Welcome to Lil Hooves , the podcast dedicated to all things miniature cattle and all livestock—your go-to resource for practical advice, real ranch stories, and expert insights on raising healthy, happy mini cows. Whether you're a beginner dreaming of your first miniature Highland, Highpark, or any breed for that matter, a seasoned owner navigating breeding and care, or simply curious about small-scale cattle ownership, this show has something for you. We dive deep into the world of miniature cattle while sharing tips that apply to cattle owners at every level—from mini breeds to full-sized herds. Hosted from our family ranch in Montana, Lil Hooves covers essential topics like: Daily nutrition and feeding strategies (hay types, supplements, and body condition scoring) Health, genetics, and common challenges Buying guides, weaning, and herd management Breed spotlights and real-life ranch experiences Our goal? To help you build confidence, avoid costly mistakes, and enjoy the journey—whether your cattle are pets or productive members of a larger operation. New episodes drop regularly with actionable advice, guest experts, and honest conversations from the pasture. If you're passionate about miniature cows , mini cattle care , or just better cattle husbandry, subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite app. Listen on the go, learn at your pace, and join our growing community of cattle enthusiasts. Your mini herd (or future herd) will thank you! Subscribe today and never miss an episode. Questions or topic ideas? Reach out via our email lilhoovespodcast@gmail.com Premium Subscription Sponsored by Xbar6 Miniature Cattle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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40 recent
July 14, 202626 min
Weaning 101: Making the Transition Easier
In this episode, Kelly and Becky share practical insights on the different methods of calf weaning, emphasizing strategies to minimize stress and promote health. They discuss the ideal age for weaning, behavior considerations, and share personal experiences to help cattle producers make informed decisions. Key Topics:Optimal age range for calf weaning (6-9 months) and breed considerations Physical and emotional stress factors during weaning Comparison of different weaning methods: pasture, fence line, nose flap, corral, and nose clip The impact of stress on calf immune health and sickness prevention Tips for reducing stress: auditory contact, confidence-building, and probiotics The importance of observing calf behavior and health during and after weaning Practical tips: using probiotics, choosing the right feed, and timing of weaning The significance of routine and calm handling for first-time mama cows Resources & Links: The Cattle Health Handbook a great book with so much information for beginners! Montana State University Research on Weaning Lil Hooves Facebook Group Xbar6 Miniature Cattle Lilhoovespodcast@gmail.com Email us with questions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 12, 202624 min
Mail Bag: Listener Stories, Questions & Ranch Life
In this episode of Lil Hooves, Kelly and Becky open up the mailbag to answer listener questions, share funny ranch moments, and read heartfelt stories from mini cattle owners across the country. From grafting calves onto seragate moms to managing fluffy Highlands in hot climates, this episode is packed with practical cattle talk, honest experiences, and plenty of laughs along the way. We have enjoyed getting to know our listeners and hope to hear from even more listeners. Don't forget to like, share, and listen! Join our Facebook group, Lil Hooves Podcast Reach out to us at lilhoovespodcast@gmail.com Follow Xbar6 Miniature Cattle on Facebook Follow Xbar6 Miniature Cattle on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 28, 202640 min
BigSky Cowgirl Gathering 2026
Celebrating Women in Agriculture: Insights from Kylie Walker and the Big Sky Cowgirl Gathering In this episode, we chat with Kylie Walker about her inspiring initiative, the Big Sky Cowgirl Gathering—an empowering, women-only livestock event in Montana designed to foster confidence, education, and camaraderie among women in the livestock industry. Kylie shares her journey, what makes this event unique, and the powerful impact she hopes it will have. Main Topics: The origins and purpose of the Big Sky Cowgirl Gathering How the event promotes confidence and education for women in livestock Details about the two-day format, activities, and hands-on opportunities The importance of community, friendship, and support among women farmers and ranchers Future plans, sponsorships, and ways to get involved In this episode: Kylie discusses