Podcast Summary: Ranch It Up Radio Show

Episode: Prevent Scours Before Calving Season & Cattle Industry News
Date: December 7, 2025
Hosts: Jeff “Tigger” Erhardt & Rebecca “BEC” Wanner
Platform: SiriusXM RFD-TV Rural Radio, AM/FM, Podcast, YouTube

Overview

This episode zeroes in on essential pre-calving management—especially preventing scours in calves—against a backdrop of shifting cattle markets and industry news. Hosts Tigger and BEC draw on their working ranch experience, provide actionable advice for ranchers heading into calving season, spotlight industry trends, and interview expert guest Paul Mitchell to help producers boost herd health and profit. Listeners also get updated market reports, current ranch news, safety tips, and a chance to win Ranch It Up gear.

Key Discussion Points

1. Beef Industry Trends & News

[00:50 - 04:27]

• Global Beef Production Slump:

  • Rabobank predicts sluggish beef production in 2025 for Brazil, Canada, USA, and especially New Zealand.
  • Limited herds are pushing up retail beef prices.
  • Canadian beef exports set to drop by 41,000 metric tons next year compared to 2024.

• Screwworm Outbreak Watch:

  • The USDA has launched a public information website about the spread of the new World screwworm (a parasite dangerous to cattle).
  • U.S. import ban on Mexican cattle since May 2025; $21 million committed to support sterile fly production in Mexico.

• Pasture & Feed Safety—Black Nightshade Warning:

  • Black nightshade in corn stalks can be toxic, especially if cattle graze late in the fall when options are limited.
  • Most livestock are susceptible; 3–4 lbs of fresh black nightshade can poison a cow.
  • “Freezing temperatures will not reduce the toxicity.” (BEC, [03:27])

2. Cattle Sales Report & Market Context

[04:27 - 06:23]

• Bred Heifer and Cow Sales in High Gear:
  • Fort Pierre Livestock (SD) experienced a strong market—bred females fetching $3,150–$5,200 per head.
  • Host Tigger notes, “That $5,000 bred female may be a tick hard to justify. However, if the market holds through 2026, you can pay for half of her by simply selling that one calf come fall.” ([05:21])

3. Calving Preparation: Preventing Scours

[08:04 - 18:57]

The Problem:

• Scours (diarrhea in calves) can decimate calf crops, especially during stress points like calving.

The Solution:

• Start Prevention Early: Begin supplementing cows’ diet with products like Pharmatan 90 days before calving.
• Interview with Paul Mitchell (Imogene Ingredients)

  • Why Pre-calving Supplementation Works:

    • Calving is “an incredibly stressful period for a cow… the immune system’s under huge stress” (Paul Mitchell, [10:28]).
    • Pharmatan boosts cow immune function, reduces inflammation, and can help prevent ketosis.
    • Increases colostrum volume and antibody concentration by 12–15% (based on dairy studies).

  • How It Works:

    • Binds with protein, reducing ammonia/inflammation in the rumen.
    • Acts as a high antioxidant, supporting mineral absorption (Vitamin E, selenium, manganese).

  • Economic Impact:

    • With today’s high prices, “if you can save 1% difference just on death loss…you’ve paid for the program.” (Paul Mitchell, [14:45])
    • Larger herds can expand “without adding a bunch of help… I can keep adding cow numbers… don’t have to have a whole bunch of guys chasing cows and calves because of problems.” (Paul Mitchell, [15:41])
    • Consistency is key: “Get on the program and stay on the program.” (Tigger, [16:33])

  • Delivery Options:

    • Available in salt/mineral blocks, custom mixes, and pellets.
    • Compatible with Rumensin and ABF/natural programs.

  • Notable Quote:

    • “Every cow that’s open is a problem. So let’s get them bred back and make sure she’s teed up right for the next gestation.” (Paul Mitchell, [12:57])

4. Livestock Markets Recap

[21:25 - 23:26]

• With Kirk Donsbach (Stonex Financial):
  • January feeder cattle futures closed at $323.05 (up $8.75 on the week).
  • December live cattle finished at $215.30 (up $1.05).
  • Cattle market “some pretty bullish action, but there is some other concerning data to go with it.”
  • National slaughter and production are both down year-over-year, despite record-high weights.
    • “Yearly slaughter came in at 7.1% less than last year and yearly production was 4.4% less than last year.” (Kirk, [22:50])
  • Noted strength in corn export sales despite high production estimates.

5. Fetal Programming & Nutrition (Guest Segment)

[23:26 - 24:15]

• With Shea Wanner (Casual Cattle Conversations):
  • Explains the concept of fetal programming: “Nutritional insults at different points during gestation have different impacts on calf health, growth and performance…”
  • Emphasizes value of mineral programs year-round and knowing herd nutritional needs.

6. Listener Interaction & Trivia

[24:19 - 25:58]

• Ranch It Up Gear Giveaway:
  • Listeners can win by answering:
    1. “Which livestock trailer manufacturer was the first to offer an all aluminum trailer?” ([24:36])
    2. “What trailer manufacturer was the first to introduce an all aluminum gooseneck livestock trailer?” ([24:54])
  • Call or text answers to 707-726-2420 or email ranchitupshowmail.com.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Calving is an incredibly stressful period for a cow to go through… the immune system's under huge stress.”
  – Paul Mitchell ([10:28])

• “If you can prevent those early first three, four weeks of, of scours, it used to be that you'd have to save quite a few calves to pay for anything new you put in your mineral. Now if you can save a couple, you've paid for it.”
  – Paul Mitchell ([15:40])

• “Get on the program and stay on the program.”
  – Tigger, on using Pharmatan ([16:30])

• “Consistency is kind of the key to it.”
  – Paul Mitchell ([17:00])

• “Every cow that’s open is a problem. So let’s get them bred back.”
  – Paul Mitchell ([12:57])

Important Timestamps

• [00:50] Global Production Slump & Screwworm Update
• [03:27] Black Nightshade Toxicity in Pasture
• [04:27] Bred Cow and Heifer Sale Summary
• [08:04] Intro to Scours Prevention & Pharmatan Segment
• [10:28] Calving Stress & Cow Immunity (Paul Mitchell)
• [14:45] Profitability of Health Programs
• [16:30] Importance of Consistency with Supplements
• [21:25] Weekly Market Update (Kirk Donsbach)
• [23:26] Fetal Programming Explained (Shea Wanner)
• [24:19] Ranch It Up Gear Giveaway Trivia

Takeaways & Resources

• Preventive health is critical during pre-calving. Start scours prevention now—not after losses begin.
• Pay attention to feed safety: Watch for toxic plants like black nightshade in grazed fields.
• Market context: With cattle numbers low and prices strong, every calf counts—investment in herd health has never been more justified.
• Opportunities: Ranchers looking to expand or upgrade herds should take advantage of quality sales and genetic programs this season.
• Further information:
  • PharmatanUSA.com for scours control solutions.
  • ranchitupshow.com for resources, links, and contest entry.

The Ranch It Up Spirit

“Stay ranchy and Ranch it Up!” — BEC ([26:38])