We Live It | LiveAg's Livestock Marketing Podcast

This week on the LiveAg Ranch and Livestock Marketing "We Live It" Podcast, we're joined by Cassie Lapaseotes from Bridgeport, Nebraska. Cassie is a fourth-generation rancher who's helping revolutionize cattle processing in the Midwest. As a founding member of the Sustainable Beef packing plant set to open its doors in late May 2025, Cassie walks us through the five-year process to bring local processing back to Nebraska ranchers. From managing family dynamics at the Lapaseotes Feedyard to planning for future generations, this conversation showcases the grit, vision, and collaboration that defines today's agricultural pioneers.Learn more about Sustainable Beef: https://www.sustbeef.com/Learn more about marketing your livestock with LiveAg: https://live-ag.com/#livestock #cattleauction #cattle #cowcalf #ranchers #nebraska #nebraskacornhuskers #cattlemarketing #agriculture #farming #auction (00:00) - Summer Video Auction Schedule (01:00) - Meet Cassie

In this episode, we go behind the smoke with Barry Cooper, the man behind Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, to explore how a small BBQ joint in Mason, Texas grew into a statewide icon - feeding Texans and travelers from New Braunfels to the Fort Worth Stockyards. We cover: 🔥 How Cooper’s BBQ built its legacy—serving 50 head worth of beef per location, per day 🔥 The evolution of the Fort Worth Stockyards from cattle exchanges on Exchange Ave to today’s tech-driven auctions 🔥 The importance of consistency, community, and giving back, including daily donations to local shelters 🔥 How Cooper’s BBQ helps tell the story of modern ag to tourists, veterans, and families 🔥 And yes - how a Hereford bull with the Barber Ranch brand ended up right there in the Stockyards. It’s a smoky, meaty journey through Texas history, beef markets, and the future of agriculture. 🎧 Subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts.

This week, we're honored to feature three brilliant young women from the Texas Youth Livestock Ambassador program who are changing the face of agricultural advocacy! From their inspirational mentors to heartfelt gratitude for their supportive families, these future leaders share how they're bridging the gap between consumers and producers in a world that's now three generations removed from the farm.As these young women prepare for college next year, they reflect on how the program has shaped their career goals and provided them with collegiate-level training and hands-on experience in the livestock industry.Whether you're in agriculture or simply love hearing from passionate young leaders, this episode will inspire you!

Join us LIVE from Montgomery, AL as host Ty deCordova sits down with Alabama Cattlemen's Association Executive Director Erin Beasley to discuss our April 24 video auction and get an insider's look at the passionate team driving Alabama's beef industry forward. Don't miss this opportunity to hear directly from the leadership shaping the ranching community in Alabama.#AlabamaCattle #BeefIndustry #WeLiveIt #livestockauction

In this essential episode for Texas cattle producers, host Ty deCordova brings you an exclusive conversation with the current leadership team of the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association from the 2025 Cattle Raisers Convention in Fort Worth.President Carl Ray Polk Jr. (Lufkin), First Vice President Stephen Diebel (Victoria), and Second Vice President, Secretary & Treasurer Dan Gattis (Georgetown) share their firsthand experiences fighting for ranchers' property rights and livelihood in the Texas legislature.The discussion delivers practical insights on pressing issues directly impacting your ranch operations: combating aggressive eminent domain threats, strategies to address the widening rural-urban divide, protecting productive grazing land from suburban development, and countering misinformation about beef production amid the rise of lab-grown proteins.Discover how TSCRA's internship and scholarship programs are creating pathways for the next generation, including first-time ranchers without family land connections. These leaders, who run working cattle operations themselves, understand the real-world challenges you face daily.Whether you're managing a multi-generational ranching operation or looking to establish your first herd, this straight-talking conversation reveals how TSCRA's leadership is safeguarding your rights to ranch in Texas today while building a sustainable future for cattle production.Creators & Guests Ty deCordova - Host Katy Holdener - Producer Click here to watch a video of this episode. Click here to view the episode transcript.

Step into the action of LiveAg's April 11 Video Auction as hosts Ty deCordova and Casey Mabry break down the day's market outlook ahead of our auction at the TSCRA Convention in Fort Worth, Texas. Whether you're marketing cattle or building your program, this conversation offers real-world market intelligence from folks who live the livestock business every day.

In this practical follow-up episode, Ty and Casey continue their conversation with John Sloan of AgTexas Farm Credit, diving deeper into the nuts and bolts of agricultural lending. Walk step-by-step through the entire lending process - from application to acquisition to marketing your cattle and planning for the next season. Whether you're running a stocker operation, looking buying wheat pasture cattle, or just starting out in the business, this episode delivers actionable advice you can take straight to the bank.Learn what paperwork you'll need, how to navigate each stage of the financing journey, and hear candid stories about the mistakes our hosts have made so you don't have to repeat them. Discover how relationships drive successful cattle operations and get insider tips on how to position yourself for long-term success with your lender. Don't miss this hands-on guide to securing and maximizing your agricultural loans!Interested in sponsoring the show? Have a topic or guest you would like us to cover? Email [email protected] for more information.

