Cattleman U Podcast

Mental Health in Agriculture: Farm State of Mind with Ray Atkinson

Working in agriculture is inherently stressful. There's drought, foreign trade, natural disasters, markets, isolation, burnout...and the list goes on and on. How can you tell if a farmer or rancher in your life is struggling with mental health?
 
In this episode, Ray Atkinson with the American Farm Bureau discusses mental health in agriculture. Ray talks about reducing the stigma surrounding conversations about mental health, how to recognize signs someone may need help, and some great resources to start these difficult conversations and take the next step to healing. Ray also discusses the Rural Resilience Training, a program anyone can do for free to become a resource for farmers and ranchers in need. 
For more information about mental health resources, and to learn more about Rural Resilience Training, visit: farmstateofmind.org
 
 

Beef Quality Assurance with Michaela Clowser

How do you inspire consumer confidence in your beef products?
In this episode, Michaela Clowser discusses the Beef Quality Assurance program. Michaela covers what the program is, the importance of investing in quality standards, and the Beef Quality Assurance certification process.
Michaela is the Associate Director for Producer Education at National Cattlemen's Beef Association. She grew up on her family ranch in Nebraska and enjoys staying connected to cattlemen across the country with her role.
For more information on the Beef Quality Assurance Program visit: https://www.bqa.org/

The Do’s and Don’ts of Digital Marketing with Ruth Inman

Through our phones, computers, social media, websites, smart home devices, and so much more, there's a lot of noise. How do you ensure your voice is heard?
In the age of the world wide web, we communicate virtually every day. In this episode, Dr. Ruth Inman talks about digital marketing do's and don'ts, whether you don't have any online presence for your business or whether you're looking to expand your digital marketing strategy. Ruth will discuss how you can cut through that noise and connect with your audience online. 
Dr. Ruth Inman is a marketing communications expert who has 15 years of experience as an internal communicator, freelancer, and assistant professor of agricultural communications at Oklahoma State University. Recently, she began working as Director of Community Education for Agorapulse – a global social media management software company. While Ruth’s background in marketing and education runs deep, her roots in agriculture run even deeper, growing up on a centennial farm and cow-calf ranch in north-central Oklahoma. Today, she and her husband, Trent live on a small farm, with their sons, Fletcher and Dax, who are in 4-H and show pigs.
To learn more about Agorapulse or connect with Ruth, visit: https://www.agorapulse.com

Meet the Producers Part 1

In our very first episode, we're chatting with a few of the producers we've had the pleasure of working with this year. First, we hear from Howard Rambur in Sidney, Montana about his Charolais cattle. Next, Brad, Ryan, and Trent Boner talk about their operation, M Diamond Angus, in Wyoming. Finally, we end our episode by talking with Brady Blackett from Intermountain Genetic Alliance in Utah.  
We love working with this group of ranchers and appreciate the perspective they give us on cattle and the industry. Don't hesitate to reach out and connect with these producers!
Howard Rambur: https://www.ramburchar.com
M Diamond Angus: https://www.mdiamondangus.com
Intermountain Genetic Alliance: https://www.igabullsale.com 

Selling Seedstock with Jeannie Griswold

Whether you’re raising seedstock cattle or commercial cattle, we’re all raising beef. 
In this episode, we discuss seedstock operations with Jeannie Griswold from Griswold Cattle in Oklahoma. Jeannie and her husband have a passion and drive to produce the best genetics to meet commercial cattlemen's needs, which shows in their operation. Learn about genetics, promotion, and dedication from an expert in all things seedstock.
For more information on Griswold Cattle check out their Instagram @griswoldcattle or visit their website: https://www.griswoldcattle.com

Direct to Consumer Marketing with Erin Michalski

In agriculture, we talk a lot about how we as producers can better connect with consumers to share our stories. Well, as grandma used to say, feeding someone is the way to their heart. 
 
Connecting with consumers can allow you to see your operation through a fresh set of eyes. In this episode, Erin Michalski shares about her family's transition from big city living in New York City, to selling direct-to-consumer beef from their own ranch in Colorado. Erin discusses her unique perspective as a first-generation rancher, and how she connects with her customers. 
To contact Erin, visit https://www.eaglerockbeef.com or look her up on Instagram @eaglerockranchco

Breaking into Agriculture with Cassidy Johnston

There's a place for anyone and everyone in the beef industry.
It doesn't matter if you're a fourth-generation rancher or someone from the city looking to work a summer on a ranch. In this episode, Cassidy Johnston discusses how she developed a passion and drive to work in the beef industry from the suburbs of Denver. Cassidy talks about how her perspective as someone who didn't grow up around agriculture has helped her when communicating about the beef industry. She also discussed the enneagram personality test and the importance of recognizing your own strengths and areas for improvement. 
Cassidy Johnston is a public speaker, consultant, podcaster, and avid advocate for the beef industry. 
For more information on Cassidy visit her Instagram @casskjohn or visit her website at https://casskjohnston.com/contact 

King Ranch Institute with Rick Machen

When it comes to running a ranch, quality management is key. Not only do ranch managers have to manage cattle effectively, but also people, land, wildlife, markets, and the list goes on.
In this week’s episode, we talk about ranch management with Rich Machen from the King Ranch Institute. Dr. Machen discusses breakeven points, management practices, and industry needs that led King Ranch to invest in a ranch management graduate program designed to prepare professionals for challenging scenarios when managing a ranch.
Rick Machen was born and raised in Central Texas. He received a Bachelor of Science from Angelo State University, a Master of Science from Texas A&M University in College Station in 1984, and a Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition in 1987. In 2016, Rick accepted a faculty position in the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management. Rick works closely with graduate students, teaches and cooperates in the development and conduct of KRIRM’s annual Holt Cat Symposium and numerous Lectureships.
For more information about King Ranch Institute and Rick Machen visit: https://www.tamuk.edu/agriculture/departments/asvt/faculty-staff-asvt/machen.html