From virtual fences to real-time herd data, ranching is entering a new era—and Andrew Fraser is helping lead the shift.

In this episode of The Future of Beef Show, Andrew joins Jim Johnson, Dr. Jessica Sperber, and Ian Wheal to explore how smart collar technology is transforming the way cattle are managed on pasture. As President of Halter Inc., Andrew shares how a simple idea—a collar for cows—has evolved into a powerful system for controlling grazing, tracking behavior, and unlocking better decision-making for producers.

This conversation goes beyond the technology itself to focus on real-world impact. From reducing labor demands and eliminating the need for extensive fencing to improving pasture utilization and enabling more flexible grazing systems, Andrew explains why virtual fencing is gaining traction across beef operations in the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand.

The episode also dives into the growing role of data in ranching—from tracking animal movement and health to the future potential of measuring feed efficiency at the individual cow level. Along the way, the group discusses how AI is being applied in practical ways, why labor and succession are critical challenges, and how technology can make ranching more sustainable, scalable, and attractive to the next generation.

What You’ll Learn:

• How virtual fencing works and how cows are trained to respond to sound cues
• Why pasture management is the foundation of productivity and profitability
• How smart collars provide real-time visibility into animal location and behavior
• The potential to measure feed intake and efficiency in grazing systems • How technology can reduce reliance on fencing and lower infrastructure costs
• Why labor savings and staff retention are key drivers of adoption
• How behavioral data can improve animal health monitoring and decision-making
• The role of AI and machine learning in practical, on-farm applications
• Why flexibility in grazing systems can unlock better land and herd performance

Links:

Future of Beef Show: www.futureofbeef.com

Learn more about Halter: www.halterhq.com

Read more from Drovers: www.drovers.com

Learn more about Breedr: www.breedr.co

Learn more about Corteva Agriscience: www.rangeandpasture.com

Learn more about Whole Cottonseed: https://wholecottonseed.com/

From rumen science to global food systems, innovation in beef production is happening at every level—and Dr. Vaughn Holder is right at the center of it.

In this episode of The Future of Beef Show, Vaughn joins Jim Johnson, Dr. Jessica Sperber, and Ian Wheal to explore how research, innovation, and systems thinking are shaping the future of beef. Drawing on his role leading global beef research at Alltech, Vaughn explains why the industry must focus on efficiency over trends, what we’ve learned from the methane debate, and where the next wave of innovation is heading.

From rumen microbiology and feed efficiency to soil health, nitrogen, and consumer perception, this episode connects the science inside the cow to the broader ecosystem—and ultimately to the future of the beef industry.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why efficiency—not trends—should drive sustainability in beef production • What the methane debate taught us about rumen function and microbiome research • How new technologies like probiotics and essential oils may improve cattle performance • Why systems thinking—from soil to animal to consumer—is critical for future innovation • The role cattle play in upcycling nutrients and supporting global food systems • How changing nutrition guidelines could impact beef demand and public perception • Why innovation and collaboration are essential to solving real industry challenges

Links:

Future of Beef Show: www.futureofbeef.com Learn more about Alltech: www.alltech.com

Read more from Drovers: www.drovers.com Learn more about Breedr: www.breedr.co Learn more about Corteva Agriscience: www.rangeandpasture.com Learn more about Whole Cottonseed: https://wholecottonseed.com/

Sustainability has become one of the biggest conversations shaping the future of agriculture—and few people have a clearer global perspective than Justin Sherrard, our first guest from Australia.

In this episode of The Future of Beef Show, Justin joins hosts Jim Johnson, Dr. Jessica Sperber, and Ian Wheal to explore how the beef industry fits into the broader sustainability conversation. Drawing on his experience with the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef and years analyzing global protein markets, Justin explains why cattle remain essential to feeding a growing population while working within environmental limits.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why cattle still play a critical role in feeding a growing global population
• How the beef industry is addressing sustainability and methane emissions
• Why engaging with critics and stakeholders is necessary for agriculture
• The importance of data in telling the beef industry’s story
• How consumer perceptions influence the way beef is marketed
• Why sustainability improvements often align with better productivity and profitability
• The role producers play in advocating for the future of beef

Links:

Future of Beef Show: www.futureofbeef.com Learn more about the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef: https://grsbeef.org/

Read more from Drovers: www.drovers.com Learn more about Breedr: www.breedr.co Learn more about Corteva Agriscience: www.rangeandpasture.com

Record-high calf prices, tighter herds, and strong consumer demand—what’s next for U.S. beef? Patrick Linnell, Director of Market Research at CattleFax, breaks it all down. In this episode of The Future of Beef Show, Patrick joins Jim Johnson, Dr. Jessica Sperber, and Ian Wheal to explore the trends shaping the cattle market today and tomorrow. From herd rebuilding and carcass weights to international trade and the role of AI in market research, Patrick gives producers and feeders the insights they need to make informed decisions. What You’ll Learn: • Why beef demand remains strong despite record prices • What’s slowing herd expansion and how it affects the cattle cycle • How carcass weights, feeding strategies, and genetics impact profitability • The influence of packing capacity and Mexican cattle imports on markets • How international trade supports U.S. beef supply • Ways AI is changing—but not replacing—market research Links: Future of Beef Show: www.futureofbeef.com Connect with Patrick Linnell & CattleFax: www.cattlefax.com Read more from Drovers: www.drovers.com Learn more about Breedr: www.breedr.co Learn more about Corteva Agriscience: www.rangeandpasture.com

Managing grass, cattle, and the land drives more of beef production than ever — and few people know it better than Dr. Jeff Goodwin.

