Ranch It Up Radio Show & Podcast — Episode Summary
Episode Title: Legendary Red Angus Ranch Disperses & Cattle Industry News
Date: December 14, 2025
Hosts: Jeff "Tigger" Erhardt & Rebecca "BEC" Wanner
Notable Guest: Darren Ippolito, Moose Creek Red Angus
Core Theme:
This episode delivers a robust mix of industry news, cattle market analysis, and an exclusive interview on the historic Moose Creek Red Angus dispersal. It’s an insightful look at ranch business decisions, generational legacy, cattle markets, and the evolving landscape of rural American agriculture.
Episode Overview
The main focus this week is on profound changes in the cattle industry, highlighted by the full dispersal of the famed Moose Creek Red Angus herd. Hosts Tigger and BEC provide timely rural news, market recaps, and advice for producers navigating pivotal business choices. The episode includes valuable lessons on balancing ranching success, family priorities, and future planning—plus lively audience engagement with trivia and gear giveaways.
Key Segments & Discussion Points
1. National Food Supply Chain News (00:48–02:42)
- Trump Administration Action:
- Creation of new food supply chain security task forces by executive order, targeting anti-competitive behavior among major meat processors.
- Task forces to investigate foreign ownership, price fixing, and potential impacts on food security.
- Focus on how past industry settlements and ownership patterns might threaten affordability.
- Quote:
- BEC: “Anti-competitive behavior, especially by companies under foreign control, threatens the stability and affordability of America’s food supply.” (01:17)
- Impact:
- DOJ and FTC to report to Congress within 180 days and again in one year.
- Renewed government scrutiny comes as beef prices rise and previous investigations had limited results.
2. The Moose Creek Red Angus Dispersal Story (07:09–16:54)
a) Why Disperse a Successful Herd?
- Darren Ippolito Interview:
- Decision centered on work–life balance and prioritizing family over career, not because of business or health hardship.
- Quote:
- Darren: “I wanted to spend some time with my kids…if I'm gonna make an impact on their lives, I need to be there right now. Kids are growing up, they're growing up fast.” (07:28)
- “I'm not going to saddle my kids with my childhood dream. I'm going to support theirs.” (08:50)
- Business & Legacy:
- Emotional vs. business considerations. Years in planning (taxes, debt, timing, family readiness).
- Not quitting cattle altogether—just leaving the registered business.
- Acknowledgement of generational transfer challenges: children must choose their own path.
b) Process & Advice for Other Ranchers
- Preparation:
- Extensive consultation with professionals (bankers, accountants, nutritionists, lawyers).
- Quote:
- Darren: “Your banker wants your success…they’re not your adversary, they’re your advisor.” (13:27)
- Positive Framing:
- The sale as “a once in a lifetime opportunity”—chance to build a legacy from Moose Creek’s genetics.
- Darren’s emotional reflection on the pride, hardship, and broad impact of his ranching journey.
- Quote:
- “In a world where you can’t hide anything, you better have nothing to hide. We’ve been open; we’re just an open book on how we run our program.” (15:51)
3. Sale Details & Opportunity (16:54–18:07)
- Sale Dates & Details:
- Dec 22: Bred heifers, pairs, bulls, semen.
- Dec 23: Open heifer calves, frozen genetics, cows.
- Live and online auction details at ranchchannel.com and moosecreekredangus.com.
Market Recap with Kirk Donsbach (19:54–23:05)
- Feeder Market Surge:
- “Fire in the cash market”—feeder cash took off, record highs reached in some barns.
- January feeder futures: $338.97½, up $23.65 on the week.
- February live cattle: $227.37½, up $9.55.
- Industry Data:
- Choice boxes down $5.62, indicating demand concerns.
- Weekly slaughter robust: 660,000 head, up from last week.
- Dressed weights up to 893 lbs, 24 lbs heavier than last year.
- Advice:
- Kirk notes uncertainty in the rally’s sustainability and “would be inclined to lock down fall 2026 calf prices” if futures surge further. (22:56)
Practical Ranching Insights (23:05–24:22)
- Heifer Marketing Strategies:
- Segment excerpt with John and Patty Tibelius via Shay Wanner’s Casual Cattle Conversations podcast.
- Advice:
- Nutrition and collaboration (“Five small ranches…sell all their calves together…lots of options out there.”)
Engaging Listeners & Community (24:33–25:44)
- Trivia & Gear Giveaways:
- Last week’s trailer trivia answers (Wilson and Featherlite).
- This week’s challenge: “What does LRP stand for?” (Listeners can text/call to win Ranch It Up gear.)
Notable Quotes & Moments
- “Cherish these moments with your kids.” — Darren Ippolito (07:52)
- “It is a really hard business decision to make long before it’s a hard, emotional decision to make.” — Darren (10:58)
- “All those cold long nights, you’re calving or sleepy days driving down the road…they come together in this sale book…it gets emotional.” — Darren (15:10)
- “In a world where you can’t hide anything, you better have nothing to hide.” — Darren (15:51)
Timestamps at a Glance
- 00:48–02:42: National news: Food supply chain and executive order.
- 07:09–16:54: Darren Ippolito on Moose Creek Red Angus dispersal—motives, challenges, legacy, and advice.
- 16:54–18:07: Sale logistics and legacy opportunities.
- 19:54–23:05: Weekly cattle market recap with Kirk Donsbach.
- 23:05–24:22: Ranching tips: open heifer strategies.
- 24:33–25:44: Listener trivia and gear giveaway.
Tone & Takeaways
The episode blends practical business advice, heartfelt stories of legacy and family, and up-to-the-minute cattle industry analysis. Tigger and BEC’s conversational, upbeat style makes complex industry news accessible, while Darren Ippolito’s candor offers wisdom on generational transitions and life decisions. For ranchers, ag business professionals, and Western enthusiasts, this episode encapsulates both the challenges and joys of life on the land—reminding all to “Stay ranchy and ranch it up.”