Casual Cattle Conversations

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Casual Cattle Conversations Equipping cattle producers with the resources they need to build profitable operations.

14/07/2025

Are you ready to make more confident bull-buying decisions that truly move your ranch forward? In this episode, Shaye Wanner visits with Marty Ropp of Allied Genetic Resources to discuss how commercial cow-calf producers can leverage genomics through the Right Bull program to select bulls that align with their goals and cows. Marty shares how precision mating, large-effect genes, and genomic compatibility are revolutionizing herd improvement—saving time, reducing risk, and increasing uniformity and profitability.
Whether you're buying one bull or managing hundreds, this episode will help you understand how to turn genetics into ROI.
What You’ll Learn:

The biggest risks and missed opportunities in bull selection
How the Right Bull program matches bulls to your cow herd
What “large-effect genes” are and why they matter
How both small and large producers can benefit
What it costs to get started—and why it pays off

Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & Marty Ropp’s background01:45 – Why Marty bet on the beef industry03:50 – Top risks in bull selection05:30 – Defining goals for genetic selection06:40 – How the Right Bull program works11:20 – What large-effect genes mean for your herd13:30 – Example of bull ranking and results17:35 – How Right Bull is different from other programs19:30 – Costs and return on investment23:30 – Seedstock provider involvement and response26:30 – Who this program is best suited for28:15 – Breed flexibility & customization31:45 – Marty’s reflections on his early career33:10 – Final thoughts & how to connect
🔗 Resources & Links:📌 Right Bull Program – https://bit.ly/44XIFzl
📌 Noble Research Institute – https://bit.ly/3DD7uG0 📌 Calf Marketing Short Course (Register by July 28th!) – https://bit.ly/46olT4K 📌 Pluck Seasoning (use code SHAYEWANNER for 15% off) – EatPluck.com🌟 Support the show by leaving a review & sharing with your ranching peers.

07/07/2025

In this episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, host Shaye Koester-Wanner reconnects with Casey Fanta, seedstock manager at Wulf Cattle, to explore how the beef industry is evolving—especially when it comes to online bull sales. Casey shares how COVID-19 accelerated their transition to digital auctions, the value of customer relationships, and how the beef quality landscape has changed over the years. From open houses to impulse buying, you'll get a deep look at the pros, cons, and practicalities of selling bulls online.
⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Reconnecting and Industry Insights01:51 – The Evolution of Beef Quality03:56 – Transitioning to Online Bull Sales07:12 – Customer Engagement in the Digital Age10:31 – Balancing Tradition and Innovation14:14 – Adapting to Online Sales18:20 – Customer Relationships and New Clientele21:07 – Reflections on the Beef Industry Journey
Key Takeaways:

How online sales reduce impulse buying
The critical role of communication in bull marketing
Wulf Cattle’s approach to customer education and long-term relationships
Beef quality trends and industry shifts over the decades

Episode Resources
Noble Research: https://bit.ly/3DD7uG0
Wulf Cattle: https://bit.ly/3I8Yri4
Cattle Marketing Series: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/sell-smarter
Pluck: https://eatpluck.com/?ref=SHAYEWANNER

30/06/2025

In this episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, Jon Biermacher joins to explore the critical economic decisions ranchers face—particularly around culling cows. Jon dives into the financial trade-offs, market signals, and resilience that define today's beef producers. Discover why cull cows can significantly impact ranch revenue and what ranchers need to consider before keeping open cows. This is a must-listen for producers wanting to make smarter, margin-driven decisions in a volatile market.
🔑 Key Takeaways:

Cull cows can drive meaningful revenue.
Ranchers must weigh costs, time, and resources when managing open cows.
Market trends in beef prices reflect broader consumer demand.
Ranchers show resilience and adaptability during economic pressure.
Economic diplomacy supports industry-wide collaboration.

⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to the Beef Industry and Its Resilience07:28 – Cull Cows: Economic Considerations and Rancher Decisions16:42 – Analyzing the Value of Keeping Open Cows24:35 – Market Trends and Future Predictions for Ranchers36:32 – Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections on Ranching
Episode Resources
Noble Research: https://bit.ly/3DD7uG0
Cattle Marketing Series: https://bit.ly/46olT4K
Pluck Seasoning: https://eatpluck.com/?ref=SHAYEWANNER

☀️ Happy Days
30/06/2025

☀️ Happy Days

23/06/2025

What if fencing your pastures no longer required posts, wires, or constant upkeep? In this episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, Shaye Wanner talks with Gary Tiller about virtual fencing technology and its game-changing potential for the cattle industry. From grazing efficiency and labor savings to better land utilization and improved quality of life for ranchers, Gary outlines how Merck Animal Health is shaping the future of livestock management with the SenseHub Vence product.
Discover what onboarding looks like, how the subscription model works, and how this tech supports sustainable agriculture and conservation programs. Whether you're a tech-savvy rancher or just curious about how this fits into your operation, this episode delivers insights that matter.
LEARN MORE ABOUT VENCE: https://bit.ly/4kfWrCG
Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to Virtual Fencing and Its Importance03:01 – Benefits of Virtual Fencing for Ranchers05:59 – Individual Ranch Goals and Adoption of Technology08:44 – Government Support and Conservation Programs11:35 – How Virtual Fencing Technology Works14:39 – Onboarding Process for Ranchers17:33 – Software Features and Benefits20:25 – Challenges and Hesitations in Adopting Technology23:17 – Evaluating Fit for Virtual Fencing26:09 – Intangibles and Quality of Life Improvements29:13 – Personal Reflections and Career Insights
CONNECT WITH SHAYE: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/

Just some thoughts that pass through my mind. Anyone else?
18/06/2025

Just some thoughts that pass through my mind. Anyone else?

16/06/2025

In this episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, host Shaye Wanner chats with Arlie Reeves about her family's journey raising Wagyu cattle. From the breed’s rich history to marketing premium beef and correcting industry misconceptions, Arlie shares valuable insights for ranchers, consumers, and anyone curious about the future of high-quality beef. Learn how consumer demand, direct-to-consumer sales, and proper animal husbandry all play a role in building a resilient Wagyu operation.
Whether you're new to the breed or considering diversifying your herd, this episode offers practical ranching advice and real-world lessons from the pasture.
🔑 Key Takeaways:

Wagyu cattle are prized for high marbling and quality.

Consumer interest in Wagyu has surged post-COVID.

Misconceptions persist around the breed’s origin and strength.

Direct-to-consumer sales empower transparency and education.

The cattle business requires patience and long-term vision.

Local processor relationships are key to success.

📌 Chapters:00:00 – Introduction to Wagyu Cattle and the Beef Industry03:11 – The Reeves Family Journey with Wagyu06:12 – Marketing Wagyu Genetics and Beef08:56 – Consumer Attraction to Wagyu Beef11:48 – Misconceptions About Wagyu Cattle14:59 – Advice for Aspiring Wagyu Ranchers18:09 – Challenges and Resilience in Raising Wagyu21:11 – Reflections and Lessons Learned24:09 – Connecting with Consumers and Community
Episode Resources
https://bit.ly/4kfWrCG
https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/

09/06/2025

In this solo episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, Shaye Koester-Wanner addresses a feeling many ranchers know all too well—feeling behind. She explores why that mindset exists, how it relates to the entrepreneurial nature of ranching, and how shifting your perspective can lead to greater satisfaction and measurable progress.
Shaye shares actionable advice for setting clear goals, practicing self-reflection, and celebrating milestones—no matter how small. If you’re a rancher driven to succeed but often feel stuck or behind, this episode is a reminder that your progress deserves recognition.
Key Takeaways:

Ranchers share traits with high-performing entrepreneurs.

Progress should be measured backward, not forward.

