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Seventy percent of your cattle's immune system lives in the gut — and most producers aren't feeding to that number. In this episode of the We Live It Livestock & Ranching Podcast, Hardy Goodman, Area Sales Manager for VitaFirm by BioZyme, breaks down the science behind gut health, heat stress technology, and why the Southeast cattle market is generating momentum that producers across the country need to pay attention to.What is VitaFirm and what makes it different?VitaFirm is a technology-driven animal nutrition platform built by BioZyme. At its core is a prebiotic backed by over 200 peer-reviewed studies — one of the most research-supported feed additives in the beef cattle industry. Hardy's approach is proactive, not reactive: build gut health before problems start, and the herd handles everything else better. Products discussed include Liquid Boost, SureChamp pellets, and Climate Control Gel, applicable across both show livestock and commercial cow-calf operations.What is VitaFirm's heat technology and how does it work?VitaFirm's heat technology is a proprietary blend of essential oils, garlic, cinnamon, and a vasodilator designed to help cattle dissipate heat more effectively. The result is a measurable 3–4 degree reduction in body temperature — enough to keep cattle out grazing during the hottest parts of the day and maintain body condition score through summer. Hardy puts it plainly: if someone moved your thermostat 4 degrees in either direction, somebody in your house would be yelling. The same principle applies to your herd.Why does gut health drive cattle immunity?Research shows that 70% of cattle immunity is tied directly to gut health. A healthy gut microbiome improves digestibility, nutrient absorption, and the animal's ability to respond to stress — whether that's heat, weaning, or shipping. VitaFirm's prebiotic technology is the foundation of every product recommendation Hardy makes, because no mineral program performs at its ceiling in a compromised gut environment.Why is the Southeast cattle market heating up?The Southeast is seeing real momentum — tighter cow numbers nationally combined with strong forage resources and growing producer investment in genetics and nutrition are positioning the region competitively. Hardy also previews VitaFirm's upcoming Heritage Film, spotlighting Johnston Brangus in Alabama — one of the first families to bring fescue to the state — as a story of the deep roots driving that momentum.About Hardy GoodmanHardy grew up in South Georgia with a cattle and show livestock background, earned his ag degree from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Georgia, and spent time in the cotton industry before landing his career with VitaFirm. His credibility with producers comes from a simple principle: he used the product before he ever sold it.Hosts: Casey Mabry & Wade LeistGuest: Hardy Goodman, Area Sales Manager — VitaFirm by BioZyme🌐 vitafirm.com🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on livestock, ranching, and cattle markets from producers who actually live it.We Live It Livestock & Ranching Podcast — Real conversations for real producers.

In this episode of the We Live It, hosts Ty deCordova and Casey Mabry sit down with Brett Spader, Executive Vice President of the American International Charolais Association (AICA), for a forward-thinking conversation about data, technology, and the future of beef genetics.Brett brings a deep resume to his role at AICA — from his early days as a fieldman for the Kansas Livestock Association, to his time in the auction world, to leading Angus Media and co-founding his own digital agency, Livestock Launch. His career has always orbited the seed stock industry, and that foundation shapes every initiative he's driving at Charolais today.At the center of the conversation is Value Trace — a proprietary AI-powered program built in partnership with Austin-based Frontiers Market. The program deploys solar-powered cameras in commercial feed yards to collect real-time individual animal data, including live weight, feed conversion, predictive red meat yield, predictive quality grade, and health diagnostics. Currently in its third phase, Value Trace now has roughly 3,000 head under camera across nine feed yards in six states.Brett breaks down how the camera technology works — using facial and body conformation recognition to individually identify cattle, weigh them in real time at the bunk, and even predict optimal harvest timing based on back fat, physiological maturity, and sire EPDs. The end goal is simple but powerful: create a full data loop from the seed stock producer all the way through the packer, so that everyone in the chain can make smarter decisions and capture more value.The conversation also digs into why red meat yield is the next major frontier for the U.S. beef industry. With choice grade becoming the new commodity baseline and finish weights climbing, Brett explains why Charolais genetics — known as a terminal sire option — are uniquely positioned to deliver muscle-forward carcasses without sacrificing grade. He also hints at exciting news coming from a K-State life cycle assessment study and new cutout research with Dr. Dwayne Wolf.Whether you're a cow-calf producer, seed stock operator, or cattle feeder, this episode is packed with insight on where beef genetics, technology, and industry data are heading.Visit charolaisusa.com to learn more or connect with the AICA team directly.🧬 Powered by BioZyme®The We Live It podcast is proudly powered by BioZyme, the makers of VitaFerm® and Gain Smart®. Proper cattle nutrition is the foundation of livestock health.Through LiveAg’s nationwide video auction platform, cattle fed BioZyme minerals gain exposure to a national buyer base, often resulting in premium returns.🔗 Learn More: https://biozymeinc.com/blog/biozyme-partners-with-liveag/Sponsored by Parnell Life Sciences:nixiFLOR® is the first FDA-approved generic version of Resflor Gold®, containing the sameactive ingredients, florfenicol and flunixin meglumine. The FDA determined the product isbioequivalent to Resflor Gold®, offering veterinarians and producers a cost-effective alternativewith the same proven performance. Learn more: https://parnell.com/products/livestock/nixiflor00:00 - Welcome & Intro00:35 - Brett Spader's Background & Career Journey02:44 - Introduction to Value Trace & Using AI in Beef Production04:39 - The Hot Carcass Weight Trend & Telling the Story Through Data07:00 - How Value Trace Creates Value for Bull Buyers & Cattle Feeders08:12 - How the Camera Technology Works in the Feed Yard10:31 - The Cattle Feeder Dashboard & Procurement Tools11:03 - Connecting Seed Stock Producers, Commercial Operators & Feed Yards13:49 - Data Value vs. Dollar Value15:24 - Shortening the Genetic Feedback Loop16:26 - Driving Red Meat Yield & the Future of U.S. Beef19:11 - Consistency, Finish Weights & the Power of Char-Cross Calves20:29 - Upcoming Research, Life Cycle Assessment & How to Connect with AICA21:34 - Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Brett

