Ranch It Up Radio Show & Podcast

Episode: Horses For Sale, Fire Relief Updates & More
Date: March 1, 2026
Hosts: Jeff “Tigger” Erhardt & Rebecca “BEC” Wanner
Guest: Seth Maxey (Magnolia Livestock Services, Alabama Select Horse Sale)

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the current state of the ranching world, focusing on emergency relief for wildfire-affected cattle producers, significant changes in the U.S. beef export market, and – headlining – an in-depth look at the Alabama Select Horse Sale with guest Seth Maxey. The conversation highlights trends in the horse market, the challenges and rewards of organizing a diverse sale, and the continued importance of quality animals and community in rural America. The show closes with a comprehensive cattle market report and updates on upcoming sales and technology in the cattle industry.

Key Segments & Topics

1. Fire Relief Updates & Beef Export News

[00:45 - 02:50]

• Wildfire Relief Efforts:

  • Ongoing wildfires impact Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas.
    “Our hearts and prayers go out to all those affected in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.” – BEC [00:45]
  • The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation and the Kansas Livestock Association have established relief funds for those affected.
    “The Oklahoma Cattlemen's foundation will distribute 100% of received funds to impacted cattle producers.” – BEC [01:08]
  • Links for donations and support are available in show notes and on social media.

• Beef Export Market Changes:

  • The US lost access to the Chinese beef market for over nine months due to trade war fallout, with an estimated loss of $1.1 billion.
  • Poultry and pork exports to China resumed quickly, but most beef registrations remain suspended.
  • Recent truce in the trade war hasn’t restored full access for US beef.
  • US Supreme Court ruling limited executive tariff powers, impacting future trade leverage.
  • Stat: Beef exports down 12% by volume (1.14 million metric tons), down 11% by value ($9.33 billion).
    “Compared to 2024, beef exports by volume were down 12% last year to less than 1.14 million metric tons.” – BEC [01:46]
  • The segment concludes with BEC’s wrap-up of the news.

2. Spotlight: Alabama Select Horse Sale – Interview with Seth Maxey

[02:50 - 17:33]

Diversity & Quality of Horses

• Horse Selection:
  • Sale features a wide variety—ranch horses, arena performance horses, pleasure horses, ponies, gaited horses, even mini donkeys.
  • “We truly have something for the entire family.” – Seth Maxey [03:17]
  • Horses cater to local needs in Montgomery, Alabama, and surrounding states.
• Geographic Reach:
  • Last year, 75 horses sold to buyers from 11 states, ranging from Texas to North Carolina and up to Kentucky and Florida.

Range of Offerings

• Horse Experience Levels:
  • Everything from weanlings and broodmares to finished horses—“from top to bottom.”
    “We have a, a breeder in Mississippi…he has weanlings all the way up to 8 year old heavy bred mares.” – Maxey [05:32]
  • “Husband-safe” and “cowgirl-safe” horses also included.
• Scholarship Program:
  • Certain lots benefit the Southeastern Livestock Exposition scholarship fund, including donated mini donkeys.
  • “One of our staples here…is we have a scholarship program…a friend of mine from Mississippi donate his little mini donkey herd to that fund.” – Maxey [05:45]

Color, Camaraderie, and Buying Experience

• Horse Color Preferences:
  • Color plays a role, even if folks try to focus on quality.
  • “It’s hard not to [look at color], because, like, I'm a sucker for a bay.” – Maxey [10:47]
  • Sale offers a spectrum: bays, grullas, buckskins, palominos, reds, grays, and more.
• Event Experience:
  • Focus on combining business with genuine community and social engagement.
  • Friday, March 13: Kickoff social with live band and benefit auction.
  • Saturday, March 14: Official preview at 9am, sale begins at noon (Central).