Part one of a two part series! Join Ty and Casey as they welcome John Sloan of AgTexas Farm Credit for an insider's look at agricultural lending. Through real-world role-play scenarios, they break down exactly how to approach your banker, structure your operation for maximum credit potential, and build the relationships that keep your cattle business growing. Whether you're looking to expand your herd or navigate market volatility, this episode delivers practical strategies straight from a lending expert who understands the cattle industry from the inside out.Interested in sponsoring the show? Have a topic or guest you would like us to cover? Learn more about the "We Live It" podcast here: https://bit.ly/laweliveit (00:00) - Intro (01:06) - Welcome (03:36) - Going to the bank is like going to the dentist (06:02) - Cost of production (08:32) - Looking back to look forward (11:02) - Understanding Margin calls (21:22) - Where is your equity going (28:02) - This is a people business

From dash cam auction chants to competitive swimming and selling unusual items (think deer...genetics?), this episode delivers insights on perseverance, mentorship, and the unique world of livestock auctioneering. Join Ty deCordova and Casey Mabry as they sit down with Wade Leist, the reigning World Champion Livestock Auctioneer from Boyne City, Michigan. Wade shares his unconventional path from a decade in law enforcement to the auction block, revealing how skills from both professions overlap in surprising ways. The trio explores regional differences in cattle marketing between the northern and southern states, while trading stories from their 20+ years of friendship. Hit subscribe if you love what you hear! (00:00) - Intro - Meet Wade (02:26) - 20+ year friendship (04:03) - From Badge to Gavel (08:40) - Feedback helps you improve (10:11) - How the competition works (16:53) - Knowing how to win and how to lose (18:31) - Differences in sale barns (21:03) - Wade's auction schedule (24:03) - Persistance is the key to success

Step into the action of LiveAg's March 13 Video Auction as hosts Ty deCordova and Casey Mabry break down the day's market outlook and sit down with special guest Wesley Granthum of Mississippi. Whether you're marketing cattle or building your program, this conversation offers real-world market intelligence from folks who live the livestock business every day. (00:00) - Intro (02:00) - Ty and Casey's recent updates (03:20) - Meet Representative Wesley Granthum (13:00) - Casey's market outlook

Whether you're a seasoned rancher or new to the industry, this episode delivers actionable insights from one of the most respected voices in livestock marketing. Join hosts Ty deCordova and Casey Mabry as they sit down with cattle marketing legend Dennis Metzger to explore his remarkable journey from Charolais field rep to video auction management at Western Video Market, and now Rep Relations Manager at LiveAg. Dennis shares wisdom gained under mentor Ellington Peek and offers his perspective on today's cattle market while discussing his new mission—hiring and mentoring young reps entering the business. This conversation dives deep into supporting young ranchers entering the industry, delivering exceptional customer service, and cultivating crucial relationships with cattle buyers. Dennis reveals how his approach extends far beyond sale day—from helping producers select bulls to enhance genetic potential to strategic delivery timing and leveraging value-added programs. Subscribe to "We Live It" for more conversations with industry leaders who don't just talk the talk—they live it. New episodes dropping every Thursday!

In the debut studio episode of "We Live It," hosts Ty deCordova and Casey Mabry reveal their unlikely journeys from growing up at the horse race tracks to becoming cattle industry innovators. Discover how their unique perspectives - from spending years in the sale barn to now raising kids in the show livestock industry - have shaped their approach to the cattle business.Our hosts share candid stories from their mentors, buying and trading cattle, navigating market volatility and passing their passion to the next generation. Casey then shifts gears to deliver essential market insights for spring, breaking down the Commitment of Traders report and offering practical risk management strategies that only come from decades of hands-on experience.Get a taste of what's to come in future episodes as Ty and Casey preview the industry leaders, controversial topics, and actionable market intelligence that will help your operation thrive—all delivered with the straight-talking wisdom of men who don't just talk cattle, they live it.New episodes of "We Live It" release every Thursday, bringing you market intelligence that meets ranch-ready wisdom from LiveAg. Subscribe to our channel to stay up to date!

Join host Ty deCordova on the We Live It podcast as he sits down with Elite Livestock Marketing Group legends Darrell Stokes and Jerry Etheredge ahead of a 5,000+ head auction at the Alabama Cattlemen's Association Convention on Feb. 21. With decades of experience connecting top-tier southern cattle producers with buyers nationwide, they share insider insights on livestock marketing, industry trends, and what makes Elite Livestock Marketing the trusted choice for ranchers from Alabama to Florida and the states in between. Don’t miss this deep dive into the business from those who truly live it!

Step into the action of LiveAg's February Video Auction as hosts Ty deCordova and Casey Mabry break down the day's market outlook and sit down with special guest Jeff Peck of Sandhollow Trading. Based in Boise, Idaho, Jeff brings valuable perspective from the buyer's side of the gate, sharing insights on what drives value in today's cattle market and what he looks for when bidding. Whether you're marketing cattle or building your program, this conversation offers real-world market intelligence from someone who lives the livestock business every day. Recorded live during our February 13th Video Auction. (00:00) - Intro with Casey and Ty (02:02) - Feb. 13 Video Auction Preview (03:20) - Market Outlook by Casey Mabry (06:00) - Meet Jeff Peck, LiveAg Buyer, Sandhollow Trading (13:02) - Closing and wrap up

Join us at Coors Field in Denver for a historic moment in cattle marketing. Your hosts Ty deCordova and Casey Mabry sit down with industry innovators to discuss the future of livestock marketing and share stories from the cutting edge of the cattle business. Recorded live before LiveAg's groundbreaking stadium auction event on Jan. 16. (00:00) - Introduction (02:30) - Background on hosts (06:00) - Meet Alan Lee, BioZyme, Inc (16:30) - Meet Mindi Birkeland, IMI Global (35:00) - Closing market report