We Live It | LiveAg's Livestock Marketing Podcast

What does it take to lead with purpose in the livestock industry?BioZyme CEO Lisa Norton joins the We Live It Podcast to discuss leadership, building strong teams, and the importance of innovation in animal nutrition and agriculture.In this episode, we also share the announcement of LiveAg’s partnership with BioZyme, bringing additional visibility to cattle backed by VitaFerm® and Gain Smart® nutrition programs. Through LiveAg’s nationwide video auction platform, producers who invest in premium nutrition and sound management can better showcase their cattle to a competitive national buyer base.This conversation highlights: • Leadership in the livestock industry • Building strong teams and company culture • The importance of fermentation and nutrition science • Value-added marketing opportunities for producers • The future of data-driven cattle marketingAt the end of the day, good cattle start with good management, strong partnerships, and the right people behind them.Subscribe for more conversations with leaders who truly live it.The We Live It podcast is proudly powered by BioZyme, the makers of VitaFerm® and Gain Smart®. Cattle health starts with proper nutrition, and that is why BioZyme® Inc., a leader in animal nutrition and health, is excited to partner with LiveAg, one of the fastest-growing livestock marketing firms in the country. Through LiveAg’s nationwide video auction platform and sale broadcast services, cattle fed VitaFerm and Gain Smart mineral are positioned in front of a national, competitive buyer base on sale day, often receiving premium returns. Learn more here. 00:00 Highlight Clip 01:03 Show Intro 01:18 Welcome & Lisa Norton Introduction 03:05 BioZyme Company Overview 05:40 Leadership & Company Growth 08:15 Hiring the Right People in Agriculture 10:02 Company Culture & Team Building 11:35 Lisa Norton’s Career Journey 15:45 Innovation & Fermentation Technology 19:29 The Future of Livestock Industry 21:50 Leadership Philosophy 23:20 Closing Thoughts

In this episode of We Live It, Ty deCordova and Casey Mabry sit down with Andy Holloway of Canadian, Texas, for a grounded conversation straight out of the Texas Panhandle.They cover what producers are seeing in the market right now, how replacement females are fitting into long-term strategies, and why staying connected to industry conversations matters more than ever. From local insight to bigger-picture policy and market signals, this episode is about thinking ahead, building relationships, and staying sharp in a changing cattle industry.If you’re in the business, thinking about getting in, or just want to stay informed, this is one worth listening to.The We Live It podcast is proudly powered by BioZyme, the makers of VitaFerm® and Gain Smart®. Cattle health starts with proper nutrition, and that is why BioZyme® Inc., a leader in animal nutrition and health, is excited to partner with LiveAg, one of the fastest-growing livestock marketing firms in the country. Through LiveAg’s nationwide video auction platform and sale broadcast services, cattle fed VitaFerm and Gain Smart mineral are positioned in front of a national, competitive buyer base on sale day, often receiving premium returns. Learn more here. 00:00 Intro & Welcome 01:45 Life & Ranching in Canadian, Texas 05:30 Current Cattle Market Conditions 10:15 Replacement Females & Long-Term Strategy 16:40 Building Relationships in the Industry 22:10 Staying Ahead of Policy & Trends 27:30 Texas Panhandle Perspective 32:00 Final Thoughts & Takeaways (00:00) - Intro & Welcome (01:45) - Life & Ranching in Canadian, Texas (05:30) - Current Cattle Market Conditions (10:15) - Replacement Females & Long-Term Strategy (16:40) - Building Relationships in the Industry (22:10) - Staying Ahead of Policy & Trends (27:30) - Texas Panhandle Perspective (32:00) - Final Thoughts & Takeaways

