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 Dr. Kipp Karges with Lallemand Animal Nutrition. 

Dr. Kip Karges, a leading expert in ruminant nutrition with over 25 years of experience, shares insights into optimizing herd performance during challenging environmental conditions. With recent rainfall alleviating drought conditions in West Texas, producers face unique opportunities and challenges in managing their pastures and cattle nutrition. Dr. Karges emphasizes that green grass isn’t always synonymous with optimal nutrition. The rapid grass growth can lead to increased lignin development, which significantly reduces forage digestibility and challenges the nutritional needs of modern high-producing cattle herds.

The discussion centers on the importance of fiber digestibility, an often-overlooked component of cattle nutrition. Dr. Karges, with Lallemand Animal Nutrition, describes nutrition as a “nutrient pie” where energy carbohydrates represent the largest slice. To maximize this energy potential, producers must focus on stimulating rumen microorganisms through strategic supplementation. Key nutritional strategies include incorporating degradable protein, which acts as a “gas pedal” in the rumen, and utilizing probiotics like Levucell SC. These tools can improve forage digestibility by breaking down fiber structures and enhancing microbial fermentation. The live yeast probiotic works by attaching to fiber bundles, creating openings that allow microorganisms to more effectively digest nutrients. As producers look toward late summer and early fall, Dr. Karges recommends developing a flexible nutrition program. This involves considering early weaning options, evaluating supplementation needs, and implementing strategies to optimize forage utilization. By understanding the complex interactions between grass quality, rumen microbiology, and nutritional supplementation, cattle producers can enhance herd performance and resilience. The podcast provides a comprehensive overview of advanced nutritional management techniques, offering producers practical insights into maintaining cattle health and productivity during challenging seasonal transitions.

For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.

American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:

DMTC Consulting  

Rawhide Portable Corrals  

Udder Tech, Inc.  

Smarter Cattle is a record-keeping software designed to make ranch management simpler and efficient.

I am so thrilled to know that the cattle industry is in the hands of a new generation of ranchers and industry professionals with exceptional skills!

Oaklee Trapp is a cattlewoman, entrepreneur, and founder of Smarter Cattle, a record-keeping software designed to make ranch management simpler and efficient. She’s from Tremont, Utah, where she lives and works on her family’s ranch. Oakley earned her bachelor’s degree in business management from Utah Tech University, where she also played four years of Division I softball. The idea for smarter cattle was born in an entrepreneurial class at Utah Tech, where she pitched the concept in a Shark Tank-style project, and has taken off ever since. Today, she’s passionate about helping fellow ranchers streamline their operations with the tools built by ranchers, for ranchers. 

Oaklee offers excellent feedback, information, and solutions to enhance your cattle business.

“Yeah, it’s, I honestly can’t stress it. Stress it enough like you’re talking about, you know, everybody has the little red book or a notebook that’s floating around in their truck a console full of papers, and a lot is riding on those things that could could blow away when you open the door or get lost or you never have it when you need it. So, having a centralized location is more than just necessary. You know, it’s it’s essential on a lot of different operations as well, from from the family operation, like I’m on here today, where it’s me, my dad and my sister, um, it always seems like we’re we weren’t in the right truck, where, where all the records were, or we were in different locations. And I needed to know something, so now, in that situation, we all have access, and we can pull it up on our phones at any time and look at it. We don’t have to be together.”

 Oaklee was a great interview, and you will soon tell by listening that she is passionate about her product.  Give this one a good listen, you won’t be disappointed!

For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast please check out the website:  www.americancattlemen.com

Sponsors:

DMTC Consulting

Rawhide Portable Corrals

Udder Tech Inc.

Welcome back to another episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast. Today, Dustin chats with Boyd Quinley, the Regional Manager for the Southwest Region for Vermeer.  Boyd will share his vast experience about Vermeer, its company history, and some key milestones they have reached.

