The Beef Podcast Show

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a complex of pathogens that presents several challenges to the beef industry – since there are viruses and bacteria involved in the development of the disease, all of which are triggered by stressors, it is commonly considered a multifactorial issue. In other words, it is a disease that “hits cattle when they are at their worst” and, therefore, its prevention an...

Managing cattle health is crucial for feedlot production, once it can significantly impact the overall success of the business. In this episode, Dr. Mariana Guerra-Maupome emphasizes the relevance of integrating management software with the implementation of health protocols, individualized health programs, and cattle categorization. She also stresses the importance of continuously improving our c...

Implants have been proven to be a cost-effective investment for enhancing cattle growth and efficiency. In this episode, Dr. Loy shares insights on the research he has conducted on implants and their implementation in cattle feedlots, impact, and regulations. Particularly, he elaborates on his findings regarding implant timing and energy levels to achieve optimal growth and marbling without compro...

Pursuing sustainability is a pressing global demand. However, as complex as it may be, innovative livestock production methods can significantly enhance sustainable practices. For example, we can strengthen the sustainability of beef cattle production by incorporating novel coproducts into diets and studying nitrogen metabolism. On the quest to make beef more sustainable and healthy, consumers and...

Concerns have been raised regarding the disconnection between the sales ring and the commercial world – but, there is still some hope. In this episode, Dr. Dan Shike goes into the foundational purposes of judging programs and the way they have evolved into some kind of sport. However, he emphasizes how these programs can play a pivotal role towards the development of future livestock professionals...

The US beef industry has been shifting towards larger, consolidated operations that are more automated, technological, and have a growing number of feedlots to provide grain-based diets for fattening cattle. Additionally, sustainability concerns have prompted an increased focus on improving animal living conditions and reducing environmental impacts. As a result of those changes, the beef industry...

In the breeding of beef cattle, animals with desirable traits are selected and bred to produce offspring with improved meat-producing qualities. This process involves identifying the characteristics which are needed for meat production, such as growth rate and muscle development, and selecting the animals that exhibit these characteristics. Additionally, a good breeding program often decides which...

A successful breeding program depends on understanding the onset of pregnancy in beef herds. Monitoring heat cycles, observing the right timing for insemination, and identifying/addressing fertility problems are all parts of this process. Artificial Insemination (AI), for example, can increase pregnancy rates and improve genetic progress in beef herds. Indeed, the beef industry has been using repr...

The combination of teaching, research, and extension makes the beef industry more efficient, profitable, and sustainable. That is because those three pillars provide farmers, ranchers, and students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed – and take the industry with them. In this episode, Dr. Karl Hoppe discusses his experience working with beef production as a professor, researcher, and...

From direct-to-consumer beef business to cow-calf operations, Dr. Ryan Rhoades gives us an overview of the steps he took to succeed in the beef business, the decisions he made to grow his business, and the downsides he had to handle along the way. In addition, he shares all the knowledge about ranching he has obtained over the years and the challenges that producers face – in other words, some key...

The US cattle production is a complex multi-segment industry that counts with the participation of several parties, from the time the cattle are weaned to the time they are slaughtered. That is what is under the spotlight in this episode, in which Dr. David Lalman discusses the beef cattle industry – especially the stocker cattle segment. Additionally, he discusses research on the nutritional aspe...

The combination of high costs for pasture and drought conditions in Nebraska have led producers to bring cows into confinement, at least during a certain period of the year. However, that kind of management has some consequences, such as micronutrient deficiencies and disorders – observed as vitamin A clinical and subclinical signs, grass tetany, and nitrate toxicity. In this episode, Dr. Mary Dre...

Each different management practice causes many changes to beef production systems. Therefore, the key to success is to identify the ones that cause problems and the ones that better improve the production, sustainability, and profitability of the system. In this episode, Dr. Phillip Lancaster shares his knowledge and experience of doing association models with large data sets and predictive models...

Antibiotics are commonly used to prevent and treat diseases, but their overuse or misuse may lead to antibiotic resistance in cattle. Resistance to antibiotics occurs when bacteria evolve to survive exposure to drugs that are meant to kill the bacteria, and it can have severe consequences for animal and human health. Antibiotics must be used responsibly in the beef industry to protect the health o...

Cows can adapt to different environments if we allow them to experience some stress. However, is adaptation the key to profitability? A decrease in beef production costs is needed, and understanding the challenges and opportunities is an important goal. In this episode, Dr. Travis Mullinax shares his thoughts about moving in the wrong direction regarding adaptability and genetic selection. He also...

Animal welfare has become a widely discussed topic in animal production, and of course that includes the beef industry. In order to answer the new questions raised by consumers about meat production, we have been doing an excellent job at developing new research and adapting our practices to offer our herds a better quality of life. So why not bring some of the brilliant minds in that area to chat...

Mother nature can be tough on us humans and livestock as well. We saw it again this year with the devastating drought in the United States that led to emergency measures. We are limited on mitigation strategies to minimize the impact of these climate conditions. But what can we do to protect the cattle? And after the drought, how can we proceed? What strategies can we use to improve the outcomes a...

What determines the success of a beef farm? There are a lot of answers to that question, including animal health, welfare, nutrition, reproduction, and overall performance, environment and facilities, costs and profits, and the people involved in all of these processes. So preparing students to make the most out of a farm can be challenging, but it’s crucial. In the very first episode of The Beef...

The Beef Podcast Show is a brand new podcast where you’ll get fresh, cutting-edge insights – straight from the brightest minds of the global beef industry, right into your ears. Visit us at www.beefpodcastshow.com