a breeding endeavor.” [1:07:04]
“We want to work with like-minded people and like-minded breeders.” — Robert [1:38:38]

Keeping the Balance Feb 23, 2024

David and Seana welcome Brent and Tina Vieselmeyer of Vision Angus in Amherst, CO. They first share the story of their journey towards a healthier lifestyle and the importance of accountability through a support network. Brent and Tina then talk about the customer-centric approach at Vision Angus and what we can expect at their annual production and bull sale in March.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Vision Angus

Dr. A’s Habits of Health

Optavia

Quotes:

“Be part of a network of support in whatever journey you’re in.” — Brent [20:46]
“Part of our struggle is that we think we can do things ourselves, and we can change ourselves, when you really need a whole network of support to start making subtle changes.” — Tina [26:29]
“We need that time away to trigger our creativity. I think you have to spur that creativity sometimes.” [1:03:55]
“I think that the two key words that really just describe our program are balance and predictability.” — Tina [1:10:10]

Diversified Farming with Glenmary Farm Feb 09, 2024

The guys start with a segment called “Be Prepared” to make sure you stay equipped and protected during this winter and upcoming spring season. Then they welcome Tom and Kim Nixon, along with their daughter Elizabeth, from the family-run Glenmary Farm in Virginia. They discuss two segments within their diversified farming business, Glenmary Reserve meats and their registered seed stock operation. Tom, Kim, and Elizabeth chat about their production calendar and their bull selection process and they share some great tips for word-of-mouth marketing.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Rafter 5M Land and Cattle

Glenmary Farm

Glenmary Reserve Beef

Quotes:

“Get a look at it and say what’s the worst-case scenario, and plan for it.” [24:46]
“Assess what your reasonable risk is, and attack it from there.” [38:04]
“When you have that network of people who are directed to you because the products in the service match the people, then you don’t have to do all this expensive shotgun approach marketing that may or may not hit the target.” [1:22:12]

NWSS Conversations - Part 2 Jan 26, 2024

David and Joe are back at the National Western Stock Show with man on the street style interviews. They sit down with fellow Angus breeders, dear friends and Angus Underground listeners including: Ryan Parry from Parry Angus, Darren Kilgore from Faith Angus Farm, Chris Earl from CK 6, Will Mayes and Dallas Woltemath from ZWT Ranch, Lex Carter and Robert Whitacre from Breeder Link, Brent Sadler from Sadler Ranches, Brad and Melissa Elmore, Jake Tiedeman from Baldridge Tiedeman, Jake Phillips, and Bruce and Amie Stertzbach.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

HooverAngus.com

Stertzbach Cattle Company

Quotes:

“I found a way to take genetics which I love. But bring it to good people which I love more.” [14:57] - Chris
“I saw a God given animal that can take grass anywhere in the country anywhere and turn it into a product that has value to the market, and I really saw it as a way to sustain people.” [16:16] - Chris
“I want genetics to support great people.” [16:40] - Chris
“When you can contribute to somebody else's growth, take advantage of that. Will you ever get paid back? Yes. Will you get paid back in dollars? Not necessarily, but the gratification you get out of being able to help somebody down the road is worth more than you could ever write a check for. ” [31:06] - Darren
“When young people approach us, we detect that enthusiasm. The switch flips and we want to help that person. So that's what it's all about.” [34:27]
“I think that's the passion of cattle people. We are family oriented, and you always want to pass on what you did to your kids. A new generation.” [1:45:01] - Bruce

NWSS Conversations — Part 1 Jan 26, 2024

David and Joe report from the National Western Stock Show. First, they sit down with American Angus Association CEO Mark McCully and Angus Genetics Inc. President Kelly Retallick. Then, they are joined by American Angus Association board members Darrell Stevenson, Mark Ahearn, and Smitty Lamb.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

HooverAngus.com

Angus Genetics Inc.

Quotes:

“It’s critical that we as an industry, American Angus Association, help propel this, and show them what we’re all about.” [26:53]
“Instead of fighting for the environmental or ‘sustainable issues’ we need to educate these communities how vital we are not only for food security but for the general health and well-being of the environment as well.” — Darrell [28:12]
“We have a very diverse membership, and we have to keep that diversity in mind when we make these decisions.” [32:07]
“We don’t talk about accuracy enough.” — Smitty [56:32]
“Diversity is key and critical to our success.” [1:08:32]
“It's so important for young people to continue to be involved in our breed and understand what we do.” — Kelly [1:12:22]
“Spending time on our breeding objectives is one of the most important things we can do to make a genetic change because you’ve got to know where you want to go in order to see the results.” — Kelly [1:17:05]

All Things Repro Jan 12, 2024

It’s a full crew this week as they welcome a special guest, Dr. Tim Gibbs of Trans Ova Genetics, where he currently serves as a Professional Services Veterinarian. He discusses many repro topics including IVF techniques with colleagues, the importance of timing insemination with ovulation, IVF technology vs. conventional flushing, FSH donations, and variations in protocols. Dr. Tim also shares his thoughts on the future of improving IVF conception rates and takes listener questions on embryo quality, the age at which cows start to decline in embryo production, and how the breeding for terminal traits has changed in the success of Angus cows.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Trans Ova Genetics

Quotes:

“Reproduction is five times more important to profits than any other trait.” [13:41]
“One little thing by itself might not matter, but all those little things done perfectly, is what makes a difference in having great success or just average success.” — Tim [23:49]
“I think the best is yet to come on improving that conception rate.” — Tim [48:40]
“It's a blend of art and science, and everyone's going to be a little bit different and what they think works the best for them and what they think is going to be feasible for the client to pull off.” — Tim [26:16 ]

The National Western Stock Show and Foundation Angus Sale Dec 29, 2023

David and Vince are joined by special guests Dave Mullins from SaleRing.live and Matt McFarlane from M3 Marketing Services to discuss the very exciting upcoming National Western Stock Show and the Foundation Angus Sale. They highlight the distinctive features of this year’s sale, which is divided into two parts: Thursday’s live cattle and picks/flushes, and Saturday’s embryos, boasting representation from 24‒25 states and offering world-class selections. The event is anticipated to be a gathering of the who’s who in Angus genetics.

Beyond revenue generation, this is a one-of-a-kind family-friendly event where participants have the chance to network on the industry’s largest stage.

Make sure to mark your calendars for the sale on Thursday, January 11, at 2 p.m., and don’t miss out on the Junior Angus Show before the main event.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

InsureMyBull

SaleRing.Live

M3cattlemarketing.com

The 4th Annual Dotson Christmas Charity Raffle — donate on VENMO at @greg-dotson-9

Quotes:

“I’m just blown away from start to finish on the sale.” [20:52]
“It is truly networking on the industry’s largest stage, and if you’ve never experienced it, you owe it to yourself to go and experience it at least once.” [40:00]

Solutions From the Field Dec 15, 2023

It’s a warm welcome this week for return guest and friend of the show, Landi McFarland Livingston, owner and operator of Hoover Angus in Ellston, Iowa. Landi talks about Hoover’s history of over 95 years in the biz and the upcoming sales she is excited about before getting into the main topic regarding the new indexes and EPDs. A few of the questions discussed include: are EPDs reflective of what we are observing on the ranch? Do we have enough data that went into formulating the EPDs and most importantly, how do we get more phenotypic data submitted to build accuracy?

At the end, the guys promote a very special event for charity, the 4th Annual Dotson Christmas Charity Raffle.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Hoover Angus

The 4th Annual Dotson Christmas Charity Raffle — donate on VENMO at @greg-dotson-9

Quotes:

“We're excited to be counting down to 100 years in the Angus business.” — Landi [9:07]
“The goal of all these new traits, these new EPDs, these new indexes should be aimed at providing accurate selection tools for our commercial bull customers, but, what we’re seeing on the paper does not necessarily translate to what we are seeing at the ranch or the farm.” [12:57]
“As accuracy goes down, and as phenotypic data goes down, we need to be more cautious.” — Landi [19:22]
“I feel genomics are weighted too heavily in the genetic evaluation.” — Landi [20:32]
“We can never have too much. We need our data and we need it from everyone.” — Landi [45:11]
“I encourage you to collect and measure and accurately turn the data because we as a breed cannot get stronger and better unless we’re all pulling in the same direction and turning in the data.” [47:08]
“If we want accurate predictions, we've got to give them the data.” [51:04]
“If you consider yourself a breeder, if you consider yourself a positive contributor to the gene pool of beef cattle in America, and this is no matter if you have 10 head or 1,000 head, then “we,” meaning the American Angus Association, need data from you.” [1:29:11]

Lessons Learned Dec 01, 2023

The crew has three entertaining segments lined up for this week. Initially, they define what’s really on the pedigree page, exploring ways to enhance transparency in data, and unraveling the reasons behind the prevailing secrecy. Following that, they respond to a listener’s question, reflecting on the errors they’ve made in their careers that ultimately contributed to their growth and transformation into better cattlemen. To wrap things up, the team engages in a fun segment titled “What's In Your Tank,” discussing their most frequently used bulls, go-to choices, the most unique ones, and much more.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Quotes:

“We need transparency in the data.” [19:04]
“If the data is cloaked in a cloud of secrecy, how can we make any decisions?” [19:33]
“I always believe when you talk about transparency, shining more light is always better than shining less.” [24:07]
“Why give credit to a cow who didn't even raise the calf?” [26:57]
“One of the biggest lessons I've learned about succeeding in this business is that attention to detail actually matters.” [31:11]
“Performance results are the combination of genetics and management, not just one or the other, it's both. And then your sales are the result of genetics, management, and marketing. So you've got to have all the components in place.” [33:44]
“If you make the pursuit of the dollar your highest priority, there’s a pretty good chance you'll ruin your cow herd. However, on the contrary, if you breed the cattle to excel in their environment to excel in your management, you’re gonna have a good cow herd, and when you have a good cow herd, the money will come.” [46:50]
“I've learned to trust in my own product and to be excited about it.” [57:59]

Giving Thanks Nov 17, 2023

The crew dives into a potpourri of topics, from exploring the road to Hana and discussing dream dinner guests to reflecting on valuable lessons learned from a recent successful sale. Transitioning into the holiday spirit, they express gratitude for favorite products and essential tools and highlight two or three bulls that have left a lasting impact. Above all, they extend their heartfelt thanks to the podcast and the incredible community of loyal listeners that has flourished over time.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Joe Rogan — Ep #2054 with Elon Musk

The Biltmore

Black Rifle Coffee

Charles Russell

Billy The Kid

Quotes:

“This is not a cattle business. This is a people business.” [12:20]
“You are only as good as your network.” [12:32]
“We said, we’re leaving the mainstream. We’re gonna go our own way. We’ve got our own vision, and we’re gonna breed cattle the way we want to breed cattle.” [18:06]
“If you build something different and you stand behind it with conviction and you focus in that direction, you tune out all the noise.” [18:44]
“I'm thankful for the Angus cow, hopefully, she allows me to put my kids through college and allows me to retire.” [1:11:13]

Preserving the Family Farm and Ranch Nov 03, 2023

The crew welcomes Brent Sadler from Sadler Ranches and Heritage Planning Group in Perkins, OK. Brent talks about his path from working at Limestone Angus to eventually owning it, and the steps he took to get into estate planning. He discusses the importance of succession planning, the typical issues his clients face at Heritage, and his passion for helping the next generation protect their legacy for years to come. At the end of the episode, the crew talks about breeding philosophies and prioritizing the balance of productivity, fertility, and longevity in their herds.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Sadler Ranches

