Hello everyone, and welcome to the July edition of American Cattlemen. It is a pleasure to share our recent experiences with you. My wife, Audra, and I had the distinct opportunity to attend the American Akaushi Convention in Kansas City last month. We conducted interviews with several leading producers, which will feature prominently in upcoming episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast.

Akaushi cattle, frequently heralded as the “Emperor’s Breed,” deserve special recognition. While all Akaushi cattle are classified as Wagyu, it is essential to understand that not all Wagyu cattle are Akaushi. The breed was introduced outside of Japan in the 1990s and has since gained global acclaim for its extraordinary marbling. This marbling is what gives Akaushi beef its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, buttery flavor. For those interested in learning more, I strongly encourage you to visit americancattlemen.com to access these insightful interviews.

During our journey to Kansas City, we also had the privilege of visiting five outstanding seedstock producers: Long Simmental (Rob Long), Eblen Simmentals (Scott Eblen), Nichols Farms (Ross Havens), Oswald Family Angus (Jamie Oswald), and High Point Genetics (Brian Oswald). We are incredibly grateful to these producers for their hospitality and valuable insights. Be sure to check out our social media pages for photos from these visits, which showcase some of the top producers of our industry.

The producers we met with shared an unwavering enthusiasm and a clear focus on improvement. They continuously asked, “How can we elevate our operations?” This forward-thinking perspective is particularly striking in the current landscape of record-high fat cattle prices and robust industry growth. It is promising to see such a commitment to advancement.

July also signifies the beginning of county fair season across the country, and I urge you to attend your local and state fairs. These events provide exceptional opportunities for producers and consumers to connect and build relationships.

Finally, as we observe Independence Day on July 4th, take a moment to reflect on the significance of our freedoms. We should never take our independence for granted, as many individuals around the world are not afforded the same rights. I wish you and your families a safe and joyful 4th of July celebration. God bless the United States of America! Best Regards, Gale

June has arrived, and with it comes the full swing of summer’s demands on cattle operations across the country. We know this season presents a unique set of hurdles, from getting the hay in and keeping pastures thriving to the ever-present challenge of managing when the skies stay stubbornly dry. It takes a special kind of determination and true grit to be a cattle producer, and we deeply respect the commitment you bring to your land and livestock daily.

This month’s issue of The American Cattlemen is packed with practical knowledge, tips, and insights from the industry to help you navigate the summer months. You’ll find valuable articles like Heather Smith Thomas’. “Smart Ways to Manage Cattle,” including the insights of some of the United States top producers. Don’t miss Jaclyn Krymowski’s piece, “Silent Profit Thieves: Managing External Parasites,” sheds light on often-overlooked threats to your bottom line. She gives us some tips on getting a pest management system started in your herd. For those considering an upgrade, Laura Nelson’s article, “Get Out of Defense Mode with Your Next Grazing Plan,” provides an offensive approach to some different grazing to maximize your pasture. Lastly, we have an article, “10 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Portable Scale System,” empowering you to make informed decisions for efficient management.

Make sure to check out www.americancattlemen.com for daily news and industry updates. I think you will find a recent story about the saga of Charles and Heather Maude, a South Dakota ranching family interesting.

Background: The Maudes were alerted by the United States Forest Service that fencing on their property blocked access to the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands and in good faith agreed to a survey of the property lines. After the survey was completed, the Maudes lives were turned upside down by the Biden Administration where a simple civil dispute over 25 acres of federal land turned into a costly, invasive, and unnecessary criminal prosecution.

As you tackle the daily tasks of summer, from baling hay to rotating pastures and hoping for that much-needed rain, know that the entire team at The American Cattlemen wishes you the best. We hope for you lush pastures, healthy herds, and a smooth and productive summer. Your dedication fuels our industry, and we proudly stand alongside you.

Finally, if you want to stay informed about the latest sales, news, and industry leaders, be sure to check out “The American Cattlemen Podcast.” You can find it on most podcast platforms or our website at  americancattlemen.com/podcasts.

Thank you for being an AMERICAN CATTLEMEN, Take Care!

As spring calving ends, fall-calving herds prepare for pregnancy checks, and uncertainty abounds in the trade area, producers face many challenges in this wonderful season of Spring. 

Even with uncertainty and plenty to do, we look at an industry where prices have never been better. The outlook remains strong for 2025, and the hundreds of seed stock producers we have spoken with had excellent spring sales seasons. Thank God.  

The American Cattlemen staff is looking forward to Farm and Ranch visits, which will get into full swing on June 1. These visits are an outstanding learning opportunity for us and further allow our readers to provide their input and gain insights from our staff on marketing and other industry practices.

Laura Nelson’s article on getting a new perspective on your pasture’s forage potential is must-read. It’s all too easy to overlook what’s right in front of us. Laura helps us make some critical decisions regarding our ranch and pastureland.

We also have a piece from Jessica Graham on improving hay quality with bags and wraps. There’s nothing like the smell of fresh-cut alfalfa, and the first hay cutting is coming soon. This article will help you ensure the best quality, and it’s invaluable once the snow flies this winter.  

Next up, Jaclyn Krymowski’s article on maintaining your cattle handling system is another key one this month.  Cattle handling equipment is a significant investment, and well-planned maintenance is essential. Jaclyn gives us tips on keeping that equipment in top shape.

Writer Heather Smith Thomas analyzes fly control strategies, which, let’s face it, are always hot topics. Manage those flies and improve the health of your herd.

We’re also covering some industry news, like Central Life Sciences Altosid IGR for horn fly control and R&R Machine Works, which has been doing custom and practical work in feeding and industrial manufacturing since ’76.

Don’t forget to check out the Upcoming Cattle Sales & Index section, too. It’s a great way to connect with folks selling some top-notch genetics. Here you can find a list of some renowned genetics and ranches, as well as information about how and when you can purchase some new livestock.

Finally, if you want to stay informed about the latest sales, news, and industry leaders, be sure to check out “The American Cattlemen Podcast.” You can find it on most podcast platforms or our website at  americancattlemen.com/podcasts.

Thank you for being an AMERICAN CATTLEMEN, Take Care!