In this episode of the We Live It podcast, Ty deCordova and Casey Mabry sit down with Troy Marshall, Director of Commercial Industry Relations at the American Angus Association, to break down the AngusLink program and what it means for commercial cow-calf producers who are serious about getting paid for their genetics.Troy brings a unique perspective to his role — not just as an industry professional, but as someone who spent a lifetime ranching registered Angus and Sim-Angus cattle in Eastern Colorado before joining the Association. That real-world experience shapes the way he talks about genetics: not just as numbers on paper, but as something you have to live to truly understand.At the heart of the conversation is the Genetic Merit Scorecard (GMS) — a tool Troy describes as the "Carfax report" for a pen of feeder cattle. The scorecard uses EPDs from a producer's bull battery to generate four scores — Beef, Feedyard, Grid, and Maternal — all on a 0–200 scale where 100 represents industry average. The result is an objective, third-party-verified snapshot of the genetic potential in a set of calves, helping buyers make confident purchasing decisions and helping sellers get rewarded for the investments they've already made.Troy shares some eye-opening validation data from 120,000 head, showing how each 10-point step up in the scorecard correlates with measurable improvements in marbling, ribeye area, and average daily gain. Cattle enrolled through the National Beef/USPB partnership are averaging over 40% prime — compared to an industry average of around 11%.The guys also cover the GeneMax Advantage — a genomic testing tool that can be layered into the scorecard to improve accuracy and better describe the cow herd over time. And for producers marketing through LiveAg, the scorecard data flows directly into the listing, making it easy for buyers to see the genetics behind what they're bidding on.If you're a cow-calf producer who's been doing things right and not getting credit for it at the sale barn, this episode is for you.Enroll or learn more: Contact IMI Global or the American Angus Association to get started — it takes about a 10–15 minute phone call and your bull battery registration numbers.🧬 Powered by BioZyme®The We Live It podcast is proudly powered by BioZyme, the makers of VitaFerm® and Gain Smart®. Proper cattle nutrition is the foundation of livestock health. Through LiveAg’s nationwide video auction platform, cattle fed BioZyme minerals gain exposure to a national buyer base, often resulting in premium returns.🔗 Learn More: https://biozymeinc.com/blog/biozyme-partners-with-liveag/Sponsored by Parnell Life Sciences:nixiFLOR® is the first FDA-approved generic version of Resflor Gold®, containing the sameactive ingredients, florfenicol and flunixin meglumine. The FDA determined the product isbioequivalent to Resflor Gold®, offering veterinarians and producers a cost-effective alternativewith the same proven performance. Learn more: https://parnell.com/products/livestock/nixiflor

