Explore every episode of the podcast Running on Grass

The conversation covers topics such as grassland resilience, beef demand, cattle industry, El Nino's impact on drought conditions, and the corn and soybean market. The discussion explores the resilience of grasslands in Nebraska, the performance of beef demand compared to the S&P 500, the impact of El Nino on agriculture, and the challenges faced by the corn and soybean market. The conversation covers the quality of feed and grazing conditions, feed management and utilization, snowpack and water source, challenges and opportunities in farming, technology and grazing management, market volatility, and fertilizer costs. It highlights the impact of weather on farming, opportunities for cover crop grazing, and the diversification in farming operations.

Takeaways

• Beef demand outperforms S&P 500
• Impact of El Nino on agriculture Diversification in farming operations
• Impact of weather on farming
• Opportunities for cover crop grazing

Chapters

• 00:00 Grassland Resilience
• 09:19 Cattle Industry and Beef Demand
• 17:18 El Nino and Drought Conditions
• 23:46 Quality of Feed and Grazing Conditions
• 32:00 Snowpack and Water Source
• 38:38 Technology and Grazing Management

The podcast episode features a discussion between Logan Pribbeno and Eamon O'Toole, focusing on their ranch operations, collaborative ranching, differences in ranching practices, and watering practices. The conversation highlights their unique approaches to ranching and the importance of water management in their respective operations. The conversation delves into optimizing cattle watering systems, observing cattle behavior around water sources, insights from Jordan Levi's interview, perspectives on calving and cattle management, business strategies and market trends, and looking ahead to future market trends. The discussion emphasizes efficient water management, the impact of market conditions on cattle feeding, and the importance of intelligent capital in the industry.

Takeaways

• Collaborative ranching involves a mutual exchange of cattle between ranchers for winter and summer grazing.
• Differences in ranching practices, such as horseback vs. four-wheelers, reflect the unique geographical and operational characteristics of each ranch. Efficient water management is crucial for optimizing cattle behavior and grazing patterns.
• Market conditions and intelligent capital play a significant role in the cattle industry's success.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 05:45 Differences in Ranching Practices
• 26:52 Optimizing Cattle Watering Systems
• 35:33 Insights from Jordan Levi's Interview
• 45:35 Business Strategies and Market Trends

In our debut episode, two working ranchers sit down for honest talk about what’s hitting operations right now. We cover the current drought conditions and how it’s affecting grass and stocking rates, riding the all-time high cattle markets, key takeaways from the Levi Jordan interview, and what the recent JBS Greeley plant reopening means for cattle prices and producers like us.

Real rancher dialogue, no fluff, just practical insights from the pasture.

The conversation covers a range of topics related to ranching and cattle management, including calving methods, cover crops, cattle prices, and hay logistics. Each chapter delves into the specific details and challenges of these themes, providing valuable insights for ranchers and cattle producers. The conversation delves into livestock management, feed costs, summer plans, cost differences, and the impact of weather and moisture on operations. It also explores the costs and gains in livestock management, providing valuable insights into the challenges and strategies of ranching operations.

Takeaways

• Calving Methods
• Cover Crops and Forage
• Cattle Prices and Market Trends
• Hay and Feed Logistics Livestock Management
• Cost Analysis

Chapters

• 00:00 Hay and Feed Logistics
• 18:42 Livestock Management and Feed Costs
• 25:11 Impact of Weather and Moisture on Operations

The conversation covers a range of topics including the passing of Ted Turner, management styles, hiring, beef prices, ranch operations, drought impact, and labor challenges. The hosts also discuss the ecological component of ranch operations, the use of bison meat, and the impact of drought on crop production. The conversation covers a range of topics including ranch management, employee stories, hiring processes, operational freedom, meeting structures, beef market dynamics, and the impact of drought on the cattle industry. The hosts also discuss the role of the beef checkoff program and the upcoming USMEF meeting.

Takeaways

• Ted Turner's passing has implications for ranch operations and management styles.
• Labor challenges and the impact of drought on ranch operations are significant concerns. Ranch management involves daily operations, employee stories, and hiring challenges.
• Operational freedom and employee involvement are key to successful ranch management.
• Meeting structures and frequency play a crucial role in effective communication and decision-making.
• The beef market is influenced by factors such as drought, imports, and government intervention.
• The impact of drought on the cattle industry is significant, leading to lower cattle numbers and potential long-term effects.
• The role of the beef checkoff program and the upcoming USMEF meeting are important for understanding market dynamics and industry trends.