what sparked her idea for this event after attending a branding and noticing women’s limited involvement Highlights the variety of hands-on stations, including cattle handling, hoof care, genetics, and pasture management Insights into the event’s growth, sponsorships, and local community engagement Tips for women new to livestock or feeling hesitant to join industry gatherings Details about logistics, including date, location, tickets, and accommodations Get your tickets before May 1st! kowsminicows@gmail.com BigSky Cowgirl Gathering FB page Email us with questions, show ideas, and anything else you want to talk to us about Please like, follow, and share the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 9, 202652 min
Raising the Bar: Miniature Cattle Bull Selection
In this episode of the Lil Hooves Podcast, Kelly and Becky dive into one of the most important—and often overlooked—topics in the miniature cattle industry: bull quality. The bull you choose doesn’t just impact one calf… it shapes your herd for years to come. We talk through what true breeding quality really looks like, why standards matter, and how cutting corners—especially when it comes to unproven or low-quality bulls—can affect the future of the breed. Drawing from both industry standards and real-world experience here in Montana, we break down how to make better breeding decisions that protect your program and strengthen your herd long-term. In this episode, we cover: Why commercial cattle operations cull 50–80% of potential seed stock bulls—and why that matters The risks of using pet-quality or subpar bulls in a breeding program The difference between seed stock producers, breeding programs, and commercial operations What to look for in a quality bull, including structure, soundness, and overall conformation How EPDs and performance data can help guide better breeding decisions The risks of selling or purchasing semen from unproven young bulls Why not every breeder should be producing seed stock—and how to do it responsibly The importance of honest feedback and integrity within the miniature cattle community If you’re raising miniature cattle or thinking about adding a bull to your program, this episode will help you take a step back, evaluate your goals, and make more informed decisions moving forward. Resources & Links: Cattle Max Breeding Data Software Understanding EPDs in Beef Cattle Connect with the hosts: Kelly Anderson - Facebook Becky Wrong Way Kochicks - Instagram Let's keep breeding responsibly and collectively improve the integrity of the miniature cattle industry! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 25, 202655 min
Before You Buy a Mini Cow: 4 Types of Breeders You Need To Know
Are you exploring the world of miniature cattle and feeling overwhelmed by options and potential pitfalls? This episode breaks down the different types of breeders, how to identify scams, and practical tips for making informed buying decisions in the mini industry. Main Topics:Types of breeders: reputable breeders, cattle traders, pop-up breeders, scammers How to identify and avoid scams Key qualities and questions to ask when choosing breeders The importance of transparency, genetics, and industry experience How the mini cattle industry is evolving and the role of women-led communities Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and episode overview 00:35 - Personal updates and weather talk 1:33 - Calving stories and calf warmers in action 4:27 - Raising replacement heifers and calving signs 6:49 - Different types of breeders explained: reputable, traders, scams 8:06 - What makes a reputable breeder and questions to ask 10:07 - The significance of multi-generational cattle breeding 13:08 - Addressing genetics, health concerns, and ethical breeding 15:03 - The long-term process of genetic improvement in mini cattle 16:17 - Building trust and transparency with clients 18:02 - Working with other reputable breeders and industry collaboration 19:13 - Industry camaraderie and community among breeders 20:42 - The importance of proven genetics and honesty 21:37 - Handling issues and being transparent about health and conformation 22:24 - Risks of large breeders vs smaller, quality-focused breeders 23:56 - The cattle trader and flipper model explained 25:05 - How to spot and question cattle traders 26:16 - The challenge of fake or untraceable animal backgrounds 28:34 - Questions about vaccination, sale barns, and transport 30:01 - Introduction to pop-up breeders and industry impact 32:32 - The reality of quick-buck breeders versus committed breeders 34:04 - Recognizing uneducated breeders/false advertising 36:28 - Pet vs breeding animals and honesty in sales 38:34 - Contract