Podcast Summary: Ranch It Up Radio Show – "Cutting Feed Costs in 2026 With Winter Grazing, Cattle News, And Bull Sales"

Hosts: Jeff “Tigger” Erhardt & Rebecca “BEC” Wanner
Episode Date: January 11, 2026
Main Theme: Innovative strategies for reducing feed costs in cattle operations, with a particular focus on winter grazing; updates on market trends, legal news, and upcoming bull sales.

Overview

This episode dives into the urgent need to lower cattle feed costs in 2026, spotlighting practical winter grazing strategies—even for operations in the coldest climates. Tigger and BEC bring in guests and deliver the latest cattle industry news, including market analysis, legal settlements affecting producers, insights from experienced ranchers, and upcoming bull sale events.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Cattle Industry News and Legal Updates

• Tyson Foods Settlement ([00:25])

  • Tyson Foods agreed to pay $82.5 million to settle a class action alleging conspiracy to inflate U.S. beef prices by restricting supply (2015–2022).
  • Other major beef producers, including JBS USA, have resolved similar claims, reflecting ongoing antitrust scrutiny in the sector.

  Notable Quote:

  “Plaintiffs allege that Tyson and other major beef producers conspired to limit production and raise prices for boxed beef and retail ready cuts…”
  — Jeff "Tigger" Erhardt ([00:27])

• Feeder Cattle Sales Records at Ozarks Regional Stockyards ([01:40])

  • January 2026 special sale shattered previous records, with five-weight steers breaking the $5/lb mark.
  • Indicates strong demand and optimistic market for quality feeder cattle.

2. Focus Segment: Cutting Feed Costs with Winter Grazing

Setting the Stage:

• Core Question: How can ranchers maximize efficiency and reduce feed input costs, particularly during winter, without sacrificing production?
• Regional Nuances: Winter grazing practices vary widely by region, but the less time spent on harvesting and delivering forage, the greater the savings.

Case Study: Blackleg Ranch, Mackenzie, North Dakota—Jace Doane Interview ([06:10])

A. Financial Impact of Winter Grazing

• Possible to save up to $300 per cow for the winter if cattle are kept grazing on cover crops.
• Particularly significant for large herds (500–1,000 cows).
• Supplementation becomes necessary in inclement weather, but on good days, cows often prefer foraging to processed hay.

Quote:

“If we're able to keep them cows out on like a cover crop...it'll save $300 per cow for the winter."
— Jace Doane ([06:27])

B. Cow Behavior and Herd Management

• Cows often choose to graze through snow over consuming hay, but variability exists.
• Observing which cattle forage actively can serve as a useful culling tool to improve overall herd efficiency.

Quote:

"You have cows that are leaders...they’ll pick up like a turnip and eat half of it, and the lazy ones will come along and finish it off."
— Jace Doane ([07:17])

C. Establishing Winter Grazing Programs

• Use a ‘broad mix’ (up to 25 species) of cover crops to maximize resilience and nutrition.
• No perfect mix—choices depend on local seed costs and needs.
• Most producers aren’t aware of their total feed spending; running the numbers often uncovers savings.

Quote:

“Most people like feeding their cows too much to really see how much they're spending on feeding their cows."
— Jace Doane ([08:47])

D. Herd Analysis and Breeding Implications

• Winter grazing helps separate "easy-keepin’" cows from higher-maintenance cattle; can preempt genomic testing for efficiency.
• Efficient animals are more profitable and can reduce dependence on high-input management.

Quote:

"If you can use that as a culling mechanism and create some cows that work for you instead of you having to work for your cows...then you should probably just look at your...bank statement and see what can I do different."
— Jace Doane ([11:34])

E. Calving Management Adjustments

• Blackleg Ranch moved its calving dates later (ideal: May 1st) to align with better range conditions and reduce disease (e.g., scours).
• Past experience calving in March barns led to significant losses; now, calving on pasture is statistically healthier.