Chapters

• 00:00 Impact of Drought on Ranch Operations and Beef Prices
• 14:01 Labor Challenges and Drought Planning
• 19:17 Changing Work Culture and Operations in Ranching
• 24:30 Hiring Processes and Operational Freedom
• 33:30 Role of the Beef Checkoff Program and USMEF Meeting

The podcast covers a range of topics including the future of Tyson's poultry and beef operations, the impact of plant closures on the beef industry, reflections on life and purpose, the impact of wildfires on ranchers, market trends and selling strategies, and the role of capitalism in agriculture. The conversation delves into economic factors, government intervention, community support, market predictions, and the future of the industry. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by generational ranchers, the origins and legacy of the ranch, historical land purchases, the complexities of leasing land, building relationships with landlords, ranching stories and mishaps, book discussions on Goggins and Undaunted Courage, and management styles and employee relations.

Takeaways

• The impact of Tyson's shift to poultry on consumers and the beef industry
• The resilience and challenges faced by ranchers in the face of wildfires Generational challenges in ranching
• Legacy and origins of ranching
• Land value and historical purchases
• Challenges of leasing land
• Building relationships with landlords
• Ranching stories and mishaps
• Book discussions: Goggins and Undaunted Courage
• Management styles and employee relations

Chapters

• 00:00 The Future of Tyson's Poultry and Beef Operations
• 07:05 Ben Sasse's Interview and Reflections on Life (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcT9O5Sjmd0)
• 19:00 Market Trends and Selling Strategies (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1LxRNjVtWZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
• 24:38 Generational Challenges in Ranching
• 30:17 Family History and Ranching Beginnings
• 36:17 Building Relationships with Landlords
• 41:45 Ranching Stories and Mishaps
• 48:44 Management Styles and Employee Relations

The conversation covers topics such as weather and precipitation, ranching and cattle management, the impact of AI on the workforce, AI applications in agriculture, AI and job displacement, and the adoption of AI in agriculture. The hosts discuss the effects of weather on ranching, the use of AI in cattle management, and the potential job displacement due to AI in various industries. The conversation covers a range of topics, from the revolutionary impact of Starlink on ranching operations to the significance of conservation easements and the management of land acquisition and cash flow. It also delves into the use of debt as a tool for expansion and the rapid evolution of technology in the agricultural industry.

Takeaways

• Weather conditions impact ranching and cattle management.
• AI has the potential to revolutionize agriculture and workforce management. Starlink's impact on ranching operations
• The significance of conservation easements

Chapters

• 00:00 Weather and Precipitation
• 08:09 Impact of AI on Workforce
• 18:47 AI and Job Displacement
• 25:01 Adoption of AI in Agriculture
• 30:11 Revolutionizing Connectivity with Starlink
• 41:50 The Significance of Conservation Easements
• 53:02 Debt as a Tool for Expansion

The conversation covers two primary themes: cattle market signals and hay production/feeding strategies. The discussion delves into the changing dynamics of the cattle market, including insights from industry experts and the impact of market signals on ranching operations. Additionally, the conversation explores the role of hay production and feeding strategies in ranching, highlighting the importance of efficient management and financial considerations. The conversation delves into the financial aspects of ranching, including culling the herd based on age, making financial decisions, managing ranching like a hedge fund, the role of banking relationships, preparing for the cattle cycle low, volatility and marketing in the cattle industry, and branding and calving practices. The conversation delves into the intricacies of cattle branding and management, highlighting the challenges and strategies involved. It also explores the operations and challenges of ranching, shedding light on the complexities of multi-state ranching and the management of employees. The discussion provides valuable insights into the world of cattle ranching and the considerations involved in running a successful operation.

Takeaways

• Cattle market signals
• Hay production and feeding strategies Culling the herd based on age is a financial decision
• Understanding financial concepts is crucial for ranching success Cattle branding and management
• Ranching operations and challenges

Chapters

• 00:00 Cattle Market Signals
• 20:02 Culling the Herd Based on Age
• 26:16 The Role of Banking Relationships in Ranching
• 33:24 Volatility and Marketing in the Cattle Industry
• 38:44 Branding and Calving Practices
• 47:25 Ranching Operations and Challenges

In this Friday Happy Hour episode, Logan and Ea’Mon break down the latest USDA Cattle on Feed report — the first year-over-year increase in 18 months — and what it actually signals for producers. They dig into whether the numbers reflect real herd rebuilding or mostly drought-forced liquidation hitting feed yards across the country.

