Justin Sexten, farm boy turned ranch tech expert, joins TSCRA Talk host Kristen Brown to discuss utilizing technology at the ranch. Sexten says the best advancements provide the user with a simpler experience, saving them time. He says technology offers a lot of opportunity in converting data points into usable information to visualize in a valuable way, ultimately leading to making fact-based decisions no matter the size or scope of your operation. For cattlemen who are already collecting data and information digitally, Sexten encourages continued development of the data by evaluating what questions cannot be answered about the cattle and what data is needed to meet that need. Additionally, he shares insight into the latest and greatest technology that producers are currently using and what he anticipates will be the next advancements. 

TSCRA Talk

21. Tech on the ranch

In this episode, Radale Tiner joins TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, to discuss  buying and selling at seedstock cattle sales. For cattlemen in the market for bulls, Tiner recommends knowing what your end goal is with the calves that will be produced and make a game plan accordingly. Tiner also recommends communicating with the seedstock producer as they will want to help their customers be successful in finding the bull that is going to best fit the operation and the producer&apos;s goals. On the producer side of the sale, Tiner encourages good customer service by being available to answer questions but also proactively reaching out and staying in touch with buyers. 

20. Bull sale best practices

Jeff Goodwin, conservation stewardship leader and senior pasture and range consultant with the Noble Research Institute, joins TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, to discuss regenerative ranching. Goodwin explains it is the process of restoring the degraded grazing lands using practices based on ecological principles. He shares how both ecology and economics flourish jointly on the ranch. Additionally, Goodwin explains the importance of the right mindset —  seeing opportunities where a challenge once might have been perceived.   

19. Regenerative agriculture: It's not what you think

Risk management analyst Casey Mabry joins TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, to discuss basics of risk management for cattlemen. On the episode he discusses tools for managing risk looking at both the downside and the upside of the market. A key factor he says is building a plan and then working through the plan with a long-term vision in place, which helps keep emotions from taking over. Mabry goes on to explain Livestock Risk Protection insurance, which is underwritten by USDA, protect downside risk but it doesn’t limit upside growth. Closing out the episode Kaleb McLaurin, TSCRA&apos;s executive director of government and public affairs, joins Brown with a brief update on the 87th Texas Legislative session. McLaurin shares that quite a few pieces of good legislation passed this session. “Anytime the legislature comes to town and doesn’t do harm that is a good thing,” McLaurin says. He touches specifically on the eminent domain reform bill says they are considering it a “net zero bill” because it didn’t change drastically but it does set minimum easement terms with the passage of the bill. Two special sessions called by Gov. Abbott are expected this year to address winter storm Uri legislation and redistricting. 

18. Managing risk at the ranch

Texas Beef Council Executive Vice President Molly McAdams joins TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, to discuss consumer trends over the past 15 months (and share which ones are sticking around). McAdams shares that during the pandemic consumers were learning to cook at home and turned to their online platforms for information. She explains how the Texas Beef Council  team focuses on meeting consumers where they are with the information they are seeking. As sustainability continues to be top-of-mind for both producers and consumers, McAdams shares the importance of producers sharing their story to build trust and transparency. Have you ever heard of a flexitarian? Tune in to find out what it is. Thanks to LANDVisor by Corteva Agriscience for sponsoring this episode. Links mentioned:landvisor.corteva.combeeflovingtexans.comtexasbeefcheckoff.comtscra.org 

17. Consumer trends with Molly McAdams

Texas AgriLife Extension Agricultural Law Specialist Tiffany Lashmet joins TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, to discuss the importance of properly setting up a hunting lease. Lashmet shares a variety of topics that need to be included in the written hunting lease as well as who needs to sign the lease. Landowner liability protection is another important factor when it comes to having people on the land, according to Lashmet. "You never think it will happen to you.” Lashmet says, “And the odds are probably that it won’t. But if it does, taking the time to really prepare ahead of time ... is money really well spent." Later, Grace Dunham, TSCRA&apos;s executive director of events and partnerships, joins Brown to discuss Cattle Raisers Convention and Expo, which will be held July 23-25 in Fort Worth. The event will include 30 hours of educational opportunities, live cattle demonstrations, more than 250 trade show exhibitors, evening receptions and a dinner and dance featuring Jake Hooker and the Outsiders. Registration is open now with early bird pricing available until June 1. This episode of TSCRA Talk is sponsored by LANDVisor from Corteva Agriscience.     Links:tscra.orgcattleraisersconvention.com agrilife.org/texasaglawlandvisor.corteva.com

16. Hunting lease must-knows + bonus convention preview

More than 7,000 bills have been filed for the 87th legislative session in Texas this year. Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Director of Government Relations Kaleb McLaurin joins TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, to discuss top priorities for TSCRA as well as how COVID-19 has shifted many aspects of the session. The conversation covers eminent domain, rural broadband, animal import/export facilities, truth in labeling, farm animal liability act as well as other legislation. Additionally, McLaurin shares about how producers can stay up-to-date and the importance of engaging with their local representative.This episode of TSCRA Talk is sponsored by LANDVisor from Corteva Agriscience.

15. Capitol chatter with Kaleb McLaurin

Dr. Richard Thorpe is an emergency room physician, rancher and past president of Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. He joins TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, this month to discuss the scientific data that proves beef does fit into a healthy diet. Thorpe gives insight into the history of inaccurate information surrounding beef and how it was perpetuated through dietary guidelines. A wealth of knowledge, he also shares how there has been great progress over the last decade showing that eating a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates can lower blood pressure, cholesterol and help with weight loss. Additionally, Thorpe shares a bit of wisdom for ranch work to prevent trips to the emergency room. Closing out the episode he shares some good news about COVID-19 and his thoughts on the vaccine. 