restrictions and ownership rights 40:01 - The difference between new breeders and scammers 41:00 - The reality of scam industry and human trafficking links 43:01 - How scammers operate and manipulate buyers 45:23 - Signs of scams and AI's impact on fraud 47:39 - How to protect yourself and ask the right questions 50:01 - Resources to avoid costly mistakes (free PDF download) 52:24 - Summary and encouragement to ask questions 54:56 - Closing thoughts and happy shopping advice Resources & Links: Seven Red Flags to Avoid Costly Mistakes in Miniature Cattle XBar6 Miniature Cattle Website Livestock Lingo Episode Connect with Kelly Anderson: Facebook Instagram Website Note: This episode is designed to empower new and seasoned buyers alike — ask questions, do your homework, and choose reputable breeders for a positive cattle experience! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 10, 20261 hr 7 min
Calving Basics: Getting Started Right
Are you preparing for your first calving season or dealing with a first-time calver? In this episode, Kelly and Becky share practical tips for a smooth calving process, recognizing signs of labor, and handling common complications confidently. Broke down for newbies, this episode provides essential insights to ensure healthy deliveries and happy calves .Key Topics: Understanding the normal timeline of a cow’s pregnancy (283 days) and how to track due dates using gestation charts Signs that indicate labor is imminent: tail kink, relaxed muscles, mucus discharge, and pin drops Setting up a calving or tagging box with necessary supplies: palp gloves, OB chains, towels, iodine, and vaccines Step-by-step process of assisting with calving: when to intervene, how to check foot presentation, and the importance of working with contractions Recognizing abnormal presentations: breech, upside-down hooves, or twins, and calling the vet immediately How to safely help calves that are backward, stuck, or require manual assistance Post-birth care: cleaning the calf, ensuring they nurse, passing the afterbirth, and potential complications like prolapse or retained placenta Managing first-time calvers’ behavior and ensuring a calm, quiet environment during labor Dealing with twins and understanding their behaviors, including signs of twin calves and potential complications Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and episode overview: calving season tips 02:10 - Tracking pregnancy length and due date calculations 07:25 - Signs of approaching labor: tail, discharge, pins dropping 12:15 - Preparing your calving setup: supplies and safety tips 16:55 - Recognizing active labor and when to call the vet 22:00 - Monitoring delivery progression: hooves, nose, and presentation 30:19 - Handling abnormal calving scenarios: breech, upside-down hooves, twins 39:00 - Assisting with stuck calves and pulling techniques 48:23 - Post-birth care: cleaning, nursing, and passing the afterbirth 54:30 - Complications to watch for: prolapse, infection, twins 63:48 - Managing herd behavior and protecting your new mom and calf 69:55 - Importance of vet support and when to call for help 76:33 - Essential equipment: chutes, head catches, and confinement tools 82:45 - Final tips: staying calm, educated, and prepared for successful calvingResources & Links: Iodine/Navel Spray Calf Tuber Connect with Kelly and Becky: Kelly - Xbar6 Miniature Cattle Becky - Clear Haze Cattle Facebook Group: Lil Hooves Podcast Community Additional Tips: Always consult your vet early and keep their contact info handy. Observe your cows carefully in the weeks leading up to due date. Maintain a quiet, stress-free environment during calving. Be prepared with emergency tools and supplies before labor begins. Educate yourself with videos, pictures, and farm visits to recognize normal and abnormal signs. Getting calving right means less stress, healthier calves, and more confident farming. You're doing great—trust your instincts and keep learning! We hope this episode equips you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate your first calving season successfully. Happy calving! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 24, 202652 min
Hoof Trimming 101: Keeping Your Cattle Sound and Productive
