Podcasts
Welcome to the American Cattlemen Podcast, hosted by Gale McKinney, where information, entertainment, and the cow/calf industry come together. Whether talking to a country western entertainer, cow/calf producer, or industry professional, ACP promises a different ride than other podcasts.
Welcome to American Cattlemen’s Producer Profiles where Gale brings the business and lifestyle of the Cow/Calf industry together. Whether it’s the most recent production sale to your local county fair Gale brings you interviews with the grassroot folks of the industry.
Our audience is United States cow/calf producers and worldwide industry professionals derived from our extensive social media following of over 500,000 unique industry professionals. Each episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast will be promoted through our digital outlets and the American Cattlemen magazine and newsletter.
Previous Episodes
Beef and Greet Celebration
Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, He’s the owner of the American Cattlemen, and he sits down with Larry Gran, the VP of Genetic Services for Jorgensen Land and Cattle, and Nichole Bechtel with Moly Manufacturing. Beef and Greet emerged as an innovative platform designed to bring beef producers together from across the United States. The primary goal extends beyond simply showcasing equipment and genetics; it’s about creating meaningful connections among cattlemen, facilitating discussions about industry challenges, sharing potential solutions, and gaining new connections. 
This year’s event in Bentonville, Arkansas marked a significant milestone with record attendance, nearly doubling last year’s participation from 75 to over 100 participants. The organizers are strategic about growth, aiming to maintain an intimate setting that allows for genuine interaction, with an ideal participant range of 150 to 200 producers.
The 2025 event promises an engaging agenda, including tours of the 808 Ranch and Vance Keaton’s property, discussions about JLC’s genetic programs, and an evening entertainment featuring singer-songwriter Claire Dunn. The organizers are committed to a regional approach, carefully curating participants who can contribute meaningful insights and learn from one another.
Looking forward, the Beef and Greet team is exploring potential locations for future events, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and meaningful engagement. They are passionate about creating an environment where beef producers can network, share experiences, and collectively advance the industry.
The podcast highlighted the event’s organic growth, driven by a genuine desire to strengthen connections within the beef production community. By focusing on quality interactions and regional representation, Beef and Greet is positioning itself as a unique and valuable platform for cattlemen nationwide.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit: www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Jim Dyer Akaushi Cattle
What a great visit with Jim Dyer about his cattle and trailer company! Such a friendly man with a great sense of humor. Jim not only tells a great story, but he tells a story with great content! 
Jim Dyer started their transition to raising Akaushi cattle in 2010. They were one of the first producers to purchase bulls from Heartbrand. After years of carefully selecting for desirable genetics, we now sell our own Akaushi bulls as well as females.
We raised El Padrino, the first heterozygous polled bull in the Akaushi breed, and are very excited about his progeny so far.
Big Bend Trailers was founded in 2003 after I identified a real need for a tough, user-friendly ranch trailer. I had spent years using various brands of stock trailers on my family’s ranch in the rugged Big Bend area of Texas, and I found that they all fell short in terms of durability and efficiency. Throughout the years of working with cattle, I developed a mental checklist of improvements I would like to see on a stock trailer. For instance, there was one trailer my family used that had rectangular tubing sides; we welded on every part of that trailer except the sides. I told myself that if I ever built a trailer, I would use square and rectangular tubing, and that is one of the features that sets our trailers apart today. It just so happened that in 2003, I was introduced to a family that owned a manufacturing company. I asked them if they could build livestock trailers, and they told me they could build whatever I could come up with. With their expertise in manufacturing and my experience in ranching, we developed a product that makes my life easier on the ranch, and it has slowly evolved into a business that we operate as a family. We have incorporated several ideas into these trailers to make them more durable and user friendly including the clean out gap to prevent rust, the handle to unhook from outside the truck bed, the slam latches on our rear and center gates as well as options such as the roller pins on the back bumper and the floating center gate. We constantly innovate and improve our trailers because we use them ourselves and figure out what works and what doesn’t. I think you will find the Big Bend to be a very tough and practical trailer that you can use in the harshest conditions, and it will hold up for you.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit: www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Christensen Genetics
The voice of the American Cattlemen, Gale McKinney, sits down with Seth Christensen at the American Akaushi Convention in Kansas City, Missouri, to talk about the cattle industry. Seth is an enthusiastic participant, and these two industry professionals pushed the chairs back and provided you with some great feedback on our industry! What a great conversation with Seth Christensen of Christensen Genetics. 