Quote:

“You don’t see deer out there fawning in the dead of January...we pushed our calving date back, ideally to the first of May...and we don’t treat calves for scours anymore.”
— Jace Doane ([12:58])

F. Big-Picture Takeaway

• Each operation must consider local capacity, land, and resources.
• Holistic management—looking at grass, soil, livestock, and enterprise diversity—is key.

Quote:

“Looking at everything in more of a holistic approach...looking at how it affects the operation as a whole…what you could do to better the operation as a whole.”
— Jace Doane ([15:21])

3. Markets Recap and 2026 Outlook with Kirk Donsbach ([18:25])

2025 Year-end Market Review:

• Feeder Cattle: January feeder futures closed at $356.35, up significantly; strong feeder index, cash sales described as "hot."

• Live Cattle: February futures at $236.17, also notably up; packer margins remain tight.

• Beef Demand Concerns:

  • Despite high prices for live and feeder cattle, boxed beef prices and retail sales are lagging.
  • Packers' profit margins are weak; there’s strong concern about whether high prices can be passed along to consumers.

  Quote:

  "There's a lot of concern with the price that's being paid on the buy side—the fats will get up high enough to make those numbers work...? I'm very, very concerned about the demand side."
  — Kirk Donsbach ([21:10])

  Quote:

  "Unit sales down in all the major retailers for beef...Boxes have not gotten anywhere close to their 415 high since last year...Profit margins for the packers are horrible, rumored to be pushing worst of the year."
  — Kirk Donsbach ([21:52])

4. Health & Nutrition Segment: Vitamin A in Cattle ([23:19])

• Mini-Interview: Veterinarian Blaine Lowe speaks on the importance of Vitamin A for cattle, covering its critical roles in healthy organ systems, immune function, and prevention of diseases like pinkeye.
• Producer Tip: Regularly review your nutrition program to ensure adequacy in trace vitamins; deficiencies can subtly undermine herd performance.

5. Bull Sale Announcements and Industry Calendar ([24:28])

• Upcoming Bull Sales:
  • Zimmerman Ranch Black Balancer – Jan 17, Steel, ND
  • Spruce Hill Ranch Angus and SimAngus – Feb 5, Bowman, ND
  • Six Mile Angus – Feb 6, Flasher, ND
  • Wrestler Land and Cattle Red Angus – Feb 8, Cooperstown, ND
• More details, catalogs, and bidding information at ranchchannel.com

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• "[Winter grazing] will save $300 per cow for the winter." – Jace Doane ([06:27])
• "You have cows that are leaders...and the lazy ones will come along and finish it off." – Jace Doane ([07:17])
• "We've bred the profitability, in my opinion, kind of out of cattle to need high inputs." – Jace Doane ([11:32])
• "We pushed our calving date back, ideally to like the first of May…we don't treat calves for scours anymore." – Jace Doane ([12:58])
• "Profit margins for the packers are horrible, rumored to be pushing worst of the year." – Kirk Donsbach ([21:52])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Tyson Foods Settlement & Market News: [00:02] – [02:00]
• Ozarks Regional Stockyards Record Sales: [01:40]
• Winter Grazing Deep Dive (Interview with Jace Doane): [06:10] – [16:24]
• 2025 Year-End Market Recap / 2026 Outlook (Kirk Donsbach): [18:25] – [22:58]
• Vitamin A and Herd Health: [23:19]
• Bull Sale Calendar & Wrap-up: [24:28] – [26:47]

Conclusion

This episode is packed with actionable insights for cattle producers facing a challenging economic landscape. The discussion around winter grazing provides both practical know-how and strategic considerations for operations large and small. Updates on markets, legal settlements, and health management round out a fast-paced, information-rich listen—all delivered in the straight-talking, community-oriented style Ranch It Up is known for.

Contact the Show:
Text or call the hotline at 707-RANCH20 (707-726-2420) to share your winter grazing experiences or ask questions.