Angus Underground

David Brown, Joe Fischer

Featuring insightful opinions, the latest news from around the Angus cattle world and conversations with industry leaders, newsmakers and breeders – from the well-known to the not so well-known. Go undercover with hosts, David Brown, Joe Fischer and Korbin Mehaffey. read less
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Episodes

Are you Pedigree Aware?
05-04-2024
Are you Pedigree Aware?
This week, a conversation with a loyal listener sparks a conversation amongst the crew on the topic of pedigree snobbery and intentional breeding. They debate the use of historic sires like Complete after examining pedigree awareness and goals. They also emphasize balancing lineage relevance with discipline, and how clear objectives guide effective selection toward a breeder’s vision.Mentioned in this Episode:MontanaRanchAngus.comBruinRanch.comShadyBrookAngus Farm.comFacebook @AngusUndergroundInstagram @AngusUndergroundContact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.Crooked Creek AngusDr. Madhi SaatchiSalering.liveQuotes:“Everybody finds something different, and that’s what I think is so neat.” [9:59]“If you don’t have a program in mind; if you don’t have a goal in mind, you are still going to sell all of your experiments right through to the commercial industry where those folks live and die by the fun you’re having.” [15:40]“If you can’t find a good seedstock provider, be one.” [15:51]“Figure out where you want to go with your program. That should be first.” [17:10]“Consider whose opinions you’re gonna get on social media.” [18:39]“I think we all have a little bit of pedigree snob in us.” [23:50]“Being pedigree aware is really, really important and you don’t have to be a snob about it.” [30:50]“If you really want to get to this objective you’re breeding towards, you’ve got to use your own sires, and you’ve got to stay disciplined and on course.” [56:44]“There is a big difference between pedigree snob and pedigree educated, much different.” [1:02:46]
NWSS Conversations - Part 2
26-01-2024
NWSS Conversations - Part 2
David and Joe are back at the National Western Stock Show with man on the street style interviews. They sit down with fellow Angus breeders, dear friends and Angus Underground listeners including: Ryan Parry from Parry Angus, Darren Kilgore from Faith Angus Farm, Chris Earl from CK 6, Will Mayes and Dallas Woltemath from ZWT Ranch, Lex Carter and Robert Whitacre from Breeder Link, Brent Sadler from Sadler Ranches, Brad and Melissa Elmore, Jake Tiedeman from Baldridge Tiedeman, Jake Phillips, and Bruce and Amie Stertzbach. Mentioned in this Episode:MontanaRanchAngus.comBruinRanch.comShadyBrookAngus Farm.comFacebook @AngusUndergroundInstagram @AngusUndergroundContact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.InsureMyBull.com HooverAngus.com American Angus AssociationNational Western Stock Show Parry Angus Faith Angus Farm CK6 Consulting ZWT Ranch Breeder Link Sadler RanchesBaldridge Tiedeman Stertzbach Cattle Company  Quotes:“I found a way to take genetics which I love. But bring it to good people which I love more.” [14:57] - Chris  “I saw a God given animal that can take grass anywhere in the country anywhere and turn it into a product that has value to the market, and I really saw it as a way to sustain people.” [16:16] - Chris “I want genetics to support great people.” [16:40] - Chris “When you can contribute to somebody else's growth, take advantage of that. Will you ever get paid back? Yes. Will you get paid back in dollars? Not necessarily, but the gratification you get out of being able to help somebody down the road is worth more than you could ever write a check for. ” [31:06] - Darren “When young people approach us, we detect that enthusiasm. The switch flips and we want to help that person. So that's what it's all about.” [34:27] “I think that's the passion of cattle people. We are family oriented, and you always want to pass on what you did to your kids. A new generation.” [1:45:01] - Bruce
NWSS Conversations — Part 1
26-01-2024
NWSS Conversations — Part 1