In this episode of the We Live It Podcast, we sit down with Angus breeder Josh Worthington of Worthington Angus in Dadeville, Missouri. Recently recognized as the American Angus Association's Young Angus Breeder of the Year, Josh shares how discipline, proven genetics, and a customer-first mindset have shaped his Angus bull program.We discuss what commercial cattle producers should look for in Angus bulls, how seedstock decisions impact calf crops at weaning, and why consistency and long-term breeding strategy matter in today’s bull market. Josh also shares insights on building a successful bull sale, reaching new buyers through online bidding, and staying focused on delivering value to customers.Get registered for the Worthington Angus bull sale on March 28, here: https://bid.live-ag.com/events/event/325/worthington-angus-11th-annual-spring-saleIf you’re involved in Angus cattle, bull sales, or commercial cow-calf production, this episode is packed with practical insight from a breeder who has built his program from the ground up.🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with Angus breeders, cattle producers, and leaders in the livestock industry.We’re proud to partner with BioZyme, Inc., the makers of VitaFerm and Gain Smart. Learn more: https://biozymeinc.com/blog/biozyme-partners-with-liveag/

This week on the We Live It Podcast, Ty deCordova and Casey Mabry sit down with Doug Stanton of IMI Global to break down one of the biggest new announcements in value-added cattle marketing — the Raise Well program.If you're wondering:How do I add more buyers on sale day?What claims actually matter in today’s market?What are retailers and consumers demanding in 2026?Is Raise Well different from CARE or Natural programs?Should I bundle verification programs?We cover it all.Doug walks through the evolution of third-party verification programs including: • Source & Age • NHTC (Non-Hormone Treated Cattle) • Natural • CARE sustainability platform • Angus Link & GMS • And now… Raise WellRaise Well is an animal welfare-based, natural, traceable program already approved by Whole Foods and being utilized by retail supply chains. It represents a growing shift toward consumer-driven beef standards and gives producers another opportunity to attract new buyers.The key takeaway?You don’t build premiums overnight — you build buyer pools.The more programs you qualify for, the more options you create on sale day.If you're marketing feeder cattle, backgrounding calves, or selling through video auctions, this episode will help you understand how third-party verification adds market access and protects long-term buyer relationships.Subscribe for weekly conversations built by cattle people, for cattle people.#RaiseWell #IMIGlobal #CattleMarketing #VerifiedBeef #WeLiveIt (00:00) - Welcome from Denver | Coors Field Recording (02:00) - IMI Global Background & Third-Party Verification History (05:30) - Why Source & Age Is the Foundation (09:45) - NHTC, Natural & Bundling Programs for More Buyers (15:20) - The CARE Sustainability Platform Explained (21:10) - What Retailers Are Learning from Consumer Data (26:30) - Introducing the Raise Well Program (30:45) - How Raise Well Differs from CARE (35:00) - Whole Foods Approval & Retail Demand (38:40) - Country Natural Beef & Expanding Buyer Pools (42:00) - Why Adding One More Buyer Matters on Sale Day (46:00) - Don’t Chase Premiums — Build Market Access (50:00) - Protecting Buyer Relationships Long-Term

