Podcast Summary: "Why Use Top Dollar Angus For Feeder Cattle"
Ranch It Up Radio Show & Podcast
Hosts: Jeff “Tigger” Erhardt & Rebecca “BEC” Wanner
Air Date: June 22, 2025
Overview
This episode of "Ranch It Up" dives deep into how the Top Dollar Angus program can add value to feeder cattle. Hosts Tigger and BEC are joined by Nate Smith, General Manager of Top Dollar Angus, who breaks down the process, benefits, ROI, and practical implementation of using verified Angus genetics to market calves. The conversation is geared to working ranchers, commercial cow-calf producers, and anyone looking to maximize the value and marketing potential of their feeder calves, especially in a high-demand, high-price market.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Industry News & Livestock Health Funding
- (00:30) The episode opens with news on major livestock health initiatives included in pending Senate legislation, which funds preparedness, disease response, and vaccine programs.
- Discussion on the importance of these programs for protecting U.S. cattle herds from disease outbreaks like New World screwworm.
2. Introduction to Top Dollar Angus
- (03:28) Nate Smith explains the Top Dollar Angus program:
- The program verifies if Angus-based genetics fall within the top 25% for growth and carcass traits by evaluating EPDs, DNA test data, or actual carcass results.
- “What we do is we verify genetics that are Angus based to be in the top 25% of commercial cattle for growth in carcass traits.” — Nate Smith (03:31)
- Once verified, cattle are promoted to hundreds of potential buyers for a fee of $4/head.
3. Eligibility and Flexibility of the Program
- (05:23-06:40) The program extends beyond just straight-bred Angus to include crosses with Red Angus, Simmental, Gelbvieh, Brangus, LimFlex, and even beef-on-dairy (e.g., Holstein) animals provided they meet growth and carcass criteria.
- “If we can prove the quality of those animals on the growth and carcass side, [we] go ahead and qualify them.” — Nate Smith (05:45)
- New sire verification for large dairies producing beef-on-dairy calves is also part of their expansion.
4. How Top Dollar Angus Markets Cattle
- (08:41 onward)
- The $4/head fee buys personalized, targeted outreach to over 200 feedyards and buyers.
- All health data, weights, and genetic rankings are included in listings, maximizing visibility.
- Nate clarifies: “We’re not an agent or a broker...our main goal...is to make sure as many people know about your cattle as possible.” (10:29)
5. ROI and Verified Performance
- (09:50-12:16)
- Verified Top Dollar Angus cattle fetch $15–$30/head premiums over similar, non-verified calves in sale barns and video auctions, even in a historically high market.
- “Even with this high market, we’re really able to add $15–$20 a head on them...It’s worth it to spend that extra $20–$30.” — Nate Smith (10:27)
- Genetic verification contributes significantly to predictability of performance, supported by carcass data where available: “The genetic piece...accounts for a third to half of the actual value.” — Nate Smith (12:16)
6. Effect of High Cattle Prices on Program Premiums
- (13:54)
- Current high cattle prices have compressed the dollar-spread of program cattle vs. generic cattle (used to be $40–$50/head, now $30), but the premium remains.
- “But $30 is $30, Nate. I mean, come on.” — Tigger (14:29)
- Nate: "Even if it's only five bucks a head on 100 head...Are you going to step over a hundred dollar bill if you walk up to one on a sidewalk?" (14:34)
7. Growth and Carcass: Dual Drivers of Value
- (14:53-15:41)
- Growth rate is as important as carcass, especially with high interest rates—animals that finish faster are more profitable for feedyards.
8. How to Get Started: Timeframes & Practical Advice
- (15:41-17:43)
- Producers are encouraged to begin the process early—at least 10 days prior to sale date—to ensure data is collected, evaluated, and marketed in time for video/catalog sales.
- “A phone call to start out is always the best place to start...really just tell me what your operation is and we could start looking at things.” — Nate Smith (17:43)
9. The Bottom Line for Producers
- (18:17-18:40)
- If you’ve invested in top genetics but haven’t marketed them, “you’re just leaving dollars on the table.” — Nate Smith
Notable Quotes & Moments
- On value and ROI:
- “Even if it’s only five bucks a head on 100 head…Are you going to step over a hundred dollar bill if you walk up to one on a sidewalk?” — Nate Smith (14:34)
- On the importance of growth rate:
- “The less amount of days that you can put on those cattle because they grow quicker, the better off they are for the feed yards.” — Nate Smith (15:00)
- On starting the process:
- “Call Nate…and get the ball rolling. That’s the best way, just talk one-on-one.” — Tigger (17:43)
- “If you are buying high end bulls and nobody knows about them, you’re just leaving dollars on the table.” — Nate Smith (18:37)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:30 — Legislative livestock health funding, industry outlook
- 03:28–06:40 — What is Top Dollar Angus? How it works and who qualifies
- 08:41 — How the marketing process functions
- 09:50 — ROI and average premiums
- 12:16 — Verified performance, carcass data, genetic value
- 13:54 — Premium spreads in a high-price market
- 14:53 — The importance of growth traits
- 15:41 — Sale calendars and practical steps for producers
- 17:43 — Best way to initiate the process
- 18:37–18:40 — Final advice: don’t leave dollars on the table
Conclusion
This episode offers a practical, data-driven look at how genetic verification and the Top Dollar Angus program can translate into real, incremental profits for cow-calf producers marketing feeder calves. With detailed explanations, real-world numbers, and candid advice from Nate Smith, listeners get actionable insights into whether the $4/head investment makes sense for their operation.
Learn More:
Visit top$angus.com or check the show notes to get started.