Better Beef

Better Beef, powered by American Cattlemen Media, is about a simple idea, bringing people closer to their food, more specifically, closing the gap between the folks raising the beef and people eating it. If you've ever stood in the grocery store looking at a package of beef and wondered, where did this come from? Who raised it? Is it actually as good as they say? You're not alone, and if you're on the other side of that equation, raising cattle, feeding families, putting in long days and you feel like your story isn't being heard, you're not alone either, and that's exactly why this podcast exists on better beef. We're going to have real conversations, no fluff, no agendas, just honest discussions about what it takes to produce beef today and what consumers deserve to know about it. We'll talk with ranchers, butchers, chefs, nutrition experts, industry leaders, and even a skeptic or two, because we're all about bridging this gap, and if we're going to do it, we have to be willing to listen, not just talk. Here's what you can expect from Better Beef. We're going to break down the tough topics, like what grass fed really means, how cattle are raised and finished, environmental impacts of beef, and whether the headlines you actually see tell the whole story, but we're also going to highlight the people behind it, the families, the operations, the advocates and the values that drive this industry forward. At the end of the day, beef isn't just a product, it's a story, and it's a story worth telling the right way.

Better Beef is a education podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 12 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Better Beef, a education show with 12 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #12

  Charly Cummings on Auctioneering, Livestock Marketing & Better Beef

  Sep 11, 202648 min

  In this episode of Better Beef, host Kaid Panek sits down with Charly Cummings, one of the most respected voices in livestock auctioneering and the 2011 World Livestock Auctioneer Champion. From sale barns and production sales to his work with Superior Livestock, Charly has built a career around cattle, communication, and earning the trust of producers who place their livelihoods in his hands when sale day arrives. Charly shares how his journey began as a young Kansas kid learning the auctioneer chant from his uncle before attending the Worldwide College of Auctioneering. He explains that becoming a successful auctioneer requires much more than talking fast. A clear, recognizable chant is important, but professionalism, knowledge of the product, integrity, and the ability to command a room are equally essential. For Charly, those qualities form the foundation of an auctioneer producers and buyers can trust. The conversation also explores Charly’s road to becoming a world champion. He discusses competing through state and national contests, the interview and live-auction portions of the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship, and how winning in 2011 transformed his career. With new opportunities came an intense travel schedule, forcing Charly to eventually learn one of the hardest lessons of his career: when to say no and make more time for his family. Kaid and Charly also dive into the responsibility auctioneers carry on sale day. Every animal represents years of work, genetics, management, and financial investment. Charly explains why knowing the true value of the cattle, staying composed during “slick spots,” and treating every buyer with respect can make a tremendous difference. Those relationships often extend for years, turning customers and sale hosts into friends and family. Finally, Charly shares his vision for better beef, emphasizing animal care, nutrition, veterinary health, safe handling, stewardship, genetics, technology, and continuous improvement. It’s a conversation about much more than auctioneering—it’s about cattle, family, integrity, rural communities, and the people committed to moving the beef industry forward. For previous episodes of the Better Beef Podcast, please visit: www.americancattlemen.com. American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By: Moly Manufacturing Central Life Sciences Medgene Forge