A bright young man with a passion for helping his clients find genetics that will assist them in building the cattle they want in their herd. We delve into the need for better education of the consumer market, with a thorough discussion on the importance of the entire cattle industry’s participation in this critical area. Seth Christensen has owned and operated a cattle business since 2004, making his living from cattle. With 20 years of experience in genetic and business management, in addition to a degree in Economics from Utah State University, Seth is well-qualified to answer your questions and help you reach your goals for your herd. Seth’s days are spent identifying and selecting the best beef cattle genetics in the world, and helping his clients incorporate them into their herds. Christensen Genetics exists to help you build your dream herd. Cattlemen and women are as unique as the environments in which they operate, with distinct business models and genetic needs. With clients in 40 states and 12 countries, representing over 21,000 head of cattle, Christensen Genetics understands the importance of matching the right genetic package with the right ranch. Regardless of your herd size, breed of choice, or point of sale, Christensen Genetics is here to help move your herd towards your established goals. Seth also hosts a great podcast called “Got Any Cows,” which can be found on most major podcast platforms.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast please check out the website: www.americancattlemen.com
Sponsors:
Akaushi Beef the Texas Way
Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, He’s the publisher of the American Cattlemen, and he sits down with the Martinez family with the 2F Akaushi Ranch. The Martinezes are a great family, and 2F Akaushi Ranch is a model of raising beef for the consumer! I had a great time interacting with this family at the American Akaushi Convention! They are excited about the cattle industry, and this multi-generational ranch will continue to serve the cattle industry long into the future. Felo, Stephanie, and Alyssa, thank you for being one of my very favorite interviews!
This cattle ranch family is charting its course and sustainability in the industry by selling beef.
Rancho Santa Fe is home to Felo and Stephanie Martinez, located south of San Isidro, Texas. Their family-owned and operated ranching business has been breeding, producing, and raising commercial cattle since 1984. They have improved the quality of South Texas beef by implementing Certified Akaushi Wagyu genetics. To make sure every cut of meat meets their standards, they oversee our cattle from our ranch to your table. We are proudly offering our premium Wagyu beef to local restaurants and households in the Rio Grande Valley.
“The Martinez family has been breeding and raising commercial cattle since 1984 on the family’s 1927 Rancho Santa Fe. Using certified Akaushi Wagyu genetics, the 2F Akaushi Ground Beef is a special 80/20 blend of chuck, rump, and steak trimmings, and is all-natural, hormone-free, and contains no antibiotics. 2F Akaushi Beef offers premium Wagyu beef to restaurants and households.”
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit: www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Wieser Concrete With Dan McKinney
Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, He’s the owner of the American Cattlemen, and he sits down with Dan McKinney, Ag Sales Rep with Wieser Concrete. With 60 years of family ownership, Wieser Concrete has established itself as a versatile concrete manufacturer serving commercial, residential, and agricultural markets. The conversation centered on underground manure storage systems, which have become increasingly popular among both dairy and beef producers.
Dan explained the comprehensive process of creating these storage solutions, including precast walls, floors, and specialized dry cast slats with exceptional durability. These underground pits offer significant advantages over traditional storage methods, including better nutrient retention, reduced real estate requirements, and improved environmental management. For cattle operations, these controlled housing environments provide numerous benefits. Cattle experience improved comfort, with dry living conditions that promote better hoof health. The underground storage systems minimize odors and environmental impact, making them neighbor-friendly and compliant with agricultural regulations. The concrete used in construction features self-consolidating techniques with added fiber, ensuring uniform strength and longevity. Dan highlighted the growing trend of beef producers adopting controlled housing, noting the efficiency gains in cattle weight gain and overall farm management. While initial investment costs are higher, producers can recoup expenses through improved operational efficiency over time. The systems work for various cattle operations, from dairy to beef, with adaptable designs that can accommodate different management styles. Wieser Concrete’s product range extends beyond manure storage, including bunker silos, feed bunks, cattle guards, grain storage, water tanks, and specialized cattle foot baths. The company’s commitment to engineering quality, NRCS approval, and customer service has been key to its 60-year success. The podcast concluded by promoting an upcoming open barn event where interested producers could learn more about Wieser Concrete’s innovative agricultural solutions.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit: www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
QualiTech
Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, he’s the director of business development for the American Cattlemen Media Group, and he sits down with Joshua Jendza with QualiTech. Joshua brings extensive experience in animal science, having worked in both large and small companies after completing his graduate degrees from Purdue University and a post-doctorate at the University of Minnesota. 
The conversation centers on QualiTech and their garlic-based products, specifically Feed Buds and Bio Edge Defend. Joshua explains that these products leverage the natural sulfur compounds found in garlic to provide multiple benefits for livestock. The garlic-derived products offer protection against external parasites like flies, ticks, and lice, as well as potential mitigation of internal parasites. The products are particularly appealing to producers because they are natural, cost-effective, and can be easily added to free-choice minerals.
Bio Edge Defend represents an evolution of their garlic product, incorporating fennel oil to address heat stress in animals. Joshua highlights research showing fennel’s ability to interact with neuro-endocrine nerves, potentially reducing stress and improving animal performance during high-temperature periods. The product aims to mitigate the secondary stressors caused by heat, such as immune responses and oxidative stress.
