Katy Holdener

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.

Host Casey Mabry sits down with Margo Paeltz and Blake Tucker, the leadership team behind LiveAg's purebred division. With a combined 20+ years of auction broadcasting experience, Margo and Blake manage a team of 10+ reps who broadcast purebred cattle sales and production sales across the country.Discover how their team helps seedstock producers and breeders reach new bull buyers through the LiveAg online bidding platform—especially crucial for remote ranching operations looking to expand their market reach. Margo and Blake share insights from the Montana Angus Tour, discuss how technology has transformed the purebred cattle auction industry, and explain why streaming your cattle sale could be the key to connecting with more buyers nationwide.Whether you're a seedstock operator considering your first livestreamed sale, or simply curious about the people behind the auction technology, this conversation offers practical knowledge and a behind-the-scenes look at modern cattle auction broadcasting. Learn how online bidding platforms are changing the way ranchers sell bulls and registered cattle in today's market.Contact the LiveAg Purebred team about streaming your auction by calling 817-533-6699 or emailing purebred@live-ag.comHave 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/4nMMiiDManage 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

In this legendary episode of We Live It, Ty and Casey sit down with cattle industry titan Richard Stober, a third-generation cattleman whose livestock marketing career spans over five decades of innovation and success. From trading cattle as a teenager to becoming one of the West's highest-volume buyers—handling 110,000+ head annually—Richard shares his incredible journey through the livestock industry.Discover how Richard was one of the first pioneers of video cattle auctions in 1980, created the groundbreaking "Value Added Programs" that revolutionized marketing for video auctions, and managed cattle procurement for Harris Ranch Feeding Company's 120,000-head feedyard. Richard drops invaluable knowledge on cattle marketing strategies, shares hard-earned truths about the livestock business, and offers practical advice for preparing the next generation of ag marketers.Whether you're a seasoned cattle producer, aspiring livestock marketer, or simply passionate about agriculture, this conversation is packed with wisdom from someone who's bought, sold, and marketed millions of head throughout his legendary career. Richard's philosophy says it all: "Love what you do, work hard, and help others along the way—and never stop being a student of your craft."Thank you to our partners!- Worthington Angus: https://bid.live-ag.com/events/event/185/worthington-angus-7th-annual-fall-sale- AgTexas Farm Credit: https://agtexas.com/- Texas Ranch Sales: https://texasranchsalesllc.com/- Consign in our Dec. 16 equipment auction: live-ag.com/equipment- Work 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.comHave 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.Chapters:01:18 Intro01:46 Meet our Guest02:48 Richard's Legendary Background06:32 Being a Student of the Market08:36 The First Video Auction in California13:07 Creation of Western Video Market22:00 Understanding the Market

What does it mean to sell cattle "on the grid"? How do margin calls work in cattle feeding? This episode is for YOU! Ty deCordova and Casey Mabry are answering listener-submitted questions in a rapid-fire FAQ format.They kick things off discussing current cattle market conditions and their optimistic outlook on futures, then dive into your most-asked questions: How are live, feeder, and fat cattle priced differently? What drives feeder calf prices? How do video auctions compare to local sale barns? They break down breakevens, explain if they think packers pay premiums for certain breeds, discuss how exports impact U.S. cattle prices, and give you the real talk cattlemen and ranchers need.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 in Dadeville, MO. Register to bid remotely: https://bit.ly/4nMMiiDManage 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👍 Hit subscribe, drop a like, and leave us a comment. 

Cowboy, rancher, and storyteller Buster Frierson joins the We Live It podcast to talk about what it means to live the cowboy code in today’s world — from the saddle to the screen. Known for his work in ranch rodeos, Western film sets like 1883, and authentic ranch management, Buster shares his perspective on grit, leadership, and keeping the ranching lifestyle alive. Plus, Casey previews the cattle market ahead of the Oct. 9 LiveAg Video Auction, breaking down key regional trends and what sellers and buyers should watch this week. We'd love your feedback on the We Live It podcast. Send us your topic or guest ideas here: https://heyor.ca/sq3C0dLooking to advertise on the show? Contact Katy Holdener (katy@live-ag.com) for more information.

