Iowa Cattlemen's Association Podcast

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Episode 54 - October 7, 2022

Stockguard: Risk management with simplicity, affordability and transparency

Stockguard was founded in response to a need for better livestock insurance solutions. They’ve partnered with industry experts and producers to create simple, affordable, helpful insurance coverage that provides a safety net for the nation’s food supply.

Stockguard's Euweng Chan, CEO and Tony Latcham, VP of Risk Management Consulting tell us more about what they offer to cattle producers on this week's episode of "At the Gate."
Episode 53 - September 23, 2022

ICA member testifies before House Agriculture Committee regarding value of conservation programs

IShayne Wiese, a fifth-generation cattle producer from West Central Iowa, testified before the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry. The hearing focused on Title II Conservation Programs in the Farm Bill. 

 Wiese testified on behalf of the Iowa Cattlemen's Association and National Cattlemen's Beef Association. He advocated for voluntary programs, as well as flexibilities within the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and enhanced program support for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
Episode 52 - September 9, 2022

Iowa's cattle industry raises $440,000 for RMHC of Iowa

It's hard to imagine the impact $440,000 can have on an individual, family or charity. Yet Iowa's cattle industry raised more than $440,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities at this year's Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show. 

 The Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Cattlemen's Association and Office of the Governor of Iowa are proud to carry on the Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show, which started in 1983. To learn about this year's anniversary show, tune into this week's episode of "At the Gate."
Episode 51 - August 26, 2022

Jason Ross: Iowa State University's Department of Animal Science Chair

Iowa State University recently named Jason Ross as the new chair of the Department of Animal Science in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. 

In this week's episode, Jason Ross speaks to the new school year. On Monday, the Department of Animal Science welcomed 1,100 undergraduate students, many who have a primary or secondary interest in beef cattle production.

Ross also shares his vision for the Department, which is "For Iowa State University's Department of Animal Science to be the premier Department of Animal Science in the country."
Episode 50 - August 12, 2022

Extended Grazing and Fencing Technologies

The Iowa Beef Center will host three Fencing and Grazing Clinics in September. "The goal of these clinics is to focus on extending your grazing and exposing producers to available technologies," said Beth Reynolds, IBC extension program specialist. 

Learn more about opportunities to extend grazing during a drought as well as best practices for optimizing feed sources to keep the herd conditioned. 
Episode 49 - July 29, 2022

Brief Recap of the 2022 Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting

Iowa cattle industry leaders influenced policy at the 2022 Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting, hosted by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, in Reno, Nevada. 

This week, we hear from: 

  • Matt Deppe, ICA Chief Executive Officer 
  • Bob Noble, ICA President 
  • Rob Medberry, ICA President-elect 

The group discusses our impact on policy, especially as it relates to 14-day delivery and the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). For a full recap, tune into this week's episode of "At the Gate."
Episode 48 - July 15, 2022

Find us at the Iowa State Fair!

This week's episode is a brief update from your Iowa Cattlemen's Association. We cover a variety of topics, including the "I Am An Iowa Cattleman" Photo Contest, Iowa State Fair, and 2023 Carcass Challenge program.
Episode 47 - July 1, 2022

Robbins Land & Cattle, LLC. competes for National Environmental Stewardship Award

Justin, Lacie and McKinley Robbins, of Robbins Land & Cattle, LLC. aspire to leave the land better today than how they found it. The family's sustainable efforts have put them in the running for the 2021 National Environmental Stewardship Award. 

Learn more about the family-owned cattle operation, in this week's episode of "At the Gate." 
Episode 46 - June 17, 2022

57 days until the Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show!

It's full steam ahead at the Iowa Cattle Industry Headquarters. Now that our Regional BeefMeets are behind us, we are shifting gears to the Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show (GCSS).

Learn about the history behind this event, which kicked off 40 years ago. To celebrate this momentous occasion, Iowa's cattle industry is hoping to raise $400,000 for the 40th anniversary. More about this year's show can be found at: iowagovernor'scharitysteershow.com. 
Episode 45 - June 3, 2022

BeefMeets: Coming soon to a place near you!