We're coming to you live from Hope Hull, Alabama, right out of the brand-new Elite Livestock Marketing Group facility. Ty sits down with Darrell Stokes and Jerry Etheredge of Elite Livestock ahead of their Grass Time Special sale on Thursday, April 23, reflecting on a year of partnership with LiveAg and everything that's been built along the way.From the jump, Jerry and Darrell share what the partnership has meant for their operation — increased buyer base, expanded geographic reach, and load lot goals that weren't just met, but surpassed. Darrell even gave away a vacation to Hawaii to make good on a bold promise. The conversation goes deep on what makes this partnership work: trust, people, and a shared foundation of faith. Jerry wraps it up with something worth celebrating: this is the largest video cattle auction ever held in the state of Alabama. That's not a small thing — that's history being made right here at Elite Livestock and LiveAg.If you're a producer looking to grow your program, expand your buyer base, or learn what a LiveAg partnership looks like in the real world, this episode is for you. Reach out to Darrell and Jerry locally, or connect with the LiveAg team wherever you are on www.live-ag.comThe We Live It podcast is proudly powered by BioZyme, the makers of VitaFerm® and Gain Smart®. Cattle health starts with proper nutrition, and that is why BioZyme® Inc., a leader in animal nutrition and health, is excited to partner with LiveAg, one of the fastest-growing livestock marketing firms in the country. Through LiveAg’s nationwide video auction platform and sale broadcast services, cattle fed VitaFerm and Gain Smart mineral are positioned in front of a national, competitive buyer base on sale day, often receiving premium returns. Learn more:https://biozymeinc.com/blog/biozyme-partners-with-liveag/?utm_source=live_ag&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=live_ag_podcast_march00:00 – Welcome & Live from Hope Hull, Alabama00:56 – Jerry Etheredge on the LiveAg Partnership01:26 – Exceeding Load Lot Goals & the Hawaii Vacation02:10 – Rep Group Growth: Wesley, Mississippi, Louisiana & Florida02:41 – What Makes the Partnership Work04:48 – The People Behind LiveAg: Whitney, Mitch & Shawna05:10 – Built on Faith: The Kingdom Vision06:05 – Starting Every Sale with Prayer & the National Anthem06:21 – The Grass Time Special Sale Overview07:30 – Young Producers in the Stocker Business08:46 – Breaking Down the Sale Lineup: Yearlings & Calves09:33 – Cleveland Landing Cattle10:26 – Florida Cattle & Drought Conditions11:42 – Largest Video Cattle Auction in Alabama History12:04 – How to Partner with LiveAg13:41 – Closing Thoughts & God Bless

What started as a casual idea between two Oklahoma cattlemen is turning into one of the most ambitious auctioneer competitions the livestock industry has ever seen.Ty and Casey sit down with Sam Stamper of Checotah Livestock and auctioneer Brian Marlin to break down A League of Their Own, a head-to-head auctioneer contest that's already paying out serious money and is about to get a whole lot bigger.Sam and Brian walk through how the concept grew out of their rodeo and match-roping roots, and how a phone call from a mutual friend eventually landed them in Oklahoma City drawing the whole thing out on a napkin with the LiveAg team. What they've built in year one is already turning heads — nine world champion auctioneers, weekly payouts, and over $63,000 paid out to competitors with zero entry fees.Here's what they get into:- The origin of A League of Their Own and how the head-to-head bracket format came together- The 2026 finals field — five world champions, two reserve world champions, an international champion, and more- What the payout structure looks like: $25,000 to win, $15,000 for second, $10,000 for third- The 2027 expansion plan — 66 auctioneers, 33 sale barn hosts, a March Madness-style bracket, and a $10,000 qualifier bonus- The big announcement — the 2027 A League of Their Own Finals are headed to the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, Nevada, in partnership with LiveAgAll contest rounds will be broadcast live on LiveAg's YouTube channel. Visit live-ag.com for sponsorship availability and follow A League of Their Own on social media for updates.The We Live It podcast is proudly powered by BioZyme, the makers of VitaFerm® and Gain Smart®. Cattle health starts with proper nutrition, and that is why BioZyme® Inc., a leader in animal nutrition and health, is excited to partner with LiveAg, one of the fastest-growing livestock marketing firms in the country. Through LiveAg’s nationwide video auction platform and sale broadcast services, cattle fed VitaFerm and Gain Smart mineral are positioned in front of a national, competitive buyer base on sale day, often receiving premium returns. Learn more:https://biozymeinc.com/blog/biozyme-partners-with-liveag/?utm_source=live_ag&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=live_ag_podcast_march00:00 — Welcome & Guest Introductions01:03 — Sam Stamper: Growing Up in Beggs, Oklahoma02:20 — The Jim Bob Cross Connection & Leasing the Checotah Facilities03:16 — Brian Marlin: Learning the Trade Under Brian Little & 20 Years Behind the Mic04:45 — The Origin of A League of Their Own: How the Head-to-Head Concept Was Born06:14 — Year One Recap: World Champions, Weekly Matchups & the Competition Field07:22 — The 2025 Finals Payout: $25K to Win, $15K for Second, $10K for Third08:06 — How the Weekly Payout Structure Works — $63,000 Out With Zero Entry Fees08:56 — The 2027 Expansion: 66 Auctioneers, 33 Host Barns & a National Bracket11:16 — The Big Announcement: A League of Their Own Finals Coming to Las Vegas11:51 — How LiveAg Got Involved13:39 — The Qualifier Format & How Young Auctioneers Get a Shot15:32 — Spectator Involvement and What's Coming Down the Road16:23 — Barn Matchups Will Be Broadcast on LiveAg'16:56 — How the Barn Fee Structure Works & What Host Barns Stand to Win18:11 — Final Thoughts: Building Something on a Kingdom Foundation21:13 — How to Get Involved, Sponsorship Opportunities & Contact Info