In this episode of The Future of Beef Show, Dr. Goodwin breaks down why grazing management sits at the center of modern cattle production. From regenerative grazing and soil carbon to linking cattle genetics with pasture quality, he shows how planning, adaptability, and system-level thinking boost profitability while supporting long-term sustainability.

Whether you manage a small ranch or a large operation, these strategies demonstrate how smart grazing decisions can pay off for both the land and the bottom line.

What You’ll Learn: • Why regenerative grazing isn’t slowing down — and what it means for producers • How ecosystem services like soil carbon, water, and wildlife habitat follow good grazing practices • The importance of system-level thinking: managing grass, cattle, and the environment together • How planning and adaptability drive long-term success on ranches

Links: Future of Beef Show: www.futureofbeef.com Learn more about the Center for Grazinglands and Ranch Management: https://cgrm.tamu.edu/ Read more from Drovers: www.drovers.com Learn more about Breedr: www.breedr.co Learn more about Corteva Agriscience: www.rangeandpasture.com

Breed associations have long played a foundational role in the beef industry—but their purpose, value, and responsibilities are rapidly evolving. Few people understand that transformation better than Brett Spader, President of the American-International Charolais Association. In this episode of The Future of Beef Show, Brett joins hosts Jim Johnson, Dr Jessica Sperber and Ian Wheal to discuss how data, governance, and producer-focused service are reshaping the future of breed organizations. Drawing on a diverse career across the Kansas Livestock Association, DV Auction, Angus Media, and his own digital startup, Brett shares a unique perspective on how technology and transparency can help associations stay relevant and drive real value for cattle producers. From the rise of online bidding to the importance of records, collaboration, and connected data, Brett explains why modern breed associations must be both innovative and accountable—and how they can continue to empower breeders in an increasingly data-driven industry. What You’ll Learn: • Why breed associations still matter—and how their role is changing • How technology, performance data, and governance shape producer trust • The impact of complementary breeds and genetic diversity on the beef supply chain • How online bidding and digital tools transformed seedstock marketing • Why transparency and data connectivity are essential for the industry’s future Links: Future of Beef Show: www.futureofbeef.com Connect with the American-International Charolais Association: www.charolaisusa.com Read more from Drovers: www.drovers.com Learn more about Breedr: www.breedr.co Learn more about Corteva Agriscience: www.rangeandpasture.com

Genetic progress is only as valuable as the profitability it creates, and few people understand that connection better than Marty Ropp, founder and executive officer of Allied Genetic Resources. In this episode of The Future of Beef Show, Marty joins hosts Jim Johnson, Dr. Jessica Sperber and Ian Wheal to discuss how data, genomics, and collaboration are reshaping the business of beef genetics. From lessons learned in the pork and dairy industries to the future of service-driven breeding programs, Marty shares what it takes to help producers capture more value across the entire supply chain. What You’ll Learn:

• How Allied Genetic Resources built a network to support genetic improvement across the beef industry
• Why connecting genomic data to real-world profitability is the next frontier •
• What the beef sector can learn from pork and dairy’s approach to efficiency and consistency
• The importance of collaboration and feedback between breeders, feeders, and packers
• How service, education, and transparency drive long-term genetic success

Links: Future of Beef Show: www.futureofbeef.com Follow us on Facebook - Instagram - TikTok Connect with Marty Ropp: www.alliedgeneticresources.com Read more from Drovers: www.drovers.com Learn more about Breedr: www.breedr.co Learn more about Corteva Agriscience: www.rangeandpasture.com

13. Beef on Dairy with Lorna Marshall

Beef-on-dairy is transforming how we think about efficiency, genetics, and profitability in cattle production—and few people have influenced that evolution more than Lorna Marshall, Vice President of Beef Genetics at Select Sires.

In this episode of The Future of Beef Show, Lorna shares how she’s bridging the worlds of dairy precision and beef performance to drive genetic progress across the industry. From genomic testing to smarter sire selection, she lays out how technology and collaboration can help producers raise more consistent, high-value cattle—whether they’re working with commercial herds or crossbreeding programs.

What You’ll Learn:

How genomic testing is reshaping replacement heifer selection Why beef-on-dairy is redefining efficiency for both sectors Key genetic trends driving profitability in modern herds How data and technology are changing breeding decisions Lessons from Select Sires’ approach to innovation and industry collaboration

Links: Future of Beef Show: www.futureofbeef.com Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok

Connect with Lorna Marshall: www.selectsires.com Read more from Drovers: www.drovers.com Learn more about Breedr: www.breedr.co Learn more about Corteva Agriscience: www.rangeandpasture.com