The Iowa Cattlemen's Association (ICA) will be travelling to four locations across the state to gather grassroots input from producer members. 

BeefMeets include education on policy and production, industry updates, a tradeshow and meal. These events are FREE to ICA members. 

Join us for one of the following: 

SW Region BeefMeet | Tuesday, June 7 

 Adair County 4-H & FFA Building 

Greenfield, IA 50849 

NW Region BeefMeet | Thursday, June 9 

Marcus Community Center 

NE Region BeefMeet | Tuesday, June 14 

CJ Farms Inc.

SE Region BeefMeet | Thursday, June 16 

Monroe County Fairgrounds - Exhibit Building  

Registration is encouraged, but not required. To register, visit: https://bit.ly/3N8ds1n.
Episode 44 - May 20, 2022

Supporting Iowa beef producers

The Iowa Beef Industry Council and Iowa Cattlemen's Association work collectively to support the success of beef producers in the state. In this week's episode of "At the Gate," Rex Hoppes shares how the Iowa Beef Industry Council is: 

1. Expanding consumer demand for beef 

2. Strengthening beef's position in the global marketplace 

3. Improving producer profitability 

An Iowa Beef Industry Council representative will be present at each ICA BeefMeet. Register for a BeefMeet near you by calling (515) 296-2266.
Episode 43 - May 6, 2022

The Flying Elbow: Home of Iowa's Best Burger

The Iowa Beef Industry Council and Iowa Cattlemen's Association this week recognized The Flying Elbow, of Marshalltown, for Iowa's Best Burger in 2022. 

Learn more about the locally-owned restaurant that has been serving burgers for just six months.
Episode 42 - April 22, 2022

Weatherproof your grazing system

Denise Schwab, Northeast Iowa Extension Beef Specialist, joins us on "At the Gate" to discuss annual forages. 

Schwab encourages cattle producers to weatherproof their grazing systems, in an effort to maximize those acres well into the fall. 

*Note: This episode is sponsored by Lactipro, offered by MS Biotec. Learn more about how Lactipro can maximize efficiency on your operation by visiting: https://bit.ly/37AaOBS. 
Episode 41 - April 7, 2022

Buy the bull you need

It's bull sale season! We invite you to join us for an upcoming ICA 'Symbol of Excellence' Sale. We will be selling yearling bulls and replacement heifers at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 8 at the Tama Livestock Auction. On Friday, April 22, we will have another outstanding group of yearling bulls available through the Humeston Livestock Exchange. 

Patrick Wall, Iowa State University Extension beef specialist, shares how to find your next herd bull in today's "variable" market. Wall also encourages producers to "buy the bull you need instead of the bull you want." 

*Note: This episode is sponsored by Lactipro, offered by MS Biotec. Learn more about how Lactipro can maximize efficiency on your operation by visiting: https://bit.ly/37AaOBS. 
Episode 40 - March 25, 2022

Can we expect April showers?

Segment 1: The Iowa Cattlemen's Association is proud to support Iowa's Best Burger Contest. This year's contest is well underway, and the Top 10 restaurants have been chosen. Kylie Peterson, of Iowa Beef Industry Council, shares how you can be a part of the contest.  

Segment 2: Weather is great for small talk, but it greatly affects livestock farmers' day-to-day operations. Within the past couple of weeks, Iowa has received multiple rainfall events. Will the forecast remain wet heading into spring? Justin Glisan, State Climatologist of Iowa, speaks to what lies ahead.
Episode 39 - March 11, 2022

Participate in an ICA 'Symbol of Excellence' Sale

The Iowa Cattlemen's Asssociation (ICA) looks forward to hosting three 'Symbol of Excellence' Sales in March and April.  

Our first sale will be at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 14 at the Bloomfield Livestock Market. Click here for event details: https://bit.ly/33JVRvd. 