The cattle market continues to show strong resilience despite plant strikes, high fuel costs, and global uncertainty. In this week’s We Live It Weekly Market Update, Ty DeCordova and Casey Mabry break down the latest trends impacting beef cattle prices, feeder cattle demand, and livestock auctions across the country.This week’s highlights include: • Live cattle futures pushing higher • Feeder cattle prices showing continued strength • Tight cattle supply supporting the market • Greeley plant strike impact on slaughter numbers • Strong demand at recent livestock auctions • Feedyard competition for limited inventoryWith slaughter numbers running near 410,000 head compared to 500,000 in previous years, supply remains tight and continues to support stronger cattle prices. Futures markets also pushed higher, with June live cattle reaching the 243 range and feeder cattle continuing to show strong momentum. Ranchers, cattlemen, and livestock producers should stay informed as market conditions continue to evolve.Subscribe for weekly updates covering: • Beef cattle markets • Livestock auctions • Feeder cattle trends • Rancher insights • Cattle industry newsThe We Live It Podcast brings real-world cattle market insight from producers and industry professionals who live it every day.The We Live It podcast is proudly powered by BioZyme, the makers of VitaFerm® and Gain Smart®. Cattle health starts with proper nutrition, and that is why BioZyme® Inc., a leader in animal nutrition and health, is excited to partner with LiveAg, one of the fastest-growing livestock marketing firms in the country. Through LiveAg’s nationwide video auction platform and sale broadcast services, cattle fed VitaFerm and Gain Smart mineral are positioned in front of a national, competitive buyer base on sale day, often receiving premium returns. Learn more here. At Blue Reef Agri-Marketing, personal connection is the first step to clarity and confidence in a volatile market. Whether you have a quick question, want to talk strategy, or need a fresh perspective, they're here to help. Contact their team here: https://bluereef.ag/contact-blue-reef/

What does it take to lead with purpose in the livestock industry?BioZyme CEO Lisa Norton joins the We Live It Podcast to discuss leadership, building strong teams, and the importance of innovation in animal nutrition and agriculture.In this episode, we also share the announcement of LiveAg’s partnership with BioZyme, bringing additional visibility to cattle backed by VitaFerm® and Gain Smart® nutrition programs. Through LiveAg’s nationwide video auction platform, producers who invest in premium nutrition and sound management can better showcase their cattle to a competitive national buyer base.This conversation highlights: • Leadership in the livestock industry • Building strong teams and company culture • The importance of fermentation and nutrition science • Value-added marketing opportunities for producers • The future of data-driven cattle marketingAt the end of the day, good cattle start with good management, strong partnerships, and the right people behind them.Subscribe for more conversations with leaders who truly live it.The We Live It podcast is proudly powered by BioZyme, the makers of VitaFerm® and Gain Smart®. Cattle health starts with proper nutrition, and that is why BioZyme® Inc., a leader in animal nutrition and health, is excited to partner with LiveAg, one of the fastest-growing livestock marketing firms in the country. Through LiveAg’s nationwide video auction platform and sale broadcast services, cattle fed VitaFerm and Gain Smart mineral are positioned in front of a national, competitive buyer base on sale day, often receiving premium returns. Learn more here. 00:00 Highlight Clip 01:03 Show Intro 01:18 Welcome & Lisa Norton Introduction 03:05 BioZyme Company Overview 05:40 Leadership & Company Growth 08:15 Hiring the Right People in Agriculture 10:02 Company Culture & Team Building 11:35 Lisa Norton’s Career Journey 15:45 Innovation & Fermentation Technology 19:29 The Future of Livestock Industry 21:50 Leadership Philosophy 23:20 Closing Thoughts

