Dr. Zachary Smith: Carcass Weights Rising | Ep. 146

In this episode of The Beef Podcast Show, Dr. Zachary Smith from South Dakota State University, explores the evolution of carcass weights and what it means for the future of beef production. He explains the factors behind increasing live weights, how technology and management are keeping pace, and what infrastructure and physiology limits may lie ahead. Gain timely insights into modern feeding strategies and consumer expectations. Listen now on all major platforms!"Carcass weights have increased consistently at five pounds per year since the 1960s, with no clear end in sight."Meet the guest: Dr. Zachary Smith is an Associate Professor at South Dakota State University. He holds degrees from Texas Tech and SDSU, with research focused on nutrition and management strategies to improve beef and dairy-derived cattle production. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you will learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:31) Introduction(03:01) Carcass weight trends(07:11) Managing heavy steers(11:38) Barriers to scaling up(16:40) Consumer preferences shift(28:47) Market and demand outlook(34:23) Final questionsThe Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Pro Earth Animal Health* Lallemand- dsm-firmenich- Virbac𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Beef Podcast ShowInstagram: The Beef Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Beef Podcast Show

In this episode of The Beef Podcast Show, Dr. Nicolas DiLorenzo from the University of Florida discusses corn silage and sorghum silage as viable feed options for backgrounding and heifer development in beef cattle. He outlines performance outcomes, production costs, and labor considerations for integrating silage into cattle operations. Learn how silage strategies can boost efficiency while managing input challenges. Listen now on all major platforms!"Corn silage remains one of the most cost-effective feeds, offering high nutritional value and yield when properly managed.”Meet the guest: Dr. Nicolas DiLorenzo earned his Ph.D. and M.S. in Animal Science from the University of Minnesota after completing his degree in Agricultural Engineering at the Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina. He completed a postdoctoral research appointment at Texas Tech University. Now an Associate Professor at the University of Florida, his work emphasizes beef cattle nutrition, ruminal fermentation, and environmental impact reduction.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you will learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:29) Introduction(01:56) Guest background(06:21) Corn silage feasibility(08:59) Sorghum silage value(11:21) Challenges of adoption(20:41) Self-feeding systems(28:36) Final three questionsThe Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Lallemand* Pro Earth Animal Health- Virbac- dsm-firmenich𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Beef Podcast ShowInstagram: The Beef Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Beef Podcast Show

In this episode of The Beef Podcast Show, Dr. Jerrad Legako from Texas A&M University shares key insights on how factors like packaging, postmortem aging, and animal management impact beef quality. He explains the chemistry behind meat color, the role of consumer preferences, and how retail innovations influence the beef supply chain. Learn how science supports superior eating experiences and informs the entire beef supply chain. Listen now on all major platforms!(Note: Dr. Jerrad Legako is currently an Associate Professor at Texas A&M University. At the time of recording, he was at Texas Tech University.)"Stress has significant effects on tenderness, making animal handling a key quality factor."Meet the guest: Dr. Jerrad Legako is Associate Professor and the Gary ‘68 and Kay Smith Chair in Meat Science Excellence at Texas A&M University. He earned his M.Sc. in Food Science from Oklahoma State University and his Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from Texas Tech University. His research centers on beef flavor chemistry, meat color stability, and how post-harvest technologies impact consumer eating experiences.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you will learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:30) Introduction(05:30) Flavor insights(07:30) Consumer preferences(11:40) Supply chain flexibility(15:07) Meat color explained(30:16) Beef quality(35:58) Final three questionsThe Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Pro Earth Animal Health- dsm-firmenich- Virbac- Lallemand𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Beef Podcast ShowInstagram: The Beef Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Beef Podcast Show