Writing down goals helps you realize when you’ve surpassed them.

Celebrating achievements builds morale and motivation.

Success should be defined on your own terms.

Chapters:00:00 – Introduction to Success in Ranching02:52 – Measuring Progress and Setting Goals06:07 – Celebrating Achievements and Defining Success
Episode Resources
Move the Ranch Forward https://bit.ly/3YzU7h4
Vence https://bit.ly/4kfWrCG
Ambrook www.ambrook.com/casualcattle

02/06/2025

In this episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, Shaye Wanner and Mark Johnson discuss the practice of creep feeding in cattle management. They explore the advantages and disadvantages of creep feeding, its impact on calf weight gain, and the factors influencing its profitability. The conversation also delves into the importance of selecting the right ration for creep feeding and the potential of creep grazing as an alternative. Mark emphasizes the need for producers to evaluate their specific circumstances and market conditions to determine the viability of creep feeding in their operations.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Creep Feeding05:00 Understanding Creep Feeding Benefits10:08 Evaluating Profitability Factors15:05 Ration Considerations for Creep Feeding18:03 Final Thoughts on Creep Feeding

Episode Resources
Try Ambrook for FREE: ambrook.com/casualcattle
Vence: https://bit.ly/4kfWrCG
https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/
Creep Grazing: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/casual-cattle-conversations-podcast-shownotes/creep-grazing

There's no silver bullet to family transition planning, but these 3 things sure help.Dave Specht shares some AMAZING adv...
27/05/2025

There's no silver bullet to family transition planning, but these 3 things sure help.

Dave Specht shares some AMAZING advice for transitioning family businesses in this week's podcast. Be sure to check that on your favorite podcast player.

26/05/2025

In this episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, host Shaye Wanner sits down with Dave Specht, a leading voice on generational ranching and family business continuity. Together, they dive into the complexities of ranch succession planning, emphasizing the importance of long-term goals, financial transparency, and the often-overlooked influence of matriarchs in agriculture.
Listeners will gain insights into:

Aligning generational expectations

Building stronger family relationships

Encouraging rising generations to find their fit

Using family history to shape future business decisions

Whether you're planning a ranch transition or strengthening your family’s communication, this episode is packed with valuable advice on securing the future of your family operation.
Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to Generational Ranching Dynamics

03:06 – Understanding Long-Term Goals in Family Ranching

05:54 – The Importance of Family Relationships

09:13 – Financial Transparency Across Generations

11:50 – Aligning Goals: Growth vs. Lifestyle

14:47 – The Role of Family History in Decision Making

18:06 – Generational Differences in Lifestyle Expectations

20:58 – Identifying Fit for the Family Business

24:03 – The Role of Matriarchs in Family Business Continuity

26:46 – Final Thoughts on Family Relationships and Business Success

Resources
Try Ambrook for FREE: ambrook.com/casualcattle
https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/

20/05/2025

Nothing was the way I'd always done it...yep that's me eating my own words. 🤦‍♀️

I grew up on a very progressive operation, so change was just a part of the plan. Yet, there were still things we always did.

Now, I'm on an operation where farming is the main focus and cows are second, if not third on the list.

Mineral & Nutrition Programs
Calving Season
Marketing
Seedstock vs. Commercial
Herd Health
Horses vs. ATVs

It just felt like nothing was the same. But it was really good for me. It's made me a better rancher and podcast host because...

we still raise high-quality cattle
they are well taken care of
they do their job

There have just been different ways of going about it.

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Who We Are

Casual Cattle Conversations is a podcast that shares the stories and practices of different ranchers. All topics related to ranching and the beef industry are expressed through this show. The host, Shaye Koester, strives to connect ranchers across the country through sharing their advice and different stories for others to hear.

Why a podcast about ranching? Shaye is passionate about the beef industry, education and believes in the power of storytelling. She started this podcast to tie all of her passions together in a way that would benefit others who are also passionate about the ranching lifestyle.