Join We Live It for a behind-the-scenes conversation with Express Ranches’ Donnie Robertson and Kevin Hafner ahead of their 2025 Fall Angus Bull Sale. Hear how one of America’s leading seedstock programs continues to raise the bar in Angus genetics, marketing innovation, and ranch management.In this episode, we talk about their personal journeys in the cattle industry, the vision behind Express Ranches’ success, and the importance of partnerships that keep the beef business moving forward. 🎙️ Subscribe for more We Live It episodes featuring leaders shaping the future of ranching and livestock marketing.

Three stock show dads walk into a podcast studio... and the result is pure gold for anyone showing livestock!Join hosts Casey Mabry and Ty deCordova as they sit down with Alan Lee, Vice President of Operations at BioZyme, Inc., for a deep dive into the company that's been fueling champions for decades.🏆 What You'll Learn:The history behind BioZyme's foundation products for cow-calf producers: VitaFerm and Gain SmartWhy Sure Champ is celebrating 40 years of show ring successReal stories from the show trail (the good, the bad, and the hilarious)How research-proven supplements give your stock the competitive edgeBehind-the-scenes insights from three dads who've been thereFrom the cow-calf operation to the show ring, BioZyme's products have become household names in the livestock industry. Alan breaks down what makes their supplements different and why generations of stockmen trust their animals to BioZyme nutrition.Whether you're a seasoned show dad, just getting started, or somewhere in between, this episode delivers laughs, lessons, and the inside scoop on products that help livestock succeed both in and out of the ring.Perfect for: Stock show families, cattle producers, livestock exhibitors, 4-H/FFA participants, and anyone interested in livestock nutrition and show supplements.Learn more about Biozyme: https://biozymeinc.com/Learn more about SureChamp: https://surechamp.com/We'd love your feedback. Send us your topic or guest ideas here: https://heyor.ca/sq3C0dLooking to advertise on the show? Contact Katy Holdener (katy@live-ag.com) for more information.00:00 Intro01:37 Stock show dad update02:35 Meet Alan Lee, VP of business development at BioZyme, Inc07:58 SureChamp products for small ruminents10:45 BioZyme's saftey and research 19:30 The team behind the brand25:55 Family stories30:01 Why 4H and FFA programs are so important

Join hosts Ty deCordova and guest host 2024 WLAC Wade Leist as they sit down with Alabama cattle producer Eric Smith, one of 40 stakeholders in the Livestock Marketing Association's Common Ground Coalition.Eric breaks down the historic summit that brought together diverse livestock leaders to tackle the industry's biggest challenges with one unified voice. Discover the 5 key priorities that could reshape America's livestock future:✅ Ag-friendly tax policy ✅ Effective risk management tools✅ Improved labor access ✅ Livestock hauler flexibility ✅ Support for young producersFrom preserving family farms to ensuring America's food security, this episode reveals why now is the pivotal moment for livestock producers to unite. Eric shares insider details from the Denver summit and explains how these initiatives will impact your operation in the coming years.Whether you're a cattle rancher, livestock buyer, or industry stakeholder, this conversation provides actionable insights on joining the movement to strengthen America's livestock industry.Learn more: https://www.commongroundsummit.netSubmit your guest or topic ideas:  https://heyor.ca/sq3C0dEmail katy@live-ag.com for advertising opportunities. 

Join hosts Ty deCordova and Wade Leist as they sit down with 2025 World Livestock Auctioneer Champion Dean Edge in this special episode recorded ahead of our September 11 Video Auction. Edge claimed the top prize at the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship in Dunlap earlier this summer, sharing his emotional journey and the mentors who shaped his career.In this episode, you'll hear about:Edge's path from working under mentor Dan Skeels (2004 World Champion) to becoming champion himselfThe vital role of 4H and FFA projects in developing tomorrow's agricultural leadersBehind-the-scenes auction barn stories, including a memorable encounter with a snake entering the auction ring in TexasInsights into the livestock auction industry and what it takes to reach the topWhether you're involved in livestock auctions, cattle ranching, or agricultural youth programs, this episode offers valuable perspectives from one of the industry's best. Don't miss these championship insights before our upcoming video auction event.