In this episode, members will hear directly from Matt Deppe, ICA CEO, and Skylar Brittain, ICA Bull and Heifer Evaluation Program (BHEP) Coordinator, about this year's performance offerings.
Episode 38 - February 25, 2022

ICA members influence state policy

Iowa Cattlemen's Association members effectively represented Iowa's beef business on Wednesday, during Cattlemen at the Capitol. 

We caught up with our regional vice presidents: Scott Niess, representing northeast Iowa, Justin Rowe, representing southwest Iowa, and Craig Moss, representing northwest Iowa. The ICA leaders give a brief overview of our legislative priorities and speak to the importance of being involved in the grassroots policy process.
Episode 37 - February 8, 2022

Iowa leaders engage in policy discusssions at NCBA Convention

The Iowa Cattlemen's Association submitted four policies at last week's Cattle Industry Convention, in Houston, Texas. In this episode, Iowa cattle industry leaders sit down to discuss the results of policy committee meetings. 


Iowa Cattlemen's Association CEO Matt Deppe says, "There is common ground on transparency." Listen to find out how our Association plans to move forward, build off of recent policy engagement, and take action on policy positions.
Episode 36 - January 28, 2022

ICA Producer Weighs in on WOTUS; Livestock Economist Provides Cattle Market Outlook

The Iowa Cattlemen's Association continues to engage on Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS). On Jan. 18, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of the Army held a virtual public hearing on WOTUS. The federal agencies solicit public input, as the Biden Administration seeks to replace the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR). Sparky Wellman, of southeast Iowa, provided comment on behalf of Iowa cattle producers.  


Lee Schulz, Iowa State University Extension livestock economist, is "cautiously optimistic" in his beef cattle market outlook. Schulz provides a price forecast, as well as risk management strategies.
Episode 35 - January 14, 2022

ICA Leads on Policy Topics, Hosts Cattle Producer Forums

"In 2021, we enhanced the way we engage on policy topics," says Matt Deppe, Iowa Cattlemen's Association Chief Executive Officer. Learn about policy topics our Association plans to engage on in 2022. 

Additionally, ICA will be hosting three educational sessions in late January and early March. Tanner Lawton, ICA field services manager, hopes to see you at one of our Forums.

January 26 | Carroll Producer Forum 

January 27 | Graettinger Producer Forum 

March 3 | West Union Producer Forum
Episode 34 - December 31, 2021

Keynote Speaker and Award Winners From 2021 Iowa Cattle Industry Leadership Summit

We offer a final recap of the 2021 Iowa Cattle Industry Leadership Summit, held on Dec. 15 and 16 at Prairie Meadows Conference Center, in Altoona, Iowa.

In the front end of the program, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Peter Shinn tells us, "Food production is absolutely vital to national security at it's most basic level." He also speaks to conflict management and how to reach a compromise. 

On the back end of the program, Matt and Cassies Winters, of Volga, Iowa, speak to their SimAngus beef cattle and Quarter Horse operation. The Winters received the 2021 Commercial Producer Award, which recognizes those who "give it their all to make our industry the best it can be." 
Episode 33 - December 17, 2021

2021 Iowa Cattle Industry Leadership Summit Recap

The Iowa Cattlemen's Association (ICA) recently concluded the Iowa Cattle Industry Leadership Summit. The in-person event attracted leading cattle producers from all across the state. 

ICA Chief Executive Officer Matt Deppe and President Bob Noble provide a brief recap of the annual event. The key takeaway from this year's event: Instating policy, which supports WTO-compliant Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL).
Episode 32 - December 3, 2021

Digital Dermatitis Research

Dr. Terry Engelken, of Iowa State University, presented  "Digital Dermatitis - Old Disease, New Reseach" at Feedlot Forum 2021. 