In this episode of We Live It, Ty deCordova and Casey Mabry sit down with Andy Holloway of Canadian, Texas, for a grounded conversation straight out of the Texas Panhandle.They cover what producers are seeing in the market right now, how replacement females are fitting into long-term strategies, and why staying connected to industry conversations matters more than ever. From local insight to bigger-picture policy and market signals, this episode is about thinking ahead, building relationships, and staying sharp in a changing cattle industry.If you’re in the business, thinking about getting in, or just want to stay informed, this is one worth listening to.The We Live It podcast is proudly powered by BioZyme, the makers of VitaFerm® and Gain Smart®. Cattle health starts with proper nutrition, and that is why BioZyme® Inc., a leader in animal nutrition and health, is excited to partner with LiveAg, one of the fastest-growing livestock marketing firms in the country. Through LiveAg’s nationwide video auction platform and sale broadcast services, cattle fed VitaFerm and Gain Smart mineral are positioned in front of a national, competitive buyer base on sale day, often receiving premium returns. Learn more here.  00:00 Intro & Welcome 01:45 Life & Ranching in Canadian, Texas 05:30 Current Cattle Market Conditions 10:15 Replacement Females & Long-Term Strategy 16:40 Building Relationships in the Industry 22:10 Staying Ahead of Policy & Trends 27:30 Texas Panhandle Perspective 32:00 Final Thoughts & Takeaways

In this episode of the We Live It Podcast, we sit down with Angus breeder Josh Worthington of Worthington Angus in Dadeville, Missouri. Recently recognized as the American Angus Association's Young Angus Breeder of the Year, Josh shares how discipline, proven genetics, and a customer-first mindset have shaped his Angus bull program.We discuss what commercial cattle producers should look for in Angus bulls, how seedstock decisions impact calf crops at weaning, and why consistency and long-term breeding strategy matter in today’s bull market. Josh also shares insights on building a successful bull sale, reaching new buyers through online bidding, and staying focused on delivering value to customers.Get registered for the Worthington Angus bull sale on March 28, here: https://bid.live-ag.com/events/event/325/worthington-angus-11th-annual-spring-saleIf you’re involved in Angus cattle, bull sales, or commercial cow-calf production, this episode is packed with practical insight from a breeder who has built his program from the ground up.🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with Angus breeders, cattle producers, and leaders in the livestock industry.We’re proud to partner with BioZyme, Inc., the makers of VitaFerm and Gain Smart. Learn more: https://biozymeinc.com/blog/biozyme-partners-with-liveag/

This week on the We Live It Podcast, Ty deCordova and Casey Mabry sit down with Doug Stanton of IMI Global to break down one of the biggest new announcements in value-added cattle marketing — the Raise Well program.If you're wondering:How do I add more buyers on sale day?What claims actually matter in today’s market?What are retailers and consumers demanding in 2026?Is Raise Well different from CARE or Natural programs?Should I bundle verification programs?We cover it all.Doug walks through the evolution of third-party verification programs including: • Source & Age • NHTC (Non-Hormone Treated Cattle) • Natural • CARE sustainability platform • Angus Link & GMS • And now… Raise WellRaise Well is an animal welfare-based, natural, traceable program already approved by Whole Foods and being utilized by retail supply chains. It represents a growing shift toward consumer-driven beef standards and gives producers another opportunity to attract new buyers.The key takeaway?You don’t build premiums overnight — you build buyer pools.The more programs you qualify for, the more options you create on sale day.If you're marketing feeder cattle, backgrounding calves, or selling through video auctions, this episode will help you understand how third-party verification adds market access and protects long-term buyer relationships.Subscribe for weekly conversations built by cattle people, for cattle people.#RaiseWell #IMIGlobal #CattleMarketing #VerifiedBeef #WeLiveIt

