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Working Ranch Radio Show

Working Ranch Radio Show

Justin Mills 265 episodes Nov 7, 2026

The Working Ranch Radio Show offers insights and resources for ranchers who want to be responsible, adaptive, and profitable. It covers a range of topics including cattle, land management, people, and technology—issues that every ranching business faces. The podcast is hosted by Justin Mills, a fifth-generation Wyoming rancher, and is produced by Working Ranch Magazine.

Episodes

Ep 272: Beyond the Hide: Making Better Decisions with Genomics w/ Dr. Kirk Ramsey and Dr. Kelsey Luebbe
Ep 272: Beyond the Hide: Making Better Decisions with Genomics w/ Dr. Kirk Ramsey and Dr. Kelsey Luebbe Nov 7, 2026 54:11 The replacement heifers you keep and the bulls you buy today are building your herd for the next cattle cycle. So how can genomic testing help you make those decisions with more confidence? Today Dr. Kirk Ramsey and Dr. Kelsey Luebbe with Neogen join us to discuss practical uses for genomics in commercial cow-calf operations.  From selecting productive, longer-lasting females and identifying which
Ep 271: Another Year in the Herd: Value or Added Cost? w Randy Saner & Shannon Sand
Ep 271: Another Year in the Herd: Value or Added Cost? w Randy Saner & Shannon Sand Oct 31, 2026 54:13 With replacement females costing what they do today, what’s another productive year worth from a cow already in your herd? University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension educators Randy Saner and Shannon Sand join us to explore when that extra year adds value—and when it doesn’t. From replacement costs and young cows leaving the herd too soon to feed expenses and the productivity of older cows, we look
Ep 270: How Are Today's Cattle Numbers Reshaping Our Industry's Infrastructure? w/ Dr. Stephen Koontz
Ep 270: How Are Today's Cattle Numbers Reshaping Our Industry's Infrastructure? w/ Dr. Stephen Koontz Oct 17, 2026 54:12 Historically low cattle numbers are creating challenges throughout the beef industry, but what does that mean for the infrastructure needed to feed and process those cattle? Dr. Stephen Koontz, agricultural economist at Colorado State University, joins us to examine how reduced cattle supplies are affecting feedlot capacity, packing plant operations, and competition within the industry. We discuss
Ep 269: The Value of a Calf Goes Beyond the Price
Ep 269: The Value of a Calf Goes Beyond the Price Oct 10, 2026 54:12 As the fall calf marketing season moves forward, where does the cattle market stand, and what should producers be considering? Bailey Ballou with Superior Livestock joins us to discuss current market fundamentals, feed costs, calf prices, and marketing strategies, including the value of weaning and vaccination programs. Then, Dr. Mitch Blanding with Zoetis discusses the importance of herd health,
Ep 268: What’s True vs. What’s the Truth? w/ Chad Conard
Ep 268: What’s True vs. What’s the Truth? w/ Chad Conard Oct 3, 2026 54:12 Are the numbers and talking points we hear across the cattle business really telling us the whole story? This week, Chad Conard joins me to challenge some commonly repeated narratives—from the aging rancher and shrinking cow herd to beef production and imports—and look at the context behind the numbers. Plus, Cameron Cody with Harper Industries talks DewEze bale beds, feeding equipment and the But
Ep 267: The Life You Planned, The Path You Take w/ Glen Waters
Ep 267: The Life You Planned, The Path You Take w/ Glen Waters Sep 19, 2026 54:12 The life you planned in agriculture may not be the life you ultimately live—and that doesn’t mean it turned out wrong. Glen Waters, cattle sales specialist with Purina Animal Nutrition, joins us to share how growing up with cattle helped shape his career in the industry, why staying involved in cattle production today gives him a valuable perspective when working with ranchers, and why he’s optimi
Ep 266: When Rebuilding Isn’t About Going Back w/ Kyle Farmer
Ep 266: When Rebuilding Isn’t About Going Back w/ Kyle Farmer Sep 12, 2026 54:12 Sometimes the toughest years force us to rethink the way we manage our ranches. Northern California rancher Kyle Farmer joins us to share how a devastating wildfire changed the way he looked at rebuilding and ultimately led him to become an early adopter of virtual fencing. We’ll talk about how that technology has changed his approach to grazing, water and infrastructure development, fire mitigati
Ep 265: Cattle Market Reality Check + Don Day Fall-to-Spring Forecast
Ep 265: Cattle Market Reality Check + Don Day Fall-to-Spring Forecast Sep 5, 2026 54:08 The cattle market has backed off its summer highs, but is some perspective in order? Kyle Shobe with Superior Livestock joins us to recap the Big Horn Classic, discuss where the calf market stands today, and look at the outside forces creating uncertainty. Plus, meteorologist Don Day joins us for our annual long-range weather outlook, taking us from fall through winter and into spring as El Niño t
Ep 264: Building a Commercial Cow That Pays Her Way w/ Trey Patterson & John Maddux
Ep 264: Building a Commercial Cow That Pays Her Way w/ Trey Patterson & John Maddux Aug 29, 2026 54:13 What does the commercial cow that actually pays her way look like? Trey Patterson (Padlock Ranch) and John Maddox (Maddux Cattle Company) join us to discuss building a cow for the long haul—balancing fertility, genetics, management and production without losing sight of profitability. We’ll look at why maximizing performance isn’t always the answer, the value of heterosis, and how to build a cow t
Ep 263: Cattle Markets: Still Defying Gravity w/ Trent Stewart
Ep 263: Cattle Markets: Still Defying Gravity w/ Trent Stewart Aug 15, 2026 54:12 Coming off the Video Royale sale in Winnemucca, where does the cattle market stand as we head toward the fall calf run? This week, Superior Livestock’s Trent Stewart looks at what the summer sales are telling us, what buyers are paying for, and how weight, delivery date and rising feed costs could impact marketing decisions. Plus, why he says this market is still “defying gravity” and why 2028 may
Ep 262: Should She Stay? Rethinking Cull Cow Decisions w/ Dr. Ron Gill
Ep 262: Should She Stay? Rethinking Cull Cow Decisions w/ Dr. Ron Gill Aug 8, 2026 54:12 Should today's record cattle market change the way you make culling decisions? This week, Texas A&M's  Dr. Ron Gill discusses which culling principles should never change, where the current market may justify a different approach, and the traits that lead to a more profitable, longer-lasting cow herd. Plus, in a lightning round of real-world scenarios, Dr. Gill weighs in on which cows stay, wh
Ep 261: Data Centers: What Rural America Needs to Know w/ Tony Pipa
Ep 261: Data Centers: What Rural America Needs to Know w/ Tony Pipa Aug 1, 2026 54:13 Data centers are becoming a bigger part of the conversation across rural America, but what do they actually mean for the communities where they're built? Tony Pipa with the Brooking Institution is our guest as we discuss what's driving the rapid growth in data centers, the opportunities they may bring, and the legitimate concerns surrounding water, power, land, jobs and long-term economic impacts.

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