Engelken speaks to his research on Digital Dermatitis, also referred to as Hairy Heel Wart. He says, "There are a lot of moving pieces to this disease, and I'm not sure we know exactly what all of them are at this point." Learn more about the age-old disease, and how you might go about managing it in the current and future.
Episode 31 - November 19, 2021

NEW Membership Managers, Carcass Challenge Update, and More

In this week's episode of "At the Gate," we introduce you to our NEW membership managers, Meghan Orr and Skylar Brittain. Jennifer Carrico, Southwest Iowa Regional Membership Manager, also joins us to provide an update on the Carcass Challenge and Iowa Cattlemen's Leadership Program (ICLP).
Episode 30 - November 5, 2021

Iowa Cattle Industry Leadership Summit

The Iowa Cattlemen's Association is gearing up for the Iowa Cattle Industry Leadership Summit and Annual Meeting. ICA CEO Matt Deppe says, "The first part of being a member is the investment of dues, but there's a very important second investment that we value more from our membership, and that's their engagement." 

Be engaged. Attend the Iowa Cattle Industry Leadership Summit and Annual Meeting on December 15 and 16 at Prairie Meadows, in Altoona. To view the full, two-day agenda, visit https://www.iacattlemen.org/events-meetings/iowa-cattle-industry-leadership-summit.   
Episode 29 - October 22, 2021

Iowa Cattlemen's Foundation: Gameday Parking, Youth Beef Team, and Beef Scholarship Extravaganza

In today's episode, Mary Greiman shares how the Iowa Cattlemen's Foundation strengthens Iowa's cattle industry through education and outreach. Mary serves as youth and outreach coordinator for the Iowa Cattlemen's Foundation. She tells us about upcoming events, scholarship opportunities, and more in this biweekly episode. 
Episode 28 - October 8, 2021

Developing Future Leaders of Iowa's Beef Industry

The Iowa Cattlemen's Association is currently taking applications for the Iowa Cattlemen's Leadership Program (ICLP), formerly known as the Young Cattlemen's Leadership Program. Jennifer Carrico, Southwest Iowa membership coordinator, speaks with previous program participants: Justin Robbins (2014), Clara Lauritsen (2017), and Dave Olson (2019). Each individual speaks to his or her experience and encourages you to apply for the 2022 ICLP class before November 15, 2021.
Episode 27 - September 24, 2021

Seasons: Fall, Harvest and Membership

Membership season is in full swing at the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA). 

Tanner Lawton and Jennifer Carrico, ICA membership coordinators, speak to the value of an Iowa Cattlemen’s Association membership. Jenn says, “For your return on investment, you’re not going to find a better value.” 

Learn why you should “Join the Herd” today.
Episode 26 - September 10, 2021

Corn Silage, Pasture Management, Annual Forages and More

The summer drought not only took a toll of pasture ground, but the nutrition and quality of corn silage. Iowa State Univerisity Extension Beef Specialist Beth Doran recommends testing recently harvested silage for elevated nitrate levels. She also offers tips on preserving pasture ground and speaks to annual forages.
Episode 25 - August 27, 2021

Sustainability: Climate Neutrality of U.S. Cattle Production by 2040

In this week's episode of "At The Gate," Matt Deppe visits with Dr. Jason Sawyer, associate professor and research scientist at King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management, and Randy & Jill Euken, Iowa cattle producers and the 2020 Region III Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) winners. Collectively, the group discusses viable paths toward climate neutrality in U.S. cattle production.
Episode 24 - August 18, 2021

Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show Raises $375,000 for RMHC

Tanner Lawton and Casey Anderson, Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show co-chairs, reminisce about the 39th annual Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show (GCSS). The pair shares their most cherished moments from the show, as well as how many people it takes to raise $375,000 for a local cause, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa.
Episode 23 - August 13, 2021

Key Priorities from NCBA Convention

ICA CEO Matt Deppe sits down with member leaders Brad Kooima, Dick Godfrey, and Bob Noble at the 2021 Cattle Industry Convention in Nashville, TN. The group discusses a variety of topics including: live cattle marketing, sustainability, tax and finance.


