Working Ranch Radio Show

Hosted by Justin Mills

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Episodes

265

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Providing thought provoking information and resources for Ranchers that have a desire to be Responsible, Adaptive, and Profitable. From cows, to land, to people, and technology... issues every ranching business deals with. Hosted by Justin Mills, a 5th generation Wyoming Rancher. A production of Working Ranch Magazine.

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60 recent

September 12, 2026Episode 26654 min

Ep 266: When Rebuilding Isn’t About Going Back w/ Kyle Farmer

Sometimes the toughest years force us to rethink the way we manage our ranches. Northern California rancher Kyle Farmer joins us to share how a devastating wildfire changed the way he looked at rebuilding and ultimately led him to become an early adopter of virtual fencing. We’ll talk about how that technology has changed his approach to grazing, water and infrastructure development, fire mitigation, and even how he uses his time on the ranch. It’s a conversation about looking beyond the way things have always been done and considering what might better prepare our ranches for the future. #WorkingRanchRadioShow #Ranching #VirtualFencing # Halter #GrazingManagement #Wildfire #RanchManagement

September 5, 2026Episode 26554 min

Ep 265: Cattle Market Reality Check + Don Day Fall-to-Spring Forecast

The cattle market has backed off its summer highs, but is some perspective in order? Kyle Shobe with Superior Livestock joins us to recap the Big Horn Classic, discuss where the calf market stands today, and look at the outside forces creating uncertainty. Plus, meteorologist Don Day joins us for our annual long-range weather outlook, taking us from fall through winter and into spring as El Niño takes control of the forecast. #WorkingRanchRadioShow #CattleMarket #BeefMarket #CattlePrices #CalfMarket #SuperiorLivestock #BigHornClassic #Ranching #CowCalf #BeefIndustry #ElNino #WeatherOutlook #LongRangeForecast #RanchWeather #DonDay

August 29, 2026Episode 26454 min

Ep 264: Building a Commercial Cow That Pays Her Way w/ Trey Patterson & John Maddux

What does the commercial cow that actually pays her way look like? Trey Patterson ( Padlock Ranch ) and John Maddox ( Maddux Cattle Company ) join us to discuss building a cow for the long haul—balancing fertility, genetics, management and production without losing sight of profitability. We’ll look at why maximizing performance isn’t always the answer, the value of heterosis, and how to build a cow that fits your environment and your operation. #WorkingRanchRadioShow #CommercialCattle #CowCalf #BeefCattle #Ranching #CattleGenetics #Heterosis #CowHerd #BeefProduction #RanchManagement #CattleProducers #CommercialCow #RanchProfitability #BeefIndustry

August 15, 2026Episode 26354 min

Ep 263: Cattle Markets: Still Defying Gravity w/ Trent Stewart

Coming off the Video Royale sale in Winnemucca, where does the cattle market stand as we head toward the fall calf run? This week, Superior Livestock’s Trent Stewart looks at what the summer sales are telling us, what buyers are paying for, and how weight, delivery date and rising feed costs could impact marketing decisions. Plus, why he says this market is still “defying gravity” and why 2028 may be the year to watch. #WorkingRanchRadioShow #CattleMarket #CattlePrices #BeefCattle #CowCalf #FeederCattle #SuperiorLivestock #VideoRoyale #CattleMarketing #Ranching #BeefIndustry #LivestockMarketing

August 8, 2026Episode 26254 min

Ep 262: Should She Stay? Rethinking Cull Cow Decisions w/ Dr. Ron Gill

Should today's record cattle market change the way you make culling decisions? This week, Texas A&M's Dr. Ron Gill discusses which culling principles should never change, where the current market may justify a different approach, and the traits that lead to a more profitable, longer-lasting cow herd. Plus, in a lightning round of real-world scenarios, Dr. Gill weighs in on which cows stay, which ones go, and why. Also, Don Day explains why this El Niño may have more in common with weather patterns from the 1950s than more recent El Niño events—and what that could mean for our long-range outlook. #WorkingRanchRadio #CowCalf #BeefCattle #Ranching #CullCows #CowHerd #HerdManagement #CommercialCattle #CowLongevity #CattleManagement #ReplacementHeifers #BeefIndustry #RanchLife #Profitability #TexasAgriLife

