Sustainable Stock: Reviving Legacy Genetics

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

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.

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

Shooting The Bull: Episode 3 PreviewWhat does “proven” really mean in the cattle industry?In this preview, Patrick Powers sits down with John Atkinson and Grant Vassberg to pull apart one of the most overused and misleading terms in the business. From herds with 900-day calving intervals still being sold as “elite,” to bulls kept marketable with 30 pounds of grain a day, they call out the marketing spin that hides real-world performance.They dig into how less fertile bulls can actually bring higher semen prices, why terminal vs. maternal genetics is not as simple as it’s sold, and how exported genetics fail in environments without America’s feed store safety net.To finish the episode, follow us on Patreon: patreon.com/bossirestalkQuestion the noise. Trust the land. Don’t breed nonsense.

Episode 15: French Cattle. American Truth. with Scott Fredrickson & Matt HenleyWhen two cattlemen from opposite corners of the country—Scott Fredrickson in Montana and Matt Henley in North Carolina—land on the same obscure French cattle line without ever comparing notes, it raises eyebrows. But when those cattle quietly outperform mainstream genetics in both programs, you start paying attention.In this episode, Scott and Matt join host Patrick Powers to reveal how the little-known Aubrac cattle from France are quietly making their mark across dramatically different environments.These moderate-framed, efficient cattle from France's mountainous Massif Central region were bred for generations to thrive on grass alone in large herds. The result is animals with exceptional maternal traits, fleshing ability, and adaptability. While the commercial cattle industry chased frame size and visual appeal, these breeders focused on what truly matters: animals that stay healthy, breed back consistently, and convert forage efficiently with minimal human intervention.The conversation reveals fascinating insights about what makes these genetics special. Their metabolic efficiency allows them to maintain condition even under challenging management. When used in crossbreeding, they consistently produce outstanding females that instinctively excel as mothers. Plus, they carry the "profit gene," a myostatin variant that increases retail yield by 30 percent without compromising fertility.What’s particularly compelling is how testing validates their real-world observations. Promo-gen testing shows exceptional immune function. Tenet certification rates exceed 90 percent, compared to industry averages of just 3 to 6 percent. A2 milk testing also confirms superior nutritional benefits.Beyond just discussing a specific breed, this episode challenges conventional cattle industry wisdom. These producers argue that success comes not from chasing EPDs or following trends, but from selecting animals that work in your specific environment with minimal inputs. Their philosophy reflects the regenerative approach: improving land while requiring fewer resources.Whether you're rethinking your breeding program, interested in heritage genetics, or simply curious about alternative approaches to cattle raising, this conversation offers valuable insights into what truly matters for sustainable, profitable ranching.Connect with Scott Fredrickson and Matt Henley:Scott’s Bos Sire page: https://www.bossires.com/fredrickson-ranchMatt's Website: https://peedeepremium.eatfromfarms.com/Matt's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeeDeePremiumAubrac Breed Info: https://aubrac.ie/aboutaubracs/Check 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

 Episode 14: Timeless Cattle in a Trend-Driven World with Mark DeBoo "Cattle have to earn their keep." That straightforward philosophy has guided three generations of the DeBoo family at Diamond D Angus in Montana, were function trumps fads and longevity reigns supreme. Mark DeBoo joins us to share how his family's no-nonsense approach to cattle breeding has created extraordinary resilience in their herd.In an industry increasingly dominated by extreme traits and eye-catching EPD numbers, Diamond D stands apart. Their cattle development program strips away every "crutch" - no grain finishing, no supplements, no parasite medications - revealing the true genetic value beneath. When a Diamond D bull maintains condition during breeding season or a cow remains productive for 15+ years (their record is 22!), it's pure genetics at work, not management tricks.What makes this approach remarkable isn't just the principle - it's the results. Diamond D offers something almost unheard of in the industry: a foot guarantee on their bulls. They can make this bold promise because they've eliminated every non-genetic variable through their forage-only development system. When feet hold up for decades in rugged Montana conditions without grain or supplements, you know you've found something special.Beyond genetics, Mark shares how Diamond D has embraced regenerative grazing through daily cattle moves and eliminated conventional parasite treatments entirely. These practices not only improve soil health but create more resilient animals. As Mark says, "What made a good cow in 1970 will still make a good cow today" - a timeless reminder that beneath all the industry trends, the fundamentals of good cattle haven't changed.Connect with Mark DeBoo and Diamond D Angus:Website: https://www.diamonddangus.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054606183356Bos Sires: https://www.bossires.com/diamonddangusCheck 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