Recorded live at Colorado Rockies home turf, Coors Field, during Stockmen at the Stadium, this episode is one we’ll never forget.We sat down with legendary cattle feeder, former President of ConAgra Red Meats, and Rockies owner Dick Monfort for a conversation that bridged two iconic American institutions: beef and baseball.Long before stadium lights and opening day crowds, Dick was riding pens at four years old, feeding cattle alongside his grandfather in northern Colorado. He helped lead one of the most transformative eras in the beef industry, from shipping live animals to pioneering boxed beef, to scaling plants that harvested over 100,000 head per week. He lived through razor-thin margins, near bankruptcy, plant start-ups, industry reinvention, and the relentless grind of feeding a nation.Then came a curveball.In the early 1990s, the Monfort name became tied to Major League Baseball when the Rockies franchise was awarded to Denver. What started as a $95 million investment turned into one of the most recognizable brands in professional sports. Today, Dick’s legacy spans feedyards, packing plants, and a ballpark that seats more than 50,000 fans under the Colorado sky.In this episode, we talk about:Growing up in a three-classroom schoolhouse outside GreeleyFeeding cattle year-round on Colorado’s Front RangeThe shift from carcass beef to boxed beefRunning a packing plant at 26 years oldThe ConAgra acquisitionWhy cattle genetics today are better than everAnd how running a feedlot compares to running a Major League franchiseWhat makes this conversation special is the humility. Dick speaks with deep respect for the cattle industry, calling it the business that “helped feed the world.” For us, recording this episode inside Coors Field felt like a full-circle moment for agriculture.Dick, thank you for your time, your candor, and the blessing of this conversation. It was an honor to sit in your stadium and talk about the industry that built it.If you care about cattle, leadership, grit, or the evolution of American agriculture… this one is for you.🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe to the We Live It Podcast. (00:00) - – Welcome to Coors Field (01:15) - – Growing Up in the Feedlot (03:45) - – Feeding Cattle Year-Round in Colorado (06:50) - – Shipping Carcasses vs. Live Cattle (08:30) - – The Birth of Boxed Beef (10:45) - – Learning the Hard Way in the Feedlot (13:20) - – Buying Cattle During College (15:00) - – Scaling to 100,000 Head (18:40) - – Running a Packing Plant at 26 (22:00) - – The ConAgra Acquisition (24:30) - – Entering Major League Baseball (26:45) - – Beef Business vs. Baseball Business (28:10) - – Hot Fat Trim & Innovation in Packing (30:00) - – Modern Genetics & Today’s Cattle Industry (32:00) - – The Future of Beef & Final Thoughts

In this episode of We Live It, host Ty deCordova sits down with two leaders who understand what it means to build something that lasts.We hear from Mary Russell of Higginbotham Insurance as she shares her perspective on investing in young people, supporting agricultural families, and strengthening the livestock community through leadership and service. Berry Cooper of Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que joins the conversation to talk about legacy, full circle moments in the cattle industry, and why getting youth involved in showing livestock is critical to the future of agriculture.From stock shows to mentorship, business leadership to faith in the next generation, this episode dives into:• Youth involvement in showing livestock • Building leadership in the cattle industry • Supporting the next generation of producers • The importance of community in agriculture • Full circle moments in Texas cattle countryIf you care about the future of the livestock industry and the young people stepping into it, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.🎧 Listen now and join us as we continue telling the stories of the people who live it every day.00:00 – Welcome from Cooper’s | 20,000 Head Selling Today 01:00 – Introducing Mary Russell & Berry Cooper 02:00 – Mary’s Background at Higginbotham (36 Years in Insurance) 03:30 – How Higginbotham Got Involved in the Stock Show 04:30 – Buying the Grand Champion “Snoop Dogg” 05:30 – Emotional Moments in the Sale Ring 07:00 – Berry’s Story: From Showing Steers to Judging & Leadership 09:00 – From County Agent to Corporate to Cooper’s BBQ 11:00 – Why Supporting Youth in Agriculture Matters 12:30 – The Character of Show Kids 14:00 – The Power of Mentors: County Agents & Ag Teachers 15:30 – The Networking Power of Livestock Shows 17:00 – Small World Ag Stories & Lifelong Connections 18:30 – Final Thoughts on Investing in the Next Generation

