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
Schiefelbein Farms
Welcome to another episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast and our Producer Profile. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, the Publisher of American Cattlemen, and Don Schiefelbein with Schiefelbein Farms from Kimball, MN. Founded in 1955 by Frank and Frosty Schiefelbein, the farm began with two city residents who had no prior knowledge of cattle farming. Over the decades, the operation has grown to become Minnesota’s largest registered Angus operation and the 30th largest seed stock operation across all breeds. Today, the farm is a remarkable family enterprise, with seven of nine brothers working full-time, six grandchildren actively involved, and approximately 115 total family members. Their upcoming annual production sale on February 15, 2025, will feature 400 bulls, 50 elite bred registered Angus heifers, and two donor opportunities. What sets Schiefelbein Farms apart is their aggressive genetic improvement strategy. They utilize an extensive embryo transfer program where 25% of their registered cows serve as recipients, allowing them to upgrade average genetics to top-tier genetic lines. Don Schiefelbein explains that this approach allows them to make genetic progress three times faster than traditional breeding methods. The farm takes a unique approach to genetics, being open to using superior sires from various sources rather than limiting themselves to only their own bloodlines. They emphasize both genetic performance and visual appeal, believing producers should not have to compromise between numbers and looks. A key component of their business model is a comprehensive buyback program, which ensures producers investing in their genetics receive fair value. This program, started 30 years ago, demonstrates their commitment to supporting commercial cattlemen and connecting genetic potential with market performance. The farm’s philosophy centers on understanding and responding to consumer demands, recognizing that value-based beef production and programs like Certified Angus Beef have revolutionized the industry by rewarding quality and performance.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit: www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Rousey SimAngus
Welcome to another episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast and our Producer Profile. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, the Publisher of American Cattlemen, and Tyrell & Deandra Rousey of North Platte, Nebraska. Tyrell’s journey into the cattle industry began on his family’s dairy farm, where he developed a passion for cattle genetics and breeding. After studying animal science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he interned and then worked for Burgers Herd Masters, a specialized SimAngus cattle operation. In 2018, Tyrell and his wife Deandra were given the opportunity to lease the ranch and cow herd, establishing Rousey SimAngus LLC. Their upcoming annual bull sale, scheduled for February 8, 2025, at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds, will feature 90 black SimAngus and 70 red SimAngus bulls with diverse genetic backgrounds. The Rousey breeding philosophy centers on three key principles: practicality, functionality, and heterosis. They focus on creating balanced, easy-working cattle that can thrive in various ranch environments. Their approach emphasizes producing high-quality females, believing that exceptional bulls are a byproduct of exceptional cow herds. Their bull offerings showcase a variety of composite genetics, including quarter SimAngus, three-quarter Angus, and half-blood variations. Tyrell highlighted several sire groups, including flush brothers, Myers Fair and Square progeny, and Bruin Envisage lines, each bringing unique characteristics to the breeding program. The operation takes pride in creating cattle with strong maternal traits, good disposition, and adaptability. They carefully select bulls that contribute to herd improvement, focusing on traits like muscle definition, growth potential, and ease of management. Their goal is to provide commercial ranchers with genetics that can improve herd performance and reduce labor-intensive management. The podcast emphasized the Rousey SimAngus commitment to producing practical, functional cattle that can help ranchers improve their herds through hybrid vigor and thoughtful genetic selection.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit: www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Ceres Tag
Welcome to another edition of the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead we have Dustin Hector, the Director of Business Development, who sits down with the Founder& CEO of Ceres Tags David Smith. Smith, an engineer with a background in agriculture and international business, brings a unique perspective from Australia to the U.S. cattle industry. The podcast explored how Ceres Tag’s satellite-enabled animal health intelligence platform can help ranchers improve productivity and profitability. The key technology is a sensor attached to a cow’s ear that tracks multiple critical data points, including feed intake, movement, and location. One of the most significant advantages of the Ceres Tag is its ability to measure feed conversion efficiency. By tracking how much grass each individual animal consumes and correlating that with weight gain or milk production, ranchers can make more informed breeding and management decisions. This technology allows producers to optimize land carrying capacity and identify the most efficient animals in their herd. Security emerged as another crucial aspect of the technology. With satellite connectivity, ranchers can monitor their herds 24/7, regardless of their physical location. The system can set virtual boundaries and immediately alert owners if animals move outside designated areas or if unusual activity suggests potential theft. Livestock theft is a significant concern, with over 95% of incidents going unreported. Ceres Tag’s technology provides real-time tracking and alerts, increasing the likelihood of preventing or recovering stolen animals. This capability not only protects ranchers’ investments but could also potentially lower insurance and banking risks. Smith emphasized that this technology is becoming an essential tool for modern ranching, offering both financial insights and peace of mind. By providing comprehensive data on animal performance and location, Ceres Tag helps producers make better-informed decisions, ultimately improving their operational efficiency and profitability.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit: www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