Quotes:

“My passion and everything that is on my mind when I wake up and when I go to sleep is cattle and this industry. It’s the thing that’s always driven me since I was a little kid.” — Brent [29:15]
“Most of us are asset-rich and cash-poor, and that’s very hard.” — Brent [31:09]
“We’re literally able to help families last for generations upon generations.” — Brent [32:57]
“We have clients that we are protecting 500 years worth of legacy.” — Brent [33:16]
“I personally just do everything we can to take care and be a good steward of our livestock.” — Brent [32:05]
“Cattle are what I eat, sleep, and dream every day.” — Brent [56:40]

It’s a People Business Oct 20, 2023

The crew kicks things off with a chat about how social media has been making waves in the cattle industry. Plus, Joe sets the record straight on something he mentioned in a past episode — we all want new customers, just the right ones. Then, the buzz in the cattle world right now is all about the World Angus Evaluation. This leads to a conversation about fine-tuning post-sale logistics and remembering that at the end of the day, it’s all about the people and those long-lasting relationships. To wrap it up, the guys give a special shout-out to some of their customers, mentors, and friends in the Angus community.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Bear Mountain Angus Ranch

Quotes:

“Once you establish these loyal little pockets, your customer becomes your biggest drum beater.” — [7:45]
“I don’t want to sell relics. I don’t want to sell collector's items. I want those bulls to go out and perform how they’re intended to for the customer they were built for.” — [10:10]
“You can be bold, you can be your own program, and you can do your own thing, but you should seek to be producing a consistent type and consistent product for your customers.” — [18:29]
“I think that intentionality throughout your mating system is what’s the key in the vision of the product you’re trying to produce.” — [18:49]
“What we’re striving to do is stimulate independent thought and give people hope that they don’t have to follow exactly what they read in the sales reports day after day. They can go their own way.” — [27:54]
“I encourage people to find people they trust and let them help you with your sale because it can be a really beautiful thing.” — [42:10]
“This is a people business. It’s not about the cattle. It’s about the people. It’s about the people behind the cattle. It’s about people that are there putting their trust in your program.” — [45:08]

Special Guests Aaron and Sheyna Strommen of Strommen Angus Ranch / Strommen Livestock Services Oct 06, 2023

It’s a jam-packed episode, starting with Aaron and Sheyna Strommen from Strommen Angus Ranch and Livestock Services in North Dakota. They talk about how they met and got started, what maternal power means to them, the sale coming up in December, and insights on their breeding program and marketing partnerships. Then Sheyna jumps in for a conversation all about sale marketing, including building a budget, getting the right kind of sale photos, and sharing who you really are with your customers.

Then, at the end of the episode is a quick interview with Jeff Sackmann, Sackmann Cattle Company in which he talks with David about his upcoming "Herd Builders Partners Female Sale" with JR Ranch in Othello, WA.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Bear Mountain Angus Ranch

GMC Genetics

Sackmann Cattle Company

JRRanch.net

Quotes:

“Predominantly, our customers are true cattlemen. They are professional ranchers. Their commercial cattle will send their kids through college and will hopefully help them retire one day.” — Sheyna [18:41]
“We also tell our customers that you can look at our breeding program and figure out exactly what we’re doing.” — Aaron [23:03]
“I think one of the areas that is absolutely not discussed as much as it should be anymore is the productivity of these cows. I think for me, that's the great frontier ahead of us.” [29:17]
“For us, getting to where we’ve gotten to now, it takes a lot of people and a lot of questions. We haven’t done this just completely on our own. It’s a combination of enough people helping us out and giving us advice along the way.” — Aaron [39:55]
“We don’t really want to offer something for everybody, that’s not our goal. We want when guys come here and look at every pen and go, man, I can select one from any of these pens, and it will be fine.” — Aaron [48:55]
“I think the most important marketing tool that you could ever build is a budget and you need to do that for six to eight months in advance of your sale.” — Sheyna [55:00]
“You’re the secret that makes your program special. Let’s figure out what that is and share that.” — Sheyna [1:00:21]

Countdown to Sale Day Sep 22, 2023

Special guest host and auctioneer Dave Mullins joins David, Joe, and Korbin this week as Vince is off celebrating his father, the legendary Tony Santini. They dive into the topic of working backward to develop a timeline and schedule for your sale — from hiring staff, securing a location, ad deadlines, supplemental online pieces, photo sessions, and selecting the optimal sale day. Dave gives great insight on the macro and micro of getting ahead of your sale. Then, the guys talk about the Beef Solutions Bull Sale coming to Ione, California on Thursday, September 28th.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

PointPleasantAngus.com

Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions, by Dan Ariely

Salering.live

Beef Solutions Bull Sale

InheritSelect.com

Beefgenetics.com

Quotes:

“Time is our most valuable asset.” [20:02]
“I always like to start at the end and work my way backward with a schedule.” — Dave Mullins [24:18]
“I think there’s a lot of value in just visiting with those that have experienced what you’re trying to accomplish.” — Dave Mullins [29:08]
“If you are not utilizing the regional manager and think they’re not bringing you value, then you probably need to look at what you’re not doing.” — Dave Mullins [31:21]
“It’s the 21st century. It pays to have that online presence.” [47:43]
“It’s no longer a fight on the coffee table. It’s a fight to get in the door to the house.” [1:01:40]

Kings For A Day Sep 08, 2023

The guys had a ton of feedback from their recent special listener appreciation episode and wanted to address four topics that you all weighed in on. First, they talk about sale catalogs and sale orders, and then give their take on what trade money has done to the Angus breed. Then, they discuss why all these cows are nursing other cows, and daydream about what they would change about the American Angus Association if they were kings for a day. Keep those questions coming in, and tune in to hear the answers to these great topics.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

PointPleasantAngus.com

Quotes:

“That motion and commotion that you’re saying is completely orchestrated and designed to confuse, it’s offset by the headache that it creates for your crew and the specialized labor that you have to have.” — [10:31]
“The purpose of an auction is not to create commotion and craziness. The purpose of an auction is to find price discovery.” — [12:33]
“It makes sense to catalog them together in an order that fits our program philosophy.” — [14:15]

Second Anniversary Special Aug 25, 2023

Celebrating their two-year milestone, this special episode features a long-awaited special appearance by Producer Seana, who joins the conversation and asks the crew over 60 listener-submitted questions, ranging from the podcast’s inception to favorite episodes, unveiling their breeding program philosophy, and outlining strategic operational goals.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Quotes:

“My favorite episode, and I can’t narrow it down to one, are the ones that provoke thought. The ones that make people think and the ones that progress our breed as a whole.” [15:27]
“I think we shouldn’t underestimate heifer retention. The heifer market this fall is going to be wild. So I’m not so sure we’re gonna need fewer bulls.” [34:32]
“I have two sets of goals. Ones that are micro-level goals and ones that are macro-level goals. One the micro, it’s really simple. Make the cattle more problem-free, increase net profit year over year, and then on the macro level, improve consistency and uniformity.” [39:52]
“For me, it’s all about the cows behind the bull, and how those cows behind the bull complement those behind the female that I’m breeding.” [1:31:02]

Check Yourself Aug 11, 2023

The team delves into a widely discussed subject: embryo cooperator agreements. They talk about their own past and future agreements, emphasizing the vital role of clear communication and mutual commitment to success. Then, they answer a listener question on the decision to retain or sell bull calves and heifers in the current market climate. And it’s — confessional time — a story about sharing phone pictures of cattle that aren’t yours and posting them on social media.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Quotes:

“I'll spend more time talking to sixteenth place than I do the first place because I want the kids to feel good.” [10:12]
“The rule of all conflict is unmet expectations, so just make sure that you have everything spelled out.” [19:27]
“Whether it’s a co-worker, whether it’s an, ET cooperator, whether it’s your spouse, communication is key.” [23:00]
“As the embryo provider, I feel an obligation to provide embryos that will make pregnancies.” [23:27]
“These guys are saying all the rebuilds going to happen, so I’m going to keep extra bulls. Guess what? I think you’re gonna be off base on that one.” [36:11]
“Mark my word: this fall, we’re going to see commercial-bred heifers outsell registered-bred heifers. It’s going to happen.” [38:12]
“If you have the kind of cattle that you are like, ‘Nobody should ever be able to take a picture of my animals,’ you better check yourself. Maybe you should be doing something different.” [49:06]
“What’s different is not always right, and what’s right is not always different.” [54:54]

Attracting New Customers Jul 28, 2023

It’s a hot one, this week, as the crew continues their chat about what shapes genetic direction. Then, they dive into making a killer first impression when folks visit your production sale, ranch, or spot your ads on social media, publications, and more. They share tips about avoiding common mistakes when representing your business and the importance of the best pictures to showcase your work. They also emphasize finding your niche, authentically connecting with your customer, verbalizing your vision, and building a network and community that fosters respect and a symbiotic relationship.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Quotes:

“I will freely admit that I have the best, best environment and the worst, worst political climate.” [17:17]
“Regardless of where you think or who you think, is driving genetic direction within the breed, you need to think about, okay, what can I do about it as one breeder?” [21:31]
“If you plan to be in the registered Angus business for the long haul you have to look at the reality of how niche you want to be. You can pigeonhole yourself pretty fast to where you have no customers or no relativity, but you make a hell of a nice set of cows.” [24:02]
“You have one chance to make a great impression.” [39:50]
“You want to be big time, you gotta be big time, and big time means a lot to a lot of different people.” [53:24]
“You're only as good as your network. So build your network.” [1:08:18]
“Be ready to verbalize what your vision is.” [1:10:03]

Who Drives Genetic Direction? Jul 14, 2023

This week, the crew gets into the driving forces behind genetic direction. They explore the key players responsible for shaping genetic trends and their impact on our future, along with insights into the importance of making informed decisions and taking ownership of our choices. The guys also explore the feeder versus packer perspective on genetic trends, highlighting the diverse viewpoints within the industry. They discuss the role of social media in empowering consumers and how it influences genetic trends. Additionally, they dissect the relationship between academia, cooperative extension, and the direction of genetics, questioning who truly holds the reins.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

INHERITprogress.com

Zoetis

Quotes:

“I think if we’re following the crowd, I do not think we’re going in the right direction. But you don’t have to follow the crowd, you can do your own thing, which many of us do.” — [11:22]
“Diversity creates stability.” — [16:57]
“What is it that your program is going to look like? What is it that you feel comfortable marketing, producing, standing behind, and providing to your customers? What is the product? Does your product have value to people? That should be the first question of anybody that’s making any widget, whether it’s a cow or a sprocket, a pen or anything.” — [17:45]
“These guys and gals, I think feel like they have to make the sale today, when we used to talk about we’re making the sale tomorrow.” — [38:35]
“The consumer and the producer, those two can put their foot down and say enough is enough.” — [44:06]
“That’s why some of us choose to swim upstream. We choose to swim upstream because we want to be different.” — [45:08]
“I’ve just finally felt that point in my entire career, where I’m finally empowered enough to use the bulls that I know are the right bulls to use.” — [45:35]
“If I fail by using the kind of bulls that I know are right for the commercial producer, and then I see by their purchasing dollar that they don’t want them, guess what, I don’t want to participate. And I made that choice.” — [45:56]

Recaps of Beef Leaders Institute and Ranching for Profit Events Jun 30, 2023

Korbin recaps his epic Beef Leaders Institute adventure, where he rubbed shoulders with some industry leaders, toured Tyson, and got into the CAB vs. commodity cattle conversation. Meanwhile, Joe shares some of the wisdom and inspiration he gained from attending Ranching For Profit, including the importance of staying humble, knowing your core message and constantly honing your skills.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Beef Leaders Insitute

