Beef Unscripted

The cattle industry has always been built on hard work, relationships, and a willingness to adapt. But one thing I've learned over the years is that there isn't just one way to build a successful career in agriculture. 
When many young people think about the cattle business, they picture owning a ranch, raising cattle, or perhaps becoming a veterinarian. Those are tremendous careers, but they represent only a small part of an industry that depends on talented people in dozens of different roles. That was one of the reasons I wanted to sit down with Corbitt Wall on a recent episode of Beef Unscripted.
Corbitt's career is a perfect example of how opportunity often finds those who are willing to keep learning, build relationships, and say yes to new challenges. A fourth-generation cattleman, Corbitt has worked in the sale barn business, managed commercial cattle operations, served with USDA, and today has become one of the most respected livestock market analysts in the country through his work with DVAuction and as host of Feeder Flash.
What's interesting is that none of those opportunities happened overnight. Like many successful people in agriculture, one opportunity led to another. Along the way, he developed skills that producers sometimes overlook—communication, market analysis, relationship building, and the ability to explain complex topics in ways people understand. Those skills have become every bit as valuable as understanding cattle. Today's cattle industry offers opportunities that simply didn't exist a generation ago. Digital marketing, video production, livestock photography, data analysis, genetic consulting, online auction management, precision livestock technology, nutrition, finance, media, and communications have all become essential parts of modern agriculture. The common thread isn't necessarily what job you have. It's whether you're creating value for the people you serve.
Every day, producers across the country rely on Corbitt's market commentary because they trust his ability to separate headlines from meaningful information. In an industry where decisions often involve thousands of dollars, that trust is earned one report at a time. Our conversation also reminded me that careers are rarely built exactly as planned. Most successful people in agriculture will tell you they didn't follow a perfectly straight path. They took advantage of opportunities, learned from mentors, accepted new responsibilities, and continued growing throughout their careers.
That's a lesson worth remembering, especially for young people entering agriculture today. If you're willing to work hard, remain curious, and build relationships, there are more opportunities in this industry than ever before. Whether your future is raising cattle, marketing livestock, analyzing markets, managing technology, producing content, or helping producers make better decisions, agriculture needs talented people who care about its future.
The cattle business has room for people with many different talents. The key is finding where yours can make the greatest impact. I hope you'll take the time to listen to my full conversation with Corbitt Wall on Beef Unscripted. We discuss his career journey, today's cattle markets, the evolution of cattle marketing, and why he believes the future remains incredibly bright for those willing to invest in this industry.
Sometimes the best career advice doesn't come from someone telling you what to do. It comes from hearing the story of someone who simply kept saying 'yes' to the next opportunity. That's exactly what you'll hear from Corbitt Wall.
 
 
For future episodes of Beef Unscripted check out our website!
American Cattlemen

I have to admit, when someone first suggested I interview Chris Helzer about woody plant encroachment, I wasn't sure how many cattle producers would find the topic interesting. 
Trees?
Brush?
Prairies?
How does that compete with markets, drought, input costs, and everything else producers are dealing with today?
Then I had the conversation.
The more Chris talked, the more I found myself thinking this may be one of the most overlooked issues facing the cattle industry.
Not because it's flashy. Not because it's political. Not because it's going to dominate headlines.
Because it's happening slowly.
And sometimes the things that happen slowly end up having the biggest impact.
As Chris explained, grasslands were never meant to become forests. They evolved as open landscapes. Yet across much of cattle country, we're watching trees and woody species steadily move into areas that once produced forage.
Now, if you're a cattle producer, that should get your attention.
Because grass is what pays the bills.
Every acre covered by cedar trees or brush is an acre producing less forage. Maybe you don't notice it this year. Maybe you don't notice it next year. But eventually you do.
The question I kept coming back to during our conversation was simple:
What happens if we don't address this?
We talk a lot about preserving family operations and keeping independent producers on the land. We talk about the challenges facing the next generation. We talk about profitability.
Well, profitability starts with productive land.
If producers continue losing grazing capacity because of woody plant encroachment, those acres become less productive and more expensive to manage. Smaller operations often feel that pressure first. Larger operations may have more resources to address the problem, but for many family ranches every acre matters.
That concerns me because we've already seen enough consolidation in agriculture.
The last thing we need is another factor making it harder for independent cattle producers to remain competitive.
What I appreciated most about Chris Helzer's perspective is that he wasn't approaching this strictly from a conservation standpoint. He understands the connection between healthy grasslands and healthy ranching operations.
This isn't an either-or discussion.
Good stewardship and profitability often go hand in hand.
The reality is that producers have tools available. Prescribed fire, mechanical removal, and proactive management can all make a difference. The key is recognizing the problem before it becomes overwhelming.
After talking with Chris, I walked away convinced that woody plant encroachment deserves a lot more attention than it's getting.
Not because it's the only challenge facing cattle producers.
But because it affects the foundation of everything we do.
Land.
Grass.
Forage.
And ultimately, the future of the American cattle industry.
Those aren't issues any of us can afford to ignore.
 