The conversation covers the pressure of ground beef pushing toward $7 per pound at retail, consumer sentiment, and whether high prices are sustainable in the face of diesel costs and broader economic strain. They also share what they’re seeing on the ground with regional drought conditions, from the Sandhills to Wyoming and eastern Colorado, and discuss how it’s affecting stocking rates, grazing plans, and early liquidation decisions.

On the marketing side, they talk about shifting more toward barn sales versus video, building valuable partnerships (including genetics), and practical moves they’re making with replacements and heifers. The episode wraps with an honest look at cow herd strategy — when to retain, sell, or position for potential expansion in this high-price environment, and why some experienced voices are calling for higher highs ahead.

If you’re trying to make sense of the current market signals while managing drought and planning your own herd, this one’s for you.

Chapters:

• 00:00 – Introduction & Friday Happy Hour Teaser
• 02:15 – USDA Cattle on Feed Report: First +2% Increase in 18 Months
• 04:00 – Drought-Forced Liquidation vs. Real Herd Rebuilding
• 07:00 – Ground Beef at $7/lb – Is It Sustainable?
• 11:35 – Drought Pressures & Regional Conditions on the Ground
• 19:45 – Super El Niño Outlook & Long-Term Market Implications
• 39:30 – Marketing Shifts: Barn Sales, Video Sales & Strategic Partnerships
• 45:15 – Cow Herd Strategy: Retain, Sell, or Expand?
• 54:50 – Key Takeaways & What We’re Watching Next

The podcast episode celebrates reaching the milestone of ten episodes and discusses employee engagement, the new world screw worm threat, ranch management, and the characteristics of great employees. It also explores tools and equipment for ranch operations, the ranch crew and operations, and the dynamics of hiring and retaining employees, including gender dynamics in ranch employment. The conversation covers a range of topics including the art of interviewing, employee management, the cost of turnover, standard operating procedures, fencing challenges, water sources and management, the cattle market, heifer retention, cost structure differences between plains and mountains, and the usage of ATVs vs. horses in operations.

Takeaways

• Employee engagement and retention are crucial for the success of a ranch operation.
• The New World Screw Worm Threat poses a significant risk to cattle producers, requiring proactive management and preparedness. Effective interviewing is a skill developed through experience and practice.
• Employee management and flexibility are crucial for employee satisfaction and retention.

Chapters

• 00:00 Podcast Introduction and Milestone Celebration
• 07:05 Ranch Management and Employee Recruitment
• 19:08 Ranch Crew and Operations
• 26:30 Hiring and Retaining Employees
• 32:15 The Art of Interviewing
• 38:11 The Cost of Turnover
• 46:34 Fencing Challenges: Plains vs. Mountains
• 55:52 Cattle Market and Heifer Retention
• 01:02:02 ATVs vs. Horses: Operations and Usage

The hosts discuss the current weather conditions, the state of their ranches, and the challenges they face due to lack of rain. They also touch on topics such as employee management, standard operating procedures, autonomy, and the differences in ranching practices between different regions. The conversation covers a range of topics including ranching, agriculture, and the use of ATVs and horses. It also delves into the changing landscape of beef production and the potential impact of new technology on the industry. The discussion highlights the challenges and costs associated with running horses and ATVs, as well as the evolving role of future ag leaders.

Takeaways

• Employee retention is a significant challenge for many ranches.
• Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are essential for new employees but become less necessary as employees gain experience and autonomy.
• Ranching practices and challenges vary significantly between different regions and climates. Ranching and agriculture are undergoing significant changes, requiring a shift in strategy and innovation.
• The use of technology and data in beef production is expected to revolutionize the industry, potentially changing the way beef is sold and priced.

Chapters

• 00:00 Ranching Practices and Challenges in Different Regions
• 01:03:20 Future Ag Leaders and Industry Trends

The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including grazing practices, disease impact on cattle, market updates, nutrition content testers, future of beef pricing, regional beef quality, and market dynamics for premium beef. The discussion also delves into the impact of soil quality on beef production. The conversation covers topics related to soil health, grazing management, cattle weights, shrink and fill management, water and feed management, cattle handling, facility management, ranch succession, and returning to the ranch after college.

