Episode 19: Generations of Stewardship with George Kempfer
Episode 19: Generations of Stewardship with George Kempfer What happens when cattle are expected to perform in one of America's most challenging environments? They either adapt or fail. At Kempfer Cattle Company, five generations of ranching experience have created herds specifically designed to thrive where others can't survive.George Kempfer takes us inside his family's operation, where nearly 3,000 mother cows demonstrate the power of purposeful breeding and disciplined selection. Unlike operations that pamper their breeding stock, Kempfer cattle must prove themselves under real-world conditions. "Why should we give our registered herd better care than our commercial cattle?" George asks. "How are we going to make our commercial cows better if we don't put more pressure on the seedstock cattle?"This philosophy has produced remarkably efficient, fertile herds that perform on grass with minimal inputs. The Kempfers' crossbreeding program showcases the transformative power of heterosis, creating females that breed dependably, raise heavy calves, and demonstrate exceptional longevity. Their purebred Brahmin operation, started in 1978, complements their commercial focus by producing bulls specifically adapted to Florida's tropical environment.George offers hard-earned wisdom for new producers: focus on quality genetics from reputable breeders, seek proven cow families rather than chasing trends, and be prepared for markets to eventually turn. The current strong cattle prices make operations more forgiving than usual, but long-term success requires discipline and adherence to sound principles.Perhaps most compelling is the Kempfer commitment to stewardship. "If you don't take care of the land, the land's not going to take care of us," George reflects. Their goal has always been to preserve and improve their operation for future generations - a lesson in sustainability that transcends breeding philosophies or market cycles.Whether you're managing thousands of acres or just starting your herd, this conversation offers valuable insights into breeding efficient, adaptable cattle that can thrive in challenging conditions. Subscribe to Sustainable Stock for more conversations with cattlemen who are building resilient operations designed to stand the test of time.Connect with George Kempfer and Kempfer Cattle Company:Website: https://kempfercattleco.com/cattle/Bos Sires: https://www.bossires.com/kempfer-cattle-companyCheck out Bos Sires:Website: https://www.bossires.com/Bos Sires Catalog: International New Bos Sires Catalog (English)Support the PodcastWe keep the main feed clean, but if you want the raw, unfiltered conversations, check out our second podcast Shooting the Bull on Patreon. If you like what we’re doing, that’s also the best place to show your support. Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bossirestalk
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Episode 18: Docile Brahmans?!? with Grant and Nicole Vassberg of Kallion Farms
Episode 18: Docile Brahmans?!? with Grant and Nicole Vassberg of Kallion FarmsWhat happens when a breeder decides to push back against everything the cattle industry holds sacred? Grant and Nicole Vassberg of Kallion Farms have been doing exactly that with their bold approach to Brahman cattle.For 15 years, Kallion has carried the label of “black sheep” in the Brahman world - systematically breeding away from the stereotype of wild, infertile cattle and toward docile, fertile animals that thrive on grass alone. The shift started when Grant, as a college freshman, quietly reversed his father’s breeding direction. Those same cattle went on to impress the consultants who once dismissed them.In 2010, Kallion ran 900 head. Grant implemented a ruthless, common-sense culling program: every cow had to deliver a calf each year, problem free. He began radically reshaping the herd by rewarding the genetics that had long gone unrewarded. After five years, only 33 of the original 900 females were still in production. Today, the results are clear. Their herd is so docile that Nicole, who grew up in San Antonio with no agricultural background, can work them by herself. A stark contrast to her first experience at another ranch where she wasn’t even allowed to step out of the truck.Traveling abroad confirmed what they suspected. While American breeders chase EPDs and show ring success, ranchers in places like Honduras are struggling with 40% calf crops from imported U.S. genetics. That realization led Grant back to the principles of Lasater, Bonsma, and Zietsman - ideas Kallion had been proving on their own pastures.Their pursuit of functional cattle helped spark the creation of Bos Sires, a cooperative of like-minded breeders committed to genetics that perform in the real world. As Nicole puts it, their mission is about “exposing the truth of what’s going on in the industry” and “giving younger ranchers a fighting chance to build their legacy.”Ready to challenge everything you thought you knew about cattle breeding? Subscribe now to hear more stories of ranchers returning to time-tested principles that create cattle that thrive in the real world.Connect with Grant/Nicole and Kallion Farms:Website: https://kallionfarms.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kallionfarmsBos Sires: https://www.bossires.com/kallion-farmsCheck out Bos Sires:Website: https://www.bossires.com/Bos Sires Catalog: International New Bos Sires Catalog (English)Support the PodcastWe keep the main feed clean, but if you want the raw, unfiltered conversations, check out our second podcast Shooting the Bull on Patreon. If you like what we’re doing, that’s also the best place to show your support. Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bossirestalk