14. Eat beef for good health

Scott Williamson, TSCRA&apos;s executive director of law enforcement, brand and inspection services, joins host Kristen Brown to discuss the importance of a “neighborhood watch” mentality at the ranch. Williamson says all eyes and ears are required when it comes to preventing theft of livestock and equipment. A valuable component is knowing your neighbors and making a phone call to them when something appears out of the ordinary.  Additionally, establishing a relationship with local authorities including the sheriff, game warden, fire department and judge can be important for landowners and cattlemen. Closing out the segment, Williamson shares theft prevent tips.  

13. Neighborhood watch: ranch-style

When it comes to marketing calves, the first thing that likely comes to mind is the price. But as Dan Childs, senior agricultural economics consultant at the Noble Research Institute, shares in the December 2020 episode of TSCRA Talk, there are several other factors to consider. Childs visits with podcast host Kristen Brown about the Livestock Risk Protection program, preconditioning calves and the value of knowing the genetic potential of the calves. Additionally, they talk through learning moments from 2020 including price risk management and other tools  available for cattlemen. Links:noble.orgtscra.org

12. Marketing cattle during a pandemic (and beyond)

Amanda Radke joins TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, to discuss beef advocacy and connecting with consumers. Radke discusses the importance of being an authentic and transparent resource for people to learn more about beef. As an author of children’s books that show the factual side of agriculture, she talks about the opportunity to engage with even the youngest of audiences to talk about agriculture. A seasoned veteran of sharing the story of cattle and beef, Radke gives advice on joining the conversation both in-person and through social media. Closing out the episode, Katrina Huffstutler, executive director of communications at TSCRA, shares how the association supports members and the beef industry in a variety of ways. With a finger on the pulse of trending topics, the communications team works to share pertinent information with the media as well as connect the media to producers for interviews. Additionally, Huffstutler shares that their team is ready to help provide resources to empower cattlemen and landowners to connect with consumers.  Links:https://amandaradke.com https://www.facebook.com/authoramandaradke@AmandaRadkehttps://www.tscra.org https://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com

11. Advocacy with Amanda Radke: Telling your story to protect your way of life

Brian and Morgan Treadwell of Christoval, Texas, join host Kristen Brown to discuss prescribed burning as a management practice. Brian and his dad, John, recently won the Outstanding Rangeland Stewardship Award at the Cattle Raisers Virtual Convention. In this episode, Brian talks about the importance of using the tool of fire to regenerate the land as well as his experience performing prescribed burns across Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. Additionally, Morgan brings a wealth of knowledge as an AgriLife Extension rangeland specialist. The two also offer tips for cattle raisers who want to incorporate prescribed fire on their own operations.Next, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Second Vice President Carl Ray Polk Jr. talks about the importance of the upcoming election, from national to local races. He encourages listeners to do their research of the candidates and make personal contact with their offices. Links:See a list of candidate the TSCRA Political Action Committee supports here.

10. Fire 411 + bonus election preview

Attorney Jim Bradbury shares insight with host, Kristen Brown, into the hot topic of eminent domain. He shares how the process begins, the importance of the landowner engaging and negotiating, and tips during the construction phase. Additionally, Bradbury talks about the role of the state of Texas in eminent domain. Closing out the episode, Jeremy Fuchs, TSCRA’s director of public affairs, emphasizes the need to refine the process with the state. He talks about the importance of TSCRA members and landowners engaging with their state representatives to express concern about the current process. Tune in to hear Fuchs’ No. 1 piece of advice if faced with eminent domain.  

9. Eminent domain 101 with Jim Bradbury

TSCRA Special Ranger Marvin Wills joins host, Kristen Brown, to talk about catching one of the most notorious cattle thieves of modern times, Willie Rittenbaugh. Wills talks in-depth about bringing Rittenbaugh to justice after a total of five charges ending in 37 years in prison and $588,500 to be paid by Rittenbaugh in restitution to the victims. Later, he provides tips that will keep you from becoming a victim.Closing out this episode, TSCRA&apos;s Michele Woodham talks Cattle Raisers Insurance, including insight about insurance plans as well as those fast-approaching open enrollment deadlines. Links:TSCRA.orghttps://cattleraisersinsurance.comhttps://tscra.org/what-we-do/the-cattleman-magazine/special-ranger-tips/ 

8. How a rustler gets 37 years

Jeff Geider, director of Texas Christian University’s Institute of Ranch Management, joins TSCRA Talk host, Kristen Brown, to discuss the “portfolio” approach to ranch management. He describes the method as “the art and science of selecting and overseeing a group of assets and resources to meet long-term objectives.” Additionally, Geider discusses natural resource management and grazing systems more in-depth with the TCU Living Laboratory. Basic principles of grazing management, soil management, bio diversity are components that have been a result of the program and can be applied to other ranching operations.  Stacy Fox, TSCRA&apos;s executive director of events and education, wraps up the episode with an update on the virtual Cattle Raisers Convention September 15 and 16. Participants will have access to content leading up to the convention as well as live segments during the convention dates. Fox notes the virtual event has given TSCRA the opportunity to bring in additional speakers. 

7. Ranch management, portfolio-style

In this podcast from Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, host Kristen Brown visits with guests from and adjacent to the industry, discussing topics of interest to cattle raisers, wildlife managers and landowners.

hubhopper

TSCRA Talk

hubhopper