Troy Rowan with the University of Tennessee, dives into genetic innovations and research, examining what it could look like for producers to tailor EPDs to their environments, forage quality and animal health protocols. Better genetic predictions help producers select the animals that will perform best for their goals and at the heart of the discussion is a focus on the commercial cattle producer. If you’re interested in where genetic selection is headed — and how a more ecosystem‑guided approach can transform productivity — this episode offers a clear, practical look at the path forward. In addition, here a conversation from our friends at Trans Ova Genetics and learn more at https://transova.com/.

Operating in the rugged mountain country of Los Angeles County, cattleman Mike Williams faces the same challenges producers encounter across the West — water scarcity, forage pressure, labor shortages and market fluctuations. He talks candidly about how “survival mode” keeps many ranchers reactive instead of proactive, and how shifting to make time to focus on better financial systems and margins is essential to finding more consistent profitability. Mike is an advocate of low‑stress stockmanship and how small, continuous improvements compound into major gains.

This episode is brought to you in partnership with Ambrook. (www.ambrook.com)

Higher prices in the cattle industry are the result of cattle producers increasing the quality of our product, with 84% of fed cattle grading Choice or higher and 12% grading Prime today. However, herd expansion is occurring at a very slow pace, and Randy Blach, CEO of CattleFax, reminds producers that the market could be volatile in 2026, so adopting risk management strategies is critical.

We also sat down with Dr. Kip Karges from Lallemand to talk about the importance of fiber digestibility, how it impacts the rumen’s efficiency and therefore, calf growth. Learn more at https://www.lallemand.com/en/