Ty and Casey are back together after Casey's busy summer away from the podcast, and boy, do they have some catching up to do! From video auctions and steers in the show barn, to Casey's entertaining tale of a potential truck break-in while shopping for show pigs in South Texas – it's been quite the summer.But let's talk about what's really got everyone's attention: this absolutely smoking hot cattle market that has ranchers stopping and staring. Casey brings his risk management perspective on how he's advising clients to handle hedging and margin calls in these wild market conditions, while Ty shares his practical insights as a cattle trader on protecting assets and helping customers capitalize on premium opportunities.What's driving this crazy market? The guys dive deep into the tightest beef supply in U.S. history, how the dairy industry is getting creative with dual-purpose cattle, and the impact of Mexican feeder cattle import restrictions due to new world screwworm concerns. Plus, with green grass everywhere and plenty of rain and hay this summer, the feeder cattle market is riding high.The latest Cattle on Feed numbers are eye-opening – inventory down 1.6%, placements down 6%, and the Commitment of Traders data shows cattle feeders have more hedges on than ever before. Casey's advice? Focus on what you haven't sold yet and stay bullish, because this market doesn't look like it's slowing down anytime soon.From video auction prices going through the roof to feed costs being more affordable than normal, this episode covers everything ranchers need to know about navigating these unprecedented market conditions.Perfect for: Ranchers, cattle traders, anyone trying to make sense of this wild market – and folks who enjoy a good South Texas pig-buying adventure story!

Join host Ty deCordova (yes, that's really him without the beard!) and 2024 World Champion Auctioneer Wade Leist as they sit down with Katie Martin, Director of Communications at the Red Angus Association of America, for an in-depth look at the exciting transformation happening in Red Angus marketing.Katie walks us through the evolution from the Feeder Calf Certification Program to the newly launched Angus Access program, explaining how this rebrand better positions Red Angus cattle in today's marketplace. Discover what the shift to EID tags means for producers and buyers, and learn about the groundbreaking collaboration between RAAA and Breedr that's revolutionizing how Red Angus producers connect with buyers through cutting-edge digital tools.Whether you're a seasoned Red Angus producer or exploring new marketing avenues for your operation, this conversation provides valuable insights into the future of cattle marketing and the tools available to help you succeed.Learn more: https://redangus.org/raaa-rebrands-fccp-as-angus-access-to-increase-market-competitiveness/

What does it take to run one of the West's most respected Angus operations? Hosts Ty deCordova and Wade Perks (stepping in for Casey Mabry from Blue Reef AgriMarketing) sit down with Rob Thomas from Thomas Angus ranch in Baker City, Oregon to find out.Rob pulls back the curtain on how his ancestors made the bold move from New York to Oregon's high desert and built an operation that's setting the standard for regional adaptation in Angus cattle. You'll hear about the massive scale of their embryo transfer program, how they've navigated recent market changes that are reshaping what commercial producers want in their bulls, and why adapting genetics to environment isn't just smart, it's essential for raising livestock out West.This isn't your typical ranch tour conversation. Rob dives deep into the strategies that have made Thomas Angus a go-to name for producers who need cattle that can thrive anywhere, from high desert conditions to diverse regional challenges. Whether you're running commercial cattle or just curious about what separates the leaders from the followers in today's Angus industry, this episode delivers insights you won't hear anywhere else.Learn more about Thomas Angus Ranch: https://www.thomasangusranch.com/Market your cattle with LiveAg: https://heyor.ca/0V46yJManage your risk with Blue Reef Agri-Marketing: https://bluereef.ag/

Hosts Ty deCordova and Casey Mabry conclude the Livestock Marketing series with the ultimate guide to video auction success. In this comprehensive finale, learn the complete video auction process from start to finish, including the stress-reduction benefits for cattle (no hauling to sale barns) and the financial advantages of forward contracting - selling your cattle on video in summer for fall delivery.Ty steps out of his COO role to share insider knowledge as a seasoned video auction rep, breaking down consignment contracts, explaining what documentation earns premium prices, and revealing how hand-selected reps ensure transparent transactions for both buyers and sellers. The hosts address marketing strategies for smaller operations that can't fill full truckloads, helping every size ranch maximize their marketing potential.Perfect for cattlemen and women seeking practical livestock marketing insights, stress-free selling strategies, and proven management practices. Whether you're considering video auctions for the first time or looking to optimize your current approach, this episode delivers actionable strategies for modern cattle marketing success.