Mastering Hoof Care for Cattle: Insights from Adam Marshall In this episode, Kelly Anderson chats with hoof care expert Adam Marshall of Marshall Livestock Services, LLC about the importance of hoof health, proper trimming techniques, and how to prevent common hoof problems in cattle. Conversations focusing on a new cattle owner, learn practical tips to keep your herd healthy, comfortable, and productive. Key Topics The critical role of hoof maintenance in herd health and productivity Recognizing the signs that indicate a cow’s hooves need trimming Unique hoof trimming setups, including Adam's stand-up shoot designed for horned cattle Tools and equipment used for hoof trimming, including safety considerations The impact of breed, environment, and management practices on hoof health Seasonal considerations for hoof trimming and when to schedule How to guide clients on hoof care and prevention strategies The importance of early intervention to avoid costly structural issues Real-life stories and experiences from Adam’s extensive livestock work Tips for DIY hoof care and when to call in professionals Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to hoof care importance for herd health 02:15 - Adam's background and journey in livestock hoof care 04:35 - Tools and setup for hoof trimming—Adam's stand-up shoot design 07:20 - Recognizing early signs of hoof problems in cattle 11:30 - Breed tendencies and environmental influences on hoof health 15:00 - The role of environment—rocky vs. soft ground—on hoof wear 20:10 - Tips for rural producers to naturally promote hoof wear 24:00 - How breed and environment affect hoof growth and shape 28:15 - Timing and scheduling hoof trimming—seasonal tips 33:10 - Managing close-to-calving hoof care to minimize stress 37:00 - Top mistakes that contribute to poor hoof health 41:10 - Common mishandlings and stories from the field 45:20 - Tips for breeders to educate clients on hoof care 50:00 - Monitoring hoof health with regular photos and records 55:00 - Adam’s advice for handling difficult or unexpected hoof issues 61:20 - Final thoughts on proactive versus reactive hoof management Resources & Links Connect with Adam Marshall Marshall Livestock Services LLC Facebook Connect Lil Hooves FB Group Lil Hooves Connect with Xbar6 Miniature Cattle Xbar6 Miniature Cattle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 11, 202648 min
BVD-PI and JHONES What the Heck Are They?
Herd Health Deep Dive: BVD & Yoni's with Dr. Alli O'Meara In this episode, we explore two critical but often misunderstood cattle diseases—Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) and Johne's Disease (Yoni's)—with veterinarian Dr. Alli O'Meara. Whether you're a seasoned producer or new to livestock, understanding these illnesses is key to herd management, biosecurity, and herd longevity. Main Topics Covered: What is BVD, how it spreads, symptoms, and the significance of PI (Persistent Infection) carriers Testing protocols: ear notch vs. blood tests, and how to interpret results Vaccination strategies, including different vaccine types, timing, and efficacy The mechanisms of Johne's Disease transmission and why young calves are most vulnerable Testing and control measures for Johne's, including cull strategies and biosecurity The importance of herd hygiene, quarantine practices, and education to prevent disease spread The role of misinformation and the value of consulting with qualified large animal vets Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to herd health topics with Dr. Alli O’Meara 02:15 - Dr. Alli’s background and her farm life balancing family and veterinary practice 04:45 - Deep dive into BVD: what it is, symptoms, and the importance of PI animals 07:50 - How BVD infects in utero and results in PI calves that shed virus for life 10:20 - Transmission routes of BVD — bodily secretions, semen, and environment 12:00 - Recognizing clinical signs of BVD and the importance of herd testing 14:30 - Vaccination discussion: types, timing, and protocol considerations 16:45 - When and how often to test for BVD — best practices for herd management 20:00 - Quarantine procedures after introducing new cattle to prevent BVD spread 22:30 - Recognizing and testing for Johne’s Disease (Yoni’s): signs, testing methods, and control 25:30 - How Johne’s transmits predominantly through manure and environmental exposure 28:15 - The long incubation period of Johne’s and when to test for early detection 31:00 - Biosecurity tips, herd hygiene, and managing infected animals 34:00 - Differences between infectious diseases in dairy versus beef herds 36:00 - The importance of veterinarian relationships and accurate testing in disease control 40:00 - Final thoughts on proactive herd management, education, and next steps Resources & Links: BVD Information & Testing Options Johne’s Disease Control Programs Vaccine Types: MLV vs. Killed Remember: Regular herd testing, proper biosecurity, and consulting with your veterinarian are essential steps to safeguard your herd from these costly diseases. Don't hesitate to ask your vet questions—knowledge is your best tool in herd health management. Join our facebook group Lil Hooves Podcast Xbar6 Miniature Cattle Dont forget to subscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 3, 202620 min