K-Ler Cattle
Welcome to another episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast and our Producer Profile. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, the Publisher of American Cattlemen, and Seth Kaehler with K-Ler Cattle out of St Charles, Minnesota. Seth represents the fifth generation to live on their family farm, with plans to raise the sixth generation in the original household. The Kaehler family’s agricultural journey began when their great-great-grandfather, a wagon maker, started the operation through an unusual loan transaction. The Kaehler’s have a rich history in cattle breeding, initially working with Shorthorn, Angus, and Simmental breeds. Seth and his brother were both actively involved in the Junior Simmental Association, gaining early experience and passion for the industry. K-Ler Cattle focuses on breeding high-quality cattle with an emphasis on both performance and appearance. At the National Western Stock Show in Denver, the Kaehlers had a successful showing, securing reserve champion for five purebred Simmental bulls and three in the Performance, Genetics, and Economics (PNG) show. Their sale will feature 48 Simmental and Simangus bulls, five Angus bulls, 40 bred heifers, and some donor cows. The Kaehlers pride themselves on breeding cattle that not only have strong EPDs and indexes but also look exceptional. They focus on attitude, feet and leg structure, and offer a four-year feet and semen guarantee on their bulls. Their approach combines genetic performance with visual appeal, targeting both purebred and commercial cattle producers. Their sale offerings include bulls from notable bloodlines, with some coming from high-value cow families that have previously sold for significant prices. They also offer commercial replacement heifers, demonstrating their commitment to serving diverse market needs. The Kaehlers’ philosophy centers on breeding cattle that will ultimately help their customers make money, providing ongoing support and marketing assistance beyond the initial sale.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit: www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Safety Zone Calf Catcher
Welcome to another edition of the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead we have Dustin Hector, the Director of Business Development, who sits down with the owner of the Safety Zone Calf Catcher Dan Leo. Leo, a 77-year-old rancher, developed the Safety Zone Calf Catcher out of a genuine need to make calving season safer and more manageable for producers of all ages and experience levels. The Safety Zone Calf Catcher is a specialized unit that attaches to four-wheelers or side-by-sides, allowing ranchers to safely catch and handle newborn calves without risking injury from protective mother cows. The device features a front-opening door and a rear compartment that minimizes stress for both calves and cows during processing, tagging, and medical treatments. What began as a solution for older ranchers has evolved into a product appealing to producers across generations. The Safety Zone Calf Catcher addresses multiple challenges in modern cattle operations, including labor shortages and the inherent risks of handling newborn calves. Leo shared numerous testimonials demonstrating the product’s versatility, from helping inexperienced ranch hands to enabling truck drivers’ spouses to safely manage cattle during their partners’ absences. Manufactured entirely in Nebraska, the Calf Catcher is built with durability in mind. Leo takes pride in creating a product that can be passed down through generations, with one customer noting his grandchildren would likely still be using the unit years from now. The company has expanded its reach significantly, shipping units across the United States and even internationally to countries like Australia and France. The podcast highlighted how the Safety Zone Calf Catcher represents more than just a piece of equipment – it’s a solution that helps keep ranchers safe, extends their ability to work with cattle, and provides an opportunity for younger generations to participate in ranch operations more safely and confidently.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit: www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Vet Services for Large & Small Animals
Welcome to another edition of the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead we have the Publisher of the American Cattlemen, Gale McKinney, who sits down with Dr. Shynia Peterman with Lyons Veterinary Clinic to discuss vet services for large and small animals. A native of Lions, Kansas, Dr. Peterman graduated from Kansas State University and obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Oklahoma State University. Her passion for vet services began early, driven by a love for animals and a desire to work in rural veterinary practice. Lions Veterinary Clinic, founded in 1960, operates as a mixed animal practice serving Rice County and surrounding areas. The clinic handles both small and large animals, with a 50/50 split between small and large animal care, and occasionally treats exotic animals. Dr. Peterman and her colleague Dr. Scott Randolph lead a team of veterinary technicians and support staff. Her particular interest lies in beef cattle production, which originated from her experiences showing cattle in 4-H and developing her own cow-calf herd. The clinic provides comprehensive services for cattle producers, including ultrasound pregnancy checking, breeding soundness exams, processing, surgery, and even cattle hospitalization. Dr. Peterman emphasized the importance of safe, low-stress cattle handling, highlighting their state-of-the-art facility with a Silencer Max chute and turret gate system. She also discussed critical care for farm animals, particularly dogs and cats, stressing the importance of vaccinations, parasite prevention, and awareness of potential farm toxins like antifreeze and rat bait. When discussing recruitment into veterinary medicine, she advised aspiring veterinarians to understand it’s a lifestyle commitment. She encourages internships and emphasizes the importance of finding a workplace that feels like family. Her clinic actively seeks to attract and retain veterinarians in rural areas by creating a supportive, collaborative environment. The podcast underscores the vital role veterinarians play in agricultural communities, particularly in supporting cattle producers and maintaining animal health.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit: www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Thill Cattle Co.