August 1, 2026Episode 26154 min

Ep 261: Data Centers: What Rural America Needs to Know w/ Tony Pipa

Data centers are becoming a bigger part of the conversation across rural America, but what do they actually mean for the communities where they're built? Tony Pipa with the Brooking Institution is our guest as we discuss what's driving the rapid growth in data centers, the opportunities they may bring, and the legitimate concerns surrounding water, power, land, jobs and long-term economic impacts. We also look at what rural communities should be asking before making decisions that could shape their future for decades. #DataCenters #RuralAmerica #ArtificialIntelligence #RuralDevelopment #Agriculture #Ranching #Energy #WaterResources #EconomicDevelopment #WorkingRanchRadioShow

July 18, 2026Episode 26054 min

Ep 260: Something Feels Different in the Cattle Market w/ Clint Berry

Has the cattle market found its new normal? Superior Livestock representative Clint Berry joins us to discuss what the recent Week in the Rockies sale is telling us, why he remains bullish on the long-term outlook for the beef industry, and what producers should be thinking about as they prepare to market this year's calf crop. Plus, Purina beef nutritionist Dr. Elizabeth Belew shares practical strategies to help position your herd for next year's success, and meteorologist Don Day has your long-range weather forecast. #WorkingRanchRadio #WorkingRanchMagazine #CattleMarket #BeefIndustry #SuperiorLivestock #WeekInTheRockies #CowCalf #CattleProducers #Ranching #LivestockMarketing #RiskManagement #BeefNutrition #Purina #Weather #Agriculture

July 11, 2026Episode 25956 min

Ep 259: When Protein Pays with Dr. David Lalman

As summer progresses, forage quality can begin to decline long before the pasture looks like it's running out. That subtle change can impact intake, digestion, weight gain, body condition, and ultimately your bottom line. Oklahoma State University professor Dr. David Lalman joins us to discuss when late-summer protein supplementation makes economic sense, which classes of cattle stand to benefit the most, and how producers can evaluate whether the return on investment is worth the added input. Whether you're dealing with drought or simply managing maturing forage, this conversation offers practical insights to help you make more informed grazing and supplementation decisions. #WorkingRanchRadio #WorkingRanchMagazine #Ranching #CowCalf #Cattle #Livestock #RanchManagement #BeefProduction #GrazingManagement #ProteinSupplementation #ForageQuality #CattleNutrition #PastureManagement #DroughtManagement

July 4, 2026Episode 25853 min

Ep 258: Beyond Screwworm: What's Next for the Cattle Industry Featuring Jared Wareham & Chelsea Good

Screwworm has dominated headlines across the cattle industry, but what happens after the initial crisis? Jared Wareham (Horizon Venture Management) and Chelsea Good (Good & Associates) join us to examine where the industry stands today—from the economic impact of a closed Mexican border and changing cattle markets to the latest technology being deployed to combat screwworm. We also explore the longer-term implications that may emerge from today's response, including shifts in beef production, processing, and global competition that could influence the U.S. cattle industry for years to come. #WorkingRanchRadio #WorkingRanchMagazine #Screwworm #CattleIndustry #BeefIndustry #CowCalf #CattleMarkets #BeefProduction #Livestock #Ranching #AnimalHealth #AgTech #USDA #CattleProducers #BeefBusiness

June 27, 2026Episode 25754 min

Ep 257: What the Corn Belt Classic Is Telling Us with Bailey Ballou

The first major summer video auction is in the books, and the results from Superior Livestock Auction's Corn Belt Classic are providing an early look at where the calf market may be headed this fall. Bailey Ballou joins us to discuss the fundamentals continuing to support historically strong cattle prices, what buyers are rewarding in today's market, and how health programs, genetics, and demand are influencing premiums. Plus, we break down the sale region by region across the country to see where the strongest markets emerged and what those results could mean for your operation. #WorkingRanchRadio #WorkingRanchMagazine #SuperiorLivestock #CornBeltClassic #CattleMarket #CattlePrices #CowCalf #Ranching #LivestockMarketing #BeefIndustry #CattleProducers #Agriculture