In this episode of The Beef Podcast Show, Dr. Daniel Cummings, a beef cattle veterinarian at Heritage Vet Partners, shares insights on animal health technologies, parasite management, and sustainable veterinary practices. He discusses strategies for preserving the effectiveness of dewormers, the role of preconditioning in herd welfare, and how producers can work with veterinarians to optimize herd health. Listen now on all major platforms!"Prioritization is key for practical cattle operations. And so we've got to help prioritize."Meet the guest: Dr. Daniel Cummings, a beef cattle veterinarian at Heritage Vet Partners, specializes in preventive medicine and reproductive efficiency. With a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University and extensive experience in the veterinary field, he focuses on cow-calf and stocker operations, research, and innovation in animal health technologies.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you will learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:28) Introduction(04:06) Animal health technologies(08:00) Preconditioning benefits(11:14) Sustainable health practices(14:59) Producer-veterinarian collaboration(22:02) Parasite control strategies(27:48) Final three questionsThe Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Pro Earth Animal Health- dsm-firmenich- Virbac- Lallemand𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Beef Podcast ShowInstagram: The Beef Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Beef Podcast Show

In this episode of The Beef Podcast Show, Dr. Maggie Justice, Assistant Professor and Beef Cattle Extension Specialist at the University of Arkansas, discusses effective feeding strategies for beef cattle in the Southeast. She shares insights on optimizing pasture utilization, the importance of forage management, and strategies to reduce feed costs. Dr. Justice also explores challenges like drought and the role of supplementation. Listen now on all major platforms!"Understanding your forage and where your herd is at is the foundation of a good plan."Meet the guest: Dr. Maggie Justice is an Assistant Professor and Beef Cattle Extension Specialist at the University of Arkansas. With a PhD in Animal Sciences from Auburn University, her research focuses on beef cattle nutrition, management systems, and forage quality. She actively works with producers to enhance cattle health, performance, and feed efficiency in the Southeast.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you will learn:(00:00) Highlight(00:52) Introduction(04:06) Managing pastures(10:47) Feeding strategies for drought(12:58) Byproduct feeds(18:32) Managing through drought(23:00) Building a nutritional program(26:25) Final three questionsThe Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Pro Earth Animal Health- Lallemand- dsm-firmenich- Virbac𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Beef Podcast ShowInstagram: The Beef Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Beef Podcast Show

In this episode of The Beef Podcast Show, Dr. Tommy Perkins from West Texas A&M University explores the impact of ultrasound technology on the beef industry. He shares insights on how ultrasound enhances carcass evaluation, genetic selection, and overall meat quality. Learn about advancements in imaging techniques and their role in improving marbling, ribeye size, and carcass consistency. Listen now on all major platforms!"The beauty of ultrasound technology is that we can assess marbling and ribeye size in live animals without needing to harvest them."Meet the guest: Dr. Tommy Perkins is an Associate Professor and Dean Hawkins Chair for Cow-Calf Management at West Texas A&M University. With a Ph.D. in Animal Breeding from Texas Tech University and extensive experience in academia and breed associations, he has contributed significantly to beef cattle genetics and ultrasound technology. His expertise spans industry and research, providing valuable insights into improving carcass evaluation and genetic selection.Click here to learn more!Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you will learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:23) Introduction(01:46) Guest background(09:47) Evolution of ultrasound(15:41) Certification for technicians(16:53) Ultrasound in beef selection(23:43) Improving beef carcass quality(29:28) Final three questionsThe Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Pro Earth Animal Health- Virbac- Lallemand- dsm-firmenich𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Beef Podcast ShowInstagram: The Beef Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Beef Podcast Show

In this episode of The Beef Podcast Show, Dr. Mick Bosilevac, Research Microbiologist at USDA-ARS, explains the complexities of detecting and controlling Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) in beef. He shares the science behind current detection methods, regulatory testing challenges, and the future of genomic surveillance. Learn how pathogens are tracked from feedlot to carcass and how industry collaboration improves meat safety. Listen now on all major platforms!"Virulence gene markers offer a great way to focus testing efforts on truly pathogenic STEC strains."Meet the guest: Dr. Mick Bosilevac is a USDA-ARS Research Microbiologist at the US Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Nebraska. He earned his Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. His work focuses on advancing the microbiological safety of red meat by improving detection methods for pathogens.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!David Tomas & Dr. Vikrant Dutta: STEC Detection in Beef | Ep. 122What you will learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:32) Introduction(05:27) Understanding STEC(07:07) Global health concerns(10:26) Sharing research with industry(14:32) Challenges with STEC(23:20) Ensuring safety in processing(35:37) Final three questionsThe Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* bioMérieux* Pro Earth Animal Health- dsm-firmenich- Virbac𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Beef Podcast ShowInstagram: The Beef Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Beef Podcast Show