This week on the We Live It Podcast, Ty deCordova and Casey Mabry kick off a new Weekly Cattle Market Update format with a timely look at what’s shaping the cattle markets right now.With winter weather shutting down sale barns across the South, the guys break down how light cash trade is impacting the CME Feeder Cattle Index, January contract settlement, and what that means heading into February. They also unpack last week’s Cattle on Feed report, regional supply differences, grain prices, and why feeder cattle remain historically strong despite choppy day-to-day moves.Short, practical, and straight from the field. This is a market check you can actually use.📌 Topics covered: • CME Feeder Cattle Index & January settlement • Weather disruptions across Texas & Oklahoma • Cattle on Feed report takeaways • Northern vs. Southern supply differences • Grain prices, feed costs & market sensitivityHave questions or want us to cover a specific topic next week? Drop them in the comments. 00:00 Introduction & New Weekly Market Update Format00:50 Denver Trip Recap & Weather Challenges02:45 Winter Storms Impacting Sale Barns03:35 Lack of Cash Trade in the South04:00 How Southern Closures Affect the CME Feeder Cattle Index05:45 January CME Feeder Cattle Contract Settlement06:40 Cattle on Feed Report Overview07:30 Placements, Marketings & What the Numbers Really Mean09:15 Regional Differences: Northern vs Southern Cattle Supplies10:10 Market Sensitivity to Slaughter Levels10:55 Outside Markets: Grains, Feed Costs & Commodities12:00 Feeder Cattle Strength & Near-Term Outlook12:45 Upcoming Purebred Sales & Closing Remarks

CattleFax CEO Randy Blach joins We Live It from the shared CattleFax and NCBA headquarters in Denver for a straight-talk conversation on the U.S. cattle market.Hosts Ty deCordova and Casey Mabry sit down with one of the most trusted voices in cattle market analysis to break down what’s really driving today’s prices and where the industry may be headed next.In this episode, Randy digs into:Why cattle prices remain historically strongHow tight cattle supply is shaping the marketWhat changes in slaughter capacity mean for producersWhere we are in the cattle cycle and what comes nextHow demand is holding up across the beef complexWhat cow-calf producers should be watching right nowWith decades of experience advising ranchers, feeders, packers, and policymakers, Randy brings clarity to a market often clouded by noise. This is a fundamentals-first conversation focused on supply, demand, and disciplined decision-making.If you’re a rancher, feeder, or cattleman trying to understand the forces shaping today’s cattle market, this episode delivers context you can use.0:00 Why cattle prices are historically strong right now 2:10 How today’s demand is holding together 5:30 What the market is already pricing into 2025–2026 8:40 The real story behind tight cattle supply 11:15 Why supply matters more than headlines 14:00 Where we are in the cattle cycle 14:40 Slaughter capacity and why it’s a bottleneck 16:15 Heifer retention, cow numbers, and herd rebuilding 20:30 What these fundamentals mean for cow-calf producers 25:10 Market volatility vs. long-term fundamentals 30:00 What Randy is watching most closely right now 36:00 Demand risk, supply discipline, and market balance 39:30 Reading the road ahead for cattle prices

We’re joined by Wyatt Agar of Durbin Creek Ranch on the latest We Live It Podcast to talk Hereford cattle, beef cattle industry leadership, and long-term decision-making in today’s cattle market.Wyatt discusses why engagement at the local and national level matters for producers, reflecting on his time as a Wyoming State Senator and as chairman of the American Hereford Association board of directors. We explore how successful operations think beyond sale day and the impact their genetics have for their commercial customers. The conversation also includes a preview of the Durbin Creek Ranch Hereford Bull Sale on February 4, 2026, featuring PAP-tested Hereford bulls and an outstanding set of F1 baldie females, plus Wyatt’s perspective on the commercial cattle business as a newly onboarded LiveAg commercial representative.A must-listen for seedstock producers, commercial cattlemen, and anyone focused on building a resilient cattle operation.Register to bid on the Durbin Creek Ranch annual bull sale here: https://bid.live-ag.com/events/event/262/14th-annual-bull-sale-durbin-creek-ranch