Recorded live at Colorado Rockies home turf, Coors Field, during Stockmen at the Stadium, this episode is one we’ll never forget.We sat down with legendary cattle feeder, former President of ConAgra Red Meats, and Rockies owner Dick Monfort for a conversation that bridged two iconic American institutions: beef and baseball.Long before stadium lights and opening day crowds, Dick was riding pens at four years old, feeding cattle alongside his grandfather in northern Colorado. He helped lead one of the most transformative eras in the beef industry, from shipping live animals to pioneering boxed beef, to scaling plants that harvested over 100,000 head per week. He lived through razor-thin margins, near bankruptcy, plant start-ups, industry reinvention, and the relentless grind of feeding a nation.Then came a curveball.In the early 1990s, the Monfort name became tied to Major League Baseball when the Rockies franchise was awarded to Denver. What started as a $95 million investment turned into one of the most recognizable brands in professional sports. Today, Dick’s legacy spans feedyards, packing plants, and a ballpark that seats more than 50,000 fans under the Colorado sky.In this episode, we talk about:Growing up in a three-classroom schoolhouse outside GreeleyFeeding cattle year-round on Colorado’s Front RangeThe shift from carcass beef to boxed beefRunning a packing plant at 26 years oldThe ConAgra acquisitionWhy cattle genetics today are better than everAnd how running a feedlot compares to running a Major League franchiseWhat makes this conversation special is the humility. Dick speaks with deep respect for the cattle industry, calling it the business that “helped feed the world.” For us, recording this episode inside Coors Field felt like a full-circle moment for agriculture.Dick, thank you for your time, your candor, and the blessing of this conversation. It was an honor to sit in your stadium and talk about the industry that built it.If you care about cattle, leadership, grit, or the evolution of American agriculture… this one is for you.🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe to the We Live It Podcast.

In this episode of We Live It, host Ty deCordova sits down with two leaders who understand what it means to build something that lasts.We hear from Mary Russell of Higginbotham Insurance as she shares her perspective on investing in young people, supporting agricultural families, and strengthening the livestock community through leadership and service. Berry Cooper of Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que joins the conversation to talk about legacy, full circle moments in the cattle industry, and why getting youth involved in showing livestock is critical to the future of agriculture.From stock shows to mentorship, business leadership to faith in the next generation, this episode dives into:• Youth involvement in showing livestock • Building leadership in the cattle industry • Supporting the next generation of producers • The importance of community in agriculture • Full circle moments in Texas cattle countryIf you care about the future of the livestock industry and the young people stepping into it, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.🎧 Listen now and join us as we continue telling the stories of the people who live it every day.00:00 – Welcome from Cooper’s | 20,000 Head Selling Today 01:00 – Introducing Mary Russell & Berry Cooper 02:00 – Mary’s Background at Higginbotham (36 Years in Insurance) 03:30 – How Higginbotham Got Involved in the Stock Show 04:30 – Buying the Grand Champion “Snoop Dogg” 05:30 – Emotional Moments in the Sale Ring 07:00 – Berry’s Story: From Showing Steers to Judging & Leadership 09:00 – From County Agent to Corporate to Cooper’s BBQ 11:00 – Why Supporting Youth in Agriculture Matters 12:30 – The Character of Show Kids 14:00 – The Power of Mentors: County Agents & Ag Teachers 15:30 – The Networking Power of Livestock Shows 17:00 – Small World Ag Stories & Lifelong Connections 18:30 – Final Thoughts on Investing in the Next Generation

This week on the We Live It Podcast, Ty deCordova and Casey Mabry kick off a new Weekly Cattle Market Update format with a timely look at what’s shaping the cattle markets right now.With winter weather shutting down sale barns across the South, the guys break down how light cash trade is impacting the CME Feeder Cattle Index, January contract settlement, and what that means heading into February. They also unpack last week’s Cattle on Feed report, regional supply differences, grain prices, and why feeder cattle remain historically strong despite choppy day-to-day moves.Short, practical, and straight from the field. This is a market check you can actually use.📌 Topics covered: • CME Feeder Cattle Index & January settlement • Weather disruptions across Texas & Oklahoma • Cattle on Feed report takeaways • Northern vs. Southern supply differences • Grain prices, feed costs & market sensitivityHave questions or want us to cover a specific topic next week? Drop them in the comments. 00:00 Introduction & New Weekly Market Update Format00:50 Denver Trip Recap & Weather Challenges02:45 Winter Storms Impacting Sale Barns03:35 Lack of Cash Trade in the South04:00 How Southern Closures Affect the CME Feeder Cattle Index05:45 January CME Feeder Cattle Contract Settlement06:40 Cattle on Feed Report Overview07:30 Placements, Marketings & What the Numbers Really Mean09:15 Regional Differences: Northern vs Southern Cattle Supplies10:10 Market Sensitivity to Slaughter Levels10:55 Outside Markets: Grains, Feed Costs & Commodities12:00 Feeder Cattle Strength & Near-Term Outlook12:45 Upcoming Purebred Sales & Closing Remarks

