It’s the Ranch It Up Radio Show! Join Jeff “Tigger” Erhardt, Rebecca Wanner AKA BEC and their crew as they hear how Nextgen Cattle Company is helping the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military service members and first responders. Plus news, upcoming sales and lots more wrapped in this new episode of the Ranch It Up Radio Show. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel.

Ranch It Up Radio Show S6 E310 Ranchers Give To Folds Of Honor Jeff Erhardt Tigger Rebecca Wanner BEC.

Season 6, EPISODE 310

Nextgen Cattle Company Helps Families In Folds Of Honor

Ranching and military service are rooted in many of the same values. Every day, ranch families work to provide for others while preserving a way of life built over generations and America’s service members make sacrifices to preserve the freedoms that make those opportunities possible. Because of those sacrifices made, we believe in partnering with programs that serve to honor that legacy.

Folds of Honor provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military service members and first responders. Since its founding, the organization has awarded thousands of scholarships and invested millions into the futures of military families. Education is one of the greatest ways to honor sacrifice by creating opportunity for future generations.

Learn more about Folds of Honor HERE

See information about the Beefmaster Bull, “Lou” HERE

Beef Cattle News

Cattle Producers Push Back Against Beef Packers

Hundreds of cattle producers are asking a Minnesota federal judge to reject efforts by JBS, Tyson Foods, Cargill and National Beef to dismiss lawsuits accusing the companies of manipulating cattle and beef prices.

The ranchers filed the cases individually after the court declined to certify their claims as a class-action lawsuit.

The producers allege the packers worked together to limit beef production, pushing beef prices higher while keeping cattle prices lower.

JBS has already agreed to pay 83.5 million dollars to settle claims from cattle producers. Other parts of the broader antitrust case are still pending.

REFERENCE: https://meatingplace.com/ranchers-defend-new-beef-price-fixing-claims/

Rising Fuel Costs Create New Challenges For Meat Industry

Rising fuel prices and economic uncertainty are putting more pressure on the meat industry.

Diesel prices surged sharply this year, and economists say fuel costs could remain elevated into 2027, especially as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to impact global oil supplies.

Higher diesel prices are increasing the cost of moving feed, livestock and finished meat products. Meat companies are working to control those expenses through better routing, long-term transportation contracts and more efficient operations.

For the beef industry, the smaller cattle herd is also creating longer trips as packers expand their buying areas to find cattle.

Heavier cattle can add another challenge, since fewer animals may fit on each trailer, potentially requiring additional trips.

Industry leaders say better communication, careful scheduling and new technology, including AI-powered routing, could help reduce transportation costs while maintaining animal welfare and getting products to consumers safely and on time.

REFERENCE: https://meatingplace.com/in-depth-fuel-prices-add-new-pressure-to-meat-supply-chains/

Beef Cow Herd Could Be Near Cyclical Low

Oklahoma State livestock economist Derrell Peel says there are signs—and plenty of hope—that the U.S. beef cow herd may be reaching the bottom of its seven-year decline.

The July Cattle Report showed the beef cow herd was still down about seven-tenths of one percent from a year ago.

Cow slaughter has dropped sharply since 2022, falling more than 40 percent through 2025 and another 14 percent so far this year. Peel says that means producers are keeping cows longer, but many of those older cows will likely need to be culled soon.

The big question is whether there are enough replacement heifers to rebuild the herd.

Heifer slaughter is down more than 11 percent this year, and the number of replacement heifers has increased. Peel says that could be an early sign that producers are beginning to retain more females.

Still, he expects only a slight increase in the beef cow herd in 2027 at best.

Peel says more significant herd rebuilding could gain momentum after 2027, depending on heifer retention and cow culling.

REFERENCE: https://meatingplace.com/peel-herd-rebuilding-may-gain-more-momentum-after-2027/

Tight Cattle Supplies Keep Beef Prices Strong

Tight cattle supplies and strong consumer demand continue to support record-high beef prices. The average retail price for fresh beef was $9.63 a pound in July. That’s down from the April high, but still about 5% higher than a year ago and more than 30% above the five-year average.

At the same time, beef production is falling. Through September first, U.S. beef production was down about 5% from last year, or nearly 830 million pounds.

Steer and heifer slaughter are also lower, with heifer slaughter down more than 11%.

