Want to know the 🔑 to having GREAT ranch employees? ⬇️
It is proper training and communication. Guess what? Erin McKnight makes it easy with Ranch Academy! Discover how it has helped her train ranch employees and what impact it has had on their operation by listening to Casual Cattle Conversations on your favorite podcast app.
#farmlife #ranchlife #womeninagriculture #justranchin #cattleconvos
The Ultimate Guide for Training Ranch Employees
S7, E 45: In this episode, I sit down with Erin McKnight, a cattle producer from the Sandhills of Saskatchewan, Canada, to explore her journey and the creation of Ranch Academy.
Erin shares how Ranch Academy, her online program, equips hired hands with essential skills and knowledge—covering everything from equipment safety and cattle handling to water system troubleshooting. Originally developed to streamline her own training process, Ranch Academy has grown into a powerful tool that helps ranchers reduce training time, empower new employees, and prevent costly mistakes. This conversation is packed with insights for anyone involved in ranching or interested in the future of hands-on ranch management.
So, grab a coffee, tune in, and join us for another conversation that’s as real and rugged as ranch life itself.
Takeaways
• Training employees is crucial for effective ranch management.• Ranch Academy provides practical solutions for common ranching challenges.• Empowering employees leads to increased confidence and productivity.• Customization of training materials is essential for different ranch operations.• Clear communication is key to preventing misunderstandings and mistakes.• Ranch Academy can benefit individuals of all ages, not just employees.• The program includes troubleshooting for various ranching scenarios.• Training can reduce the need for constant supervision of employees.• Understanding the unique needs of each ranch is vital for effective training.• Building trust through communication enhances team dynamics.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ranch Academy and Its Purpose04:56 The Development of Ranch Academy07:39 Content and Structure of Ranch Academy10:24 Customization and Accessibility of Ranch Academy13:47 The Importance of Communication in Ranching15:40 Conclusion and Resources for Ranch Academy
Resources:
Westway Feeds - https://westwayfeed.com/
Ranch Academy - https://www.mcknightranch.ca/academy
Move the Ranch Forward
We’ve been taught to set goals since elementary school. How to hold ourselves accountable is a different story and usually what gets in the way.
Here are a few tips 👇
1. Set reminders to review your goals monthly and quarterly using a phone or calendar.
2. Tell a family member or friend what you are GOING to do.
3. Talk about your goals using words like GOING TO and WORKING TOWARD instead of WANT TO or SOMEDAY
If you want the full framework for how to set ranch goals and hold yourself accountable, drop ‘GOAL’ below for the 🔗
Who feels overwhelmed by the fall to-do list raise 🤚 Here is one of my favorite ways to re-focus and prioritize what matters most. Have you ever tried this method?
#ranchlife #farmlife #podcast #womeninagriculture #agpodcast #cattleconvos
Boost Ranch Profit & Productivity with Simple Strategies
In this episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, Shaye shares actionable strategies to help ranchers increase both profitability and productivity without burning out. She kicks things off by addressing common misconceptions about productivity—more hours don't necessarily mean more profit. Instead, Shaye highlights the importance of focusing on high-impact tasks that drive the ranch forward.
Key Takeaways:
Identify Revenue-Driving Tasks: Start by making a list of daily, weekly, and monthly activities. Then, star the tasks that directly contribute to generating revenue and productivity.
Know Your Numbers: Ranchers must understand their financials beyond year-end taxes. Shaye shares tips on creating a clear financial picture and the importance of delegating bookkeeping if it's not your strength.
Set Clear Goals: Break down your ranch’s goals into 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year increments. Knowing your long-term goals helps you align your short-term actions for success.
Enhance Communication: Whether you're a solo operator or have a team, effective communication can make or break productivity. Shaye shares examples from her own ranch life and stresses the importance of clear, concise instructions.
Leverage Technology: Automate and delegate tasks using modern tech tools to save time and reduce stress. Shaye encourages ranchers to assess what can be automated to focus on high-impact tasks.
Prioritize with the Four-Quadrant Method: Use this method to separate urgent from non-urgent and important from unimportant tasks. It’s an easy way to break down overwhelming to-do lists and stay focused on the right things.
Reduce Screen Time: Set boundaries with your phone to enhance mental health and productivity. Shaye shares how limiting screen time drastically improved her focus on the ranch.
Resources Mentioned:
Move Your Ranch Forward Goal Setting Book: Get Shaye’s digital guide to help set and prioritize your ranch’s goals for 2025. https://www.casualcattleconversations.c
The beef industry may have been a bit hesitant to jump on the technology bandwagon, but guess what? Automation is already making waves in beef packing plants! Get ready to be amazed by the incredible impact it's creating. Tune in to the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast for an exclusive conversation with fellow trailblazer Brianna Buseman.
#farmlife #ranchlife #womeninagriculture #meatscience #beefitswhatsfordinner #beeffarmersandranchers
What Ranchers Need to Know About Automation in Packing Plants with Marble Technologies
S7, EP 43 In this episode, Shaye Koester-Wanner chats with Brianna Buseman, a meat scientist for Marble Technologies, about the advancements in technology and automation in the meat industry. They discuss the importance of meat science for cattle producers and the role of technology in improving efficiency and sustainability in the meatpacking process.