CattleFax CEO Randy Blach joins We Live It from the shared CattleFax and NCBA headquarters in Denver for a straight-talk conversation on the U.S. cattle market.Hosts Ty deCordova and Casey Mabry sit down with one of the most trusted voices in cattle market analysis to break down what’s really driving today’s prices and where the industry may be headed next.In this episode, Randy digs into:Why cattle prices remain historically strongHow tight cattle supply is shaping the marketWhat changes in slaughter capacity mean for producersWhere we are in the cattle cycle and what comes nextHow demand is holding up across the beef complexWhat cow-calf producers should be watching right nowWith decades of experience advising ranchers, feeders, packers, and policymakers, Randy brings clarity to a market often clouded by noise. This is a fundamentals-first conversation focused on supply, demand, and disciplined decision-making.If you’re a rancher, feeder, or cattleman trying to understand the forces shaping today’s cattle market, this episode delivers context you can use.0:00 Why cattle prices are historically strong right now 2:10 How today’s demand is holding together 5:30 What the market is already pricing into 2025–2026 8:40 The real story behind tight cattle supply 11:15 Why supply matters more than headlines 14:00 Where we are in the cattle cycle 14:40 Slaughter capacity and why it’s a bottleneck 16:15 Heifer retention, cow numbers, and herd rebuilding 20:30 What these fundamentals mean for cow-calf producers 25:10 Market volatility vs. long-term fundamentals 30:00 What Randy is watching most closely right now 36:00 Demand risk, supply discipline, and market balance 39:30 Reading the road ahead for cattle prices

We’re joined by Wyatt Agar of Durbin Creek Ranch on the latest We Live It Podcast to talk Hereford cattle, beef cattle industry leadership, and long-term decision-making in today’s cattle market.Wyatt discusses why engagement at the local and national level matters for producers, reflecting on his time as a Wyoming State Senator and as chairman of the American Hereford Association board of directors. We explore how successful operations think beyond sale day and the impact their genetics have for their commercial customers. The conversation also includes a preview of the Durbin Creek Ranch Hereford Bull Sale on February 4, 2026, featuring PAP-tested Hereford bulls and an outstanding set of F1 baldie females, plus Wyatt’s perspective on the commercial cattle business as a newly onboarded LiveAg commercial representative.A must-listen for seedstock producers, commercial cattlemen, and anyone focused on building a resilient cattle operation.Register to bid on the Durbin Creek Ranch annual bull sale here: https://bid.live-ag.com/events/event/262/14th-annual-bull-sale-durbin-creek-ranch

In this episode of We Live It, Ty and Casey sit down with Beaver Yoder, a member of the Elite Livestock Marketing Group and Florida Cattlemen's leadership team, to talk about the people, places, and stories that shape Florida’s ranching community.Beaver shares his family’s long history in the agriculture industry, what it was like growing up in Florida cow country, and how ranchers in the Southeast adapt to a landscape unlike anywhere else in the United States. From year-round management to differences in forage, Florida ranching requires grit, creativity, and a deep connection to the land.Together, they dig into: • Beaver’s family background and how he got his start in the cattle business • What makes Florida ranching truly unique • Challenges and advantages of running cattle in a subtropical climate • The community, traditions, and people who keep the Florida cattle industry thriving • Beaver’s work with the Elite Livestock Marketing Group and his passion for serving producers across the SoutheastThey also preview two major upcoming LiveAg sales: • The Dec. 11 Video Auction featuring more than 9,000 head • The Stockmen at the Stadium Video Auction coming January 15 at Coors FieldWhether you run cattle in Florida, the Southeast, or anywhere across ranch country, this conversation offers a genuine look at the heart behind the industry.Have questions for next time? Submit yours here: https://heyor.ca/sq3C0dReady to market your cattle? Sell on the LiveAg Cattle Xchange or consign to an upcoming video auction. Contact your local rep at www.live-ag.com to get started.Need equipment? Buy and sell on the LiveAg Equipment Xchange: www.live-ag.com/equipmentWorthington Angus Fall Sale - November 1st at Noon. Register to bid remotely: https://bit.ly/4nMMiiDWork with the best. Blue Reef Agri-Marketing offers strategic livestock marketing solutions: https://bluereef.ag/Interested in advertising on We Live It? Contact Katy Holdener at katy@live-ag.com

