Ranch It Up Radio Show & Podcast
Episode: Upcoming Cattle Sales, Nutrition Tips, and Marketing Insights For 2026
Hosts: Jeff "Tigger" Erhardt & Rebecca "BEC" Wanner
Date: September 28, 2025
Episode Overview
This episode provides a comprehensive look at current events, upcoming cattle sales, practical cattle nutrition guidance, and valuable marketing strategies for producers—looking ahead to 2026 and beyond. With expert guests and boots-on-the-ground updates, Tigger and BEC dive deep into the latest livestock health crises, innovations in herd management, and practical advice for maximizing profit in a volatile market.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Livestock Health & National Security: New World Screwworm Outbreak
(Begins at 00:30)
- Breaking News: Confirmation of New World Screwworm near the US-Mexico border, now at the northernmost point yet in this outbreak, posing a grave threat to US livestock.
- Federal Action:
- U.S. Secretary of Agriculture calls this "non-negotiable and a top priority," emphasizing food security as "national security."
- A "five-pronged plan" is rolling out to protect American herds, even as US ports remain closed to imports.
- Key Quote:
"We will not rely on Mexico to defend our industry, our food supply, or our way of life. ...We will pursue aggressive measures against anyone who harms American livestock." – BEC quoting Secretary Rollins (01:20) - Citizen Guidance:
- Ranchers urged to monitor their stock for signs of infestation, particularly near open wounds or body openings.
- USDA and Mexican authorities are actively monitoring with 8,000+ traps and thousands of samples.
2. Beef Herd Rebuilding & Market Dynamics
(Begins at 03:59)
- Industry at a Crossroads:
- With the closure of the border to 1.25 million head of Mexican cattle and US beef herd at 75-year lows, the USDA is launching initiatives to incentivize domestic growth.
- High global beef prices mean heifers are more valuable for slaughter, reducing calving retention.
3. Cow Nutrition and Nutrient Deficiencies: Expert Q&A with Dr. Kelly Sanders
(Begins at 04:59)
- Listener Question: How can ranchers determine if their cows’ nutritional needs are being met as grazing conditions change?
- Dr. Sanders' Insights:
- Cattle are efficient at self-regulating intake to a degree, but consistency in supplemental feed is crucial.
- "If you’re not consistent, you're going to have really erratic intake." – Dr. Kelly Sanders (05:31)
- Macro-minerals: Calcium, salt, phosphorus, and sodium are drivers for health and intake.
- Best to evaluate mineral/supplement intake monthly or quarterly (not daily) for reliable trends.
- Body Condition:
- Colorado State study: Cows at a 5-6 body condition score are most efficient nutritionally.
- Keeping cows in optimal condition helps utilize nutrients better, contrary to the old view that thin cows use nutrients best.
- Key Quote:
"Consistency...is the most efficient point for those cows as far as nutrition." – Dr. Kelly Sanders (07:30) - Practical Tip: Keep consistent supplements (protein, energy, minerals, vitamins) available year-round for optimal health and performance.
4. Southeast Cow Sales: Circle F Farms Production Event
(Begins at 08:27, Details at 10:45)
- Major Sales Highlighted:
- Circle F Farms’ Big Southeast Events:
- Oct 4: Elite Angus Female Sale (Genetics to build maternal strength)
- Oct 10: Brahman and F1 Heifer Sale (Queens of cow country)
- Oct 11: Bull Sale (Brahman, Brangus, Ultra Black, Charolais, Red Angus, Angus, F1s)
- Circle F Farms’ Big Southeast Events:
- Guest: Woody Folsom, Circle F Farms Owner (11:46):
- Diversifying herds with Angus genetics to improve carcass traits for his retail meat business:
- "I needed to go with the Angus deal to get the carcass value I needed...It was going really well." – Woody Folsom (11:46)
- Diversifying herds with Angus genetics to improve carcass traits for his retail meat business:
- Guest: Chris Shivers, Infinity Cattle Services (12:36 & 13:07):
- Discusses the market’s strong demand for quality females and range-ready bulls.
- "The F1 female...is the premier commercial female and she will top the market." – Chris Shivers (13:07)
- Bulls sold are ready to work immediately, adapted for the environmental conditions of the Southeast.
5. Historic & Current Price Comparisons
(Begins at 15:03)
- Looking back at 1970 prices (Angus steer at 31.5¢/lb) vs. recent 2025 prices ($3.30 to $3.73/lb), highlighting dramatic market growth and volatility.
6. Market Recap & Feeder Calf Marketing for 2026
With Kirk Dodgebock, Stonex Financial
(Begins at 18:27)
- Market Snapshot (as of Sept 19):
- October feeder futures at $354.18, live cattle at $233.45, choice boxes down sharply, slaughter numbers lower YoY.
- Marketing Insights:
- Many producers benefitted from holding out for higher prices, though risk of missing the peak is significant.
- "If you're a day late...you'll never be able to catch it. ...Take the bird in hand and enjoy these extremely high prices." – Kirk Dodgebock (20:48)
- Basis Risk:
Only way to lock current high basis is a cash or forward sale; no hedging tools cover basis.
- Advice for 2026:
- Look at marketing next year’s calves now—use futures, be cognizant of cash flow, as options and LRP tools are expensive.
- "I would even encourage to move the thought process from what do I do with this year's calves to what do I do with next year's calves...at these historically very high prices." – Kirk Dodgebock (21:52)
7. Upcoming Auctions and Cattle/Hay Offerings
(Begins at 23:16)
- Highlight from livestockmarket.com:
- All-class cattle & hay online auction, featuring various well-bred cattle and quality hay lots.
- Bidding opens at $100/head, all lots to sell Oct 1.
Memorable Quotes & Moments
-
On consistent cattle nutrition:
"If you keep them out consistent then those cows kind of ebb and flow based on their needs...on a monthly basis...gives you a more consistent view"
— Dr. Kelly Sanders, 05:31-06:01 -
On marketing at today's highs:
"There's very, very few people gonna sell at the tippy top. ...Maybe even hinting to not even try. Take a price that works. Be happy with it."
— Kirk Dodgebock, 21:52 -
Historical perspective:
"A little blast from the past there. I thought y'all would get a kick out of that."
— Tigger, reflecting on 1970 vs. 2025 market prices, 15:03 -
On US response to Screwworm outbreak:
"We will not rely on Mexico to defend our industry, our food supply, or our way of life."
— BEC quoting USDA Secretary Rollins, 01:20
Important Timestamps
- 00:30 – Screwworm outbreak update and USDA response
- 04:59 – Cattle nutrition Q&A with Dr. Kelly Sanders
- 08:27/10:45 – Circle F Farms Sale preview and interviews
- 13:07 – Chris Shivers on market demand for F1 females
- 15:03 – Cattle price history: 1970 vs. 2025
- 18:27 – Kirk Dodgebock’s market recap and marketing strategies
- 23:16 – Upcoming online cattle and hay auction highlights
Summary
This episode serves as an essential guide for ranchers and producers, from urgent livestock health crises and evolving USDA policy, to actionable advice on herd nutrition, genetics, and strategic calf marketing for 2026. Guest experts ground every segment in practical experience tailored to those living the western way of life.
For more info, sale catalogs, and links:
Questions or feedback?
- Email: ranchitupshowmail.com
- Call/Text: 707-RANCH20
Stay ranchy — and Ranch It Up!