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Episode 17: Soil to Steak with Steve Campbell
Episode 17: Soil to Steak with Steve CampbellForgotten wisdom meets modern ranching challenges in this fascinating conversation with Steve Campbell, a seasoned cattle coach who helps producers improve everything from soil health to cattle selection. Campbell shares the profound concept of the "Solo Cup Cow" – a simple yet powerful visual guide that reveals why cattle conformation matters far more than most realize.Campbell takes us deep into the hidden world of cattle fertility, explaining why modern selection practices have created a crisis for many operations. "When we did the space race, we went from frame four and a half to seven... We gave up fertility for growth," he explains. This shift has had devastating consequences, as fertility accounts for roughly 40% of ranch profitability according to research he cites.The discussion weaves through practical selection methods anyone can use – from observing hair coat shedding patterns to understanding the significance of vertical ribs in bulls. Campbell's approach bypasses industry jargon and complex EPDs, focusing instead on visual indicators that reveal an animal's true genetic potential. "The more fertile cow is going to look like she's walking downhill on level ground," he notes, while "the more fertile bull will look like he's walking uphill on level ground."Perhaps most compelling is Campbell's explanation of how soil health directly influences cattle performance and ultimately human health. He advocates for improving soil biology as the foundation for nutrient-dense forages, which lead to healthier, more productive animals that require fewer inputs. His insights on using Brix measurements to evaluate plant quality and his practical advice on mineral supplementation offer immediate action steps for listeners.Whether you're a commercial producer looking to reduce input costs, a grass-finisher seeking better quality, or simply someone concerned about the nutritional value of beef, this episode delivers eye-opening perspectives that challenge conventional thinking. Connect with Steve Campbell:Website: https://www.tailormadecattle.com/Steve's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Steve-rb1zf/videosCheck out Bos Sires:Website: https://www.bossires.com/Bos Sires Catalog: International New Bos Sires Catalog (English)Support the PodcastIf these conversations are helping you think differently about cattle breeding and land stewardship, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.To go deeper, join us on Patreon-where we host Shooting the Bull, our unfiltered podcast focused on honest conversations with producers from across the cattle industry.Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bossirestalk
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Shooting The Bull: Episode 4 Preview
Shooting The Bull: Episode 4 PreviewWhat happens when cattle breeding principles stay focused on function instead of fashion for three generations? The Meitler brothers reveal the extraordinary power of consistency at their family's Hereford operation, where their bulls routinely work for 10 to 12 years while mainstream operations sell replacements every 2 to 3 seasons.From their hunting cabin in rural Kansas, brothers Darris and Clint Meitler share candid insights about carrying forward their father's legacy, a breeding philosophy deeply influenced by legendary animal scientist Jan Bonsma. "The older we get," one brother reflects, "the more we figured out dad had it right." Their story parallels many other sustainable operations they've encountered, where cattlemen have independently reached similar conclusions about what makes truly valuable genetics.The conversation touches on a visit to Casey Jr's beef master operation, where a closed herd since 1962 and strict 28 day breeding windows have created remarkably consistent cattle. This dedication to simplicity, letting bulls do their work without AI, embryo transfer, or complex EPD systems, demonstrates the power of time tested methods when applied with discipline.Perhaps most telling is their challenge with customer relationships. When your bulls perform so well that customers don't need replacements for a decade, maintaining consistent contact becomes difficult. Yet this longevity represents enormous value in an industry where frequent replacement has become normalized.Despite managing cattle across dozens of properties, the brothers handle nearly everything themselves, feeding, breeding decisions, sales, giving them intimate knowledge of their herd that visiting "experts" can never match. As one brother noted, if a cattleman can't quickly identify his best animals when touring the pasture, he likely doesn't truly know his operation.Want to see the video for this preview? Join us on Youtube.https://youtu.be/-FeDsHvJLpgFor full episodes, deeper conversations, and real cattleman talk with no filter Join us on Patreon. patreon.com/bossirestalkQuestion the noise. Trust the land. Don’t breed nonsense.