Episode 13: Sell Truth, Not Hype with John AtkinsonA candid conversation with Australian cattleman John Atkinson reveals profound insights about the cattle industry's struggle with honesty, fertility, and sustainable breeding practices. Since our last conversation, John's operation has secured a milestone export deal to Africa, not through slick marketing, but through straightforward communication about which genetics would actually work for the buyer's environment.The episode confronts uncomfortable truths about how newcomers are frequently exploited in the cattle business. "I feel really sorry for new people into the industry," John remarks, "because they naively trust people, they get so taken advantage of." This exploitation often leads to costly failures when producers invest in cattle with impressive appearances but poor functional traits. John and Patrick discuss how the pursuit of show ring aesthetics and extreme growth has undermined the fundamental fertility that determines ranch profitability.One standout moment comes when John describes a respected Australian veterinarian who recently spoke out about the crisis of infertility in northern Australian herds, where many producers have simply accepted that their expensive cattle will only produce a calf every two years. Meanwhile, John's own operation achieved 80%+ pregnancy rates in just two months of breeding, proving that fertility-focused genetics deliver results even in challenging environments.The conversation takes fascinating turns into innovations emerging from Australia's high labor costs, including automated weighing systems that allow producers to monitor weight gain in real-time and make smarter decisions about pasture rotation. John also makes a compelling case for crossbreeding, explaining how strategic breed combinations can correct functional problems in just one generation.Perhaps most powerful is John's reflection on the moral obligations of cattlemen: "We are the biggest animal rights advocates there are. We just don't voice it. We live it every day." His message for listeners considering bull purchases this season? Research the maternal lines, look beyond the sale catalog photos, and understand what you're really bringing into your herd for generations to come.Connect with John Atkinson:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cashmeredroughtmastersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cashmeredroughtmasters/Bos Sires: https://www.bossires.com/john-atkinsonCheck 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

Shooting The Bull: Episode 2 PreviewNot everything worth knowing comes with a data sheet.In this episode, Patrick Powers is joined once again by John Atkinson of Australia, and Kansas cattleman Darris Meitler, for a conversation about the kind of cattle that last. They don’t chase trends, they watch cows. They visit herds. They ask the right questions before ever looking at an EPD.From moderate frames to maternal consistency, they unpack what separates functional cattle from the ones propped up by feed buckets and photo shoots. And they don’t hold back when it comes to calling out the bulls that fall apart after one breeding season.To finish the episode, follow us on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/bossirestalkQuestion the noise. Trust the land. Don’t breed nonsense.

Episode 12: It's About the How, Not the Cow with Bogs PeraltaWhat if everything we've been taught about cattle breeding is wrong? In this eye-opening conversation with Filipino cattleman Bogs Peralta, we explore how conventional wisdom about "bigger is better" has led ranchers astray across the globe.From the lush tropical landscapes of the Philippines emerges a story that will resonate with ranchers worldwide. Peralta, a third-generation cattle producer, shares his journey from fighting against nature to working with it through regenerative grazing and adapted genetics. After years of struggling with show-type Brahman cattle that looked impressive but performed poorly, Peralta made a radical shift toward moderate-framed, fertile cattle that thrive on forage alone.The challenges he describes are strikingly familiar - reproductive inefficiency, high input costs, and genetics ill-suited to local conditions. Peralta reveals that 90% of Philippine cattle calve at painfully inefficient intervals, with many not producing their first calf until three or four years old. This isn't just an economic problem; it's contributing to food insecurity in a nation of 110 million people.Through resources like "Man, Cattle & Veld" and connections with like-minded ranchers, Peralta discovered that the solution wasn't more inputs - it was better-adapted cattle. His shift toward native Philippine cattle genetics blended with adaptable imported breeds has yielded remarkable results: earlier maturity, consistent calving, fewer difficult births, and better performance on grass.Peralta's powerful insight that "it's the how, not the cow" challenges us to rethink our priorities. Rather than selecting for trending traits, he advocates focusing on what truly matters: fertility, efficiency, and adaptability. This approach not only improves profitability but also addresses critical food security challenges.Ready to challenge conventional wisdom in your own operation? Join us as we explore how returning to nature-aligned principles might be the most revolutionary path forward for cattle producers everywhere.Connect with Bogs Peralta:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/balungaointegratedfarmInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/balungaointegratedfarm/Check out Bos Sires:Website: https://www.bossires.com/Bos Sires Catalog: International New Bos Sires Catalog (English)Support the PodcastIf you enjoy the show and want to support our mission of restoring sustainable, long-lasting genetics to the cattle industry, consider joining our Patreon community. Your support helps us continue producing valuable content for ranchers and cattle enthusiasts worldwide.Join us on Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/bossirestalk]

Shooting The Bull: Episode 1 PreviewSomething feels off, and veteran cattlemen can see it a mile away.In this preview of our debut episode of Shooting The Bull, host Patrick Powers sits down with Grant Vassberg and Australian breeder John Atkinson to expose the red flags that reveal a breeding program built on marketing, not function.From donor cows that never calve to surrogates doing the real work, this is the kind of straight talk you won’t hear in the show ring.To finish the episode, follow us on Patreon: patreon.com/bossirestalkQuestion the noise. Trust the land. Don’t breed nonsense.