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  Episode #11

  Donnie Lawson on NCBA, Advocacy & Agriculture | Better Beef

  Aug 28, 202657 min

  In this episode of Better Beef, host Kaid Panek sits down with lifelong Indiana cattle producer and agricultural leader Donnie Lawson for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, advocacy, collaboration, and the future of the beef industry. Donnie brings a unique perspective to the discussion, balancing life as a cattle producer with his responsibilities as a county commissioner and member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Board of Directors. Donnie shares the story of his family’s Indiana operation, where they raise crops, manage a cow-calf herd, feed cattle, and market freezer beef directly to customers. He explains how careful recordkeeping and following cattle from birth through finishing have helped the family make better management decisions. The conversation also highlights the role FFA and 4-H played in developing leadership, financial responsibility, agricultural knowledge, and confidence for Donnie and his family. From there, the discussion turns to Donnie’s decades of public service. He reflects on nearly 40 years as a volunteer firefighter and EMT, his path into county government, and the importance of bringing an agricultural perspective to decisions involving rural communities, infrastructure, development, and land use. A major focus of the episode is Donnie’s involvement with NCBA. He explains how the organization brings cattle producers together, develops future leaders, advocates for the beef industry, and builds relationships with policymakers in Washington. Donnie also discusses his work with NCBA’s political action committee and why supporting policymakers who understand cattle production requires cooperation across party lines. Throughout the conversation, Donnie and Kaid emphasize the importance of collaboration within agriculture. Whether discussing direct-to-consumer beef, large feedlots, animal health, manure management, environmental stewardship, or public misconceptions about cattle production, Donnie encourages producers to communicate rather than criticize. Ultimately, this episode is about more than cattle or policy. It is a conversation about service, relationships, leadership, and the responsibility producers have to tell agriculture’s story. Donnie reminds listeners that meaningful progress often begins by asking questions, sharing experiences, listening to different perspectives, and working together to strengthen the entire beef industry. For previous episodes of the Better Beef Podcast, please visit: www.americancattlemen.com. American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By: Moly Manufacturing Central Life Sciences Medgene Forge

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  Episode #10

  Nick Pudenz on How Animal Health Innovation Protects the Beef Industry | Better Beef

  Aug 14, 202657 min

  In this episode of Better Beef, host Kaid Panek sits down with Nick Pudenz, Director of Commercial Accounts at Diamond Animal Health, for a behind-the-scenes look at an important part of the beef industry most cattle producers rarely see: the development and manufacturing of animal vaccines and pharmaceuticals. Nick explains how Diamond Animal Health works with pharmaceutical companies, researchers, veterinarians, and industry partners to transform new ideas into products that support cattle health and the global food supply. Nick walks listeners through the surprisingly complex process of developing a new cattle vaccine, which can take five to seven years from initial research to government approval. The conversation explores efficacy and safety trials, USDA oversight, master vaccine seeds, regulatory requirements, and the extensive quality-control measures required before a product ever reaches a producer's refrigerator. Kaid and Nick also discuss why vaccination protocols matter throughout the beef production cycle. From cow-calf operations to feedlots, different cattle face different health challenges, making properly designed vaccination programs an important component of herd management. Nick explains the differences between modified-live and killed vaccines, why products require specific storage and handling, and how manufacturers monitor temperature and quality throughout production and distribution. The conversation also tackles topics that matter to producers and consumers alike, including pharmaceutical withdrawal periods, food safety, vaccine misconceptions, emerging technologies, and why animal health companies continue investing millions of dollars into products that may never ultimately reach the marketplace. Nick provides insight into the safeguards, testing, documentation, and regulatory review behind the products producers rely on every day. Ultimately, this episode offers cattlemen a new perspective on the people working behind the scenes to keep livestock healthy. Whether you're a cow-calf producer, feedlot operator, veterinarian, or simply interested in how animal health products are developed, this conversation provides an approachable look at the science, people, and processes supporting better beef. For previous episodes of the Better Beef Podcast, please visit: www.americancattlemen.com. American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By: Moly Manufacturing Central Life Sciences Medgene Forge