Looking toward the future of animal nutrition, Joshua predicts significant breakthroughs in methane emission reduction for cattle. He envisions developing strategies that can convert energy typically lost as methane into usable meat products, creating a win-win scenario for producers and consumers. Interestingly, their research has shown that garlic may play a role in this process by inhibiting methane-producing microbes in the rumen, though currently not economically viable at scale.
The podcast provides insights into innovative, natural approaches to animal health and nutrition, showcasing QualiTech and their commitment to developing science-backed, environmentally conscious solutions for livestock producers.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast please check out the website: www.americancattlemen.com
Sponsors:
AgSights With Betty Jo-Almond
Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, He’s the publisher of the American Cattlemen, and he sits down with Betty Jo-Almond with AgSights. Betty Jo-Almond, with a background in animal science and genetics, shared her journey from growing up on a beef farm to working with AgSights, an organization focused on making data capture along the food supply chain more efficient and valuable.
AgSights offers four distinct services: Bio Track, Bio Links, Processor Links, and Genetic Services, all designed to help farmers and ranchers make more informed decisions. The organization’s core philosophy centers on simplifying record-keeping, leveraging technology, and providing meaningful insights that can improve farm profitability.
The cooperative’s approach is unique, as clients own the company and directly influence its development. By taking a consultative approach, AgSights helps producers transition from manual record-keeping to digital systems, making data collection and analysis more accessible and useful. Their genetic services include evaluations across all breeds, helping commercial herds make more strategic breeding decisions.
One of AgSights’ most innovative offerings is Bio Links, an inventory and sales solution for small to medium-sized businesses. This system allows producers to track products from pasture to plate, providing detailed information about animal management and helping businesses tell their product’s story to consumers.
The organization emphasizes the critical connection between farm data and end-product quality. By linking on-farm records with processing information, they help producers understand how factors like health challenges can impact meat quality and ultimately, profitability.
Throughout the podcast, Betty highlighted the importance of data-driven decision-making in modern agriculture. AgSights aims to transform how farmers collect, interpret, and utilize information, providing tools and insights that can help livestock producers improve their operations and create higher-value products.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit: www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Gelbvieh and Balancer Cattle
Gelbvieh and Balancer Cattle have led the way in providing commercial cattlemen with genetic capabilities to increase weaning weight and improve their profitability. Learn more in this episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast!
What a great interview with an exceptionally gracious guest, Mr Harold Bertz, Executive Director of the American Gelbvieh Association.
“Harold recently served as the Chief Operating Officer of the American Royal in Kansas City. He previously worked for the Red Angus Association of America for nearly ten years, focusing on increasing the acceptance of Red Angus cattle among commercial cow-calf producers and feedlots. The Burt’s family farm, located near Mayview, Missouri, has been in the family for seven generations. He and his wife Melissa are also involved with her family’s farm near Parker, Kansas. They have two grown children who are active in the beef industry. Harold, welcome to the American Cattlemen podcast.”
Please note that Harold and Melissa have family roots that run seven generations deep in Cattle Production History, a testament to their strong background in serving producers.
Harold and I discussed numerous topics, ranging from the origins of the Gelbieh breed in the USA to the strong genetic influence Gelbieh has through the Balancer genetic line. Harold provides detailed insight for commercial producers in the area of heterosis and genetic improvement.
I find the Gelbvieh Association’s dedication to its youth program particularly interesting. Harold understands that maintaining and fostering a strong youth program is one key to the cattle industry’s future.
“Yeah, I think that’s a constant battle for all of us in agriculture. Especially here in the beef industry. And, you know, I believe we’ve discussed the youth quite a bit. I think they do a tremendous job of telling our story. We have one of our contests in podcasting, and the youth create a podcast. And I think that, you know, I know the story that that my son is able to tell his peers about what he does on the farm and ranch is far superior to what I’m what I’m telling so I I think we’ve, we’ve done a good job in agriculture of creating a group of folks, a group of youth that are now becoming adults and active in the industry, that do a tremendous job of sharing our story. I don’t think we can rest on that. I think we need to keep pushing forward and continue developing, making every generation better, because you’re right. There is a small percentage of people who participate in the hands-on aspect of production agriculture. I think that that we have to be constantly aware, constantly moving, and be extremely agile as an industry, to keep telling that story and to keep pushing again what a quality protein we are and how much care and thought goes into creating that wonderful experience that they have, whether it’s at their home or their favorite restaurant.”
I hope you take a few minutes and listen to this episode—excellent insights from one of our industry’s leaders. Check out my interview with Harold Berz, Executive Director of The American Gelbvieh Association!
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast please check out the website: www.americancattlemen.com
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
