LaneCast Ag Podcast

In this episode, Lane Nordlund sits down with renowned cattle market analyst Don Close of Terrain Ag for an in-depth conversation about the forces driving today's historic cattle market and what producers should be watching as they make decisions for 2027.
Record calf prices continue to make headlines across video auctions, while drought conditions remain a limiting factor for herd rebuilding in many regions. Don shares why strong consumer demand for beef has continued to exceed expectations, why producers should remain disciplined despite the excitement surrounding record prices, and how weather—not necessarily economics—may ultimately determine the pace of expansion.
#CattleMarket #CalfPrices #BeefIndustry #CowCalf #Ranching #Cattle #BeefDemand #Livestock #Agriculture #LaneCast #TerrainAg #DonClose #CattleMarkets #HerdRebuilding #Drought #Feedlot #WesternAg #AgPodcast #FarmPodcast #RanchLife

In this episode, Lane sits down with three generations of the Thompson family—Warren, Ty, and Jace Thompson—renowned livestock auctioneers and marketers with roots in Wyoming and Montana. Together, they discuss their family's legacy in the auction business, the important role auctioneers play in serving producers, and why competitive price discovery remains essential to the livestock industry.
The conversation explores record-high cattle prices, helping producers navigate challenging markets, trends shaping the future of livestock marketing, and the enduring value of local livestock auctions. The Thompsons also share stories from the sale ring and lessons learned across generations.
Adding to an already remarkable family legacy, Jace Thompson had just been crowned the 2026 World Livestock Auctioneer Champion, joining his father Ty as a World Livestock Auctioneer Champion and making the Thompson family one of the most accomplished auctioneering families in the industry.
Whether you're a cattle producer, livestock marketer, or simply appreciate the people who help keep rural America moving, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
Brought to you by the Livestock Marketing Association, reminding you to market your livestock with your local LMA member.
 
#LivestockMarketing #Auctioneer #CattleIndustry #Ranching #BeefIndustry #LivestockAuction #PriceDiscovery #RuralAmerica #LMAAuctions #WorldLivestockAuctioneerChampion #CattleMarket #WesternAg #LaneCast #Agriculture #SaleBarnLife #AuctionLife #CattleRanching #LivestockProducers #WyomingAgriculture #MontanaAgriculture #LaneCastAgPodcast

In this episode of LaneCast Ag, Lane Nordlund sits down with the executive directors of Montana's agricultural commodity checkoff organizations: Chaley Harney of the Montana Beef Council, Liz Edmundson of the Montana Pulse Crop Committee, and Kent Kupfner of the Montana Wheat & Barley Committee.
Together, they discuss how producer-funded checkoff investments are used to increase consumer awareness, expand markets, support research, and build demand for Montana-grown and Montana-raised products. From beef to wheat, barley, and pulse crops, these organizations work on behalf of farmers and ranchers to ensure their products remain competitive and relevant in an ever-changing marketplace.
Learn how checkoff dollars are invested, why producer engagement matters, and how these efforts help strengthen the future of Montana agriculture—from local communities to consumers across the country and around the world.
#LaneCastAg #MontanaAgriculture #MontanaAg #AgPodcast #Agriculture #Ranching #Farming #MontanaBeef #Wheat #Barley #PulseCrops #CheckoffWorks #BeefCheckoff #ProducerLed #AgLeadership #FarmersAndRanchers #GrownInMontana #RaisedInMontana #SupportAgriculture #WesternAg

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the detection of New World screwworm (NWS) in a calf in South Texas, marking the first confirmed U.S. detection as the pest continues moving north from Mexico.
The affected animal is a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas. According to USDA, larvae were identified in the calf's umbilical area. Officials say there have been no additional detections at this time.
Colin Woodall, CEO of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association shares more on what happens next. 
#NewWorldScrewworm #USDA #Cattle #Agriculture #texas #screwworm

Is El Niño Overhyped? What Farmers and Ranchers Could Expect
Meteorologist Brian Bledsoe joins Lane Nordlund to discuss whether El Niño is getting more attention than it deserves and what producers should realistically expect this summer. From drought concerns and hay production to rainfall prospects across Montana and the Northern Plains, Brian shares practical insight to help farmers and ranchers navigate the months ahead.
 
#Agriculture #Ranching #Farming #ElNino #Weather #Drought #MontanaAgriculture #Cattle #Haying #LaneCastAgPodcast #BrianBledsoe

Sit down with Kelly Whittman, President & COO of Roto-Mix, as we talk innovation, American-made quality, and the company’s commitment to helping cattle producers feed their herds efficiently and effectively across the globe. Plus, a look at the next chapter of growth for this trusted ag brand.
#LaneCast #RotoMix #KellyWhittman #CattleIndustry #LivestockFeeding #AgInnovation #AmericanMade #BeefProduction #RanchLife #FeedlotLife #AgLeadership #FarmEquipment #WesternAgNetwork #cattlemarkets #cattlenews #cattleprices #feedlots #corn #farming

First-generation sheep producer Darnell Dugger of Acre & Herd Ranch in Georgia shares his unique journey from the military and corporate world to building a regenerative sheep operation in the Southeast. In this episode, Darnell talks about rotational grazing, solar grazing opportunities, and the challenges—and rewards—of raising high-quality lamb from pasture to plate. It’s a conversation about persistence, innovation, and carving out a new path in agriculture.
 
#LaneCast #FirstGenFarmer #SheepFarming #AmericanLamb #RegenerativeAg #SolarGrazing
#FarmLife #Ranching #AgInnovation #NextGenAg #Livestock #SustainableAg #RuralAmerica #AcreAndHerdRanch

At Commodity Classic 2026, Lane sat down with Greg Smith of Helena Products Group (HPG) to dig into what’s driving innovation in agriculture today—and what’s coming next. From the inside of Helena’s formulation labs to the broader product pipeline, Greg shares how HPG is developing new technologies designed to improve performance, increase ROI, and make products easier to handle for growers.
They also highlight the Innovation Never Stops documentary series, which showcases how Helena collaborates with farmers across the country to solve real-world challenges. Plus, hear how HPG is investing in the future through FFA curriculum and a new 35-foot mobile learning center bringing hands-on ag education and cutting-edge technology directly to rural communities.
#AgInnovation #HelenaAgri #CommodityClassic #FutureOfFarming #LaneCastAg

On this episode of the LaneCast Ag Podcast, Lane visits with Ben Lehfeldt, President of the American Sheep Industry Association, and David Fisher, Chair of the American Lamb Board. The two multi-generation sheep producers share insights on the current state of the sheep industry, highlighting the importance of policy, promotion, and collaboration to grow demand for American lamb. They also discuss industry challenges like labor, predators, and global competition—while emphasizing strong opportunities ahead for producers and the next generation in agriculture.
 
#LaneCastAg
#SheepIndustry
#AmericanLamb
#AgPodcast
#RanchingLife

As the U.S. cowherd rebuilds, Zoetis introduces the first commercially available BRD genetic predictions. Dr. Kent Andersen, Director of Technical Services, explains how Inherit Select and Connect help producers select healthier, more resilient, and more profitable cattle.
 
 
#BeefGenetics#HerdRebuilding#HerdHealth#CattleMarkets#CowCalfProducers