Episode 40 | The Front Liners

In this episode of 1881, Breck Debnam, Innisfail Farm, and Denise Loyning, L Bar W Cattle Company, share their experiences with the Hereford Feedout Program and how measuring performance through the feeding and harvest phase has added another layer of information to their operations. They discuss what they’ve learned from their cattle, the value of collecting real-world feedlot and carcass data and how those results can help inform breeding and health decisions moving forward. Learn more about the Hereford Feedout Program here -- https://hereford.org/commercial/hereford-feedout-program/

1881 traveled to Madison, Wis., for the 2026 VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE). In this three-part series, Shane Bedwell sat down with the judges of the Masters in Madison to hear their perspectives from one of the most prestigious events of the summer. In this episode, Shane visits with Tyler Cates, Modoc, Ind., and Kyle Gillooly, Wadley, Ga., who evaluated the owned female show at the 2026 JNHE.   Tyler operates Cates Farms and Sunrise Sunset Farm with his wife, Cortney, and daughter, Piper, raising Shorthorn and Angus cattle. A former livestock judging team member at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College and Purdue University, Tyler has gone on to judge numerous national shows and junior nationals across the country.   Kyle serves as manager of CES Herefords and, alongside his wife, Jennifer, owns and operates Predestined Cattle Co. A Purdue University graduate and former livestock judging team member, Kyle has judged cattle in 25 states and Canada. 

1881 traveled to Madison, Wis., for the 2026 VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE). In this three-part series, Shane Bedwell sits down with the judges of the Hereford Masters in Madison to discuss their careers, experiences and perspectives from one of the summer's most prestigious events. In Part 2, Shane is joined by owned female show judges Randy Mullinix, Toulon, Ill., and Jake Bohnsack, Taylor Ridge, Ill. Randy owns and operates Purple Reign Cattle Co. in Toulon, Ill. Raised on a diversified cattle and grain operation in Woodbine, Md., he attended Black Hawk East and Kansas State University, where he was a member of national champion livestock judging teams at both institutions. Purple Reign has produced numerous national champions and earned nearly 50 premier breeder honors at national events. Randy has judged livestock shows in 40 states, including national shows and junior nationals for more than a dozen breeds. Jake was raised in Taylor Ridge, Ill., where he developed a passion for exhibiting Hereford cattle. He attended Black Hawk East before earning a degree in animal science from Oklahoma State University, where he further developed his livestock evaluation skills as a member of the livestock judging program.

1881 travels to Madison, Wis., for the 2026 VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo. In this three-part series, Shane Bedwell sits down with the judges of the Masters in Madison to discuss their careers, experiences and perspectives from one of the most prestigious events of the summer.  The first guest is Montie Soules, CEO of the American Shorthorn Association (ASA), who judged the steers and bred-and-owned bulls. Shane and Montie recap the show, reflect on Montie's career in the beef industry and Hereford breed. Before joining ASA, Montie spent 34 years as general manager of Star Lake Cattle Ranch/ACE Polled Herefords, where the program exhibited 49 national and reserve national champions and 13 consecutive champion carloads of bulls at the National Western Stock Show. He has judged cattle across the United States and internationally and spent 18 years consulting in Argentina. Raised on his family's farm in Michigan, Montie graduated from Michigan State University. 

In this episode of 1881, Jirl Buck, Madill, Okla., shares the story behind his lifelong passion for the livestock industry and the experiences that led him to the Hereford breed. Working alongside his father sparked Jirl's interest in the cattle business at a young age, and years later, he found his way to the Hereford breed through the National Hereford Sale, where the females purchased helped lay the groundwork for Buck Cattle Co.'s success in the breed. Throughout the episode, he reflects on the cattle and people that have influenced his journey and shaped his success.

In this episode of 1881, Justin Miller, the American Hereford Association’s new director of commercial programs visits with Shane Bedwell. The conversation highlights Miller’s long-standing career in the beef business, his enthusiasm for the Hereford breed and the growing value of Hereford genetics in the commercial sector. 

In this episode of 1881, Bill Ashe of Selmer, Tenn., shares the story of building a registered Hereford herd from scratch in 1963 and the decades of leadership that followed. From his military service to shaping the commercial acceptance of Hereford genetics in the Southeast, Ashe’s influence can be seen across the region. Tune in to hear more about a lifetime dedicated to the Hereford breed.

In this episode of 1881, Noble Research Institute regenerative ranching advisors Charles Rohla and Devlon Ford join Shane Bedwell to break down research-proven strategies. The conversation covers what actually drives plant recovery and soil health, how maternal heterosis strengthens resilience in the cow herd, and the monitoring tools producers can use to stay profitable while adapting to change. This episode sets the stage for a deeper discussion at the Learning Lounge at #CattleCon, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. — built for cattlemen making real decisions on grass, genetics and long-term sustainability. 

In this episode of 1881, Shane Bedwell sits down with members of the American Hereford Association Records department, the team on the front lines of registrations, transfers and data. Talina Nelson and Debbie Hayes answer frequently asked questions from breeders and commercial cattlemen, clear up common misconceptions and share practical guidance to help navigate the registration process. 

In this episode of 1881, Shane Bedwell sits down with Austin Snedden, a fifth-generation California rancher and newly elected chairman of the American Hereford Association Board of Directors. Austin shares his background, the long-standing history of Snedden Ranch and how his family continues to build a program rooted in quality Hereford cattle with a strong focus on meeting the needs of commercial customers. Their conversation also explores Austin’s vision for the breed, where the Association is headed and how Herefords continue to shape the commercial cattle industry today.