Ranching for Profit

Quotes:

“The good genetics really do pay. They really do.” [33:42]
“We've got a 4 x 8 ft banner hung on the wall of our sale barn that has our core values, and it’s important for us to see that on a daily basis. It’s important for our customers that come here to know what we are about.” [1:08:18]
“If you have a question that you get stumped on and you can’t figure out what’s right or wrong, it’s right there in your core values.” [1:06:36]
“That word is humility. And I think we're at a point in society and at point in time where that's an extremely important word for all us to grab a hold of and think about and utilize in our daily lives. [1:14:40]

Where do you fit in? Jun 16, 2023

Joe checks in from Billings at Ranching for Profit, as Korbin gets ready for Beef Leaders Institute. The crew talks about the much anticipated functional longevity research EPD policy discussion on multiple sire pastures. Then, they get into the topic of knowing where your breeding program fits in the big picture of the beef industry and what really drives genetic direction.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

INHERITprogress.com

Quotes:

“I don’t sell beef. I don’t even sell genetics and service. But I sell something else, I actually sell my time to people. I sell my considerations, product development, things like that.” [5:50]
“There’s just not enough data to really depict the longevity of a lot of these cattle. I’ve been submitting my records all along. Do I know which ones are going to last the longest? Hell no.” [34:30]

Ag Lending and Finance with Kevin Renwick Jun 02, 2023

The crew begins by addressing a listener message concerning the selection of sires for breeding and the importance of pairing compatible bulls with appropriate cows. They then introduce Kevin Renwick from Monadnock Ranch, a family-owned Black Angus cattle operation situated in South Carolina’s Midlands. Kevin shares insights into their process of achieving the desired biological type and also discusses his role as a loan officer at AgSouth Farm Credit. He talks about the advantages of utilizing operating loans as a strategic tool, the positive outcomes of fostering a personal connection with one’s lender, and a few of the benefits of working with AgSouth. Kevin also details the documents and info that producers should have together and available when looking for the first time to secure a loan.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Quotes:

“I think about my role as a seed stock producer. And my role as a seed stock producer is to produce seed stock for commercial cattlemen. And what they want is animals that cause them the least amount of problems.” [9:00]
“Keep it simple. I can tell you mating cows for me has never been easier since I came up with where I wanted, to this endpoint that I wanted to be at, and knew the cows that I wanted on both sides of the pedigree. I mean it's almost idiot-proof at this point.” [10:04]
“I wouldn't advocate anybody borrowing money just for the sake of it. I think it needs to be kind of a holistic decision when it comes to that.” — Kevin [27:42]
“Having that relationship with your lender is really, really handy if you plan on being in this business for a long time.” [42:48]
“I tell people this all the time, we don’t want your farm. We don’t let you not make loans to get your farm. So we’re going to work any way possible for you to pay that debt back, restructure your loan, whatever.” — Kevin [47:44]

Artificial Insemination May 19, 2023

The Underground gang discusses the ins and outs of estrous synchronization and Vince's obsession with "Farmer Finds a Wife".

Mentioned in this Episode:

“Gene-editing technology used to produce first BVDV resistant calf”

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Quotes:

“Praise God we have high cattle prices and some optimism right now in this business because the challenges have not gone away. That’s for sure.” — [8:04]
“I don’t think we as a breed can withstand gene editing forever.” — [11:01]
“How many freaking real breeders are we are there left? Because it seems like the majority of guys are just using the science, the almighty science.” — [11:38]
“Breeding cattle, for your family, for the productivity, and your own balance sheet should be topic number one.” — [15:21]
“Gene editing is almost just a distraction from what’s really important in life.” — [16:18]
“There's no substitution for knowing the cow. There’s no substitute.” — [40:36]

Going to Grass with Tom Brooks and Gary Felger May 05, 2023

David and Korbin start this week by talking with Vince about his recent production sale and how he got through that dreaded presale speech. They then welcome two guests to talk about going to grass with your cattle and how to make that transition really simple and easy. First up is Tom Brooks, animal health expert, financial advisor, and author of Paid in Full: A Guide to Financial Freedom. Tom talks about parasite control and then transitions to getting and staying out of debt.

Then, Gary Felger from Altosid IGR joins the show to talk about his upbringing growing up on a grain and livestock farm in Indiana, and more about Altosid IGR’s product and how it impacts the fly population.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Paid In Full: A Guide to Financial Freedom

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Altosid IGR

Quotes:

“One thing I have found is that these parasites are extremely smart.” — Tom [21:18]
“I think rotation is a great idea because you’re showing the worm something different. You’re living in your internal resistance, and you’re also utilizing the products at the best time for the best usage for efficacy for the animal.” — Tom [31:32]
“It does take both people. If one person is nervous and doesn’t want to talk about money or know about money, or just doesn’t even want to bring the subject up, it makes it difficult to have a game plan for the team.” — Tom [43:37]
“I'm a believer in emergency funds. But I’m also a believer that you continue to save. To me saving is a habit.” — Tom [51:28]

Livestock Photography with Andy Higgins Apr 21, 2023

It’s a super cool and insightful episode this week as the crew welcomes Andy Higgins, a livestock photographer and accomplished Angus Breeder from Auburntown, Tennessee. Andy shares valuable insights on capturing great cattle photos for catalogs and promotional ads. Before diving into the best practices for photography techniques, Andy discusses his background and how he got into the livestock photography business. He emphasizes the importance of highlighting an animal’s unique strengths and using good equipment to achieve the best representation in a photograph. Andy also shares common mistakes that photographers make when working with cattle and provides tips for capturing great photos of them in their natural environment. He stresses the importance of sunlight and suggests questions producers should ask photographers before hiring them or establishing a relationship.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

AltosidIGR

Quotes:

“We try to keep them real-world and functional. And if they're good enough to show and be successful, that's our goal.” — Andy
“Still learn something every day, when you're not taking pictures.” — Andy
“That's the way to get better. Just keep doing it and keep learning by trial and error.” — Andy
“There is absolutely no substitute for sunlight.” — Andy
“I think that’s a very important part of getting a good photo, keeping these cattle in a natural environment.” — Andy
“That’s what photography is about; it’s getting the best representation of that animal within that image and really showing off their strengths.” — Andy

Vertical Integration with Rob Spencer of Blackrose Angus Ranch Apr 07, 2023

The hosts welcome Rob Spencer from Blackrose Angus Ranch in Culbertson, NE to discuss the often-intimidating concept of vertical integration. They explore its impact and what it means for industries, specifically in the context of the cattle industry with contract and ownership integration. Rob shares his personal experience with vertical integration in the pork industry and how it affected his operation. Listen in to gain a better understanding of what vertical integration looks like in various industries and what the future of the cattle industry may hold.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Legacy Farms

Blackrose Angus Ranch

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Quotes:

“We’ve come a long way in this breed because I don’t think I could tolerate the frustration that he (dad) dealt with at that time.” — Rob
“I judge a lot of people that I want to deal with by their breeding philosophy. I think that’s very important.” — Rob
“I think part of my philosophy is that I set my bar very high for my cows. The cows are the most important thing that I do.” — Rob
“We’ve had these multi-generational relationships with ranchers who are in our local to regional area. That plays very much into where I think this is going and how one should set themselves up to succeed.” — David
“There’s nothing like the independent producer to keep us resilient through our diversity of thought or diversity of production.” — Joe

A Pivotal Decision for the Future Mar 24, 2023

In this episode, the hosts outline the gene editing debate lying before the Angus Board of Directors. After explaining the issue at hand and the nuances of the relationship of gene editing to genetically modified organisms, they explore the benefits and the myriad of potential unintended consequences. From advancing herd health to the fear of alienating consumers, David, Joe, Korbin, and Vince leave no stone unturned in this discussion.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Legacy Farms

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Quotes:

“This is a very, very difficult issue. And it’s one that really requires a lot of insight and thought from the membership.”
“If we let these gene edits in, this will be a game changer. Game changer.”
“Gene editing in its simplest form is basically the addition, subtraction or replacement of genes.”
“If the genetic material is an alphabet, we’re still eating the same alphabet, we just rearranged the letters.”

A Chat with Bud Koupal Mar 10, 2023

David, Joe, and Korbin visit with good friend, rock star, and master breeder, Bud Koupal, owner of Koupal's B&B Angus, Dante, SD. During their conversation, Bud shared his personal background and his journey in the industry, from naming a show heifer after a crush to running a successful family operation. Bud also delved into the secrets behind Koupal's long-term success as a family-owned business, as well as his breeding philosophies and the noteworthy cow families he has developed. The group also discussed the importance of maintaining a customer list, managing in-house expenses, and creating an event-like experience for customers.

Mentioned in this Episode:

UpchurchBrothers.com

Koupal’s B&B Angus

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Quotes:

“My dad always had a love for Angus cattle and I guess I fell into it with him.” — Bud
“I don't care if it’s from raising corn or any product you raise, if you always swing for the fence, you strike out a lot. But if you stay in the middle it always seems to come full term.” — Bud
“I always say there are three or four basic things you need: feet, fertility and good udders, and something with a decent disposition.” — Bud
“Take that picture like your farm depends on it.” — Bud
“We have to just stay focused on raising good cattle.” — Bud

Cautiously Optimistic Feb 24, 2023

David starts the episode recapping his trip to the Dakotas and shares a few highlights from the ranches and sales he visited. Korbin also jumps in with his own travel stories, including falling in love with a whale of a cow. The crew shares some tractor talk and then gives some listener shout-outs from new and old friends all over the globe. Then, they talk about the importance of having a good relationship with your vet and not believing everything you see on Facebook. The episode ends with some good news for a pup named Strawberry.

Mentioned in this Episode:

VisionAngus.com

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Quotes:

“Determine what your goal is, and reverse engineer it.”
“If you’re a true Angus enthusiast, you have this passion for Angus cattle, there’s a handful of places you need to go and watch your sale, whether you like their cattle or not.”
“That is what trips my trigger is just good people.”
“You’re only as good as your network.”

Herd Health with Tom Brooks Feb 10, 2023

It’s a great show this week as the crew is joined by guest Tom Brooks from Vaughn, MT. Tom is a herd health expert, financial planner, and author. Tom talks about his background in the cattle industry and gives expert advice on vaccine plans and his thoughts on the new regulations coming out on antibiotics. He shares his perspective on the financial side with how interest rates have changed in the last few years and what’s happening with credit card debt. Tom also gives us a sneak peek into his new book, Paid in Full, out this spring.

Mentioned in this Episode:

VisionAngus.com

JRRanch.net

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call 406-210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

American Angus Foundation

Quotes:

“Never underestimate the value of a ranch kid.”
“You can have the best vaccines, the best vaccination schedule in the world. But if you’ve got cowboys giving the shots, doing the pour-ons, that don’t have the specific training, then it means nothing.”
“If you lose a calf, do not go to the sale and buy a calf and bring it home and graft on the cow that lost the calf.”