The discussion emphasizes the impact of these factors on cattle health, weight gain, and overall ranch profitability. The conversation delves into the poetry of working cattle, teaching kids to find their passion, planning for the future of the ranch, motivating kids, the impact of college and life experience, the importance of family dynamics, the challenge of motivating kids, the influence of life experiences, the significance of college experience, the value of personal agency, the impact of leadership and succession, the role of ego in business, the importance of family unity, preparing kids for ranching, the unique challenges of ranching, the decision-making deadline, the influence of life experiences, the impact of personal agency, the importance of planning for the future, the influence of life experiences, the impact of external factors, the future of ranching, the importance of planning for the future, the value of sharing knowledge, and the importance of taking action.

Takeaways

• Grazing practices and cattle management are influenced by environmental factors and learning from past mistakes.
• Disease outbreaks can have a significant impact on cattle herds, leading to economic and health challenges.
• The future of beef pricing and market dynamics may be influenced by nutrition content testers and the emergence of premium beef products. Effective grazing management leads to soil health and nutrient-dense forage.
• Cattle weight gain and shrink management are critical for ranch profitability. Passion drives success
• Family unity is crucial for succession

Chapters

• 00:00 Exploring New Territory
• 05:56 Nutrition Content Testers
• 12:10 Regional Beef Quality
• 20:25 Soil Quality and Beef Production
• 26:05 Cattle Water and Feed Management
• 34:03 Returning to the Ranch
• 41:39 The Poetry of Working Cattle
• 47:02 The Significance of College Experience
• 52:03 The Decision-Making Deadline
• 58:25 The Value of Sharing Knowledge

The conversation covers a range of topics including the impact of rainfall on grasslands, the resilience of perennial grasslands, podcast shoutouts and sponsorship, investment in high dividend ETFs, financial education and mentorship, water infrastructure ROI, equipment regrets and priorities, holistic management and systems approach, mentorship, and education.

The conversation covers strategic equipment investment, taking a sabbatical, agricultural bailouts, E15 fuel push, small operator opportunities, and grazing school and field day. It emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity in ranch equipment, the impact of taking a sabbatical on team management, the implications of government aid for farmers, and the opportunities for small operators in the agricultural industry.

Takeaways

• Resilience of perennial grasslands
• Importance of water infrastructure ROI Quality over quantity in ranch equipment
• The impact of taking a sabbatical on team management
• The implications of government aid for farmers
• Opportunities for small operators in the agricultural industry

Chapters

• 00:00 Weather and Rainfall
• 05:17 Investment and Financial Planning
• 12:16 Infrastructure Investment
• 26:19 Holistic Management and Systems Approach
• 32:30 Strategic Equipment Investment
• 43:30 Agricultural Bailouts and E15 Push
• 58:15 Small Operator Opportunities

In this mid-year market check-in on Running on Grass, Logan Pribbeno from Wine Glass Ranch and Ea’Mon O’Toole from Ladder Ranch break down what’s really driving cattle prices right now — even as some charts flash warning signs.

We open with the latest price action and the viral tweets shaping the conversation, then dive into the stunning USDA export sales report that showed 126,062 metric tons of U.S. beef sold in a single week — a nearly 500% jump from the prior week. Much of it was late-reported volume, including record-shattering one-week sales to Chile and Italy. Is this the demand signal the market has been waiting for?

Derrell Peel’s latest analysis on drought-driven herd risk and the telling heifer slaughter graph gets a close look, alongside live results and commentary from Superior Week in the Rockies (240,000+ head on offer this week).

Then we shift to the bigger picture: the Federal Reserve’s $10 billion liquidity injection, Dr. Dave Kohl’s K-shaped economy framework, and why productive ranchland may be one of the smartest inflation hedges available — especially when retail giants are being asked to cut ground beef prices for consumers feeling the squeeze.

Logan and Ea’Mon bring honest, boots-on-the-ground perspectives from their own operations, sharing what these signals mean for marketing, grazing plans, and long-term land decisions.

Whether you’re running cows, watching markets, or thinking about your next land move, this episode gives you the data and the real-world context to make better decisions.