Boyd will then discuss his background in rodeo and transition to Vermeer, highlighting the company’s focus on efficiency and innovation. Boyd then emphasized the importance of efficiency in hay production, noting that larger cutting and raking equipment can help producers manage unpredictable weather conditions. Boyd notes the current positive trends in the cattle industry, citing low beef cow inventory and high profit margins for cow-calf producers. Boyd will then share some of his insights on low beef cow inventories, record profit margins, and the challenges that producers are facing today. He also details Vermeer’s product offerings, including round balers, mixer wagons, and manure spreaders, emphasizing their role in enhancing productivity and efficiency. The conversation provided valuable perspectives on agricultural trends and technological advancements in modern ranching, and we hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did.

For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast please check out the website:  www.americancattlemen.com

Sponsors:

DMTC Consulting

Rawhide Portable Corrals

Udder Tech Inc.

It was a great learning experience to sit down with Tom Brink, the CEO of the Red Angus Association of America.  Join us on your favorite platform to listen to the wisdom of one of the cattle industry’s great minds.

Tom Brink is a prominent beef industry figure known for his extensive experience and expertise in the Red Angus breed. He has held significant leadership roles in various organizations, including Cattle-Fax, the American Gelbvieh Association, and JBS Five Rivers Feeding, LLC. Brink’s work has been instrumental in advancing the quality and profitability of Red Angus cattle. As the CEO of the Red Angus Association of America, he aims to bring the breed to the forefront of the beef industry, leveraging his industry knowledge and innovative thinking to drive success. Brink holds three degrees from Kansas State University and is firmly committed to genetic excellence and value-added programs for Red Angus breeders.

Tom and his wife have four children and six grandchildren. They reside in Brighton, Colorado, where Tom enjoys hiking, biking, and reading books and articles on various topics.

In this interview with Gale McKinney, Publisher of American Cattlemen Media, Tom covers several topics in a casual, fast-paced discussion.  Tom is a passionate leader who leads an outstanding team at Red Angus.  We were particularly intrigued by Tom’s insights on Sustainable Beef LLC – a new rancher-led beef processing plant slated to open in April 2025 in North Platte, Nebraska, that will implement the innovative grid. Notably, the grid is unique in equally rewarding Red Angus, black Angus, and smoky cattle.  “This grid pricing system could have a ripple effect throughout the industry, starting with the feeder calf market,”  Brink explained.  “Backgrounders and feedlots supplying cattle to Sustainable Beef can confidently pay the same amount for Red Angus and black-hided feeder cattle, knowing they will be rewarded equally for quality.”

Twin Rivers Media produces the American Cattlemen Podcast.

For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast please check out the website:  www.americancattlemen.com

Sponsors:

DMTC Consulting

Rawhide Portable Corrals

Udder Tech Inc.

Welcome to another episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast. Today, Gale chats with JD Hill, National Sales Manager for Creative Science.

JD has spent over 32 years in the animal health industry, beginning his career with Bayer Animal Health in 1993. He later joined Western Vet Supply, eventually becoming part of Patterson through several acquisitions. After 16 years in Distribution, JD transitioned back to the vendor and manufacturing side as Head of U.S. Operations for Sypharma Animal Health, an Australian-based company. In 2017, he became National Sales Manager for Kinetic Vet and currently holds the same position, leading the Creative Science Outside Sales Team.  JD is deeply grateful for the tremendous livelihood this industry has provided and the many lifelong friendships and relationships he’s built.

Today, Gale and JD had a great conversation, reminding us of a tried-and-true product: Re-Covr.

Re-Covr Injection is an antihistamine injectable solution for cattle and horses, containing tripelennamine hydrochloride. It blocks harmful histamine effects, which can delay recovery time. The injection is indicated for use in cattle with histamine toxemias such as pneumonia, mastitis, septic metritis, retained placenta, milk fever, grass tetany, displaced abomasum, bloat, grain overload, toxic indigestion, intestinal obstruction, colic, second-degree burns, or shipping fever. In horses, it is used for allergic reactions like asthma, urticaria, milk allergy, insect bites, anaphylactic shock, drug sensitivities, plant poisonings, snake bites, or edematous swelling. The injection requires a valid prescription and is not for beef calves less than 2 months of age, dairy calves, or veal calves.

Creative Science values the health and performance of competitive equine athletes and proudly supports the riders who care for them. Creative Science Ambassadors exemplify our vision, mission, and values and excel in their disciplines. These riders chose Creative Science from the vast array of animal health products available before becoming an ambassador because they simply work.