In this episode of We Live It, Ty and Casey sit down with Beaver Yoder, a member of the Elite Livestock Marketing Group and Florida Cattlemen's leadership team, to talk about the people, places, and stories that shape Florida’s ranching community.Beaver shares his family’s long history in the agriculture industry, what it was like growing up in Florida cow country, and how ranchers in the Southeast adapt to a landscape unlike anywhere else in the United States. From year-round management to differences in forage, Florida ranching requires grit, creativity, and a deep connection to the land.Together, they dig into: • Beaver’s family background and how he got his start in the cattle business • What makes Florida ranching truly unique • Challenges and advantages of running cattle in a subtropical climate • The community, traditions, and people who keep the Florida cattle industry thriving • Beaver’s work with the Elite Livestock Marketing Group and his passion for serving producers across the SoutheastThey also preview two major upcoming LiveAg sales: • The Dec. 11 Video Auction featuring more than 9,000 head • The Stockmen at the Stadium Video Auction coming January 15 at Coors FieldWhether you run cattle in Florida, the Southeast, or anywhere across ranch country, this conversation offers a genuine look at the heart behind the industry.Have questions for next time? Submit yours here: https://heyor.ca/sq3C0dReady to market your cattle? Sell on the LiveAg Cattle Xchange or consign to an upcoming video auction. Contact your local rep at www.live-ag.com to get started.Need equipment? Buy and sell on the LiveAg Equipment Xchange: www.live-ag.com/equipmentWorthington Angus Fall Sale - November 1st at Noon. Register to bid remotely: https://bit.ly/4nMMiiDWork with the best. Blue Reef Agri-Marketing offers strategic livestock marketing solutions: https://bluereef.ag/Interested in advertising on We Live It? Contact Katy Holdener at [email protected]

Rising equipment costs, land values, and input prices mean more ranchers are turning to financing - not because they're struggling, but because they're making strategic decisions to grow their operations. In this episode, we sit down with Hollie Bunn from United Producers, Inc. (UPI) to demystify ag loans and help you understand what lenders are really looking for.Hollie breaks down the key differences between financing land versus equipment, what documentation you need to have ready, and the common mistakes that can delay or derail your loan application. Whether you're a first-time borrower looking to expand your herd, a young producer trying to get started, or an established operation upgrading equipment, this conversation will help you approach financing with confidence.We cover real-world examples of ranchers who've successfully secured financing for herd expansion and equipment upgrades, plus the action steps you should take before ever walking into a lender's office. Financing doesn't have to feel overwhelming - it's a tool that, when used strategically, can help move your operation forward.Key Takeaways:What lenders want to see: records, credit, cash flow, and collateralTips for first-time borrowers and smaller operationsQuestions you should ask lenders before signing anythingHow to prepare your operation for financing approvalReady to put this into action? Register now for the LiveAg End-of-Year Live Virtual Equipment Auction on December 16th. Browse tractors, balers, trailers, livestock handling equipment, and more from trusted operations across the country—then get pre-approved for financing to make your purchase happen. Whether you're upgrading your operation or adding proven machinery to your fleet, this is your chance to invest strategically in equipment that works as hard as you do.Register to bid: https://heyor.ca/wg21Sg

Running cattle is hard enough without drowning in receipts and spreadsheets. In this We Live It podcast episode, we sit down with Alex Thompson from Norwood, Colorado to talk about the financial headaches every rancher faces—from tracking expenses across multiple enterprises to actually knowing if you're profitable at the end of the year.Alex truly lives it. Being married to a rancher running Limousin cattle at high altitudes, she understands the ranching lifestyle firsthand. Now working with Ambrook, she's helping producers modernize their bookkeeping without abandoning the values and traditions that define ranching. We dive into why accurate financial data matters for making better breeding, marketing, and operational decisions, and how the right tools can simplify back-office chaos so you can spend more time doing what you do best: raising livestock.This isn't about replacing ranchers with technology. It's about giving you the data you need to run a more profitable operation while staying true to who you are. Whether you're a third-generation commercial operator or just starting out, this conversation will help you think differently about ranch finances.Learn more: ambrook.com/liveagHave questions for next time? Submit yours here: https://heyor.ca/sq3C0dReady to market your cattle? Sell on the LiveAg Cattle Xchange or consign to an upcoming video auction. Contact your local rep at www.live-ag.com to get started.Need equipment? Buy and sell on the LiveAg Equipment Xchange: www.live-ag.com/equipmentManage your risk. Blue Reef Agri-Marketing offers strategic livestock marketing solutions: https://bluereef.ag/Interested in advertising on We Live It? Contact Katy Holdener at [email protected]