Episode 22 - JUly 30, 2021

Vulnerabilities in the Beef Supply Chain

This week, Jon Schaben, ICA member-leader and owner of Dunlap Livestock Auction, in Dunlap, Iowa, and West Point Livestock, in West Point, Neb., testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee. The committee met to discuss competition and vulnerabilities within the beef supply chain. 

Cora Fox, ICA director of government relations, worked alongside Jon in preparation for the hearing. On Wednesday, the pair traveled to Washington, D.C., where they met with a few elected officials and attended the committee meeting. 

Links: Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing
Episode 21 - JUly 16, 2021

NEW Interim Policies, Heat Stress in Cow-Calf Herds

This week on "At The Gate," Bob Noble, ICA president-elect, and Cora Fox, ICA director of government relations, discuss interim policies, which were recently passed by our Board of Directors. These policies stem from grassroots feedback collected at our summer BeefMeets, and cover climate change, beef product labeling, Waters of the United States and rural broadband. 

Erika Lundy-Woolfolk, southwest Iowa Extension beef specialist, also joins us to discuss heat stress and heat stress management in cow-calf operations. Tune in for tips and tricks on how to beat the heat.
Episode 19 - JUne 4, 2021

Price Disparity Between Live Cattle & Boxed Beef, Southeast Region BeefMeet

Cora Fox, ICA director of government relations, speaks to the price disparity between live cattle and boxed beef, and what our Association is doing to address this ongoing issue. 

Bryan Sievers, owner of Glenora Feedyard, LLC., talks about the Southeast Region BeefMeet, to be hosted at his feedlot on Wednesday, June 9.
Episode 18 - August 27, 2020

ICA Update, Governor's Charity Steer Show Wrap-Up

Matt Deppe gives listeners an update on NCBA's price discovery working group and goes over ICA programs including the Carcass Challenge and Bull & Heifer Evaluation Program. 

Tanner Lawton talks to Dr. Dan Thomson about the Governor's Charity Steer Show and Katie Olthoff visits with Mike McDonough and his mom, Amy.


Episode 17 - July 30, 2020

NCBA Summer Business Meeting Policy, Governor's Charity Steer Show, and Drought Meetings

This episode features an interview with Matt Deppe following NCBA's summer business meeting, where he gives an in-depth overview of the cattle marketing policy discussions. He also shares ICA's "next steps". 

Tanner Lawton and Casey Allison share a new fundraising challenge for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, and ISU extension beef specialists tell listeners about several upcoming meetings and webinars focused on drought conditions in western Iowa.


Episode 16 - July 17, 2020

Cattle Marketing, Performance Livestock Analytics, and Dr. Terry Houser from ISU's Meat Lab 

Matt Deppe talks about some forward movement on cattle marketing reform and 50/14, including discussions expected at the upcoming NCBA Summer Business Meeting.

Justin Sexten from Performance Livestock Analytics shares info on Cattle Krush (FREE for ICA members), Performance Beef, and the animal health update coming this fall.

Finally, we hear a segment of our recent webinar focused on selling beef locally. Dr. Terry Houser, Iowa State University Meat Lab, discusses carcass yield and pricing considerations. Watch the entire webinar here.


Episode 15 - July 10, 2020

50/14 in the House, Governor's Charity Steer Show, and Selling Beef Locally (The Harvest Barn) 

This week's episode features an update on the 50/14 cattle marketing initative. ICA's Director of Government Relations, Cora Fox, discusses Reps. Axne, Finkenauer and Loebsack's companion bill, and the next steps in cattle market reform. ICA's Tanner Lawton gives an Governor's Charity Steer Show update, and Kaitlyn and Jason give advice on selling beef locally. 

Links: 50/14 House Bill 

Governor's Charity Steer Show 

Harvest Barn Marketplace


Episode 14 - June 25, 2020

Beef Up Iowa and Mineral Management 

Secretary Mike Naig joins us again to talk about efforts to connect hungry Iowans with market-ready cattle through the Beef Up Iowa program. Click here to find out more. 

