Podcast Summary: Ranch It Up Radio Show & Podcast

Episode: Stock Show Updates, Cattle Teaching Kids, Ranch Jobs, & Beef News
Hosts: Jeff “Tigger” Erhardt & Rebecca “BEC” Wanner
Date: January 25, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode centers on key developments in the ranching world, most notably the role of major stock shows in shaping the next generation of cattle professionals, current cattle health threats near the southern border, rural job opportunities, and an in-depth look at both the cattle market and the practical business of ranching. With interviews live from the National Western Stock Show in Denver, listeners get insight from producers, educators, and market analysts about what it really means to ranch for a living.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. News: Cattle Health Alert Along the Southern U.S. Border

• [00:29] Jeff "Tigger" Erhardt brings urgent news of 11 confirmed cases of New World screwworm reported in a Mexican border state since December 30th.
• Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller urges high alert, emphasizing that crossing into Texas could devastate livestock, with potential damages estimated at $2.1 billion.
• Quote: “It’s just plain cowboy logic. When you’re seeing this many cases this fast, it tells you there may be established screwworm fly populations in that Mexican border state.” – Sid Miller [00:44]
• Preventative actions and increased surveillance are underway along the border.

2. Ranch & Agricultural Job Opportunities

• [02:19] Listing of available positions at the University of Nebraska (ranch technician, ruminant digestion technician, beef systems technician), with reference links in the show notes.
• Leland Red Angus (North Dakota) is seeking hands-on ranch help, favoring those with own horses and gear. Perks include housing, utilities, ranch vehicle, beef, and competitive pay.

3. National Western Stock Show Highlights

• [04:52]
  • Described as the "Super Bowl for many in the seed stock business," the National Western Stock Show in Denver is a longstanding epicenter for showcasing cattle, rodeos, equine events, and ag innovations.
  • While hosts couldn’t attend, field reporter Charles Anderson conducted interviews on site.

a) Interview: Tyler Bush (Bush Angus, SD) – Back-to-Back Champion Angus Bull [06:33]

• Bush Angus celebrates its 100th anniversary, taking home grand champion honors for their Angus bull, Caesar, for the second year in a row.
• Quote: “Caesar now has gone back-to-back National Western Champion Angus Bull... every female in our operation goes back to one single cow. So we’re a closed herd.” – Tyler Bush [07:15]
• Caesar is lauded for both outstanding phenotype and genetic performance (big-footed, heavy-structured, strong growth, good milk production).
• Quote: “I think a big-footed, heavy, structured bull that’s super high performing… not only his pedigree that is unique and fun… but still reads with true growth character.” – Tyler Bush [08:36]
• Bull sale announced: February 28, 2026 (details at bushangus.com).

b) Interview: Dr. Sam Cunningham (Colorado State University) – Teaching with Cattle [11:54]

• Dr. Cunningham outlines CSU’s philosophy of using hands-on livestock work, especially at events like the Stock Show, to train students in livestock selection, business planning, marketing, and customer service.
• Quote: “Each week through the fall, our sales class… we build a budget, we build an ad plan, we zoom call with our auctioneer, we zoom call with our ring men… those students know those bulls better than I do at this point.” – Dr. Sam Cunningham [12:07]
• Emphasis on “raising kids with livestock” – students gain people skills, industry connections, and practical experience far beyond the show ring.
• Notable alumni have moved on to breed associations, government, research, sales, and more.
• Quote: “There’s so much of that that is included in this… using this livestock to raise our youth.” – Charles Anderson [14:20]
• CSU’s 49th annual bull and heifer sale scheduled for Feb 21, 2026.

4. Market Report: Cattle, Corn, and Bull Pricing [20:37]

• Kirk Donsbach (Stonex Financial) offers a thorough market review:
  • March feeder futures: $356.15 (+$1.60 for the week)
  • CME feeder index: $370.15 (strong cash market)
  • February live cattle: $232.07 (-$1.70)
  • Choice boxes: $362.38 (+$6.75)
  • Weekly slaughter: 562,000 head (up from last week, down from last year); heavier dress weights
  • March corn: $4.25 (down ~$0.20), stabilized after USDA's surprising acreage/yields report.
• Bull Pricing Conversation:
  • Quote: “If we just use [the rule of thumb]—price of 5 steer calves—that’s what you should pay for your bulls…it’ll get you in the top 10-20% of bulls for sale in that particular sale.” – Kirk Donsbach [23:50]
  • Focus on consistency and quality as more important than chasing price swings.
  • Bull sales expected to remain high this year.

5. Practical Beef Health: Calving Season Tips [24:45]

• Excerpt from the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast featuring veterinarians Troy Dutton and Joe Holcalter.
• Advice: Work with veterinarians and nutritionists now to prevent common calving issues.
• Quote: “They need to work with their veterinarian now to help prevent some of those issues they’ve had in the past…” – Dr. Troy Dutton [25:04]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It’s just plain cowboy logic. When you’re seeing this many cases this fast, it tells you there may be established screwworm fly populations in that Mexican border state.”
  — Sid Miller (Texas Ag Commissioner), [00:44]

• “Caesar now has gone back-to-back National Western Champion Angus Bull… every female in our operation goes back to one single cow… So we’re a closed herd.”
  — Tyler Bush (Bush Angus), [07:15]

• “Each week through the fall, our sales class… we build a budget, we build an ad plan… those students know those bulls better than I do at this point.”
  — Dr. Sam Cunningham (CSU), [12:07]

• “There’s so much of that that is included in this… using this livestock to raise our youth.”
  — Charles Anderson, [14:20]

• “If we just use [the rule of thumb]—price of 5 steer calves—that’s what you should pay for your bulls…it’ll get you in the top 10-20% of bulls for sale in that particular sale.”
  — Kirk Donsbach, [23:50]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:29 – Border Screwworm Outbreak Report
• 02:19 – Ranch & University Job Openings
• 04:52 – National Western Stock Show Overview
• 06:33 – Tyler Bush Interview (Bush Angus)
• 11:54 – Dr. Sam Cunningham Interview (Colorado State University)
• 20:37 – Kirk Donsbach Market Recap & Bull Pricing Discussion
• 24:45 – Calving Season Health Tips (Casual Cattle Conversations)

Tone & Style

The tone is straightforward, practical, and proudly rural, blending news, expertise, and informal conversation with a clear focus on serving the working cowboys, cowgirls, and farmers who comprise the show’s core audience.

Takeaways

• The working ranch world faces real threats alongside real opportunities: vigilance on cattle health is critical.
• Stock shows aren’t just competitions—they are essential learning grounds and networking hubs for the next generation of beef producers.
• Real-world ranch job opportunities abound, with a premium placed on work ethic and immersion in the rural lifestyle.
• Cattle markets are dynamic; sound business sense (consistency, quality) outweighs chasing prices.
• Raising livestock goes hand-in-hand with raising capable, confident young adults ready to lead agriculture into the future.

For more details, visit show notes and the linked resources mentioned throughout the episode. Stay ranchy and Ranch It Up!