Ranch It Up Radio Show & Podcast

Episode: Cattle Anthrax in North Dakota & USDA Farm Expenses

Date: October 3, 2025

Hosts: Jeff "Tigger" Erhardt & Rebecca "BEC" Wanner

Episode Overview

This episode of Ranch It Up focuses on recent challenges in rural American agriculture, emphasizing two urgent issues: a new case of cattle anthrax confirmed in North Dakota, and the rising costs facing farm producers as detailed by the US Secretary of Agriculture. Tigger and BEC break down the latest news relevant to ranchers and farmers, offering insights and practical advice aimed at keeping the Western way of life thriving.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Anthrax Case Confirmed in North Dakota

• [01:20] Hosts report the confirmation of the state’s second anthrax case this year, located in Stark County, ND.
• North Dakota's State Veterinarian, Dr. Ethan Andrus, urges ranchers—especially those in counties with a history of anthrax—to consult with veterinarians about vaccinations.
• Vaccinations for anthrax are effective but require more than a week to build immunity. Annual boosters are recommended for ongoing protection.
  • Quote (Host at 01:32):
    “He emphasized that effective vaccines are available but require more than a week to build immunity, with boosters needed annually for continued protection.”
• While anthrax cases usually cluster in the northeastern, southeastern, and eastern south-central regions, the disease has appeared nearly statewide.
• Historical perspective: Some years see only a handful of cases, but severe outbreaks have occurred, such as in 2005 when over 500 livestock deaths were reported.
  • Quote (Host at 01:44):
    “A few cases are typically reported each year, though some outbreaks have been larger, such as in 2005 when more than 500 livestock deaths were confirmed.”

2. Farm Input Costs on the Rise

• [02:00] Coverage of US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’ remarks at the Agriculture Outlook Forum in Kansas City.
• Secretary Rollins highlighted alarming increases in prices for farm production inputs since 2020, putting “tremendous pressure on producers.”
  • Quote (Host at 02:06):
    "US Farm production inputs are significantly more costly than four years ago, putting tremendous pressure on producers."
• Specific percentage increases over four years:
  • Seed: +18%
  • Fuel and Oil: +32%
  • Fertilizer: +37%
  • Labor: +47%
  • Interest expenses: +73%
• The episode underscores the financial challenges American farmers and ranchers now face, with particular attention to operating costs and sustainability.
  • Quote (Host at 02:18):
    "Between 2020 and now, seed expenses have increased 18%, fuel and oil expenses increased 32%, fertilizer expenses increased 37%, labor costs increased 47%, and interest expenses increased a whopping 73%."

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Anthrax Prevention:
  • "He emphasized that effective vaccines are available but require more than a week to build immunity, with boosters needed annually for continued protection." (Host, 01:32)
• On Disease Spread:
  • "It has been detected across nearly every part of the state." (Host, 01:41)
• On Cost Pressures:
  • "US Farm production inputs are significantly more costly than four years ago, putting tremendous pressure on producers." (Host, 02:06)
  • "Interest expenses increased a whopping 73%." (Host, 02:18)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:20] — Anthrax outbreak report in North Dakota: confirmed case, vaccination advice, and historical outbreaks.
• [02:00] — Secretary Rollins’ summary on rising farm expenses and implications for producers.

Summary

Tigger and BEC deliver a sharp update on the threats and financial realities facing rural America. Their practical advice—such as monitoring animal health for anthrax and reviewing expense management—reflects their deep roots in the ranching world. The numbers discussed paint a serious picture for ranchers, and the episode closes with encouragement to catch the full weekend program for expanded coverage.