Landi McFarland-Livingston of Hoover Angus: 100 Years In The Industry Jan 27, 2023

The crew starts by sprinkling some sunshine on all the rain and then touches down on the National Championship Football game before sharing a few highlights of the National Western Stock Show in Denver. Then, they bring on a special guest, master breeder Landi McFarland-Livingston, Owner-Manager of Hoover Angus in Ellston Iowa. Landi discusses Hoover’s selection criteria, her favorite cow family, and advice for women looking to enter the Angus industry. As Hoover approaches their 100th year in the Angus business, Landi gets us excited about Hoover’s big production sale in February.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Stockyardsfestival.com

Foundation Angus Sale of Denver

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call 406-210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

American Angus Foundation

Hoover Angus

Quotes:

“The National Western Stock Show is back. And it’s back with a vengeance.”
“2023 will be a good year in the cattle business.”
“I want the bull that the breeder believes in.” — Landi
“We hardly ever buy a bull without seeing the bull’s mother.” — Landi
“Angus is second to none in raising and grooming our young people. Now if we can just keep them in the breeding. That's the next thing.” — Landi
“I am very passionate about the accurate collection and submission of phenotypes.” — Landi

Suspicious Minds Jan 13, 2023

The guys first start out talking about the National Championship, and the focus moves to calving protocol. Vince Santini weighs in on how he gets prepared, and the group shares their own methods for calving that make things as efficient as possible. They then discuss frame score, and how important it is when selecting sires. Toward the end of the episode, David kicks up a pet peeve on some deceptive and dishonest advertising practices that are leading good honest breeders down a not-so-great path.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Stockyardsfestival.com

Foundation Angus Sale of Denver

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call 406-210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

American Angus Foundation

Quotes:

“For the most part, you guys have to let these cows get out there and have their calf because they are gonna do it.”
“What I found was that the most effective means to prevent scours was managing those cows and calves. Once a calf is born, keep those pairs moving. Don't leave them in one spot.”
“I don't care what people breed. It's a big world. It's diverse, and we need that diversity. But it's just what's being said about these animals.”

The Rebirth of NWSS Dec 30, 2022

David, Joe and Korbin kick off the week discussing how they survived the coldest Christmas on record and remind listeners about the importance of reaching out to the board to effect real change, rather than just complaining on the internet. They then turn their attention to the great lineup of guests on today’s show, each with insights into the upcoming National Western Stock Show in Denver CO.

They first welcome Brenton Lonker of Lonker Cattle Company for a conversation about the history and the future of industry events, including details about the upcoming Stockyards Beef Festival. They then turn to Matt McFarlane and Dave Mullins from the sales management team for the Foundation Angus Sale of Denver, who share their history and all that Denver means to them. They also touch on the environment of Denver and how the experience has been enhanced for both exhibitors and visitors. Finally, they wrap up the conversation with Jaclyn Boester from the American Angus Foundation about their support of Angus endeavors in research and youth through Angus Foundation in both Denver and the Cattlemans Congress.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Stockyardsfestival.com

Foundation Angus Sale of Denver

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call 406-210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Quotes:

“Our industry is steeped in tradition, but we’re entering into a rapidly-changing environment and we need a fresh perspective.”
I’ve seen entire programs built around what they did in the yards.”
“This festival is a labor of love for us.”
“The yards have always been a real special place for me because so much commercial business gets done there.”
“There is something here for everybody, no matter what your program goals are.”

It’s a Black and White Issue Dec 02, 2022

The guys are back (minus Korbin), and are very concerned about his absence. Vince recalls last seeing Korbin attempting to tear down the goalpost after the TCU game. Vince discusses the nuances of good pasta and laments about eating too much Thanksgiving dinner. Then, the crew welcomes Chuck Grove, the President and Chairman of the Angus Association’s Board of Directors, to discuss his short list of emerging issues facing membership, the continuation of breed improvement, and the formation of a committee tasked with reviewing the rule governing excess white hide on Angus cattle.

To help get us in the holiday spirit, we also hear from Greg Dotson of Kentucky, who raised more than $70,000 for farmers affected by the tornadoes with his Christmas Charity Raffle.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call 406-210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

https://www.lex18.com/news/covering-kentucky/raising-cattle-money-local-farmer-helping-western-kentuckians

Greg Dotson Facebook

Greg Dotson — Local Farmer Helping Western Kentuckians

Quotes:

“All livestock will eventually become deadstock. You do everything in your power to keep them alive and give them the best existence possible, and what do they do to repay you? They die.”
“We just need to think about what it is we want to accomplish and who we want to help and roll up our sleeves to just do it.”
“A breed standard for type is important. Otherwise, you don’t have a breed.”
“If you’re not gonna do it right, don’t do it.” — Greg

Talking Turkey Nov 18, 2022

The crew first talks about the working dogs over at Ian’s Eaglehawk Angus in Australia, and then dream about what they would do if they won big on the lotto. Then, they discuss the reality of the cattle business, college football, and Joe's genetic hoarding. To wrap up the episode and get into the Thanksgiving spirit, everyone takes a moment to give gratitude for a few of the many things they are thankful for.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call 406-210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Quotes:

“Why are we trying to choke each other? We should all be rowing in the same direction.”
“When we see these random acts of kindness, that’s what restores my faith in humanity.”
“We do a good job of listening but we do a poor job of hearing our consumers.”
“I think that’s hearing the consumer of beef, and hearing the consumer of Angus genetics.”
“Get involved in your community groups. Get involved in your Farm Bureaus if you think you have something you can contribute or a different voice.”
“I think we need to be optimistic. We’ve got a great industry; we’ve got a great product. But really, we need to get super hyper-focused on who we’re breeding cattle for.”

Special Guest, Justin Morrison, Brooking Angus Ranch Nov 04, 2022

David, Korbin, and Vince kick off the week discussing a letter from listener Dave Cummins, an Angus breeder from County Longford, Ireland, on the topic of how this selection for extreme birth weight is actually having unintended consequences. They then welcome guest Justin Morrison, owner of Brooking Angus Ranch in Radville, Saskatchewan. Justin talks about cow families and what made his passion for the Blacks over the Reds, and walks us through assembling Brooking Angus Ranch, including how soon he was able to create cash flow by selling bulls and females. Justin talks about being an early adopter of the internet sales technology, and how an awesome presentation matters. Towards the end of the episode, Justin talks about Brooking’s unique program for juniors, and how he balances biological type, function, and productivity in cattle seed stock production.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call 406-210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

GingerHillAngus.com

Insuremybull.com

Brooking Angus Ranch

Quotes:

“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket with this birthweight deal, because you will breed yourself into a problem.”
“We keep seeing generation after generation of these negative birth weights being stacked up, and we can all see the wreck that’s coming.”
“We truly enjoy trying to achieve something and have had some success building some security for our family.”
“That’s why we should encourage Junior showing. It’s teaching these kids responsibility, skills, and teaching them discipline.”

Growing Your Network with special guests Mallory Pappas and Connor Bridwell, Bridwell Angus Ranch Oct 21, 2022

The guys are happy to have Vince back this week, and together they welcome guests Mallory Pappas and Conner Bridwell of Bridwell Angus Ranch in Montague, CA. Mallory and Conner first talk a little about their addiction to Angus cattle and the audience they serve, then Mallory and Conner have a ton of great insight on the importance of consistency, how they got into the whole AI process, and the value of growing your network. Mallory and Conner share some highlights from their latest trip to Montana, and how they knew certain cows were a fit for their ranch. They touch upon the importance of seeing the cows in person, and a few of the many cool plans that came up in conversation during their 15-hour trip back from Montana.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call 406-210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Quotes:

“The more unique you get in your program goals and objectives, the more you'll be rewarded in the future.”
For us, growing our network has just been more out of necessity, because there’s nobody around us as far as our families that have ever had any involvement in purebred genetics.”
“Any of the information that we can get from someone that has been in the business has been really crucial to us being able to make any sort of decision in our cattle.”
“That's kind of been the theme of everywhere that we go is we're just asking people what's worked for them.”
“There's nothing better than going and seeing them in person.”
“The buyers don't care about the pedigree, they care about a consistent good-looking set of calves.”

Names, Numbers, and Contemporary Groups Oct 07, 2022

The episode kicks off with Joe celebrating a whale of a good bull sale, and then he, David, and Korbin talk about their definition of what “balanced” means to them and discuss why you shouldn’t be a seed stock breeder if you are a failed commercial producer. The conversation then turns to the importance of staying true to the cow family, and the naming of calves. They then discuss a listener question about contemporary groups — what they are and how you use them — and end the show talking about the importance of being accurate and representative of your environment, and trying your best to not lose touch with the commercial world.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call 406-210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

UpchurchBrothers.com

Quotes:

“Now I get excited by looking at the list of who the repeat buyers are.”
“I think we undersell the value of what being balanced means and what middle of the road means to the commercial customer.”
“A lot of the things that you see out there that are extreme on the high end are so unattainable.”
“When you lose touch with the commercial world, you start hacking off the bottom of a measuring stick!”

Bull Development Sep 23, 2022

David, Joe, Korbin, and returning regular Vince Santini start the show talking about the things they do to help put together a catalog and how to help your customer get the most information without bloviating (too much). Then, they dive into the topic of bull development and discuss how to get bulls ready for sale including weight and weighing conditions, staying on top of the bull’s health, and why they have a zero-tolerance policy for aggression. They end the show emphasizing the need to treat others how you wish to be treated, both personally and professionally.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call 406-210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Quotes:

“Mother Nature provides the best sort that you can possibly put on those cattle and when you emerge on the other side you’re going to have a better herd from it.”
“You have a very specific deadline, and there quite often is zero room for error.”
“When a bull goes off feed, and I’m talking completely off feed, he’s not going to make my sale. I always say, “I have zero room for error.”
“I urge all of you, all of you treat others as you would wish to be treated. It's that simple.”
“It's about doing the right thing. And doing the right thing, it’s often the easiest and cheapest way to remedy the situation.”

Starting Over Sep 09, 2022

David, Joe, and Korbin welcome back Vince Santini and kick off the show with their definition of phenotype. They then dive into all the different roadmaps you could take when starting over and share their different perspectives on building a trusted network of people, risk management, assessing your competition, and what to do when you can’t afford the right cow. They give their advice for younger producers and pull out a few highlights from the recent interview with Larry Coleman.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call 406-210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Quotes:

“You do you, and the good cattle and people will come, but that’s really. really scary to do.”
“In two years, you need to find a trusted network of people.”
“Once you find this network, you’ll find that these people want you to be as successful as they are, and they try to get the right genetics in the right hands.”
“I think that there’s a lot of opportunity and most of the people that you’re going to want to do business with care about your success as much as theirs.”
“I never make money off you, I make money off the friends you send.”

One-Year Anniversary Episode with Larry Coleman and Jeremy Haag Aug 26, 2022

It’s a special one-year anniversary episode, as David, Joe, and Korbin give thanks to the listeners and reflect on how awesome this year has been. They recap last week’s episode with Vince from Shady Brook Farm and then go into a super fun episode with Larry Coleman and his lovely bride Dee, who shares a hilarious story of her first impression about Larry. The crew also talks with Jeremy Haag, who is a recent addition at Coleman. The conversation covers how Larry got into the Donna cow families and integrated cow families, why it’s important to study three generations of pedigrees on cattle, and his advice for young breeders. Larry gives his advice for young breeders, shines a light on Coleman’s future, and provides more context on those epic fishing pictures.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call 406-210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Coleman Angus

Quotes:

“The main goal of everything that we’re doing here is to encourage independent thought. Encourage people to look beyond the sales reports.”
“Look beyond the breed publications and just find out what works for you and your operation. And guess what, once you figure that out, once you master that, there’s going to be a whole client base that you never dreamed of that will be attracted to what you’re doing.”
“That’s what we’re all about here. Just think for yourself.”
“That’s the beauty of this business, and the Angus business. There’s a lot of different avenues and a wide variety that you can sell to.”
“You need to believe in your product. You need to breed quality. You need to breed what makes you happy.”
“Today, I definitely analyze pedigrees before I jump into something.”

