Ranch It Up Radio Show & Podcast

Episode: Tribute To A Beef Industry Icon: Troy Thomas of Thomas Ranch

Hosts: Jeff "Tigger" Erhardt & Rebecca "BEC" Wanner
Date: November 23, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Ranch It Up Radio Show pays tribute to Troy Thomas, a legendary cattleman from the Thomas Ranch, and explores his impact on the ranching industry and the next generation of cattle producers. Hosts Tigger and BEC speak with Callie Thomas Kindred, Troy’s daughter, who shares memories, values, and the future of the family’s cattle operation. The episode also covers recent beef tariff news, market updates, and how listeners can access elite Thomas Ranch genetics at their upcoming dispersal sale.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Beef Tariff News and Industry Implications

• Update on U.S. Beef Tariffs: President Trump signed an executive order reducing tariffs on certain agricultural imports—including beef—amid tight cattle supplies and high consumer beef prices ([00:59]).

  • Key details:
    • Certain ag products now exempt from tariffs, including beef, coffee, tea, and tropical fruits.
    • U.S. beef imports (mostly lean trimmings for ground beef) may be affected.
    • Recent DOJ investigations into beef packers—previous and current—highlight ongoing scrutiny in the industry.

• Quote:

  “Amid tight cattle supplies, record beef prices and a heightened focus on broader consumer inflation, the action could especially impact ground beef.” — Rebecca "BEC" Wanner ([01:54])

2. Market and Sale Highlights

• Upcoming Sales:

  • DLCC Ranch Hallmark Legacy Sale: Now through Dec 12, 85 South Devon cows & heifers ([03:36])
  • Prairie Hills Galvie “Princesses on the Prairie” Sale: Thanksgiving week ([03:51])
  • Keller Broken Heart Ranch Simmental & Simangus Heifer Sale: Dec 10 ([04:07])
  • Gill Red Angus Annual Bull & Female Sale: Dec 10 ([04:20])
  • Thomas Ranch “Lifetime of Production” Sale: Dec 10–11, mature dispersal of over 300 Angus & Charolais—focus of today’s tribute ([04:35])
  • Moose Creek Red Angus Complete Dispersal: Dec 22–23 ([05:26])

• Sales info and further details at ranchchannel.com.

3. Tribute to Troy Thomas

Troy Thomas: A Legacy of Integrity & Mentorship ([09:45]–[14:34])

• Guest: Callie Thomas Kindred (daughter)

• Troy’s Impact:

  • Deep commitment to mentoring youth and newcomers in the cattle business
  • Reputation for helping others get a start, building relationships, and sharing knowledge
  • Remembered not just for cattle breeding excellence but for his care and support for people

• Notable Quote:

  “My dad really had a passion for helping young kids out or people that were trying to get a start. And you could just see how many people he affected and really had an impact on their life… He was a man who did what it took whenever it was needed.” — Callie Thomas Kindred ([09:45])

• Teaching Through Experience:

  • Story of showing and eventually selling a family heifer (“Firewater Stam”)—emphasizing learning, resilience, and long-term view ([11:32]).
  • Even as kids, Callie and her sister learned the business side firsthand.
  • Troy ensured daughters always had mentors and exposure to the best professionals in the industry.

• On Troy’s Passing and the Community Response:

  • Outpouring of support from industry leaders and friends at Troy’s funeral
  • Numerous offers of help and acknowledgment of his widespread influence

• Memorable Moment:

  “To have that many people that have so much prestige and honor in the industry... it really did give us an understanding of how many people he made an impact on.” — Callie Thomas Kindred ([13:49])

Future of Thomas Ranch and Upcoming Dispersal Sale ([14:34]–[18:03])

• Sale Background:

  • Sale planned before Troy’s passing—aimed at right-sizing the herd, not closure.
  • “Mature dispersal and cow herd reduction sale” for restructuring
  • Selling cows, heifers, embryo and semen packages, including some of their best stock
  • Sale approach: Transparent—offering age-based groups (e.g., all spring calving cows 2020+), kept top quality for buyers.
  • Callie emotionally describes the difficulty of “letting some of those cows go” but remains committed to honoring Troy’s work through this sale.

• Quote:

  “I wanted to make sure that we were offering some of our best cattle and best opportunities. Give people a reason to really come and look at my dad's lifetime of work and what he had put together.” — Callie Thomas Kindred ([15:45])

• Event Details:

  • December 10th (embryos), December 11th (main cow & semen sale) in Harold, South Dakota; online bidding via CCI Live; info: thomasranchcattle.com

4. Cattle Markets Update ([20:59])

• With: Kirk Donsbach, Stonex Financial Incorporated
  • January feeder futures: $320.17 (up $1.05/week)
  • Cash and board divergences, indicating possible market corrections needed
  • December live cattle, choice box prices, and slaughter numbers discussed in detail ([20:59])
  • Uncertainty in the market due to recent USDA report and data collection issues.

5. Value-Added Programs for Ranchers ([22:54])

• Featured segment: Excerpt from the “Casual Cattle Conversation” podcast

• Guest: Jean Ann from Red Angus Association of America

  • Discusses how value-add programs (like Angus Access) help producers capture premiums for good management/marketing practices
  • Encourages ranchers to seek opportunities already suited to their operations

• Quote:

  “Don’t leave the value on the table and we want to make sure that we help you capture that.” — Jean Ann ([23:52])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Troy Thomas’s Mentorship:

  “He was a man who did what it took whenever it was needed… He cared about relationships and trying to help in whatever ways he could.” — Callie Thomas Kindred ([09:45])

• On the Community’s Response:

  “To have that many people that have so much prestige and honor in the industry... it really did give us an understanding of how many people he made an impact on.” — Callie Thomas Kindred ([13:49])

• On Selling Firewater Stam:

  “So the day of the sale comes around, and Troy sold all three of them. Oh, and I was so mad… But it came all full circle. Firewater became a huge part of our story.” — Callie Thomas Kindred ([12:28])

• On Value-Add Programs:

  “My goal’s always been to make sure that producers are able to capitalize on the value that they’re already creating with their management practices at home.” — Jean Ann ([23:14])

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Beef Tariff News & Market Impact: [00:59]–[03:36]
• Upcoming Sales & Thomas Ranch Sale Details: [03:36]–[07:11]
• Introduction to the Troy Thomas Tribute: [07:49]–[09:45]
• Callie Shares Her Dad’s Impact: [09:45]–[11:32]
• Memories and Mentorship: [11:32]–[13:36]
• Community Response & Funeral: [13:49]–[14:34]
• Dispersal Sale Details: [14:34]–[18:03]
• Market Update with Kirk Donsbach: [20:59]–[22:54]
• Value-Added Programs Segment: [22:54]–[24:19]

Tone & Language

The episode maintains a warm, conversational, and authentic ranching community feel, blending business insight with personal stories and a strong sense of gratitude for those who strengthen the cattle industry. The tribute to Troy Thomas is heartfelt and respectful, celebrating his life, mentorship, and leadership.

Summary

This episode is essential listening for anyone invested in the future of ranching, not only for the practical information about markets and cattle sales, but for the moving reflection on Troy Thomas’s lasting contribution to the cattle community. The legacy he leaves—a commitment to integrity, mentorship, and superior cattle—will carry on through his family, friends, and everyone whose lives he touched. The upcoming Thomas Ranch dispersal sale is not just an opportunity to buy great genetics, but to celebrate decades of hard work and vision.