David and Joe report from the National Western Stock Show. First, they sit down with American Angus Association CEO Mark McCully and Angus Genetics Inc. President Kelly Retallick. Then, they are joined by American Angus Association board members Darrell Stevenson, Mark Ahearn, and Smitty Lamb.Mentioned in this Episode:MontanaRanchAngus.comBruinRanch.comShadyBrookAngus Farm.comFacebook @AngusUndergroundInstagram @AngusUndergroundContact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.InsureMyBull.comHooverAngus.comAmerican Angus AssociationNational Western Stock ShowAngus Genetics Inc. Quotes:“It’s critical that we as an industry, American Angus Association, help propel this, and show them what we’re all about.” [26:53]“Instead of fighting for the environmental or ‘sustainable issues’ we need to educate these communities how vital we are not only for food security but for the general health and well-being of the environment as well.” — Darrell [28:12]“We have a very diverse membership, and we have to keep that diversity in mind when we make these decisions.” [32:07]“We don’t talk about accuracy enough.” — Smitty [56:32]“Diversity is key and critical to our success.” [1:08:32]“It's so important for young people to continue to be involved in our breed and understand what we do.” — Kelly [1:12:22]“Spending time on our breeding objectives is one of the most important things we can do to make a genetic change because you’ve got to know where you want to go in order to see the results.” — Kelly [1:17:05]
All Things Repro
12-01-2024
All Things Repro
It’s a full crew this week as they welcome a special guest, Dr. Tim Gibbs of Trans Ova Genetics, where he currently serves as a Professional Services Veterinarian. He discusses many repro topics including IVF techniques with colleagues, the importance of timing insemination with ovulation, IVF technology vs. conventional flushing, FSH donations, and variations in protocols. Dr. Tim also shares his thoughts on the future of improving IVF conception rates and takes listener questions on embryo quality, the age at which cows start to decline in embryo production, and how the breeding for terminal traits has changed in the success of Angus cows.Mentioned in this Episode:MontanaRanchAngus.comBruinRanch.comShadyBrookAngus Farm.comFacebook @AngusUndergroundInstagram @AngusUndergroundContact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.Trans Ova Genetics Quotes:“Reproduction is five times more important to profits than any other trait.” [13:41] “One little thing by itself might not matter, but all those little things done perfectly, is what makes a difference in having great success or just average success.” — Tim [23:49]“I think the best is yet to come on improving that conception rate.” — Tim [48:40]“It's a blend of art and science, and everyone's going to be a little bit different and what they think works the best for them and what they think is going to be feasible for the client to pull off.” — Tim [26:16 ]
The National Western Stock Show and Foundation Angus Sale
29-12-2023
The National Western Stock Show and Foundation Angus Sale
David and Vince are joined by special guests Dave Mullins from SaleRing.live and Matt McFarlane from M3 Marketing Services to discuss the very exciting upcoming National Western Stock Show and the Foundation Angus Sale. They highlight the distinctive features of this year’s sale, which is divided into two parts: Thursday’s live cattle and picks/flushes, and Saturday’s embryos, boasting representation from 24‒25 states and offering world-class selections. The event is anticipated to be a gathering of the who’s who in Angus genetics.Beyond revenue generation, this is a one-of-a-kind family-friendly event where participants have the chance to network on the industry’s largest stage.Make sure to mark your calendars for the sale on Thursday, January 11, at 2 p.m., and don’t miss out on the Junior Angus Show before the main event. Mentioned in this Episode:MontanaRanchAngus.comBruinRanch.comShadyBrookAngus Farm.comFacebook @AngusUndergroundInstagram @AngusUndergroundContact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.InsureMyBullNational Western Stock ShowSaleRing.LiveM3cattlemarketing.comThe 4th Annual Dotson Christmas Charity Raffle — donate on VENMO at @greg-dotson-9 Quotes:“I’m just blown away from start to finish on the sale.” [20:52]“It is truly networking on the industry’s largest stage, and if you’ve never experienced it, you owe it to yourself to go and experience it at least once.” [40:00]
Solutions From the Field
15-12-2023
Solutions From the Field