This episode also features Part 2 of Dr. Brandon Koch's webinar presentation on pasture management and mineral needs of cattle on pasture. 


Episode 13 - June 18, 2020

Fed Cattle Markets Webinar: Bid the Grid and 50/14 with Corbitt Wall, Jordan Levi and Brad Kooima

Transparency, price discovery and leverage. All three panelists agree on the problem, but they have different views on possible solutions. 

 This episode is a replay of a live webinar from June 17 focused on efforts to level the playing field and rectify the imbalance of price discovery across cattle feeding regions and operation sizes. Find out what the panelists think about government mandates, packer accountability, and how current proposals could affect the industry longer-term.


Episode 12 - June 11, 2020

Iowa State Fair, Pasture Management, and Packer Investigations

On this week's episode, Matt Deppe gives cattlemen an update on Packers and Stockyards and Department of Justice investigations into beef packers, Dr. Brandon Koch from Kent Feeds shares pasture management advice (including advice for fescue), and Iowa State Fair CEO Gary Slater talks to us about the "postponement" of this year's fair. 

Watch Dr. Koch's full presentation here. 

Register for next week's cattle market webinar with Corbitt Wall, Brad Kooima and Jordan Levi here.


Episode 11 - June 4, 2020

Cow-Calf Council Chair Bryan Reed and Market Reporting Service with Jeff Stolle

Get to know ICA's new Cow-Calf Council Chairman, Bryan Reed. Bryan shares his experience with cover crops and fence law and weighs in on the threats to the future of the cattle industry, including vertical integration and possible future lack of price discovery in feeder markets. 

Jeff Stolle from Nebraska Cattlemen gives a run-down of the subscription-only Market Reporting Service, used by 300 feedlots in the midwest. Click here for more info. 

Matt Deppe also gives a brief update on ICA's summer events.


Episode 10 - May 28, 2020

BeefMeets Update and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds

Governor Reynolds celebrates May Beef Month and visits with us about her efforts to assist the cattle industry throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. You'll also hear from ICA staff members Matt Deppe and Kate Fulk.

Episode 9 - May 21, 2020

CFAP, Brad Kooima, and Slaughter Backlog Numbers

Finally, the details of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (direct payments for farmers) have been released, and ICA's Northwest Iowa Membership Coordinator, Tanner Lawton gives listeners the run-down. Dr. Lee Schulz, Iowa State University, reviews current slaughter numbers and weights, Brad Kooima talks to RFD-TV's Market Day Report, and Matt Deppe talks about upcoming ICA events. 

Episode 8 - May 14, 2020

50/14, ICA Board Meeting and Dustin Puhrmann

This episode of the Iowa Cattlemen's Association podcast is dedicated to Senator Chuck Grassley's bill aimed at increased transparency in the cattle markets. Hear the senator's remarks from the Senate floor, the ICA board's questions about the bill, and get to know ICA's Feedlot Council Chairman, Dustin Purhmann and the history of ICA's efforts to increase cash trade and leverage for producers.

Bonus Episode - May 12, 2020

Senator Grassley Introduces Cash Trade Legislation

Senator Chuck Grassley has been working closely with the Iowa Cattlemen's Association staff and leaders regarding the need for more negotiated cash trade in the fed cattle markets. Today, he introduced a bill mandating that a minimum of 50% of purchases by packers be negotiated and that cattle be delivered to the plant within 14 days.

Episode 7 - May 7, 2020

Beef Exports, Cold Storage and the Proposed "Set-Aside" Program

This episode of the Iowa Cattlemen's Association podcast includes an update from ICA CEO Matt Deppe on a proposed program designed to help producers through the current slaughter backlog, investigations into cattle market irregularities, and the response to ICA's 50/14 policy.  

John Hinners from the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) updates us on current beef export numbers and values, and listeners get to eavesdrop on ICA board members' questions about cold storage, boxed beef prices and retail prices.