Most ranchers know trace minerals matter, but do you really understand how they're affecting your herd's fertility, immune function, and long-term productivity? In this episode of We Live It, hosts Ty deCordova and Casey Mabry sit down with Bryson Williams, Account Manager at Zinpro®, to break down the science behind trace mineral nutrition and why it's one of the most overlooked tools in your herd management strategy. Bryson shares what he's seeing across cow-calf operations today - the challenges producers are facing and the real opportunities to improve herd health and performance through better mineral supplementation. We dig into why trace minerals like zinc, manganese, copper, and cobalt play such a critical role in everything from hoof health to reproduction, and how Zinpro performance trace minerals are designed to make a measurable difference. We also talk through Zinpro® ProFusion®, a complete trace mineral supplement designed specifically for beef cattle, and where you can find it to start making improvements in your own operation. Shop Zinpro ProFusion: https://heyor.ca/iRRTuy Learn more about Zinpro: https://www.zinpro.com/en_na/species/beef/Whether you're dealing with open cows, foot problems, or calves that just aren't thriving like they should, this episode will give you a better understanding of how trace mineral nutrition can help you build a healthier, more profitable herd.

This week on We Live It, Director of Purebred Operations Margo Paeltz joins us for a deep dive into LiveAg’s Purebred Division — plus market analyst Casey Mabry breaks down current cattle market volatility and what producers should expect heading into year-end.We cover how our Purebred Team partners with ranchers nationwide, what to expect when booking your sale, and strategic tips for preparing for auction day. Then Casey walks through the latest market swings, what’s driving the volatility, and his short-term outlook for cow-calf producers, feeders, and purebred breeders.Episode Highlights:How to book your purebred sale with LiveAgWhat ranchers can expect from our Purebred TeamUpcoming purebred auctions across the countryMarketing opportunities for breedersCurrent cattle market volatility trendsCasey Mabry’s outlook on feeder cattle, calves & replacement femalesWhat ranchers should watch in the weeks aheadWhether you’re planning a purebred sale or keeping an eye on the market, this episode delivers practical insight you can use.👉 Subscribe for weekly cattle-market commentary, ranch stories, and industry updates.

Host Casey Mabry sits down with Margo Paeltz and Blake Tucker, the leadership team behind LiveAg's purebred division. With a combined 20+ years of auction broadcasting experience, Margo and Blake manage a team of 10+ reps who broadcast purebred cattle sales and production sales across the country.Discover how their team helps seedstock producers and breeders reach new bull buyers through the LiveAg online bidding platform—especially crucial for remote ranching operations looking to expand their market reach. Margo and Blake share insights from the Montana Angus Tour, discuss how technology has transformed the purebred cattle auction industry, and explain why streaming your cattle sale could be the key to connecting with more buyers nationwide.Whether you're a seedstock operator considering your first livestreamed sale, or simply curious about the people behind the auction technology, this conversation offers practical knowledge and a behind-the-scenes look at modern cattle auction broadcasting. Learn how online bidding platforms are changing the way ranchers sell bulls and registered cattle in today's market.Contact the LiveAg Purebred team about streaming your auction by calling 817-533-6699 or emailing [email protected] questions for next time? Submit yours here: https://heyor.ca/sq3C0dReady to market your cattle? Sell on the LiveAg Cattle Xchange or consign to an upcoming video auction. Contact your local rep at www.live-ag.com to get started.Need equipment? Buy and sell on the LiveAg Equipment Xchange: www.live-ag.com/equipmentWorthington Angus Fall Sale - November 1st at Noon. Register to bid remotely: https://bit.ly/4nMMiiDManage your risk. Blue Reef Agri-Marketing offers strategic livestock marketing solutions: https://bluereef.ag/Interested in advertising on We Live It? Contact Katy Holdener at [email protected]