For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast please check out the website:  www.americancattlemen.com

Sponsors:

DMTC Consulting

Rawhide Portable Corrals

Udder Tech Inc.

Cattle Health Issues Podcast

Cattle health issues are one of cattlemen’s key challenges for a profitable herd. The partnership between veterinarians and cattlemen is critical to a successful cattle operation, regardless of operation type and size. Dr. Shynia Peterman, DVM, of the Lyons Vet Clinic in Lyons, Kansas, and Gale McKinney, the Voice of the American Cattlemen, will co-host a new podcast series entitled Veterinarians and Cattlemen: A Partnership in Cattle Health.

Dr. Shynia Peterman

A native of Lyons, KS, graduating from Lyons High School in 2014. She attended Kansas State University, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science in May of 2017. In May of 2021, Dr. Shynia graduated with her DVM Degree from the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Shynia enjoys working on all animals but has a strong passion for beef cattle production. In her spare time, Dr. Shynia loves spending time with her cattle, horse, family, friends, and two Australian Shepherds, Daria and Moonpie.

Lyons Veterinary Clinic

was founded in 1960 by Doc Downing as a mixed animal practice and is still operating as a mixed animal practice. Their clientele consists of 50% small and 50% large animals, with the occasional exotic animal. The clinic employs six full-time and four part-time employees, serving Rice County and extending to neighboring counties. The clinic offers routine animal care, hospitalization, surgery, and boarding. The Lyons Veterinary Clinic also has a sister clinic, Ark Veterinary Clinic, in Sterling, Kansas.

Gale McKinney, CPA,

Co-Owner and Publisher of American Cattlemen Media.  Gale obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree from Northwest Missouri State University. McKinney is a well-known voice in the cattle industry, with years of experience as a producer, financial, and marketing consultant.  Gale’s broad knowledge base and deep sense of client service provide listeners and readers with a unique perspective.   Gale and his wife Audra have taken a newsprint shopper magazine and developed it into one of the cattle industry’s leading marketing groups. 

Each episode will explore different topics. We will bring you guests from across the industry, including other vets, producers, and industry providers. Each episode will provide practical advice and awareness of important existing and new cattle health issues. We will also hear different viewpoints from professionals across the cattle industry. New techniques that are revolutionizing the cattle health field will be introduced. All this information will be delivered in a casual, friendly format produced by one of the industry’s most recognized media organizations, American Cattlemen.

The first episode of Veterinarians and Cattlemen: A Partnership in Cattle Health, which will be available in a week or so, will be “Getting those Spring Calves off and Running.” Our guest will be Roger Osinchuk, DVM, a practicing veterinarian and Wagyu cattle producer from Springfield, Vermont. 

Dr. Peterman and Dr. Osinchuk will provide some great contrasting thoughts on how to get the most out of these early days for those assets called calves! 

We are excited to have you in the truck for Veterinarians and Cattlemen: A Partnership in Cattle Health.  Be watching for announcements coming soon to watch on your favorite podcast platform.

For Dr. Shynia Peterman, this is Gale McKinney. We look forward to serving you, the American Cattlemen, Veterinarians and Cattlemen: A Partnership in Cattle Health.  

American Cattlemen

May 2025

Fire Safety Tips and Solutions.  Today, we present an insightful interview with John Mollhagen and Marc Ahrens, of Moly Mfg., who will discuss the importance of controlled burns, safety issues surrounding these events, and fire safety on farms and ranches. 

Join Gale, John, and Mark as they share experiences, advice, and solutions for this important and sometimes neglected area of farm safety!

Historically, controlled burns have typically occurred from January to April, depending on geographic location. However, this limited timeframe can restrict the effectiveness of a burning program. Nowadays, prescribed burns can occur year-round, providing more opportunities for land management. 

Fire safety is a significant concern for farmers and ranchers, impacting everything from fields to equipment and buildings. Every minute counts in emergencies! John experienced this firsthand when a controlled burn got out of control and nearly devastated a local community in Kansas. 