It’s a warm welcome this week for return guest and friend of the show, Landi McFarland Livingston, owner and operator of Hoover Angus in Ellston, Iowa. Landi talks about Hoover’s history of over 95 years in the biz and the upcoming sales she is excited about before getting into the main topic regarding the new indexes and EPDs. A few of the questions discussed include: are EPDs reflective of what we are observing on the ranch? Do we have enough data that went into formulating the EPDs and most importantly, how do we get more phenotypic data submitted to build accuracy?At the end, the guys promote a very special event for charity, the 4th Annual Dotson Christmas Charity Raffle. Mentioned in this Episode:MontanaRanchAngus.comBruinRanch.comShadyBrookAngus Farm.comFacebook @AngusUndergroundInstagram @AngusUndergroundContact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.GeneBrokers.comHoover AngusThe 4th Annual Dotson Christmas Charity Raffle — donate on VENMO at @greg-dotson-9  Quotes:“We're excited to be counting down to 100 years in the Angus business.” — Landi [9:07]“The goal of all these new traits, these new EPDs, these new indexes should be aimed at providing accurate selection tools for our commercial bull customers, but, what we’re seeing on the paper does not necessarily translate to what we are seeing at the ranch or the farm.” [12:57]“As accuracy goes down, and as phenotypic data goes down, we need to be more cautious.” — Landi [19:22]“I feel genomics are weighted too heavily in the genetic evaluation.” — Landi [20:32]“We can never have too much. We need our data and we need it from everyone.” — Landi [45:11]“I encourage you to collect and measure and accurately turn the data because we as a breed cannot get stronger and better unless we’re all pulling in the same direction and turning in the data.” [47:08]“If we want accurate predictions, we've got to give them the data.” [51:04]“If you consider yourself a breeder, if you consider yourself a positive contributor to the gene pool of beef cattle in America, and this is no matter if you have 10 head or 1,000 head, then “we,” meaning the American Angus Association, need data from you.” [1:29:11]
Lessons Learned
01-12-2023
Lessons Learned
The crew has three entertaining segments lined up for this week. Initially, they define what’s really on the pedigree page, exploring ways to enhance transparency in data, and unraveling the reasons behind the prevailing secrecy. Following that, they respond to a listener’s question, reflecting on the errors they’ve made in their careers that ultimately contributed to their growth and transformation into better cattlemen. To wrap things up, the team engages in a fun segment titled “What's In Your Tank,” discussing their most frequently used bulls, go-to choices, the most unique ones, and much more. Mentioned in this Episode:MontanaRanchAngus.comBruinRanch.comShadyBrookAngus Farm.comFacebook @AngusUndergroundInstagram @AngusUndergroundContact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.InsureMyBull.com Quotes:“We need transparency in the data.” [19:04]“If the data is cloaked in a cloud of secrecy, how can we make any decisions?” [19:33] “I always believe when you talk about transparency, shining more light is always better than shining less.” [24:07]“Why give credit to a cow who didn't even raise the calf?” [26:57]“One of the biggest lessons I've learned about succeeding in this business is that attention to detail actually matters.” [31:11]“Performance results are the combination of genetics and management, not just one or the other, it's both. And then your sales are the result of genetics, management, and marketing. So you've got to have all the components in place.” [33:44]“If you make the pursuit of the dollar your highest priority, there’s a pretty good chance you'll ruin your cow herd. However, on the contrary, if you breed the cattle to excel in their environment to excel in your management, you’re gonna have a good cow herd, and when you have a good cow herd, the money will come.” [46:50]“I've learned to trust in my own product and to be excited about it.” [57:59]
Giving Thanks
17-11-2023
Giving Thanks