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  Episode #9

  Jennifer Boka: Preserving Tradition, Building the Future

  Jul 31, 202649 min

  In this episode of Better Beef, Kaid Panek sits down with Jennifer Boka, Senior Director of Livestock Operations for the National Western Stock Show, to explore her lifelong connection to agriculture and her vision for the future of the livestock industry. Jennifer Boka shares how growing up on her family’s registered and commercial cattle operation, participating in 4-H and FFA, judging livestock, rodeoing, and working in the artificial insemination industry prepared her for a remarkable career. Her professional journey includes serving as communications director for the Red Angus Association of America, managing the Northern International Livestock Exposition in Billings, Montana, for nine years, and eventually joining the National Western team in Denver. The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to organize one of agriculture’s most historic events. Jennifer discusses the responsibility of preserving 121 years of National Western tradition while introducing new facilities, experiences, and programs designed to carry the stock show into its next century. She explains how attractions such as the Stockyards Beef and Wine Festival and Itty Bitty Acres help connect urban visitors with farmers, ranchers, livestock, and the food they produce. Her guiding philosophy is simple but powerful: agriculture must educate through entertainment. Jennifer and Kaid also examine the National Western’s legendary Catch-a-Calf program, which gives young exhibitors the opportunity to raise, feed, market, and show a steer while developing financial, communication, and recordkeeping skills. More importantly, these young people build lifelong relationships within agriculture. Jennifer emphasizes that stock shows are about far more than leading an animal around the ring—they help raise capable young adults, cultivate leadership, and create networks that can last a lifetime. Throughout the episode, Jennifer speaks candidly about welcoming new audiences, embracing cultural change, and celebrating anyone who wants to connect with the Western way of life. She also reflects on the pressure, honor, and privilege of representing livestock producers while educating the public. For anyone interested in agriculture, livestock events, youth development, or the future of stock shows, this conversation provides an inspiring look at the people and ideas keeping agricultural traditions alive. Jennifer closes with valuable advice: seize every opportunity to meet people, introduce yourself, get your hands dirty, and experience every possible facet of agriculture. For previous episodes of the Better Beef Podcast, please visit: www.americancattlemen.com. American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By: Moly Manufacturing Central Life Sciences Medgene Forge

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  Episode #8

  Building Better Angus Genetics with Britton Blair

  Jul 17, 202644 min

  In this episode of Better Beef, host Kaid Panek travels to Blair Brothers Angus near Sturgis, South Dakota, to sit down with Britton Blair for a conversation about seedstock production, genetic improvement, conservation, and what it takes to build one of the nation's most respected Angus programs. From humble beginnings in the late 1980s, Blair Brothers Angus has grown into a premier operation marketing more than 500 Angus bulls annually through private treaty sales, earning a reputation built on consistency, customer relationships, and proven performance. Britton shares how his family's commitment to collecting real-world performance data has shaped their breeding philosophy. Rather than focusing solely on maternal traits or carcass characteristics, Blair Brothers strives to produce balanced cattle that perform throughout every stage of the beef supply chain—from the ranch to the feedlot to the consumer's plate. By retaining ownership of cattle, purchasing calves back from customers, and evaluating feedlot performance and carcass quality, the operation continually refines its genetics using measurable results. The discussion explores the importance of long-term planning in seedstock production, emphasizing that every breeding decision influences the next generation of cattle. Britton explains how carefully selected sires, disciplined culling practices, and decades of customer feedback have allowed the operation to build a predictable, reliable genetic program trusted by commercial cattlemen across the country. Kaid and Britton also discuss the realities of managing cattle in a drought-prone environment, highlighting early weaning as one of the most effective management tools for maintaining cow body condition while preserving valuable genetics. Rather than liquidating herds during challenging years, Blair Brothers focuses on adapting management strategies that protect both their cattle and their long-term breeding program. Beyond the ranch, Britton shares his involvement in local economic development and the South Dakota Cattlemen's Association, underscoring the importance of agricultural advocacy and producer engagement. The conversation reinforces the idea that cattle producers must actively tell their story, participate in industry organizations, and work together to shape the future of beef production. Whether you're a commercial cattle producer, seedstock breeder, or simply passionate about the beef industry, this episode offers valuable insights into genetics, stewardship, business relationships, and the long-term vision required to build a successful and respected cattle operation. For previous episodes of the Better Beef Podcast, please visit: www.americancattlemen.com. American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By: Moly Manufacturing Central Life Sciences Medgene Forge

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