How to Make the Most Out of Your Ranch Tour Aug 12, 2022

Vince Santini joins Joe and Korbin for a conversation all about ranch tours and how to make the best of your experience as both the host and the one taking the tour. They discuss having a plan in place of what it is you are there to see, and the importance of keeping an open mind when viewing how other people run their operations. As a host, they touch upon producing an experience that shows an authentic snapshot of your offerings, how to get over intimidation that comes with giving tours, and how to communicate with your guests in a way that matches their interest level.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call 406-210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Shady Brook Angus Farms

Quotes:

“Keeping things in perspective as to where you’re at is very important. Knowing that is the first step.”
“Make sure to see what you want to see, but don’t be in a hurry.”
“You know your cattle better than anyone. Make sure that the people see the ones they need to see.”
“We get concerned about the marketability of tours, but I’ve actually switched it around to where I just want them to see my program, and I want them to get to know me.”

Standing Behind Your Product Jul 29, 2022

The show starts off talking about calving in different seasons, and then some breaking news about the very first Bruin Hologram Calf being born! Then they dive into some topics as a continuation of last week: how to ensure customer satisfaction, and practicing just plain old good business. They give personal examples of how to make it right with your customers, what happens when you have to fire a customer, and why surrounding yourself with customers that get you on a personal level is so important.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call 406-210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Quotes:

“Just do the right thing.”
“What it comes down to is, I love these cows, and I love what I do and it's my most favorite thing in the world.”
“The first one is standing behind your product and ensuring the satisfaction of your customer. It’s the most basic and good business item you can practice.”
“If you surround yourself with customers that get you on a personal level and treat things the same way you are, they end up liking similar types of cattle, they have similar types of goals.”

Where Will You Be When You Get Where You’re Going? Jul 15, 2022

The crew kicks off the episode by giving a recap of the National Junior Show. They talk about what a great job was done by all, and how impressed they are with both the future leaders and the sacrifice given by the whole family. They then dive into a question posed by past guest George Chambers: where will you be, once you get where you are going? Each person gives their individual answer, and they talk as a group about what the herd will look like in management, customer profitability, and the overall vision for the future.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call 406-210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Quotes:

“That's truly the role of a seed stock producer: to keep your customer relevant in the marketplace.”
“I want my customers to be more profitable. I know that’s a real holistic view, but our commercial customers are our bread and butter.”
“As a commercial producer, it’s so much easier because you’re not following genetic trends. You’re not trying to do anything.”

The Importance of NJAA on the Future Generation of Angus Breeders Jul 01, 2022

As we know, the future is our youth, whether we are talking about our society, country, or even the American Angus Association. So this week, the crew is joined by three guests to talk about the National Junior Angus Association: Caitlyn Brandt, Director of Events and Junior Activities at AAA, Corbin Cowles who was the past director of NJAA, and Eric Schafer, Current Vice Chairman of the NJAA Board. The three guests fill us in on everything it means to be an NJAA member including the opportunities, community building, and scholarships, and a few of their personal favorite things about the organization. We learn a brief history of NJAA, what goes into the record books and award ceremonies, and how it can shape the future leaders of tomorrow.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call 406-210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

National Junior Angus Association

Caitlyn Brandt — Director of Events and Junior Activities at American Angus Association (AAA)

Corbin Cowles — Past Director of National Junior Angus Association Board (NJAA) from Kentucky

Eric Schafer — Current Vice Chairman of NJAA Board from Illinois

Quotes:

“I myself was a junior member at one time. I like to think that what I picked up as a junior member really set me up for success in my career and really taught me a lot of life lessons.”
“At the end of the day, it’s about fostering that next generation and being able to make them better leaders, better industry members, and better professionals.”
“They are advocates for everyone else that they come in contact with.”
“But I do have to admit the personal bias and say that I firmly believe the auctioneering contest is the best and my favorite.”

AAA Board of Directors Meeting Wrap Up with Darrell Stevenson and Great Cow Families with Dallas Woltemath Jun 17, 2022

First, Darrell Stevenson of White Sulphur Springs, MT, serves on the American Angus Association (AAA) Board of Directors. Darrell shares a summary of the June 6-9 AAA Board of Directors meeting.

Then, Dallas Woltemath joined the show. Dallas is the owner/operator of Woltemath Angus, Kansas, and an Advisor to ZWT Angus Ranch in Crossville, TN. He talks about being born into an Angus family, and gives a historical perspective on great Angus cows and Cow Families.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call 406-210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

ZWTRanch

Quotes:

“True profit is shown as to how long that cow can get bred back and how long she stays in production.” - Darrell
“If we want to provide a service in the best interest of the membership, I honestly believe there needs to be a lot of open discussions.”
“Most importantly, membership feedback from what I heard at least there was overwhelming interest.”
“I've been very fortunate to be around Angus cattle for over 50 years now, actually closing out 60. And I enjoyed it. And I've seen a lot of things come and go. And it's just a fun business to be in, if there's a lot of fun people involved.” - Dallas

“I think if you go back to some of these places where the really good maternal cows are, and they're packed deep in these pedigrees, you realize that they didn't deviate from what the goal was, and still have it to this day.”

Passion for the Angus Cow Jun 03, 2022

David, Joe, and Korbin are joined once again by Vince Santini of Shady Brooks Angus. The episode first starts out talking about the “shopping cart theory” and just how much a shopping cart can teach you about the depths of a human. The group then takes questions from listeners about some of their favorite cow families, what seven cows they would like to see in a pedigree, and mitochondrial DNA and environmental harmony. At the end of the episode, Joe explains his pedigree placement and why it’s important.

Mentioned in this Episode:

The Montana Bred for Balance Bull and Female Sale — Call David at 406-210-5605 or send an email to Bulls@MontanaRanchAngus.com if you’re searching for semen from balanced trait sires!

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call 406-210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Shady Brook Angus

Angus Genetics Inc.

U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef

Certified Angus Beef

Quotes:

“Maternal is a label placed on cattle with a certain level of brilliance and how they nurture their calf, adapt to range, land, and convert forage to profitability.”
“I don’t think there are bad cow families or good cow families. It’s understanding them and how they work, and how their pedigrees were constructed.”
“I think some of the greatest cows are the ones that go unnoticed the longest.”
“When we talk about mitochondrial DNA, we’re looking for those pre-potent cows.”
“If you’re gonna learn anything on Angus Underground, you’re going to learn what not to Google.”

Post Listener Appreciation Episode May 20, 2022

David, Joe, and Korbin are joined by Vince Santini of Shady Brooks Angus as they dive deeper into some listener questions from the previous episode. They begin with a riveting recap about bar soap and move into more pressing topics like $Maternal. Once again, they discuss the shortcomings they see with $Maternal, why it’s so polarizing, and their proposed solutions. They discuss how much the digital society affects messaging and how they think it can be improved. A big word in the cattle business today is “sustainability”; and they talk about what it means, why it can’t be ignored, and how to control the messaging. Finally, the guys talk about what their mentors have meant to them and why they believe everyone should seek out mentors.

Mentioned in this Episode:

The Montana Bred for Balance Bull and Female Sale — Call David at 406-210-5605 or send an email to Bulls@MontanaRanchAngus.com if you’re searching for semen from balanced trait sires!

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call 406-210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Shady Brook Angus

Angus Genetics Inc.

U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef

Certified Angus Beef

Quotes:

“If we have shortcomings, and we all agree it’s not accurate, why the hell do we have it?” — David
“Is this a breeding tool or a marketing tool?”— David
“It can be a two-way street. Taking the premise that maternal cattle don’t harvest and grade is completely false and misrepresented.” — Korbin
“I don’t think we can put a label on maternal and that’s why it’s so polarizing.” — Korbin
“I don’t think there’s a soul on this Earth who can argue that Certified Angus Beef hasn’t been a raging success since it was implemented back in the late ’70s.” — David
“We owe it to ourselves to control the message here.” — David
“You might be sustainable. But what about your customers? Or your customers’ customers?” — Korbin
“I think we owe it to ourselves to be a positive force for good in our industry.” — David

Listener Appreciation Episode May 06, 2022

David, Joe, and Korbin answer questions submitted by the listening audience. David then visits with Casey White, Senior Director of Technical Services and Innovation at Central Life Sciences, about Fly Control. Casey describes the highly, highly effective products, ClariFly and Altosid IGR, and how/when to use them. The guys cover dozens of your submitted questions and talk about everything from marketing, breeding and crossbreeding, the future of industry, protocols, inflation and demand, how to be an advocate, diversifying, trusting your eyes, and so much more.

Mentioned in this Episode:

The Montana Bred for Balance Bull and Female Sale — Call David at 406-210-5605 or send an email to Bulls@MontanaRanchAngus.com if you’re searching for semen from balanced trait sires!

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call 406-210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Quotes:

“I just hope that when I get where I’m going, I’m where I need to be.” — Korbin
“The customers pay an immense premium to get to do business with us and the more I can spend my time with those folks getting to understand their needs, wants, directions, goals… that’s the best marketing tool.” — Joe
“Continue on the path that you’re on and capitalize.” — David
“Your cattle still have value even if they have numbers.” — Korbin
“Produce something different from everyone else, and let everyone know what you have.” — David
“Find people that raise the kind of cattle you like and really quiz them.” — David
“Develop your own biases, develop your network… but also trust your heart and trust your own eyes.” — Joe
“Be an advocate for the beef industry.” — David
“How do we grow our demand for our beef? We just have to produce good beef and we have to be good stewards of the cattle, of the land, and we have to sell that message to the general public.” — David
“It’s about empowering a new generation of breeders.” — Joe
“Every animal has to add value no matter which lane you decide to be in or if you decide to tackle multiple lanes.” — Joe
“Trust your eyes, trust your heart, do what matters to you. Don’t pay attention to what the crowd says.” — David

What Commercial Cattlemen Really Want with George Chambers Apr 22, 2022

David, Joe, and Korbin give an update from their corner of the world and hope that the record-breaking April blizzard in the Northern Plains brings rain sooner rather than later. They then read some of the great feedback they’ve gotten from a recent episode and welcome George Chambers of the Southern Cross Ranch in Carrollton, Georgia, where he also serves as county commissioner. The guys chat about the 30-month rule, and George gives the history behind the ranch and the genetics program, along with great life lessons about always moving forward. Finally, we hear who really is the boss behind it all (hint: It’s not George!).

Mentioned in this Episode:

The Montana Bred for Balance Bull and Female Sale — Call David at 406-210-5605 or send an email to Bulls@MontanaRanchAngus.com if you’re searching for semen from balanced trait sires!

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call 406-210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

George Chambers

Southern Cross Ranch

Quotes:

“Farmers and ranchers are the most resilient people in our society. They deal with more ups and downs than any other walk of life.”
“That's why it's called Angus Underground. It's not to undermine anybody. It's to say, what is the real conversation going on in the industry?”
“You don't put a hat on a mullet. You let a mullet just fly in the wind.”
“I just want you to be honest with me, I want you to tell me the honest birth weight, the honest yearling weight, and let me see it’s mama.” — George
“We need good young people that are backed with morals and ethics and from an agricultural background because they’re gonna need to carry the torch for the next generation.”
“We’re the only area that can sell our calf crop three times a year, Christmas, tax time, and when we can catch ’em!” — George
“In life, I think there’s an ultimate goal. You just keep progressing forward, whether it’s progressing forward with your genetic program, whether you’re purebred, commercial, whether you’re progressing forward in your life, your faith, whatever.” — George

It’s a Fake World Apr 08, 2022

David, Joe, and Korbin talk about their takeaways from a recent episode with Mark McCully, CEO of the American Angus Association. They address listener questions they wish they got to, and give a glimpse behind the scenes of recording. Then, they talk about $Maternal, how to prove the data when it comes to different types of scoring, and the fact that $Maternal means so many different things to so many different people. David brings up a conversation he recently had with a third-generation commercial rancher that really sums up the simple things commercial ranchers truly want, and how it’s not that complicated to get it right. They explore how the Angus breed is slowly turning into a fake world.

