Clint Berry (Superior Livestock) joins us for our annual Cattle Market Outlook following the latest projections presented at Cattle Industry Convention by CattleFax. As we head into 2026, we evaluate where we are in the cattle cycle — have we truly stopped liquidation, or simply slowed it? We discuss heifer retention trends and projected prices across the board, including fed steers, 550-weight calves, cull cows, bred females, and the strengthening bull market. We also examine the impact of the Mexico border closure on supply and industry infrastructure, along with the strong consumer demand that continues to support beef prices despite historically tight cattle numbers. If you’re a cow-calf producer, stocker operator, cattle feeder, or anyone involved in the beef industry, this episode provides perspective to help you think through risk, opportunity, and profitability heading into 2026.

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This week we’re joined by University of Kentucky livestock economist Dr. Kenny Burdine for a timely conversation that starts with cow size and weaning weights — and quickly moves into the bigger picture of efficiency, consistency, and profitability in the cow-calf business. We discuss how mature cow size ties back to real costs, why consistency in the calf crop matters more than many producers realize, and how marketing dynamics like lot size can add — or leave — money on the table. We’ll also take a look at current market signals, herd retention, competing meats, and what ranchers should be thinking about as we head into 2026.

Plus a discussion with Jeremy Martin & Chrisman of Stockmen's Source Bull Sale.

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Today we sit down with Nebraska rancher John Maddux of Maddux Cattle Company to talk about business decisions that often matter most — and are sometimes the hardest to make. John shares how a disciplined financial mindset has shaped their operation over generations, including how they evaluate cows as assets, balance emotion with economics, and make long-term decisions designed to keep the ranch viable. We also dig into replacement strategy, heifer development, and how managing appreciation and depreciation in the cow herd plays into overall profitability. It’s a thoughtful conversation on ranch management, financial focus, and what it takes to build an operation that lasts. Plus we'll talk about their upcoming "Maternalizer" Mature Bred Cow Herd Dispersal Sale.

Then, a visit with Ted Perry (Purina) about how we need to evaluate our mineral program throughout the year.