A Deeper Dive
Here are three Angus at Work episodes focused on strengthening your operation.
January 6, 2026
Cattlemen may be cautious when it comes to risk, but they are generally also looking for an opportunity.
Our theme for this edition of the Angus Beef Bulletin focuses on investing in your future, as well as the challenges (and possibilities) producers entering the industry face. Here are a handful of Angus At Work episodes that cover topics worth considering.
Does it feel like “supply chain” is a dirty word right now? You hear it on the radio, you see it in the news, and the social media conversation is robust. While buying from the grocery story meatcase is certainly a time-tested option for consumers, buying direct from a producer may be appealing to some.
On this episode, the Angus Beef Bulletin team chats with South Dakota State University meat scientists (and ranchers) Amanda Blair and Christina Bakker about the intricacies of direct-marketing beef, including genetics, nutrition, facilities, marketing and more.
“I think one of the main things to think about, if you’re wanting to sell direct to consumers, is what they consider palatability. They’re going to desire beef that’s flavorful, tender and juicy. One of the easiest ways to accomplish that is by making sure you have some genetic potential in those cattle to marble.” — Amanda Blair
From land prices to input costs and more, there are several barriers to young producers who are either stepping into a new role within a family operation or attempting to enter the cattle business for the first time.
What they may not realize is there is an advocate for the livestock industry providing a voice on state and federal legislative and regulatory issues to support producers as a whole.
On this episode, Angus Beef Bulletin Editor Shauna Hermel and guest, Mark Barnett, discuss the Livestock Marketing Association’s (LMA) mission, and how LMA’s efforts help ensure livestock sell for fair market value no matter where a producer is located.
“The future of our business are those producers that we’re losing, [who are] dispersing the herds out for their fathers and grandfathers. We [became] concerned, and we started a conversation in our industry about how we could slow that. Is there anything we can do? What can we promote to help keep those young people interested in doing what we do?” — Mark Barnett
We all want to make more money, right? Maybe it’s to expand to allow another generation the chance to come back to the farm. Maybe it’s just to bolster your bottom line. Regardless of the reason, adding enterprises is a creative way to provide that extra income to your operation.
The guests on this episode have plenty of experience, ideas and advice for anyone considering adding an agritourism enterprise. Guests Stephanie Mock and Andrew Donnell share tips on what worked and what didn’t in their own environment, as well as tips on marketing, handling liability, adapting to challenges and more.
“A great explanation of agritourism is taking something that you love, showing that love you grew up with generationally, passing that on to the next generation and providing an opportunity for the community to find love for that same land.” — Andrew Donnell
“A lot of other people — besides ranchers — don’t think cows are sexy. Throughout the tour, we are driving past our cattle operation. People think they’re decorations and we explain, ‘Oh, no. This is a 100% grass-fed beef operation. You’re seeing the rotational grazing happen.’” — Stephanie Mock
Listen in for answers straight from the experts
The Angus At Work podcast carries news and information on health, nutrition, genetics, marketing and management. Get your information straight from the source as we talk to technical experts, American Angus Association staff and fellow cattlemen about topics pertinent to your bottom line.
Recent episodes include:
- From Birth to Final Bid with Chris Jolly
- Bovine Congestive Heart Failure Update with Kelli Retallick-Riley
- Relieving the Stress of Weaning with Ted Perry
- Managing the Effects of Wildlife on Livestock with Rosslyn Biggs
- Market Update with Paul Dykstra | Fall 2025
- How Your Fence is Made with OKBrand
- The Buzz on Flies of Importance with Sonja Swiger
- Filling a Beef Packing Void with Whiskey Creek Processing
- Planning for Ranch Profitability with Charlotte Talbott
- Market Update with Troy Marshall | Spring/Summer 2025
Topics: Business , Consumer , Management , Succession planning
Publication: Angus Beef Bulletin
Issue: January 2026
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