The crew dives into a potpourri of topics, from exploring the road to Hana and discussing dream dinner guests to reflecting on valuable lessons learned from a recent successful sale. Transitioning into the holiday spirit, they express gratitude for favorite products and essential tools and highlight two or three bulls that have left a lasting impact. Above all, they extend their heartfelt thanks to the podcast and the incredible community of loyal listeners that has flourished over time. Mentioned in this Episode:MontanaRanchAngus.comBruinRanch.comShadyBrookAngus Farm.comFacebook @AngusUndergroundInstagram @AngusUndergroundContact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.TruTime Logistics Facebook PageStrommenRanch.comThe BiltmoreBlack Rifle CoffeeJoe Rogan — Ep #2054 with Elon MuskCharles RussellBilly The Kid Quotes:“This is not a cattle business. This is a people business.” [12:20]“You are only as good as your network.” [12:32]“We said, we’re leaving the mainstream. We’re gonna go our own way. We’ve got our own vision, and we’re gonna breed cattle the way we want to breed cattle.” [18:06]“If you build something different and you stand behind it with conviction and you focus in that direction, you tune out all the noise.” [18:44]“I'm thankful for the Angus cow, hopefully, she allows me to put my kids through college and allows me to retire.” [1:11:13]
Preserving the Family Farm and Ranch
03-11-2023
Preserving the Family Farm and Ranch
The crew welcomes Brent Sadler from Sadler Ranches and Heritage Planning Group in Perkins, OK. Brent talks about his path from working at Limestone Angus to eventually owning it, and the steps he took to get into estate planning. He discusses the importance of succession planning, the typical issues his clients face at Heritage, and his passion for helping the next generation protect their legacy for years to come. At the end of the episode, the crew talks about breeding philosophies and prioritizing the balance of productivity, fertility, and longevity in their herds. Mentioned in this Episode:MontanaRanchAngus.comBruinRanch.comShadyBrookAngus Farm.comFacebook @AngusUndergroundInstagram @AngusUndergroundContact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.TruTime Logistics Facebook PageStrommenRanch.comSadler RanchesInsureMyBull.com Quotes:“My passion and everything that is on my mind when I wake up and when I go to sleep is cattle and this industry. It’s the thing that’s always driven me since I was a little kid.” — Brent [29:15]“Most of us are asset-rich and cash-poor, and that’s very hard.” — Brent [31:09]“We’re literally able to help families last for generations upon generations.” — Brent [32:57]“We have clients that we are protecting 500 years worth of legacy.” — Brent [33:16]“I personally just do everything we can to take care and be a good steward of our livestock.” — Brent [32:05]“Cattle are what I eat, sleep, and dream every day.” — Brent [56:40]
It’s a People Business
20-10-2023
It’s a People Business
The crew kicks things off with a chat about how social media has been making waves in the cattle industry. Plus, Joe sets the record straight on something he mentioned in a past episode — we all want new customers, just the right ones. Then, the buzz in the cattle world right now is all about the World Angus Evaluation. This leads to a conversation about fine-tuning post-sale logistics and remembering that at the end of the day, it’s all about the people and those long-lasting relationships. To wrap it up, the guys give a special shout-out to some of their customers, mentors, and friends in the Angus community.Mentioned in this Episode:MontanaRanchAngus.comBruinRanch.comShadyBrookAngus Farm.comFacebook @AngusUndergroundInstagram @AngusUndergroundContact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.TruTime Logistics Facebook PageStrommenRanch.comBear Mountain Angus Ranch Quotes:“Once you establish these loyal little pockets, your customer becomes your biggest drum beater.” — [7:45]“I don’t want to sell relics. I don’t want to sell collector's items. I want those bulls to go out and perform how they’re intended to for the customer they were built for.” — [10:10]“You can be bold, you can be your own program, and you can do your own thing, but you should seek to be producing a consistent type and consistent product for your customers.” — [18:29]“I think that intentionality throughout your mating system is what’s the key in the vision of the product you’re trying to produce.” — [18:49]“What we’re striving to do is stimulate independent thought and give people hope that they don’t have to follow exactly what they read in the sales reports day after day. They can go their own way.” — [27:54]“I encourage people to find people they trust and let them help you with your sale because it can be a really beautiful thing.” — [42:10]“This is a people business. It’s not about the cattle. It’s about the people. It’s about the people behind the cattle. It’s about people that are there putting their trust in your program.” — [45:08]