Mentioned in this Episode:

The Montana Bred for Balance Bull and Female Sale — Call David at 406-210-5605 or send an email to Bulls@MontanaRanchAngus.com if you’re searching for semen from balanced trait sires!

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call 406-210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Quotes:

“I take perverse pleasure in culling.”
“This early data is helping to train the genomics.”
“If we can influence any kind of change with Angus Underground, I would like to see greater transparency. I want to see the ingredients that are going into the cake before it’s baked.”
“Maternal means so many different things to so many different people. It's hard to capture that essence.”
“I think the greatest space left in the Angus business is the proven cow maker. Because nobody’s doing it anymore.”

Tools, Transparency, and Making Angus Cattle Better: Mark McCully, CEO of the American Angus Association Mar 25, 2022

It’s a big episode this week as Mark McCully, CEO of the American Angus Association joins the show. Mark first talks about how livestock judging gave him critical tools and skills that have served him throughout his extensive career and walks us through how he got to be at AAA. He provides clarity on the role of the American Angus Association, along with a few of the many organizations under the Association’s umbrella. Mark talks about the organization’s foundational pillars, including a diverse membership base, providing tools for breeders, and serving the members to make Angus cattle better in many different ways. Mark also answers questions regarding gene editing, sustainability, and a few listener questions about how AAA plans to expand its share in the marketplace.

Mentioned in this Episode:

The Montana Bred for Balance Bull and Female Sale — Call David at 406-210-5605 or send an email to Bulls@MontanaRanchAngus.com if you’re searching for semen from balanced trait sires!

American Angus Association | Angus.Org

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call 406-210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Mark McCully

Ducks Unlimited

Quotes:

“My passion for livestock judging opened a lot of doors and just like for a lot of other people, it exposed my eyes to the bigger industry.” — Mark
“We talk about driving breed improvement, obviously, that's what this organization is largely about. Building tools, putting tools in the hands of breeders to make the Angus breed better, enhancing membership, experience, and success.” — Mark
“Ultimately, we are a member-centric organization. We’re here to serve the member and make Angus cattle better in many different ways.” — Mark

Meet Vince From Shady Brook Angus Farm Mar 11, 2022

The crew gets right into a few highlights from the American Angus Board of Directors meeting, including sustained cow fertility research, and what info breeders are wanting to see and why. They then welcome Vince Santini from Shady Brook Angus Farm in Tennessee. Besides being an all-around great guy, Vince is a busy businessman and has some keen insights on running a family operation, getting the optimal phenotype, and what makes Shady Brook so special. As Shady Brook celebrates its 50th anniversary next year, Vince talks about what it is like to run a multi-generational Angus operation, how building your identity within a herd is crucial, and what’s next for Shady Brook.

Mentioned in this Episode:

The Montana Bred for Balance Bull and Female Sale — Call David at 406-210-5605 or send an email to Bulls@MontanaRanchAngus.com if you’re searching for semen from balanced trait sires!

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call 406-210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Breeder Link

Gene Brokers

Shady Brook Angus

Quotes:

“I think that’s what’s fun about this business. I think it’s so fun that we can disagree about biological types or environments or any number of things or EPDs, but this passion for Angus cattle can transcend generations, personalities, and environments.”
“Whenever we get caught up in trying to divide ourselves in the differences, we need to remember the thread that unites us is the Angus cow.”
“That’s really the first step I think into building a herd is building your identity within that herd.”

Recap of the Annual Pilgrimage to North and South Dakota Feb 25, 2022

This week, David, Joe, and Korbin start the show off by recapping their annual pilgrimage to North and South Dakota where they met some friends of the show and awesome listeners. David shares a few highlights of the visit, including Foxhoven Angus and Koupal Angus, and some disappointing moments including a pizza burger he wishes he hadn’t had. They talk about pedigree, the importance of finding your own direction, and having discipline with your breeding program. Finally, the guys announce the unveiling of the Angus Pathfinders for the year 2022!

Mentioned in this Episode:

The Montana Bred for Balance Bull and Female Sale — Call David at 406-210-5605 or send an email to Bulls@MontanaRanchAngus.com if you’re searching for semen from balanced trait sires!

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call 406-210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Quotes:

“In my old age, I’m getting rather particular about what I eat, but I am a connoisseur of truck stop food. I'd never had a bad truck stop hot dog until this trip.” [9:00]
“Bud is constantly concerned with producing the right kind of bull for his commercial bull customers.” [17:19]
“Don’t be afraid to be your own program. Don’t be afraid to build your own vision for your customer base and, and go ahead and go after it.” [35:00]

Non-Traditional Approach to Semen Sales Feb 11, 2022

This week, David, Joe, and Korbin discuss the Angus Underground Facebook Community Forum, and how it is here to provide answers to your burning questions and quench your thirst for new information, all within a welcoming and friendly community. Then, for the first segment, the guys welcome Logan Sampson from Ruby Valley, Nevada to talk about his company, Gene Brokers. Logan talks about how his impulse buying and desire for an open marketplace led to GeneBrokers. He shares the process of going from testing mode to a live site, if GeneBrokers is really like a shopping mall for semen, how the payment process works, along with the nuts and bolts of paying and shipping. Logan talks about the three entities where the semen is stored — the vendor, seller, and shipper, and how customers can use this for their best advantage.

In the second segment, Robert Whitacre from Winchester, VA and Lex Carter from Pingree, ID join the show to discuss all things Breeder Link. They talk about how to use the filters to navigate towards what you want, the options for creating a storefront, and exactly what you can (and can’t) sell. They walk us through a checklist of what you need to list something and give us a glimpse behind the quality control of listing sires into the program.

Mentioned in this Episode:

The Montana Bred for Balance Bull and Female Sale — Call David at 406-210-5605 or send an email to Bulls@MontanaRanchAngus.com if you’re searching for semen from balanced trait sires!

Angus Underground Ep. 9: “Angus on Dairy with Eddie Veenendaal”

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call 406-210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

GeneBrokers

BreederLink

Quotes:

“I’m not going to tell you how to breed your cows, and no one should either. That’s not our business. Our business is to support you in what you want to do.” — Logan [13:54]
“When it comes to genetics, we’ve made plenty of mistakes, but one thing about ours is that the environment sorts those mistakes out. They don’t last very long.” — Lex
“We want people to think of us as a maternal source. We really try to find bulls that come from strong cow families.” — Lex [45:40]

Calving Kits, Safety Protocol, and What a Regional Manager Really Does: Kurt Kangas of American Angus Association® Jan 28, 2022

This week, David, Joe, and Korbin welcome Kurt Kangas, Regional Manager of the American Angus Association®. Kurt has really redefined what a Regional Manager does, and he is a great resource with a fresh perspective. He first talks about what is in his calving kit, how weather plays a part in calving, and how to keep out cross-contamination and keep everything fresh and sterile. You will also learn about some pretty cool devices and tools that keep everyone safe and healthy, and Kurt walks us through some of the parallels and differences between working in California and Montana.

Kurt walks through a calendar year, talks about his love of Pearl Jam, why he’s excited about Montana State University’s new teaching herd, and gets really transparent about the difference in the Angus business compared to the past.

Mentioned in this Episode:

The Montana Bred for Balance Bull and Female Sale — Call David at 406-210-5605 or send an email to Bulls@MontanaRanchAngus.com if you’re searching for semen from balanced trait sires!

Angus Underground Ep. 9: “Angus on Dairy with Eddie Veenendaal”

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call 406-210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

JBS

Certified Angus Beef® (CAB)

National Beef®

Orphan No More

Calf Cradle Digital Scale that went Facebook Viral

ScourGuard

Montana State University

Quotes:

“The most important piece of this is once you get the calf out, make sure that calf gets colostrum. If that calf is not up within an hour nursing the cow, you need to get some colostrum down that calf because that will have long term ramifications on the calf’s health.” — David
“I think the most important piece to the scours problem is prevention.” — David
“It's fun to think about different ways people can do things, and how to impact what's going to be best for your sale.” — Kurt
“The role of regional manager primarily is to assist the breeders in the region in any questions that they have.” — Kurt

Ian Vivers of EagleHawk Angus: Great Branding and Running a Family Operation Jan 14, 2022

Welcome back! Hosts David, Joe, and Korbin are excited for a new year and thank you for your continued listenership. They first revisit their holiday celebrations and New Year’s resolutions, then cover some beef and pet peeves trends in social media posts. Then, they welcome Ian Vivers from Eagle Hawk Angus in New South Wales, Australia. Ian talks about how Eagle Hawk is a family operation, and why it’s so great to have family supporting you on this journey. Ian opens up about overcoming the devastating wildfire two years ago, and how Eagle Hawk built back up, thanks to help from their community. He shares why he has been to the U.S. 14 times and his process behind sourcing from the U.S., which should provide inspiration to travel and at the very least, cross state lines.

The hosts talk with Ian about the great job Eagle Hawk does on social media and branding, and the strategies his wife and daughter use to capture all of Eagle Hawk’s important messages, even if it does include Ian’s pillow talk.

Mentioned in this Episode:

The Montana Bred for Balance Bull and Female Sale — Call David at 406-210-5605 or send an email to Bulls@MontanaRanchAngus.com if you’re searching for semen from balanced trait sires!

Angus Underground Ep. 9: “Angus on Dairy with Eddie Veenendaal”

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call 406-210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.

Instagram @EagleHawkAngus

JBS

Certified Angus Beef® (CAB)

National Beef®

Bill Davis

Eagle Hawk Angus

Quotes:

“When the subject matter is really important, we will make sure that we have the importance portrayed in our posts and social media.” — Ian
“As an industry in agriculture, we get attacked for so many things, which mostly, if not completely wrong, mislead people down a wrong path. We actually have to support each other.” — Ian
“I applaud anyone putting anything up that basically builds a network of people in agriculture who are passionate about what they do.” — Ian
“The beauty of social media is simply to form friendships across the world.” — Ian
“There is nothing like having family with you on the journey.” — Ian
“We’re a team. It’s an exciting future when you have the younger ones following through and enthusiastically enjoying what we’re doing.” — Ian
“For us to compete, we need to be aware of what our impact is.” — Ian

New Year’s Special: Through the Eyes of Jordan Rhodes Dec 31, 2021

Welcome to today’s special episode of Angus Underground with your hosts, David, Joe, and Korbin! In this conversation, they discuss their personal and professional New Year’s resolutions, thoughts on the industry, and their conversations with Board of Directors members and Angus staff. Additionally, they also tie up the loop around their beef on dairy discussion from Episode 9, share what transpired at the December 15th open-to-the-public meeting in Billings, and discuss sustainability when it comes to CAB.

In the second half of the show, your hosts are joined by a fantastic guest and their first repeat guest – Jordan Rhodes! Jordan is the co-owner of Rhodes Red Angus, located in Faulkton, South Dakota. He is a young, passionate breeder that is truly paving the way for the next generation of cattle ranchers.