Logistics & Online Bidding

• Transport:
  • Maxey’s background in horse transportation allows seamless coast-to-coast delivery.
  • “You just call me. I can have the horse delivered anywhere in the lower 48.” – Maxey [12:29]
• Online Access:
  • Bidding platform: horseauctionsusa.hibid.com and the Alabama Select Horse Sale Facebook page.
  • Buyers can view, register, and bid online, with support for remote participants.

The Market for Quality Horses

• Market Trends:
  • Reflection that “good horses bring good money,” even in volatile economic times.
  • “People are missing the social interaction when it comes to sales…we’re trying to really focus on showing off our southern hospitality.” – Maxey [16:17]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Event Atmosphere:
  “We are focusing on quality instead of quantity.” – Seth Maxey [04:40]
• On Horse Market:
  “Good horses bring good money and they always did.” – Tigger [15:35]
  “That’s why we're focusing on quality…good people bring good horses.” – Maxey [12:29], [16:17]
• On Southern Hospitality:
  “We’re gonna have a kickoff social on Friday night…with a benefit auction…live band.” – Maxey [13:43]
• On Inclusivity:
  “Truly a good selection for everybody.” – Maxey [05:32]

3. Weekly Market Report with Kirk Donsbach

[20:42 - 22:48]

• Cattle Markets:
  • March feeder futures closed up $1.65 at $367.32.
  • CME feeder index at $377.37—wide positive basis compared to futures.
  • Cattle on Feed report as expected; April live cattle futures up $1.32 to $241.72.
  • Choice boxes up $2.20 at $366.67; estimated spot packer margin at -$350 (“very concerning”).
  • Weekly slaughter: 516,000—down from last year, dress weights up 1 lb.
  • Key Numbers:
    “Weekly slaughter was 516,000 head...that’s 49,000 head below the same week last year.” – Donsbach [21:55]
    “Corn closed the week at 428, up three and three quarters on the week.” – Donsbach [22:38]

4. Technology & Upcoming Sales (Briefs)

[22:48 - 25:53]

• Technology Feature:

  • Conversation snippet about new tech that measures bull mounting scores and cow cyclicity, referenced from the “Casual Cattle Conversations” podcast.
  • “Getting to see which bulls actually go and do their job in a timely manner is…very important information.” – Shane White [23:46]

• Upcoming Sales Calendar:

  • Overview of several bull sales and auctions, including online bidding platforms (DV Auction, LiveAuctions, CCI Live, Superior).
  • Reminder to register/accounts approved in advance for online bidding.

Important Timestamps

• 00:45: Wildfire news and relief efforts
• 01:30: U.S. beef export losses and China market updates
• 02:50: Introduction to Alabama Select Horse Sale (Interview with Seth Maxey)
• 03:17: Types of horses offered at the sale
• 04:40: Distribution and reach of horses sold
• 05:32: Range of horse ages and experience
• 10:47: Discussion about horse color preferences
• 12:29: Transportation and logistics for out-of-state buyers
• 13:43: Details on event schedule and social activities
• 14:43: Online bidding options explained
• 15:35: Market insight on the value of quality horses
• 16:17: Community, tradition, and hospitality at sales
• 20:42: Cattle market report with Kirk Donsbach
• 22:48: New reproductive tech for cattle (snippet)
• 24:03: Sales calendar and auction information

Conclusion

This episode provides a rich look at the resilience and vibrancy of the rural livestock and ranching world. Through field reports, industry analysis, and a memorable conversation about the Alabama Select Horse Sale, the show offers practical resources, emphasizes community support in times of crisis, and celebrates the enduring value of quality livestock and people.

To learn more:

• Visit Ranch It Up Radio Show
• For Alabama Select Horse Sale info: alselecthorsesale.com or the event’s Facebook page
• Wildfire Relief: See show notes/social media for donation links
• For in-depth market reports and additional podcasts, follow on your favorite podcast platform

Hosts’ Sign-off:
“Stay ranchy and Ranch it Up.” – BEC [26:39]