That decline suggests producers are holding onto more heifers for breeding—an important step if the industry is going to rebuild the beef cow herd.

The tradeoff is that holding back heifers means fewer cattle for beef production in the short term. But if those heifers become productive cows, they could help increase beef supplies in the years ahead.

REFERENCE: https://www.cattlebusinessweekly.com/articles/the-impact-of-heifer-slaughter-on-herd-expansion-beef-supply/

Lawsuit Filed Over Odors From Oklahoma Meat Plant

Fayman USA is facing a proposed class-action lawsuit over alleged odors from its meat processing facility in Madill, Oklahoma.

The lawsuit was filed September 24 by nearby residents who claim odors from the plant have interfered with their ability to use and enjoy their properties.

The plaintiffs allege the facility has not done enough to control the odors, despite complaints and previous regulatory actions involving wastewater and odor concerns.

They say the odors have made it difficult to spend time outdoors, cook outside or even open their windows.

The lawsuit seeks damages for loss of property use and enjoyment, as well as alleged reductions in property values.

Fayman USA has not been found liable, and the allegations in the lawsuit have not yet been proven in court.

REFERENCE: https://meatingplace.com/neighbors-sue-processor-over-alleged-noxious-odors/

Georgia Tightens Livestock Rules Over Screwworm Concerns

And finally wrapping up in Georgia where agriculture officials are tightening livestock entry requirements following a confirmed case of New World screwworm in New Mexico.

Under the new rules, warm-blooded animals coming from affected areas of Texas and New Mexico must have an entry permit and a veterinary inspection within seven days before entering Georgia.

New World screwworm is a parasite whose larvae feed on living tissue and can cause serious injury or death in livestock.

Georgia cattle producers say they are taking precautions but are not overly concerned. Farms are reviewing health protocols, checking cattle regularly and using fly-control products to help protect their herds.

The United States eradicated New World screwworm in 1966, but officials remain vigilant to prevent the parasite from becoming established again.

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper says the parasite does not pose a threat to the commercial food supply, and consumers can remain confident in the safety of American beef.

REFERENCE: https://www.wrdw.com/2026/10/01/georgia-strengthens-livestock-rules-over-rare-parasite/

Feeder Cattle Sale Dates & Deadlines

October 2: Prairie View Farms Fall Production Sale, Gridley, Illinois

October 26: Heartland Cattle Company Simmental & SimAngus Show Heifers, Online Only

October 29: Jorgensen Land & Cattle Jordan Livestock Auction, San Saba, TX

October 30: Birch Creek Angus Production Sale, Ruby Valley, Nevada

October 30: Wasem Red Angus Heifer Sale, Online Only

October 31: Plyler & Son, Charolais, Simmental & SimAngus, Magnolia, Arkansas

November 7: Jungels Shorthorn Farm, Elite Heifer Sale, Kathryn, North Dakota

November 13: Jorgensen Land & Cattle Arcadia Stockyards Sale, Arcadia, Florida

November 13: Keller Broken Heart Ranch Female Sale, Mandan, North Dakota

November 14: JYJ Red Angus Production Sale, Columbia, Alabama

December 9: Gill Red Angus, Timber Lake, South Dakota

December 22: Mar Mac Farms Dispersal Sale, Brandon, Manitoba

Featured Experts in the Cattle Industry

Joe Epperly – Nextgen Cattle Company
https://www.nextgencattle.com/
Follow on Facebook: @nextgencattle

Shaye Wanner – Host of Casual Cattle Conversation
https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/
Follow on Facebook: @cattleconvos

Contact Us with Questions or Concerns

Have questions or feedback? Feel free to reach out via:

Call/Text: 707-RANCH20 or 707-726-2420
Email: RanchItUpShow@gmail.com
Follow us: Facebook/Instagram: @RanchItUpShow
YouTube: Subscribe to Ranch It Up Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/RanchItUp

Catch all episodes of the Ranch It Up Podcast available on all major podcasting platforms.

Discover the Heart of Rural America with Tigger & BEC

Ranching, farming, and the Western lifestyle are at the heart of everything we do. Tigger & BEC bring you exclusive insights from the world of working ranches, cattle farming, and sustainable beef production.

Learn more about Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner (BEC) and their mission to promote the Western way of life at Tigger and BEC.

https://tiggerandbec.com/