Welcome to another episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast and our Producer Profile. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, the Publisher of American Cattlemen, along with Bryan and Riley Thill from Thill Cattle Co. The Thill family’s journey in cattle breeding began when Brian and his wife purchased 26 Angus-based cows early in their marriage, starting with affordable, older cows and gradually improving their herd’s genetics through strategic breeding techniques. Brian, who has a background in animal science and dairy science from Iowa State University, spent most of his career in cattle consulting, which helped shape the Thill Cattle Co’s approach to incorporating new technologies and innovative breeding strategies. Over the past 30 years, they’ve implemented artificial insemination and later expanded into embryo transfer, focusing on developing high-quality genetic lines. The operation has recently become particularly interested in the dairy-beef cross market, recognizing an opportunity to improve dairy cattle genetics. Thill Cattle Co. aims to produce bulls that can create more marketable crossbred calves with desirable characteristics like moderate frame size, excellent foot quality, and superior carcass traits. Riley, a pre-veterinary student at Iowa State University, is actively involved in the family business and has conducted research on early life impacts of beef-dairy cross calves. The family plans to showcase six animals at the Iowa Beef Expo, including four fall-born bulls and two show heifer prospects. These animals represent their commitment to both show stock and commercial cattle markets. Their breeding philosophy emphasizes diversity, with separate genetic lines for show cattle and commercial producers. They prioritize traits like homozygous black and polled genetics, good carcass characteristics, and adaptability for different market needs. The Thill Cattle Co. sees their approach as a way to serve multiple markets and respond to evolving industry demands, particularly in the growing beef-on-dairy sector.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit: www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Drake Simmental
Welcome to another episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast and our Producer Profile. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, the Publisher of American Cattlemen, and Flint Drake with Drake Simmental as they discuss the upcoming Bull & Female on January 31 at the Drake Sale Facility in Centerville, IA. Now in their 125th year on the home farm, the Drake Simmental operation is a multi-generational enterprise comprising four distinct farms: Drake Simmental, Drake Cattle Company, Iron Creek Cattle Company, and Harlan Cattle Company. The operation is guided by four core principles established by Charlie Drake: finding the best genetics, using advanced science in selection, maintaining an artistic eye for cattle structure, and providing honest service to customers. Today, they’ve evolved from pulled Herefords to a focus on Simmental and Simmental-Angus crossbreeding. Their upcoming sale on January 31, 2025, features an impressive lineup of bulls and bred heifers. The bull offering includes fall and yearling bulls with diverse genetic backgrounds. Highlights include sons of top-performing sires like Deadwood, Jackson, and Hooks Eagle, with a mix of purebred Simmental and Angus-cross bulls. Special attention has been paid to addressing breed-specific challenges, such as improving foot quality in Angus cattle. The 28 bred heifers represent a carefully selected group from their “keeper” lines, bred to their top bulls. Many of these heifers come from notable donor lines and offer comparable genetic potential to the bulls being sold. Flint Drake emphasizes their commitment to developing cattle that excel in multiple traits – combining calving ease, growth, maternal characteristics, and carcass quality. They’ve achieved this through disciplined breeding strategies, sourcing genetics from across the country and using advanced reproductive technologies like embryo transfer. The sale will be held at their facility near Centerville, Iowa, with live online bidding available. Bulls will be kept and fed until April, reflecting the family’s commitment to service and supporting their commercial customers.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit: www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
