LaneCast Ag Podcast

A new chapter is underway at Headwaters Livestock Auction in Three Forks, Montana.
On this episode of the LaneCast Ag Podcast, Lane Nordlund sits down with new co-owner Cassidy Brunner during the 2026 Livestock Marketing Association Convention in Deadwood, South Dakota.
Cassidy, along with fellow new co-owners Daryn Cederberg and Jon Kamps, is working to bring new energy to Headwaters Livestock and strengthen live-auction marketing opportunities for cattle producers in Montana.
Cassidy shares how growing up in the livestock auction business shaped her career, why she believes strongly in the value of the live auction, and what the new ownership team hopes to build at Headwaters. They discuss bringing more cattle and buyers back to Three Forks, expanding sale opportunities, developing future receiving stations, and making customer service a cornerstone of the business.
For Cassidy and the team, it’s about more than selling cattle. It’s about giving producers a trusted place to market their livestock and supporting the ranching communities that depend on a strong livestock marketing system.
#LaneCastAg #HeadwatersLivestock #CassidyBrunner #LivestockMarketing #LivestockAuction #CattleMarketing #MontanaRanching #MontanaAgriculture #ThreeForksMontana #CattleIndustry #BeefIndustry #Ranching #CattleProducers #SaleBarn #LivestockMarketingAssociation #WesternAgriculture #AgPodcast #RanchLife #cattlemarkets #cattleprices #ranching

Lane Nordlund visits with California cattleman, livestock market owner and Common Ground Coalition founding member Jake Parnell during the coalition’s regional summit in Nashville. Parnell discusses efforts to unite producers around shared challenges including land access, labor, taxes, financing and profitability. He also explains how the coalition is turning grassroots conversations into policy priorities aimed at keeping agricultural land in production and creating opportunities for the next generation.
#LaneCast #CommonGroundCoalition #Agriculture #CattleIndustry #Ranching #Livestock #LivestockMarketing #BeefIndustry #RuralAmerica #AgPolicy #YoungProducers #ProductionAgriculture #AmericanAgriculture #Cattlemen #AgLeadership

At the 2026 Matador Ranch & Cattle Field Day near Dillon, Montana, Lane Nordlund sits down with John Maddux, fourth-generation owner of Maddux Cattle Company in Nebraska, and Wyatt Donald, CEO and part owner of Cayuse Livestock Company near Melville, Montana.
Together, they discuss what's driving today's record cattle market, managing risk through drought, adding value to cattle, and how producers can position their operations for long-term success.Whether you're a rancher, cattle producer, or simply interested in the future of agriculture, this episode offers practical ideas you can apply to your own operation.
#Cattle #BeefIndustry #Ranching #CowCalf #BeefProduction #CattleMarket #Agriculture #RanchLife #Angus #LaneCast #WesternAgNetwork #Livestock #cattleprices 

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