Jordan lends some incredibly insightful knowledge on how he matches his bull customers with the right bull. He shares how he maintains relationships with customers, his advice on redirecting your customers to what they actually need vs. what they think they need, how he has grown his ranch from the ground up, how he chooses the ingredients that he’s going to bring into his program for his next breeding generation, and information about his upcoming bull sale.

Thank you for tuning into Angus Underground in 2021! We will see you soon in 2022!

Mentioned in this Episode:

The Montana Bred for Balance Bull and Female Sale — Call David at 406-210-5605 or send an email to Bulls@MontanaRanchAngus.com if you’re searching for semen from balanced trait sires!

Angus Underground Ep. 9: “Angus on Dairy with Eddie Veenendaal”

Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call #406-210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground

Angus Underground Ep. 5: “Breeding Philosophies with Jordan Rhodes of Rhodes Red Angus”

JBS

Certified Angus Beef® (CAB)

National Beef®

Rhodes Red Angus — Call Jordan Rhodes’ at #605-328-9301

Rhodes Red Angus: 7th Annual Bull Sale on DVAuction – January 17th, 1 pm CST

Quotes:

“If we ever disagree with something … have an idea … [or] have a concept — be it a good or bad opinion — we … as the American Angus Association … have a duty and an obligation to reach out to … Board of Directors members.”

“Angus on dairy — whether we like it or not — has been, and will continue to be, a part of the certified Angus beef supply. … There’s nothing there that we can change short of a complete overhaul of the specifications of CAB that will keep it out.”

“To make progress, I think the only way you can be sustainable is to start asking a whole bunch of questions.” — Jordan Rhodes

“To me, this business is about — first and foremost — reproduction. Second[ly], production. If you culture those two traits, you could build a really beautiful cow herd in about five years.” — Jordan Rhodes

“I learned pretty fast that if you’re going to survive in this business from ground-zero, you’ve got to pretty much do everything you can.” — Jordan Rhodes

“Don’t let your pride get in the way of success.” — Jordan Rhodes

Bonus Episode - AI Sire Selection Dec 24, 2021

In this surprise edition of Angus Underground, David, Joe, and Korbin partake in a roundtable discussion about AI Sire Selection. Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from Angus Underground!

Kentucky - Tornado Relief Efforts Dec 22, 2021

Kansas - Tragedy in the Heartland Dec 22, 2021

Angus on Dairy with Eddie Veenendaal Dec 17, 2021

In this edition of Angus Underground, David, Joe, and Korbin are joined by a friend of the show, Eddie Veenendaal from Veenendaal Angus in Hanford, California. Together, they discuss branded beef programs (specifically certified angus beef), and take a deep-dive into the role of Angus on Dairy and Beef on Dairy. With the recent open-to-the-public meeting in Billings regarding Angus on dairy and the release from Red Angus Association of America, there is plenty to discuss regarding beef on dairy. They discuss the concerns that beef on dairy cattle do not fit the Certified Angus Beef mission statement, its overall business model, how it will impact demand for registered Angus cattle, what the influx of Angus on Dairy cattle means for commercial customers, what AAA and CAB have to gain from Angus on Dairy, and more. Eddie also shares his personal expertise and experiences with Angus on Dairy and his insights into what this all means for the industry at large. Don’t miss out on this extremely insightful (and extra-festive) episode of Angus Underground! Mentioned in this Episode: Creek Insurance — To protect and preserve your livestock investments! The Montana Bred for Balance Bull and Female Sale — Call David at 406-210-5605 or send an email to Bulls@MontanaRanchAngus.com if you’re searching for semen from balanced trait sires! Rafter 5M Land & Cattle Bruin Ranch Facebook @AngusUnderground Instagram @AngusUnderground Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call #406-210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground Veenendaal Angus American Angus Association (AAA) JBS Certified Angus Beef (CAB) National Beef Quotes: “Certified Angus Beef has been revolutionary to the angus breed. It’s provided us [an] optimal platform by which we’ve made angus the #1 beef breed in the world.” “It is projected that we’ll have 1.215 billion pounds CAB product marketed in more than 50 countries worldwide. And the overall industry average for choice and prime in 2020 is 85%. … As we’ve made this nation’s cattle herd more and more Angus, we’ve been able to really raise the bar on the number of cattle that grade choice or prime.” “We do need to think about what the future holds for Beef on Dairy and specifically Angus on Dairy [as well as] the ramifications … for Angus and commercial cattle producers in the west specifically.” “[Angus on Dairy] does create tremendous opportunity for those that don’t share [CAB’s] vision; that believe that the story behind the cattle and behind how they were raised has merit in the marketplace.” “CAB has done a wonderful job of creating this desirability in Angus cattle. Whether we’re selling bulls to commercial producers or selling steaks to our neighbors, CAB has laid the groundwork, told the story for us, and has given us a lot of tools to work with.”

Roundtable Discussion: Testing Bulls, Bull Management, and Donor Selection Dec 03, 2021

Description: In this episode, your hosts, Joe, David, and Korbin, join together for a roundtable-style discussion on a variety of topics ranging from bull testing to embryo donor selection and beyond. Kicking off the show, each host gives an update on what they are up to on their ranches. David speaks about how his recent production sale went, Korbin touches on getting ready for breeding season and some of the current challenges he is facing with his bulls, and David speaks about Montana Ranch. They discuss mental health for farmers and ranchers; lessons in sales (from the bad to the good, and everything in between); share advice on how to push through the tough times; provide insight into why “flunking” a semen test is not the be-all-end-all; the ins and outs of bull testing and bull management; what they look for when selecting a female to go into their embryo program; when to flush vs. when not to flush; and much more. Mentioned in this Episode: The Montana Bred for Balance Bull and Female Sale — Call David at 406-210-5605 or send an email to Bulls@MontanaRanchAngus.com if you’re searching for semen from balanced trait sires! Rafter 5M Land & Cattle Shady Brook Angus Farm Bruin Ranch Facebook @AngusUnderground Instagram @AngusUnderground Angus Underground Ep. 5: “Marketing and Merchandising Your Angus Cattle” Angus Underground Ep. 6: “Breeding Philosophies with Jordan Rhodes of Rhodes Red Angus” SaleRing.live Ginger Hill Angus Hoffman A.I. Breeders Contact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call #406-210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground Quotes: “Marketing … really requires a team. Yes, we raise the cattle, we develop the cattle, and we represent the cattle, but we can’t possibly answer every phone call… [or] answer every email.” “When I think about what I really enjoy in this business, it’s the evaluation and the quest for the ideal that fits your program.” “We’re in the people business. And by all means, if one person finds somebody that they’re compatible with; [that] they want to bounce ideas off of [in this industry] … that fires me up.” “I look at it this way: when you’re going into a sale, you do the best you can. … [Because] so much is out of your hands when it comes sale-time.” “Test your bulls and test them often.” “If you’re trying to create longevity … maintain maternal …[and] create a cowherd that is performance-based and is also proven, then you know you’ve got to have some stringent details whenever you’re going to select a donor.” “What I think is a ‘proven cow’ is one that is proven to settle, she’s proven to take a calf to term, she’s proven to lay down, having, licking them off, getting nursed, [getting] rebred and weening. That means she has proven to do her job. Without that, you’re just measuring in-product traits.”

Angus Underground's Trip to Colombia with Weston Merrill Nov 19, 2021

In this episode, your hosts, Joe, David, and Korbin are taking you Underground once again! After sharing a brief update on each of their ranches, they welcome on their special guest of the evening, Weston Merill! Born and raised a ranch kid in central Montana, Weston is the Marketing Officer for the Montana Department of Agriculture. He is serving a very integral role in helping Montanans expand agriculture exports to all parts of the world. David and Weston both recently had the special opportunity to be a part of a trade delegation that was led by the Montana Department of Agriculture to the South American country of Colombia — which is the topic of today’s episode! They discuss the unique opportunities that are internationally available in the cattle industry, recount the stories of what they saw and learned in Colombia, and highlight the differences in how Colombian cattle ranchers run their operations. Weston also shares key insights on the market in Colombia, how they were able to build relationships with some of the producers there, and more. Mentioned in this Episode: The Montana Bred for Balance Bull and Female Sale — Call David at 406-210-5605 or send an email to Bulls@MontanaRanchAngus.com if you’re searching for semen from balanced trait sires! Rafter 5M Land & Cattle Connors State College Bull Test Sale — Dec. 2nd, 2021 Shady Brook Angus Farm Bruin Ranch Facebook @AngusUnderground Instagram @AngusUnderground American Angus Association Montana Department of Agriculture US Livestock Genetics Export (USLGE) US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Creek Insurance — To protect and preserve your livestock investments! AGROEXPO - Corferias Quotes: “As a Marketing Officer, I have to help connect Montana ranchers, farmers, [and] value-added Montana ag businesses to markets — whether they’re domestic or international.” — Weston Merill “A lot of my strengths lie in that international market space [as a Marketing Officer for the Montana Department of Agriculture] — specifically Spanish-speaking countries because I’m fluent in Spanish.” — Weston Merill “I think there’s an opportunity, specifically in our case, for Montana … to fit into what [Colombia is] looking for.” — Weston Merill “In reality, some countries would kill for what we have [with regard to ag], so we should really look in the mirror [sometimes].” — Weston Merill “You look at this Colombian [Angus] Association and there’s no doubt in my mind that they look at the American Angus Association and they see that that’s the mecha; that’s what [they] want to be.” — Weston Merill “I think there’s some stuff we really have an obligation to follow through [with] and make sure that our product is doing a great job for these countries because … they’re forward-thinking enough [and] excited enough that they’re going to find what it is that they’re after — and we better hope that it’s US genetics.” — Weston Merill

The Story of Jorgensen Farms with Cody Jorgensen Nov 05, 2021

This week on Angus Underground, your hosts are discussing one of their absolute favorite topics: breeding philosophy! Today your hosts have the distinct pleasure of welcoming Cody Jorgensen to the podcast! Cody is the Chief Livestock Operations Officer for Jorgensen Land & Cattle in Ideal, South Dakota. Jorgensen is the nation’s largest beef producer and seed stock operator. For over 100 years, four generations of the Jorgensen family have sought to improve their land, their cattle, their crop genetics, and the lives of their family, as well as the families near them. Over this time, they’ve grown from a family homestead to an operation known nationwide for its superior Angus herd, excellent certified seed, being a leader in soil health, and prime pheasant hunting. But don’t let their 12,000 acres fool you; they’re proud to remain a family operation rooted in a tradition of excellence and innovation. In their conversation together, Cody shares the history of Jorgensen Farms, what makes them so unique (i.e. why they pay close attention to soil health), his duties as the Chief Livestock Operations Officer, how they work together as a family, how they’ve developed the structure of their program, how their breeding program works, and the indexes they’ve created that are unique to them. Cody also takes listeners into a deep dive into their breeding genetics, the pedigree of specific bulls in their program, insights into the best bull they ever raised, and some of the major steps that they’ve taken in up-leveling their program. If you’re curious about the overall scope and vision of a large and complex breeding program, don’t miss out on today’s conversation! Mentioned in this Episode: Jorgensen Farms The Montana Bred for Balance Bull and Female Sale — Nov. 13th, 2021 Rafter 5M Land & Cattle Connors State College Bull Test Sale — Dec. 2nd, 2021 Ginger Hill Angus Bull and Female Sale — Nov. 20th, 2021 Shady Brook Angus Farm Bruin Ranch Facebook @AngusUnderground Instagram @AngusUnderground American Angus Association Quotes: “When you linebreed — especially if you try to linebreed off one cow in particular — you don’t know how much, or how intensely, you can do that until it’s done, and then [you] either have throw-aways or it worked.” — Cody Jorgensen “I would say we’re doing both [inbreeding and linebreeding]. We’ve been doing both with different tactics in mind.” — Cody Jorgensen “The sweet spot that I personally like [for our cattle] is somewhere between 5% inbred and 15% inbred. I think once we get over 15%, in a lot of cases, we’re going to start seeing some inbred regression.” — Cody Jorgensen “The numbers coming out of our evaluation are much more balanced. So you don’t have these extreme low-birth EPDs and these high-yearling EPDs.” — Cody Jorgensen “We have to do, as a family, what we think is right with our cattle. And developing our genetic evaluation so that we could pivot and study other things that we can’t get at AAA was a major step for us.” — Cody Jorgensen

Breeding Philosophies with Jordan Rhodes of Rhodes Red Angus Oct 22, 2021

This week on Angus Underground, your hosts are discussing one of their absolute favorite topics: breeding philosophy!