For future episodes of Beef Unscripted check out our website!
American Cattlemen
Be sure to share with your friends and neighbors! 
Podbean

In this episode of Beef Unscripted, powered by American Cattlemen Media, host Gale McKinney welcomes back Joseph Galasso and Kit Laramore of Western Trio for an in-depth update on one of the most closely watched beef processing projects in the Midwest. 
When Galasso and Laramore first joined the program nearly two years ago, they shared their vision for developing a new beef packing facility in Iowa—an ambitious undertaking aimed at creating additional processing capacity, expanding market opportunities for cattle producers, and strengthening the regional beef supply chain. Since that conversation, the project has continued to evolve, bringing both new opportunities and new challenges.
During this episode, the Western Trio team discusses the progress made, key milestones achieved, and the realities of moving a large-scale packing plant project from concept to construction. They also provide insight into the obstacles they've encountered, the lessons learned throughout the development process, and the determination required to navigate today's business, regulatory, and economic environment.
The conversation explores the growing need for additional beef processing capacity in the United States and why increased competition within the packing sector remains an important topic for cattle producers. Galasso and Laramore share their perspective on how independent processing facilities can help create more marketing options for producers, strengthen regional food systems, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the beef industry.
Listeners will gain a firsthand look at the vision behind Western Trio, the company's commitment to serving producers, and what success looks like as the project moves closer to becoming a reality. Whether you're a cattle producer, agribusiness professional, industry stakeholder, or simply interested in the future of beef production, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the industry's most ambitious processing ventures.
If you're interested in beef processing, cattle markets, producer profitability, packing plant development, Iowa agriculture, rural economic growth, supply chain resilience, and the future of the U.S. beef industry, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
 
For future episodes of Beef Unscripted check out our website!
American Cattlemen
Be sure to share with your friends and neighbors! 

In this episode of Beef Unscripted, powered by American Cattlemen Media, host Gale McKinney sits down with Joe Thomas, Pro Football Hall of Famer, former Cleveland Browns offensive lineman, and Wagyu cattle producer, for a fascinating conversation about life after football and his growing passion for the cattle industry.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest offensive linemen in NFL history, Thomas built a career defined by discipline, consistency, and hard work. Since retiring from professional football, he has applied those same principles to a new challenge—raising premium Wagyu cattle and becoming actively involved in beef production.
During the conversation, Thomas shares how his interest in agriculture developed, what attracted him to the Wagyu business, and the lessons he's learned as he transitioned from the gridiron to the ranch. He discusses the unique characteristics of Wagyu cattle, the growing consumer demand for premium beef products, and the opportunities in specialized segments of the beef industry.
The discussion also explores the similarities between professional athletics and agriculture, including the importance of long-term commitment, attention to detail, and continuous improvement. Thomas offers insight into the challenges and rewards of building a successful cattle operation and explains why producing high-quality beef has become a passion for him and his family.
Listeners will gain a unique perspective from someone who has achieved success at the highest level of professional sports and is now investing his time and energy into the future of American agriculture. Whether you're a cattle producer, football fan, beef enthusiast, or someone interested in entrepreneurship and life after sports, this episode delivers valuable insights and an engaging conversation.
If you're interested in Wagyu cattle, premium beef production, cattle genetics, value-added agriculture, ranch management, the beef industry, and stories of success both on and off the field, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Welcome to the Inaugural episode of Beef Unscripted! On this episode, host Gale McKinney sits down with Kyle Shobe of Lewistown, Montana, for a conversation that spans cattle, auctioneering, rodeo, music, and the future of the beef industry. 
Known throughout the livestock business as the 2010 World Champion Livestock Auctioneer, Kyle Shobe has spent decades building relationships with cattle producers across the country. As co-owner of Lewistown Livestock Auction, a representative with Superior Livestock Auction, longtime announcer at Cheyenne Frontier Days, and frontman for The Walk 'Em Boys, Shobe brings a unique perspective shaped by years of working with people both inside and outside the cattle industry.
During the episode, Shobe shares his journey into auctioneering and reflects on what it takes to compete at the highest level of the profession. He discusses the importance of the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship and explains why the event continues to showcase some of the industry's most talented communicators.
The conversation also explores cattle genetics, herd consistency, and the factors that drive value in today's marketplace. Drawing from his experience marketing cattle across multiple regions, Shobe discusses what buyers are looking for and how producers can position themselves to capture premiums through sound management, strong genetics, and effective marketing.
McKinney and Shobe also discuss current cattle market conditions, opportunities for producers, and the challenges that remain on the horizon. Listeners will gain insight into the trends shaping today's beef industry and hear firsthand observations from someone who spends much of his time working directly with cattlemen and cattle buyers.
The episode concludes with a discussion of the Superior Livestock Auction and the upcoming Summer Run sales, highlighting opportunities for producers looking to market cattle in a competitive environment.
Whether you're a seedstock producer, commercial cattleman, livestock marketer, or simply passionate about agriculture, this episode offers valuable insight from one of the most recognizable voices in the cattle industry.
 
For future episodes of Beef Unscripted check out our website!
American Cattlemen
Be sure to share with your friends and neighbors! 
Podbean