Ranch It Up Radio Show & Podcast

Episode: Corn Belt Classic Kicks Off Summer Sales, Angus Board Keeps Grant, WLAC Names New Champion
Date: June 15, 2025
Hosts: Jeff "Tigger" Erhardt & Rebecca "BEC" Wanner

Episode Overview

This episode dives into key events shaping the summer for cattle producers and ranchers:

• The monumental Corn Belt Classic cattle sale and the state of summer cattle markets
• The American Angus Association’s decision to retain the Bezos Earth Fund research grant
• The crowning of a new World Livestock Auctioneer Champion
• Current cattle and hay prices, trends, and detailed market figures
• Expert tips on marketing strategies and herd management from industry insiders

With deep roots in rural America and ranch-life authenticity, hosts Tigger and BEC ensure this packed show delivers market intelligence, news, and boots-on-the-ground perspectives for cattlemen, ranchers, and ag-business owners.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Angus Association Retains $4.85 Million Grant

[00:01 - 01:40]

• The American Angus Association's board voted to retain the $4.85M researched-focused grant from the Bezos Earth Fund for livestock efficiency.
• Despite a petition urging return of funds, the board made a swift decision before the petition closed.
• Full statement available on the Ranch It Up website show notes.

No notable quotes, primarily announcement.

2. World Livestock Auctioneer Champion 2025: Dean Edge

[01:41 - 04:00]

• Historical background on the World Livestock Auctioneering Championship (WLAC), spotlighting its origin and significance.
• This year’s event hosted at the Cosmopolitan Hotel, Denver, honored Dean Edge of Rimby, Alberta as the new champion.
• Winner prizes: $6,000 cash, one-year world championship truck, belt buckle, customized Henry rifle, and more.
• Next year’s contest to be held in Deadwood, SD.

Quote:

“And this year's champion from Rimby, Alberta, congratulations goes out to Dean Edge.”
— Jeff "Tigger" Erhardt [03:15]

3. Summer Cattle Sales: Corn Belt Classic Breakdown

With Roger James, High Tech Marketing & Superior Livestock Rep

[05:11 - 18:17]

a. Corn Belt Classic Sale Snapshot

• Two-day sale, June 17-18, at South Sioux City, NE.
• 105,000 head of cattle to be auctioned, a major event for the Feeder Cattle market.
• “Region two calves” from Montana are the season's hot watch.
• Classic is the “trend-setter” for summer cattle prices.

Quote:

“That's the one that starts, that's the one that everybody watches and it kind of sets the trend for the rest of the marketing season.”
— Roger James [09:44]

b. Market Drivers & Trends

• Roger James, with 46 years’ experience:
  • Exceptional current market—first time both ranchers and feeders/backrunners are making money at once.
  • Factors include: lower corn prices, recovery post-drought, cautious heifer retention.
  • Noteworthy price comparisons:
    • Tractor tires: $1,000–$1,250
    • Boneless ribeye: $15/lb—a “cheap eat”

Quote:

“Maybe this market is where it's supposed to be... everything else. I think maybe we're just catching up.”
— Roger James [06:12]

• Heavily-watched replacement cow/calf pair prices, some reaching $5,000/head.

Quote:

“You take a calf weighing 500 pounds, bringing $2,000—you got half of that investment back in the first year.”
— Roger James [13:26]

c. Program and Specialty Cattle Premiums

• Niche markets like “program cattle” (vaccination/management protocol cattle) still see premiums, but gains flatten as overall prices rise.
• Premiums most assured for those with top-notch vaccination/health records and proven efficiency/genetics.

Quote:

“There’ll be a premium if they’re very well vaccinated… First thing they look for is number one: health.”
— Roger James [15:23]

d. Marketing Advice for Producers

• Strongly recommends producers diversify marketing options (“arrows in your quiver”).
• For first-timers, connect with local Superior Livestock reps before deadlines approach—especially with tight summer schedules.

Quote:

“You need a vaccination program… you also need a marketing program to merchandise those animals.”
— Roger James [17:33]

4. Weekly Market Recap with Kirk Donsbach – Stonex Financial

[20:36 - 22:09]

• August feeder cattle contract up over $11 for the week. CME index at $306.16.
• Live cattle futures and cash saw significant weekly gains (cash finished at $234.16).
• Dress weights remain steady (872 lbs, up 25 lbs from last year).
• Weekly slaughter: 582,000 head (higher post-holiday but still below last year).
• Choice boxes slightly down; production remains tight — 2.8% lower YoY.
• September corn closed at $4.33, showing corrective chart patterns.

No standalone quote, but strong analytical rundown by Kirk Donsbach.

5. Cattle & Hay Online Auction Preview

[22:09 - 23:37]

• LivestockMarket.com’s June 18th auction: Angus, Red Angus, Charolais & Hereford cows featured; multiple hay lots from Midwest suppliers.
• No reserves, all lots will sell.
• Regular cattle & hay auctions ongoing, head to livestockmarket.com.

6. Breeding Soundness and Bull Management Tips

[23:37 - 25:25]

• Excerpt from Casual Cattle Conversations podcast with Shea Wanner & Jennifer Kozol.
• Key insight: Sperm morphology is the primary reason young bulls fail breeding exams.
• Stress (social, nutritional, environmental) significantly affects fertility.
• Bulls need testicular environment ~3-5°C below body temperature.

Quote:

“Sperm morphology is the most common reason that a bull will fail a breeding soundness exam...”
— Jennifer Kozol (as replayed by Shea Wanner) [23:44]

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

| Time | Speaker | Quote | |----------|----------------------------|-------| | 03:15 | Tigger (Host) | “And this year's champion from Rimby, Alberta, congratulations goes out to Dean Edge.” | | 06:12 | Roger James | “Maybe this market is where it's supposed to be... everything else. I think maybe we're just catching up.” | | 09:44 | Roger James | “That's the one that starts, that's the one that everybody watches and it kind of sets the trend for the rest of the marketing season.” | | 13:26 | Roger James | “You take a calf weighing 500 pounds, bringing $2,000—you got half of that investment back in the first year.” | | 15:23 | Roger James | “There’ll be a premium if they’re very well vaccinated… First thing they look for is number one: health.” | | 17:33 | Roger James | “You need a vaccination program… you also need a marketing program to merchandise those animals.” | | 23:44 | Jennifer Kozol (via Shea Wanner) | “Sperm morphology is the most common reason that a bull will fail a breeding soundness exam...” |

Important Segment Timestamps

• Angus Association Update: [00:01 - 01:40]
• WLAC Coverage & Dean Edge Win: [01:41 - 04:00]
• Corn Belt Classic Sale Preview w/ Roger James: [05:11 - 18:17]
  • Sale Overview & Trends: [05:11 - 10:42]
  • Market Drivers & Producer Advice: [10:42 - 18:17]
• Market Recap w/ Kirk Donsbach: [20:36 - 22:09]
• LivestockMarket.com Auction Preview: [22:09 - 23:37]
• Bull Health/Breeding Soundness Clip: [23:37 - 25:25]

Conclusion

This episode provides a well-rounded update on everything that matters to cattle producers heading into the summer: from major sale events like the Corn Belt Classic, through industry policy updates, to hard-hitting market numbers and practical ranch management advice. Roger James’ insights are especially valuable for anyone navigating this year’s dynamic market, and the recurring focus on both innovation and tradition reminds listeners why the Western way of life — and the people that live it — remain as resilient and resourceful as ever.

Contact the show:

• Text/Call: 707-726-2420
• Email: ranchituphowmail.com
• Social: @RanchItUpShow

Stay Ranchy and Ranch It Up!