Timestamps
• Market Reality Check, Export Spike & Superior Sale
• Drought Herd Risk & Heifer Graph
• Inflation, Liquidity & the K-Shaped Economy
• Operational Tweaks & Closing Takeaways

The conversation covers the impact of weather on grass and livestock, the economics of cover crops and grazing, and the transition to electric vehicles in agriculture. It delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by these themes, providing valuable insights for agricultural practitioners. The conversation covers the challenges and vulnerabilities of the sheep industry, the impact of World War II on the industry, advice for growing a sheep operation, marketing and scaling in the sheep industry, running sheep in the mountains, and beef market trends and analysis.

Takeaways

• Impact of weather on grass and livestock
• Economics of cover crops and grazing
• Transition to electric vehicles in agriculture Sheep industry challenges
• The importance of good shepherds

Chapters

• 00:00 Transition to Electric Vehicles in Agriculture
• 26:37 Sheep Industry Challenges and Vulnerabilities
• 29:01 The Impact of World War II on the Sheep Industry
• 31:10 Advice for Growing a Sheep Operation
• 33:13 Marketing and Scaling in the Sheep Industry
• 34:11 Running Sheep in the Mountains and Grazing Strategies
• 38:53 Beef Market Trends and Analysis

The conversation covers a range of topics related to ranching, including insights from ranching events and meetings, the use of AI in ranching, and the creation of value-added products from cull cows. Each chapter delves into the details of these themes, providing valuable insights and practical applications for ranchers. The conversation delves into the challenges of the grass-fed market and the strategies for heifer development and breeding. It explores the complexities of the grass-fed industry and the factors affecting its growth. Additionally, it provides insights into heifer development and breeding strategies for ranching operations.

Takeaways

• Ranching Events and Meetings
• AI in Ranching
• Value-Added Products from Cull Cows Grass-fed market challenges
• Heifer development and breeding strategies

Chapters

• 00:00 Ranching Events and Meetings
• 03:03 AI in Ranching
• 30:05 Value-Added Products from Cull Cows
• 31:58 Grass-fed Market Challenges
• 39:37 Heifer Development and Breeding Strategies

The conversation covers the impact of weather on agriculture, market volatility, the AI space, border reopening, and the implications of drought and corn prices on the industry. The conversation delves into the impact of AI and Singularity on jobs, the future of agriculture, and the changing dynamics of ranching and labor. It also explores the evolving markets and the role of technology in ranching operations.

Takeaways

• Market volatility
• Impact of weather on agriculture AI and Singularity
• Impact on Jobs

Chapters

• 00:00 Weather and Agriculture
• 02:00 Market Recap and AI Space
• 03:28 Border Reopening and Cattle Implications
• 23:22 Drought and Corn Prices
• 26:48 AI and Singularity
• 29:27 Impact on Jobs
• 34:06 Ranching and Technology
• 37:24 Future of Agriculture
• 45:31 Ranching and Labor
• 56:01 Changing Markets

The episode discusses the impact of drought and extreme heat on ranching, the challenges faced, and the strategies for managing through it. It also explores the use of African genetics for heat tolerance and the importance of water infrastructure projects. The conversation emphasizes the need for a shift in cattle genetics to adapt to changing environmental conditions. The conversation covers a range of topics including genetics, grazing, public land use, and book recommendations. Logan and Eamon discuss the challenges and benefits of using public land for grazing, the complexities of managing public land, and the importance of grazing for the environment. They also touch on the topic of genetics and the potential of African breeds for herd improvement. Additionally, they plan to discuss the book 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius in a future segment.

Takeaways

• Drought and extreme heat pose significant challenges for ranching, leading to feed loss, fatality, and the need for water infrastructure projects.
• African genetics offer potential solutions for heat tolerance in cattle, and the use of crossbreeding and diverse genetics is essential for adapting to changing environmental conditions. Public land grazing has benefits and challenges, and the perception of grazing has evolved over time.
• The use of African breeds for herd improvement is a topic of interest and will be explored in future segments.
• The book 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius is recommended for its value in stoic literature and life application.

Chapters

• 00:00 Impact of Drought and Heat
• 02:25 Managing Drought and Heat
• 03:21 Water Infrastructure Projects
• 11:02 Adapting Cattle Genetics
• 30:17 Challenges and Benefits of Public Land Grazing
• 31:02 Genetics and Herd Improvement
• 32:26 The Complexity of Managing Public Land
• 59:15 Book Recommendations and Future Discussions