What's Coming in 2026 for Our Listeners
Lil Hooves Podcast: What's Coming in 2026 – Exciting Updates for Miniature Cattle & Livestock Enthusiasts! In this forward-looking episode of the Lil Hooves Podcast, hosts Kelly Anderson and Becky Kochick share all the big plans and exciting developments lined up for 2026. Whether you're a new mini cow owner, seasoned rancher, or just passionate about miniature cattle and livestock, this episode is packed with ways to level up your knowledge and community involvement. Episode Highlights: Training Videos & Hands-On Resources – We're rolling out new training videos to help you master everyday care, handling, and best practices for your miniature cattle. Webinars & Live Events – Get ready for interactive webinars and in-person (or virtual) live events designed to dive deeper into topics like breeding, health, and genetics. Memberships & Exclusive Content – Stay tuned for upcoming membership options that unlock premium content, early access, Q&A sessions, and more perks for dedicated listeners and mini cattle owners. More Incredible Guests – We've got an expanded lineup of expert guests bringing fresh perspectives, real ranch stories, and practical advice straight from the field. Veterinarian Series – A brand-new dedicated series featuring veterinarians specializing in miniature cattle and livestock health – perfect for answering your toughest questions on wellness, common issues, and preventive care. 2026 is shaping up to be our biggest year yet for supporting the miniature cattle community with education, connection, and fun! Join the Conversation: Have thoughts on what you'd like to see in our 2026 lineup? Drop us a line! 📧 Email: lilhoovespodcast@gmail.com Connect with fellow mini cow lovers, share your stories, and get real-time updates in our growing community: 👉 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/422852116780287 Call to Action – Help Us Grow! If you're enjoying the Lil Hooves Podcast and finding value in our tips on miniature cattle care, breeding, health, and ranch life, please: Follow or subscribe to the show on your favorite platform (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Acast, etc.) so you never miss an episode. Leave a review – even a quick 5-star rating and short comment means the world and helps new listeners discover us! Thanks for being part of the Lil Hooves family – here's to healthy herds, happy mini cows, and an amazing 2026 ahead! 🐄🤠 #LilHoovesPodcast #MiniatureCattle #MiniCows #LivestockPodcast #MiniatureCattle2026 #MiniCowTraining #LivestockWebinars #VeterinarianSeries #RanchLife Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
January 1, 202611 min
Meet your hosts
Keywords Little Hooves, agriculture, ranching, miniature cattle, livestock, podcast, Kelly Anderson, Becky Kochik, farming, education Summary In this introductory episode of the Little Hooves podcast, hosts Kelly Anderson and Becky Kochik share their backgrounds in agriculture and ranching. They discuss their experiences with livestock, the purpose of their podcast, and their desire to educate others about miniature cattle and livestock management. The conversation highlights their friendship, the learning journey they are on, and their commitment to providing valuable information to both new and experienced livestock owners. Takeaways Kelly and Becky introduce themselves and the podcast. Kelly has a rich background in agriculture and ranching. Becky shares her journey into ranching and livestock. The podcast aims to educate about miniature cattle. Listeners can learn from both hosts' experiences. The podcast has evolved beyond just miniature cattle. Family support plays a significant role in their podcasting journey. They encourage questions from listeners to foster learning. The hosts emphasize the importance of sharing knowledge. The podcast is for everyone, from beginners to seasoned ranchers. Titles Welcome to Little Hooves Podcast Meet Your Hosts: Kelly and Becky Sound bites "I want one of these." "I got sucked in." "You're the perfect person." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Little Hooves Podcast 04:42 Kelly's Journey in Agriculture 08:11 Becky's Background and Ranching Experience 10:22 The Purpose of the Podcast 12:11 Learning and Growing Together Get to know your hosts of the new show all about little cows. Where are they from and how did they meet. Join our Facebook group :https://www.facebook.com/groups/lilhoovespodcast Email us at lilhoovespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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