In this special episode of The Beef Podcast Show, focused on leadership in the beef industry, Ashley Nicholls, founder of REACH Agriculture Strategies, explores the concept of "low-stress people handling" and its impact on the beef cattle industry. He shares insights on improving workplace culture, increasing staff retention, and implementing better training programs for employees. By fostering better communication and employee satisfaction, these strategies create more efficient and sustainable operations. Listen now on all major platforms!"Low-stress people handling takes the same principles we use for cattle and applies them to building better workplaces in agriculture."Meet the guest: Ashley Nicholls, founder of REACH Agriculture Strategies, is an advocate for the beef cattle industry and an expert in low-stress people handling. With a background in agricultural operations and team management, he specializes in improving workplace culture, increasing staff retention, and implementing efficient training programs. Based in Alberta, Canada, he helps operations of all sizes enhance their hiring and onboarding practices.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you will learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:21) Introduction(04:28) Low-stress people handling(11:13) Employee retention strategies(14:39) Improving workplace culture(15:54) Challenges in implementation(19:51) Generational shifts in ag(26:06) Final three questionsThe Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Pro Earth Animal Health* bioMérieux- dsm-firmenich- Virbac𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Beef Podcast ShowInstagram: The Beef Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Beef Podcast Show

In this episode of The Beef Podcast Show, Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam, Distinguished Professor of Animal Biotechnology and Genomics at UC Davis, explores the role of genetics and biotechnology in building a more sustainable beef industry. She explains how gene editing, genomic testing, and breeding strategies are optimizing cattle productivity, animal health, and environmental impact. Learn how biotechnology is transforming herd management and profitability. Listen now on all major platforms!"That is the beauty of genetic improvement: once you've made it, it's permanent and cumulative."Meet the guest: Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam is a Distinguished Professor of Cooperative Extension in Animal Biotechnology and Genomics at University of California, Davis. She holds a Ph.D. in Genetics and an M.S. in Animal Science from the University of California, Davis, and a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from the University of Melbourne. Dr. Van Eenennaam leads a globally recognized extension and research program at UC Davis focused on the application of animal biotechnology and genomics in livestock production.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you will learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:36) Introduction(04:28) Role of genetics(09:40) Beef-on-dairy opportunities(12:36) Genetic gain drivers(18:23) Methane selection potential(21:16) Sustainability and cow-calf(24:26) Final three questionsThe Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Pro Earth Animal Health* bioMérieux- dsm-firmenich- Virbac𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Beef Podcast ShowInstagram: The Beef Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Beef Podcast Show

In this episode of The Beef Podcast Show, Shannon Williams, an Extension Educator at the University of Idaho, discusses the crucial role of human resource management in ranch operations. She explores how setting S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, e Time-bound) goals, tracking key records, and prioritizing employee development can improve beef production efficiency. Learn how effective people management can make or break a ranch’s success. Tune in now on all major platforms!"SMART goals are essential in ranching. If you don’t measure your progress, how do you know if you’re improving?"Meet the guest: Shannon Williams is an Extension Educator and County Chair at the University of Idaho Extension in Lemhi County. She holds a bachelor's degree in animal science and a master's in human resources from Utah State University. She brings years of leadership experience, including serving as Idaho BQA co-chair and editor for the Western Beef Resource Committee.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you will learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:46) Introduction(04:46) SMART goals in ranching(10:46) Aligning goals with ranch vision(14:21) Importance of record-keeping(19:08) Using data for decision-making(21:23) Employee management strategies(26:19) Final three questionsThe Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* bioMérieux* Pro Earth Animal Health- Virbac- dsm-firmenich𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Beef Podcast ShowInstagram: The Beef Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Beef Podcast Show