Introduction: Welcome back to the Beef Brief! In our first episode of the new year, host Sara Cover and Greater Omaha's head cattle buyer Dustin Schaaf dive into the tumultuous events of 2025 that shaped the cattle market. From supply shortages to fluctuating prices, this episode offers valuable insights for cattle producers and consumers alike

As the year draws to a close, many agricultural producers find themselves contemplating tax planning strategies to optimize their finances for the upcoming year. In this insightful episode of the Beef Brief, host Sarah Cover welcomes Tyler Hohenstein, a renowned Ag accountant, to share valuable strategies and tools that can help producers navigate the complexities of year-end tax planning.

Welcome to The Beef Brief, Greater Omaha’s podcast, where we bring producers practical insight to support their operations and strengthen the beef supply chain.

In this episode, host Sara Cover sits down with Eric Smith, cattleman and calf-stocker from Reform, Alabama, and owner of Xtra Ranch. Together, they break down Livestock Risk Protection (LRP)—what it is, why it matters, and how it can help safeguard producers against market volatility.

Whether you’re new to LRP or looking to better understand how it fits into your risk-management strategy, this conversation offers a clear, producer-focused look at one of the most important tools available in today’s cattle market.