Bonus Episodes - May 2, 2020

Iowa Beef Center Webinars

Holding or Slowing Cattle for Uncertain Market Timing 

  • Nutrition strategies overview -- Dan Loy, Iowa Beef Center director  
  • Health concerns with heavy cattle in feedlots – Dan Thomson, ISU animal science department chair  
  • Nutritionist information – Dave Rueber, Innovative Ag Services, Manchester; Dustin Puhrmann, United Farmers Cooperative, Paulina 

Watch the recording here.

Click here for a corresponding fact sheet: Considerations for Slowing Feedlot Cattle Growth due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Managing Feedlot Rations without Ethanol Coproducts  


  • Considerations when using coproducts -- Dan Loy, Iowa Beef Center director  
  • Nutritionist information – Dave Rueber, beef production specialist, Innovative Ag Services; Dustin Puhrmann, beef production specialist, United Farmers Cooperative  
  • Products and commodities available for substitution – Panelists  
  • Strategies currently in use – Panelists 

 Watch the recording here.

Episode 6 - April 30, 2020

50/14, Edgewood Locker, and selling beef direct to consumer


This week's episode highlights ICA's board decision to advocate for 50% negotiated cash trade, as well as President Trump's executive order keeping beef processing plants open.

Plus, we talk to Luke Kerns from the Edgewood Locker and the Iowa Department of Agriculture gives us a summary of regulations regarding direct-to-consumer sales of beef.

Search for inspected processors in Iowa here or view a summary of the regulations here.

Special thanks to Iowa Cattlemen's Association's Presidents Council for their support.

Episode 5 - April 22, 2020

30/14, Slaughter Challenges, and USDA’s Producer Assistance Program

Join us this week for information on efforts to increase cash trade in the fed cattle markets across the country, and how that challenge relates to the throughput issues in processing plants right now. 


Dr. Dan Thomson, the new chair of the Animal Science department at Iowa State University, talks about management concerns as the supply chain backs up, and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig provides information about USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, which will provide direct payments to farmers affected by COVID-19.

Visit our COVID-19 landing page for many of the resources referenced in this week's podcast.

Special thanks to Iowa Cattlemen's Association's Presidents Council for their support.

Episode 4 - April 16, 2020

Short-term and Long-term Challenges in the Cattle Industry

In this episode of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association podcast, CEO Matt Deppe gives an update on ICA’s work, including short term assistance for producers, an investigation into the cattle markets, and efforts to increase negotiated trade across all regions of the cattle industry. 


Dr. Derrell Peel of Oklahoma State University joins us to discuss the recent study on COVID-19’s economic impact to cattle producers and the Central Iowa chapter of the National Alliance for Mental Illness gives an overview of warning signs and resources for stress, anxiety and depression.


Visit our COVID-19 landing page for many of the resources referenced in this week's podcast.

Special thanks to Iowa Cattlemen's Association's Presidents Council for their support.

Episode 3 - April 9, 2020

Paycheck Protection Program for Farmers, Cassie Fish, and an ICA Update 

This week's episode features an interview with Bob Hartwig from the Iowa Banker's Association, talking about the Paycheck Protection Program from the Small Business Administration and how farmers can benefit. We also visit with Cassie Fish from thebeefread.com about beef demand and cattle markets, and ICA CEO Matt Deppe gives an update on the cattlemen's association's work. 


 Visit our COVID-19 landing page for many of the resources referenced in this week's podcast.

Episode 2 - March 31, 2020

COVID-19, Price Discovery and Iowa's Cattle Producers

President Dick Godfrey and CEO Matt Deppe discuss short term and long term efforts to help Iowa's cattlemen and women. Topics include the CARES Act, price discovery, investigating anti-competitive practices in the cattle markets and more. 

Special thanks to Iowa Cattlemen's Association's Presidents Council for their support.

Episode 1 - March 24, 2020

Iowa Cattlemen's Association COVID-19 Update

What has ICA been doing to mitigate the challenges caused by COVID-19? What are the long term solutions to cattle marketing woes? This episode, with Katie Olthoff and Matt Deppe answers those questions and more.