Having seen different breeding programs across the nation up close and personal, David, Joe, and Korbin are bringing their well-rounded expertise to the table to share their insights on various breeding philosophies.

Joining them to discuss their own breeding program and philosophy in detail today is Jordan Rhodes of Rhodes Red Angus, located in Faulkton, South Dakota.

When David first met Jordan a year ago, his story and experience struck a chord with him. As a young, passionate breeder, Jordan is truly paving the way for the next generation of cattle ranchers. Despite his success in these recent years, Jordan has never forgotten his roots. His commitment to helping others along their own journeys is both admirable and inspiring — something this industry needs more of!

In this episode, Jordan shares about his purebred cattle breeding program, how he first got into the industry, how he became interested in AI and the mission of making beef cattle better, how he studies the beef business, the major lessons he has learned throughout his career in terms of breeding cattle, his thoughts on the commercial cattle industry, and key insights into the work, environment, and genetics that went into their top-selling bull this year.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Rhodes Red Angus

The Montana Bred for Balance Bull and Female Sale — Nov. 13th, 2021

Connors State College Bull Test Sale — Dec. 2nd, 2021

Ginger Hill Angus Bull and Female Sale — Nov. 20th, 2021

Quotes:

“This business doesn’t have to be so complicated. … I think right now, in this day and age, we have an opportunity to raise the absolute best Angus cattle the world has ever seen. … Technology has given us [that] opportunity.” — Jordan Rhodes

“The way I study this beef business is a conglomeration of everything. … There’s so much data that’s turned in.” — Jordan Rhodes

“I realized really quickly that if you can get a cow pregnant, and you can understand just how much she maintains her skeleton, you can change things.” — Jordan Rhodes

“I think that everybody who has a genetic influence in this industry should have to calf their own cows as initiation. If you have never calved 300 cows, you haven’t walked a mile in [a breeder’s] shoes.” — Jordan Rhodes

“The other thing about Red Angus that I love is that there is virtually no labor in these cattle. They are awesome.” — Jordan Rhodes

“Our obligation to our commercial bull customers should be that we don’t create more problems for them and that we should give them a product that’s predictable and consistent.”

“Just avoid the noise. … Just go to work.” — Jordan Rhodes

Marketing and Merchandising Your Angus Cattle Oct 08, 2021

This week on Angus Underground, your hosts are going underground to discuss marketing and merchandising your Angus! They are joined by professional marketer and longtime friend, Dave Mullins, the founder and owner of SaleRing.Live. Dave is an expert in the livestock industry, having worked alongside the country’s finest livestock breeders, marketers, and stockmen his entire career. With more than two decades of experience in the auction business, it is no understatement to say that Dave knows a thing or two when it comes to marketing and merchandising Angus!

Get ready to take notes in this episode as your hosts, and special guest Dave Mullins, tell you everything that you need to know when it comes to preparing for sales, how to create a successful marketing plan, how to develop a marketing timeline, build and maintain a healthy relationship with your customers, leverage social media to promote your brand, and how to develop a customer list. Dave also breaks down the three types of sales (private treaty sales, consignment sales, and production sales), and shares what you need to know when it comes to making a good first impression, effectively planning for your herd, keeping your customers happy, knowing your market, finding your niche, showing your cattle in the best light, advertising effectively, putting together a sales catalog, putting together a mailing list, sale management, and much, much more! This episode is jam-packed with invaluable information, so don’t miss out!

Mentioned in this Episode:

SaleRing.Live

The Montana Bred for Balance Online Embryo Auction LIVE! & Open House — Oct. 12th, 2021

The Montana Bred for Balance Bull and Female Sale — Nov. 13th, 2021

Sinclair Cattle Company

Neiman Cattle Company

Facebook @GingerHillAngus

Quotes:

“I think the #1 piece of advice I can give is: Plan. Plan like there’s no tomorrow. Plan for every contingency.”

“There should be no timeline for when you should start promoting. If you’ve got content to share … there’s no better time than the present.”

“Once you know your customer base, then you’ll be able to make those prudent decisions.”

“Find your niche and quit trying to be everything to everyone. You need to find that ‘something’ that you’re really good at.”

“When you’re starting out, you have to create your own opportunities because it’s not every day that someone wants to give them to you.”

To EPD or Not EPD — That is the Question Sep 24, 2021

This week on Angus Underground, your hosts, David, Joe, and Korbin are discussing the hot topic: to EPD or not EPD. Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) tend to be one of the most controversial subjects amongst Angus breeders. It is often expressed that there are only two sides to the debate: pro or anti EPDs but David, Joe, and Korbin argue that there’s a third party: the middle ground; that EPDs can be used as a secondary selection tool or a comparison tool between herds. In this episode, Joe, David, and Korbin discuss how the middle ground of EPDs, the pros and cons, and when (and when not) EPDs are worth examining. They speak about how EPDs are calculated (and how they can change as more data comes in), how EPDs are misused, how they use EPDs, the traits they have confidence in vs. those that they do not, the EPDs they are skeptical of, misconceptions, the two different philosophies on genomics and how they have caused a further divide within the industry (similar to EPDs), alternative proposals to EPDs, and ultimately, answering the question: to EPD or not EPD? Mentioned in this Episode: Shady Brook Angus Farm Beef Leaders Institute The Montana Bred for Balance Bull and Female Sale — Nov. 13th, 2021 Facebook @AngusUnderground Instagram @AngusUnderground Quotes: “My hope is with this segment that we navigate through [the nuances of EPDs] and try to share with folks that there is a middle ground. There is a middle ground of folks trying to breed the right kind of cow for their customer and then also try to provide some sort of genetic advancement through Expected Progeny Differences as well.” “The truth … is generally somewhere in the middle.” “There are premises that are built into these algorithms that I think are flawed [with EPDs]. And one of the premises is that the next generation is always better than the first. And I have a problem with that because I think that there are some bulls from history that we can go back and still use as tools … within our Angus breed.” “If you have the highest-dollar maternal female in the breed and you are IBFing her to a yearling bull that’s the highest-dollar maternal bull in the breed, I think you’ve got to check yourself on that one, frankly. That just seems … totally antagonistic to the intent behind what I see in a maternal index as.” “I’m certainly not anti-EPD but I would urge each of you to think about what direction you want your program to go, what best would get you there … and seek out someone locally that’s successful, that you trust, and that operates in a similar environment to you and gain as much knowledge as you can there.”

Ginger Hill Angus: The Multi-Generational Family Farm That Stays True to Its Roots with Dr. Brooke Miller Sep 10, 2021

Welcome to the second episode of Angus Underground! In this episode, your hosts, David, Joe, and Korbin are visiting with one of the most dynamic personalities in the business, Dr. Brooke Miller!

Dr. Miller, along with his family, owns and operates Ginger Hill Angus; a multi-generational registered Angus seed stock operation. Brooke is also the current President of the United States Cattlemen’s Association and a physician in his hometown of Washington, Virginia.

With his unique perspective as a physician and a cattle rancher, Brooke offers his insights on the commercial cattle industry and shares his advice on how to stay fit and healthy as a rancher so that you can bring your best self to the farm.

He also shares about his background in the Angus industry, his experiences going through medical school and becoming a physician, what makes the Ginger Hill Angus breeding program unique, how he operates his program, his insights on the commercial cattle industry, who his customers are, and how he has maintained his breeding discipline and philosophy over the years rather than chasing the “latest and greatest.” Additionally, Brooke also discusses his role as the President at USCA, the current issues that USCA is addressing that will impact all cattle ranchers, and the potential changes to the industry if the 5415 bill passes.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Ginger Hill Angus

Instagram @GingerHillAngus

United States Cattlemen’s Association

The Obesity Code — Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Loss, by Dr. Jason Fung

Shawn Baker MD

Revero.Health (formally MeatRX.com)

The Big Fat Surprise (Why Butter, Meat and Cheese Belong in a Healthy Diet), by Nina Teicholz

14th Annual Beef Solutions Bull Sale (Sept. 24th, 2020) — For more information, contact Joe Fischer at 530-392-0154

The Montana Bred for Balance Bull and Female Sale — Nov. 13th, 2021

Quotes:

“Some of the best people … smartest people, and the hardest working people I know are cattle ranchers and it’s a shame that, by and large, they aren’t really paid for what they do.” — Dr. Brooke Miller

“Working cattle around here is a family affair. It usually gets done on weekends and [we] try to get all of the children to come home. … All of the daughters and sons-in-law … are all comfortable and doing quite well in working cattle.” — Dr. Brooke Miller

“We’ve got to promote the people in mainstream media that are promoting our product and promoting actual science. People like Shawn Baker and … Nina Teicholz, who wrote The Big Fat Surprise. We need to promote those people and hold them up as the foremost authorities on nutrition; not the same-old, same-old that has gotten us to where we’re at as a society.” — Dr. Brooke Miller

“The thing that shaped our program the most that [my dad] told me when I was a little boy [was] … ‘The sole purpose of the purebred livestock industry is to produce seed stock with commercial cow-calf industry.’ … So that’s pretty much what we live by. We try to raise our cattle under the same conditions [that] good commercial cow-calf guys do.” — Dr. Brooke Miller

Breeding Philosophies and Finding Your Unique Breeding Trademark Aug 27, 2021

Welcome to the first episode of Angus Underground! This is the podcast featuring insights, opinions, and answers to the questions you’re asking on Angus breeding. Join your hosts, David Brown, Joe Fischer, and Korbin Mehaffey, as they take you “underground” and prepare to be educated, entertained, and empowered!

In this first episode of Angus Underground, David, Joe, and Korbin discuss the thread that ties all of their passions together with Angus breeding. They share their backgrounds in the business that uniquely position them to lend their knowledge, their philosophies on breeding, and their insights on what it takes to develop a successful breeding program.

They also discuss what motivates them to breed the cattle that they do, how to breed cattle that don’t cause your customers problems, their biggest drivers that keep them motivated in the business, some of the impactful lessons they have learned through their tenure in the Angus industry, what it means to get back to the heart of breeding, and so much more. This first episode is jam-packed with invaluable insights for smaller breeders, so be sure to tune in!

Mentioned in this Episode:

14th Annual Beef Solutions Bull Sale (Sept. 24th, 2020) — For more information, contact Joe Fischer at 530-392-0154

Gary Vaynerchuk (Gary Vee)

The Lasater Philosophy of Cattle Raising, by Laurence Lasater