Takeaways
• Meat science plays a crucial role in the beef supply chain.• Automation in meat processing can improve efficiency and safety.• Food safety remains a top priority in the meat industry.• Sustainability trends are influencing packaging choices.• The future of meat science is promising with technological advancements.• Labor shortages in packing plants can be alleviated through automation.• Consumer perception of meat quality is high in the US.• Understanding consumer needs can drive improvements in production.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Meat Science Passion05:06 The Role of Meat Science in Agriculture08:02 Automation in Meat Processing11:07 Technological Innovations in Meat Industry14:37 Future of Meat Science and Automation25:29 Final Thoughts and Industry Insights
https://www.seemarble.com/
Ranch Profitability Resources:
https://redangus.org/
https://www.breedr.co/
Follow Through with Your Ranch Goals
https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ranchermind-events/p/move-the-ranch-forward-2025
Big cow.
Little cow.
1 cow.
2 cow.
🎙️
The most interesting part of my conversation with Dr. Lalman was our discussion of how cows and bulls can be placed into four quadrants based on their Mature Cow Weight EPD and Feed Intake EPD.
🤯 The convo about the impacts of continuously selecting for higher-growth cattle was 🔥 too!
He is truly a wealth of knowledge. What an honor to spend 45 minutes picking his 🧠
Listen to the full conversation by searching for Casual Cattle Conversations on your favorite podcast app.
#ranchlife #farmlife #womeninag #cattlemen #genetics #profitability #cattleconvos
There's a reason we put "It's always something." on the back of our Wanner Farm sweatshirts 😂 How's the fall work coming along in your area?
#farmlife #ranchlife #womeninag #justranching #cattleconvos
Mature Cow Size, Input Costs and Ranch Profitability with David Lalman
S7, Episode 42 🎙️ What’s the impact of mature cow size and ranch profitability? Dr. David Lalman – professor of Animal and Food Sciences at Oklahoma State University – and Shaye Koester-Wanner tackle this question during this thought-provoking podcast episode. David and Shaye discuss the assumed correlation between mature cow weight and feed intake as well as how some cattle are above average in weight but below average in feed intake.
In this episode, ranchers will:
🎙️learn how to select their ideal cows and bulls
🎙️dive into the 4 quadrants cattle can be placed in when measuring efficiency
🎙️understand the impact of selecting for industry average growth traits
🎙️hear David’s thoughts on if the beef industry is pushing terminal and growth traits too far
Chapters
00:00 Genetic Selection in Cattle Production
17:57 Impact of Cow Size on Profitability
22:00 Navigating Genetic Information for Commercial Producers
27:13 Balancing Performance and Cost Efficiency
31:54 Future Directions in Cattle Efficiency Research
Resources:
Red Angus - https://redangus.org/
Breedr - https://www.breedr.co/
Newsletter - https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ranching-resources
Sometimes I get discouraged by all the BIG problems I see in the world. I catch myself worrying about the future more than I’d like to admit. It seems the election season has us all a little anxious.
But then I remember regardless of what happens in our country and world, it’s not about our plan anyways. God has a plan for all of us. That’s where I choose to put my trust and where I find peace despite the worldly chaos.
#ranchlife #farmlife #womeninagriculture #womeninag #cattleconvos
✨ REFRESHING NEWS 🚨 Learn how your Checkoff $$$ are being spent, who makes the decisions and what the ROI is for each $1 paid in the latest episode of the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast.
Have questions, comments and concerns about the Beef Checkoff? I took your questions from my social media polls and asked CBB members Andy Bishop and Jason Schmidt for answers! Listen to their full responses in Season 7, Episode 41 of the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast.
#beeffarmersandranchers #farmlife #ranchlife #podcast #cattleconvos
Addressing Producer Concerns about the Beef Checkoff
Season 7 – Episode 41 || Shaye Koester-Wanner, Andy Bishop, and Jason Schmidt delve into the intricacies of the Beef Checkoff program, discussing its origins, structure, and the significant return on investment for producers. They address common producer concerns and the importance of effective marketing strategies. The discussion emphasizes the need for transparency and producer involvement in the decision-making processes, while also highlighting the positive impact of the Checkoff on the beef industry.
Takeaways
• The Beef Checkoff was established in 1985 to promote beef.• Producers voted overwhelmingly in favor of the Checkoff.• The Checkoff structure involves state and national councils.• Producers receive a $13.41 return on every dollar invested.• The Checkoff funds are not used for policy-related activities.• The Checkoff has a significant impact on beef prices.• Effective marketing strategies are crucial for beef promotion.• Producers should engage with the Checkoff process and provide feedback.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Beef Checkoff05:11 History and Structure of the Checkoff22:06 Return on Investment for Producers36:09 Producer Questions and Concerns57:51 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
Resources:
Breedr - https://www.breedr.co/
Red Angus - https://redangus.org/
Checkoff - https://www.beefboard.org/the-drive-sign-up-form/
Cattle Convos - https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/
People have many options when it comes to marketing their calves. Skyler Moore with Joplin Regional Stockyards shared how they have adapted their business over the years to continuously serve area ranchers and long-time customers. Listen to the full conversation on Casual Cattle Conversations.