Special Guests Aaron and Sheyna Strommen of Strommen Angus Ranch / Strommen Livestock Services
06-10-2023
Special Guests Aaron and Sheyna Strommen of Strommen Angus Ranch / Strommen Livestock Services
It’s a jam-packed episode, starting with Aaron and Sheyna Strommen from Strommen Angus Ranch and Livestock Services in North Dakota. They talk about how they met and got started, what maternal power means to them, the sale coming up in December, and insights on their breeding program and marketing partnerships. Then Sheyna jumps in for a conversation all about sale marketing, including building a budget, getting the right kind of sale photos, and sharing who you really are with your customers.Then, at the end of the episode is a quick interview with Jeff Sackmann, Sackmann Cattle Company in which he talks with David about his upcoming "Herd Builders Partners Female Sale" with JR Ranch in Othello, WA.Mentioned in this Episode:MontanaRanchAngus.comBruinRanch.comShadyBrookAngus Farm.comFacebook @AngusUndergroundInstagram @AngusUndergroundContact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.TruTime Logistics Facebook PageStrommenRanch.comGMC GeneticsBear Mountain Angus RanchSackmann Cattle CompanyJRRanch.net Quotes:“Predominantly, our customers are true cattlemen. They are professional ranchers. Their commercial cattle will send their kids through college and will hopefully help them retire one day.” — Sheyna [18:41]“We also tell our customers that you can look at our breeding program and figure out exactly what we’re doing.” — Aaron [23:03]“I think one of the areas that is absolutely not discussed as much as it should be anymore is the productivity of these cows. I think for me, that's the great frontier ahead of us.” [29:17]“For us, getting to where we’ve gotten to now, it takes a lot of people and a lot of questions. We haven’t done this just completely on our own. It’s a combination of enough people helping us out and giving us advice along the way.” — Aaron [39:55]“We don’t really want to offer something for everybody, that’s not our goal. We want when guys come here and look at every pen and go, man, I can select one from any of these pens, and it will be fine.” — Aaron [48:55]“I think the most important marketing tool that you could ever build is a budget and you need to do that for six to eight months in advance of your sale.” — Sheyna [55:00]“You’re the secret that makes your program special. Let’s figure out what that is and share that.” — Sheyna [1:00:21]
Countdown to Sale Day
22-09-2023
Countdown to Sale Day
Special guest host and auctioneer Dave Mullins joins David, Joe, and Korbin this week as Vince is off celebrating his father, the legendary Tony Santini. They dive into the topic of working backward to develop a timeline and schedule for your sale — from hiring staff, securing a location, ad deadlines, supplemental online pieces, photo sessions, and selecting the optimal sale day. Dave gives great insight on the macro and micro of getting ahead of your sale. Then, the guys talk about the Beef Solutions Bull Sale coming to Ione, California on Thursday, September 28th.Mentioned in this Episode:MontanaRanchAngus.comBruinRanch.comShadyBrookAngus Farm.comFacebook @AngusUndergroundInstagram @AngusUndergroundContact AngusUnderground@Yahoo.com or call (406) 210-1366 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Angus Underground.PointPleasantAngus.comTruTime Logistics Facebook PageSalering.livePredictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions, by Dan ArielyBeef Solutions Bull SaleInheritSelect.comBeefgenetics.com Quotes:“Time is our most valuable asset.” [20:02]“I always like to start at the end and work my way backward with a schedule.” — Dave Mullins [24:18]“I think there’s a lot of value in just visiting with those that have experienced what you’re trying to accomplish.” — Dave Mullins [29:08]“If you are not utilizing the regional manager and think they’re not bringing you value, then you probably need to look at what you’re not doing.” — Dave Mullins [31:21]“It’s the 21st century. It pays to have that online presence.” [47:43] “It’s no longer a fight on the coffee table. It’s a fight to get in the door to the house.” [1:01:40]