Rising equipment costs, land values, and input prices mean more ranchers are turning to financing - not because they're struggling, but because they're making strategic decisions to grow their operations. In this episode, we sit down with Hollie Bunn from United Producers, Inc. (UPI) to demystify ag loans and help you understand what lenders are really looking for.Hollie breaks down the key differences between financing land versus equipment, what documentation you need to have ready, and the common mistakes that can delay or derail your loan application. Whether you're a first-time borrower looking to expand your herd, a young producer trying to get started, or an established operation upgrading equipment, this conversation will help you approach financing with confidence.We cover real-world examples of ranchers who've successfully secured financing for herd expansion and equipment upgrades, plus the action steps you should take before ever walking into a lender's office. Financing doesn't have to feel overwhelming - it's a tool that, when used strategically, can help move your operation forward.Key Takeaways:What lenders want to see: records, credit, cash flow, and collateralTips for first-time borrowers and smaller operationsQuestions you should ask lenders before signing anythingHow to prepare your operation for financing approvalReady to put this into action? Register now for the LiveAg End-of-Year Live Virtual Equipment Auction on December 16th. Browse tractors, balers, trailers, livestock handling equipment, and more from trusted operations across the country—then get pre-approved for financing to make your purchase happen. Whether you're upgrading your operation or adding proven machinery to your fleet, this is your chance to invest strategically in equipment that works as hard as you do.Register to bid: https://heyor.ca/wg21Sg

Running cattle is hard enough without drowning in receipts and spreadsheets. In this We Live It podcast episode, we sit down with Alex Thompson from Norwood, Colorado to talk about the financial headaches every rancher faces—from tracking expenses across multiple enterprises to actually knowing if you're profitable at the end of the year.Alex truly lives it. Being married to a rancher running Limousin cattle at high altitudes, she understands the ranching lifestyle firsthand. Now working with Ambrook, she's helping producers modernize their bookkeeping without abandoning the values and traditions that define ranching. We dive into why accurate financial data matters for making better breeding, marketing, and operational decisions, and how the right tools can simplify back-office chaos so you can spend more time doing what you do best: raising livestock.This isn't about replacing ranchers with technology. It's about giving you the data you need to run a more profitable operation while staying true to who you are. Whether you're a third-generation commercial operator or just starting out, this conversation will help you think differently about ranch finances.Learn more: ambrook.com/liveagHave questions for next time? Submit yours here: https://heyor.ca/sq3C0dReady to market your cattle? Sell on the LiveAg Cattle Xchange or consign to an upcoming video auction. Contact your local rep at www.live-ag.com to get started.Need equipment? Buy and sell on the LiveAg Equipment Xchange: www.live-ag.com/equipmentManage your risk. Blue Reef Agri-Marketing offers strategic livestock marketing solutions: https://bluereef.ag/Interested in advertising on We Live It? Contact Katy Holdener at katy@live-ag.com

Most ranchers know trace minerals matter, but do you really understand how they're affecting your herd's fertility, immune function, and long-term productivity? In this episode of We Live It, hosts Ty deCordova and Casey Mabry sit down with Bryson Williams, Account Manager at Zinpro®, to break down the science behind trace mineral nutrition and why it's one of the most overlooked tools in your herd management strategy. Bryson shares what he's seeing across cow-calf operations today - the challenges producers are facing and the real opportunities to improve herd health and performance through better mineral supplementation. We dig into why trace minerals like zinc, manganese, copper, and cobalt play such a critical role in everything from hoof health to reproduction, and how Zinpro performance trace minerals are designed to make a measurable difference. We also talk through Zinpro® ProFusion®, a complete trace mineral supplement designed specifically for beef cattle, and where you can find it to start making improvements in your own operation. Shop Zinpro ProFusion: https://heyor.ca/iRRTuy Learn more about Zinpro: https://www.zinpro.com/en_na/species/beef/Whether you're dealing with open cows, foot problems, or calves that just aren't thriving like they should, this episode will give you a better understanding of how trace mineral nutrition can help you build a healthier, more profitable herd.

This week on We Live It, Director of Purebred Operations Margo Paeltz joins us for a deep dive into LiveAg’s Purebred Division — plus market analyst Casey Mabry breaks down current cattle market volatility and what producers should expect heading into year-end.We cover how our Purebred Team partners with ranchers nationwide, what to expect when booking your sale, and strategic tips for preparing for auction day. Then Casey walks through the latest market swings, what’s driving the volatility, and his short-term outlook for cow-calf producers, feeders, and purebred breeders.Episode Highlights:How to book your purebred sale with LiveAgWhat ranchers can expect from our Purebred TeamUpcoming purebred auctions across the countryMarketing opportunities for breedersCurrent cattle market volatility trendsCasey Mabry’s outlook on feeder cattle, calves & replacement femalesWhat ranchers should watch in the weeks aheadWhether you’re planning a purebred sale or keeping an eye on the market, this episode delivers practical insight you can use.👉 Subscribe for weekly cattle-market commentary, ranch stories, and industry updates.