With limited resources and predominantly volunteer firefighters, rural communities often struggle to manage large fires effectively. To address this critical need, Moly designed the Hydro Dragon, which is created explicitly for rural fire departments, farmers, and ranchers. This innovative solution is valuable for controlled burns, grass fires, and emergency response situations.

IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE, contact emergency SERVICES. Do everything you can to prevent fires from starting. Fires may begin despite your best prevention efforts. Everyone must be evacuated immediately when a fire breaks out in a farm building. 

• DO NOT PANIC
• Call 911. Tell the dispatcher the type of fire (e.g., barn, shop, field), and give them your address and directions to your farm.
• Tell them the status of the fire. Is there smoke showing, or is the building fully engulfed in flames?
• Notify them if there are any people injured or trapped. 
• Inform them if there are animals involved. Note the types of animals, whether they are loose or contained, and how many are still in the building. 
• If the driveway is difficult to see or find, send someone out to meet the fire department. Many fire departments have delayed response times due to poor directions. 
• Shut off all power sources to the building.
• DO NOT enter the building! No one will know you are inside if you are the only one present. If the roof is on fire, it may collapse at any time.
• Contain animals in a field, corral, or trailer away from the fire

American Cattlemen

2025

Cattle health issues are one of the most critical considerations for any cattlemen.

The partnership between veterinarians and cattlemen is critical to a successful cattle operation, regardless of operation type and size. Dr. Shynia Peterman, DVM, of the Lyons Vet Clinic in Lyons, Kansas, and Gale McKinney, the Voice of the American Cattlemen, will co-host a new podcast series entitled Veterinarians and Cattlemen: A Partnership in Cattle Health.

Dr. Shynia Peterman is a native of Lyons, KS, graduating from Lyons High School in 2014. She attended Kansas State University, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science in May of 2017. In May of 2021, Dr. Shynia graduated with her DVM Degree from the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine 

Dr. Shynia enjoys working on all animals but has a strong passion for beef cattle production. In her spare time, Dr. Shynia loves spending time with her cattle, horse, family, friends, and two Australian Shepherds, Daria and Moonpie.

Lyons Veterinary Clinic was founded in 1960 by Doc Downing as a mixed animal practice and is still operating as a mixed animal practice. Their clientele consists of 50% small and 50% large animals, with the occasional exotic animal. The clinic employs six full-time and four part-time employees, serving Rice County and extending to neighboring counties. The clinic offers routine animal care, hospitalization, surgery, and boarding. The Lyons Veterinary Clinic also has a sister clinic, Ark Veterinary Clinic, in Sterling, Kansas.

Gale McKinney, CPA, is the Co-Owner and Publisher of American Cattlemen Media.  He obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree from Northwest Missouri State University. Gale is a well-known voice in the cattle industry, with years of experience as a producer, financial, and marketing consultant.  Gale’s broad knowledge base and deep sense of client service provide listeners and readers with a unique perspective.   Gale and his wife Audra have taken a newsprint shopper magazine and developed it into one of the cattle industry’s leading marketing groups. 

Each episode will explore different topics. We will bring you guests from across the industry, including other vets, producers, and industry providers. Each episode will provide practical advice and awareness of important existing and new cattle health issues. We will also hear different viewpoints from professionals across the cattle industry. New techniques that are revolutionizing the cattle health field will be introduced. All this information will be delivered in a casual, friendly format produced by one of the industry’s most recognized media organizations, American Cattlemen.

The first episode of Veterinarians and Cattlemen: A Partnership in Cattle Health, which will be available in a week or so, will be “Getting those Spring Calves off and Running.” Our guest will be Roger Osinchuk, DVM, a practicing veterinarian and Wagyu cattle producer from Springfield, Vermont. 

Dr. Peterman and Dr. Osinchuk will provide some great contrasting thoughts on how to get the most out of these early days for those assets called calves! 

We are excited to have you in the truck for Veterinarians and Cattlemen: A Partnership in Cattle Health.  Be watching for announcements coming soon to watch on your favorite podcast platform.

For Dr. Shynia Peterman, this is Gale McKinney. We look forward to serving you, the American Cattlemen, Veterinarians and Cattlemen: A Partnership in Cattle Health. 

American Cattlemen

May 2025