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Episode 16: From the Breaks, Built to Last with Charlie & Courtney Totton
Episode 16: From the Breaks, Built to Last with Charlie & Courtney TottonDeep in South Dakota's challenging Missouri River breaks, Charlie Totton and his daughter Courtney are quietly revolutionizing cattle production with a refreshingly straightforward approach. For nearly three decades, they've focused on breeding moderate-framed, fertile, low-maintenance Angus cattle that thrive where others fail – on steep terrain, minimal inputs, and unassisted calving."We don't have time to mess with problems," Charlie explains, describing their no-nonsense approach to culling cattle that don't perform. This father-daughter team maintains approximately 400 head across terrain marked by cedar-filled canyons and steep hillsides, where special attention is given to traits that truly matter: fertility, docility, sound udders, and good mothering ability. The Tottons aren't chasing industry trends toward larger frames or extreme EPDs. Instead, Charlie proudly wears his "moderate to low EPDs like a badge of honor," seeing them as proof he's breeding what he claims to be breeding.Their innovative grazing management includes mob grazing during peak growing season, moving cattle daily to maximize forage utilization while allowing 90% of their land to grow uninhibited. This approach has significantly extended their grazing period, reducing feeding from five months to just two or three months annually. Perhaps most fascinating is their May-calving herd, which operates under an even more hands-off approach in the roughest country, being checked just twice weekly during calving season.The Tottons' marketing is as straightforward as their breeding philosophy. Their annual "redneck auction" features no professional auctioneer, no predetermined sale order, and complete transparency as bulls are sorted from pens while potential buyers watch.Whether you're struggling with high-maintenance genetics or simply seeking cattle that work without constant attention, the Totton approach offers valuable lessons about balancing selection with environmental realities. Visit TottonAngus.com to learn more about their program or mark your calendar for their annual sale the first Saturday of May. Isn't it time your cattle worked as hard as you do?Connect with Courtney Tyrrell and Charlie Totton:Website: https://www.tottonangus.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tottonangus/Bos Sires: https://www.bossires.com/tottonangusranchCharlies bull story can be found on this page under the title "WHATS AN OLD BULL WORTH?": https://www.tottonangus.com/about-us.htmlCheck out Bos Sires:Website: https://www.bossires.com/Bos Sires Catalog: International New Bos Sires Catalog (English)Support the PodcastIf these conversations are helping you think differently about cattle breeding and land stewardship, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.To go deeper, join us on Patreon-where we host Shooting the Bull, our unfiltered podcast focused on honest conversations with producers from across the cattle industry.Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bossirestalk
Sustainable Stock: Reviving Legacy Genetics is a podcast dedicated to exploring the power and potential of traditional cattle genetics while celebrating the ranchers who are bringing these practices back to life. Hosted by Patrick Powers, this podcast connects the past with the present, showcasing the resilience, efficiency, and fertility of the cattle breeds that helped build strong herds in the 1960s and '70s.Each episode features in-depth conversations with ranchers and breeders who are rediscovering and preserving the cattlemen practices that have stood the test of time. These ranchers are committed to using common-sense methods that focus on what truly works, blending the wisdom of the past with modern solutions for sustainable ranching in today’s world.At its core, Sustainable Stock is about returning to the fundamentals—embracing practical, time-tested approaches that prioritize what’s best for the land, livestock, and the rancher. We honor the heritage of ranching and are passionate about creating a future that’s rooted in both tradition and sustainability. Whether you’re passionate about heritage genetics, the future of ranching, or simply interested in the story behind the herd, this podcast is for you.
South Africa