I felt I needed to discuss the role a small producer plays in the beef industry’s economic impact, both directly and indirectly, in shaping the future of the beef business and the industries that support it – and, maybe more importantly, how the small producer provides a social and cultural fabric for many Americans.

In this podcast episode, Progressive Cattle Editor Carrie Veselka speaks with Kara Lee, director of producer engagement at Certified Angus Beef, to discuss direct-to-consumer marketing and the CBA Ranch to Table program. Editor Abby George meets up with Russ Daly, South Dakota State University Extension Veterinarian, at Range Beef Cow Symposium to talk about herd health planning and steps producers can take to protect their cow herd. 

The Beef Improvement Federation recognized 44 Farms of Cameron, Texas, as the BIF Seedstock Producer of the Year during the organization’s annual research symposium in July in Calgary, Alberta. Douglas Lake Cattle Company of Douglas Lake, British Columbia, was presented with the Commercial Producer of the Year Award.

Intermountain Packing is in full swing with a new beef/bison packing plant in Idaho Falls. They fill a specific market niche.

With the price of cattle and beef often in flux, wise producers are always looking for ways to build financial resiliency. One way to capture the most value out of cattle is to process them and market the meat directly to customers.

Kortney Bahem and her husband, Daniel Lousignont, own and operate L&L Meats LLC – a mobile butchering business in Homedale, Idaho.