The Future of Beef Show

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/
 

Red Angus is gaining ground—and Greg Ruehle is helping lead the charge.
In this episode of The Future of Beef Show, Greg joins hosts Jim Johnson, Dr. Jessica Sperber, and Ian Wheal to explore why the Red Angus breed is uniquely positioned at this critical moment in the beef industry. Drawing on his experience across breed associations, government affairs, and commercial beef production, Greg explains why record-low cattle supplies and surging consumer demand create a once-in-a-career opportunity—and how Red Angus intends to make the most of it.
What You'll Learn:• Why Red Angus is well-suited to rebuilding the U.S. cow herd, especially in the South• How the breed's maternal and terminal traits complement crossbreeding systems• Why the Allied Access Yellow Tag program is advancing individual animal tracking• How mandatory total herd reporting strengthens Red Angus EPD data• Why packers are increasingly opening Red Angus cattle to grid schedules• How breed associations can go beyond the herd book to drive real industry change
Links:Future of Beef Show: www.futureofbeef.comLearn more about the Red Angus Association of America: www.redangus.orgRead more from Drovers: www.drovers.comLearn more about Breedr: www.breedr.coLearn more about Corteva Agriscience: www.rangeandpasture.comLearn more about Whole Cottonseed: https://wholecottonseed.com/

Canada and the U.S. are more intertwined in beef than most producers realize—and Ryder Lee is one of the people making sure that relationship works.
In this episode of The Future of Beef Show, Ryder joins hosts Jim Johnson, Dr. Jessica Sperber, and Ian Wheal to explore how Canadian cattle production mirrors—and differs from—the U.S. industry. Drawing on decades of experience from a cow-calf upbringing to leading the Canadian Cattle Association, Ryder breaks down the geography of Canadian feeding, the reality of cross-border cattle flows, and why traceability has evolved from a disease response tool into a competitive market advantage.
What You'll Learn:
• How Canadian cattle country compares regionally to the U.S.—from Alberta feedlots to Ontario's covered barns• Why Canada runs at roughly 1/10th the size of the U.S. herd, and what that means for trade• How cross-border feeder and fed cattle flows support packing plants on both sides of the border• Why Canada became a net feeder importer—and why that dynamic shifts year to year• How BSE shaped Canada's national RFID traceability system and why it's now a market access tool• What the Canadian beef grading system shares with—and how it differs from—USDA quality grades• Why the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef has put Canada at the forefront of global sustainability conversations• What Ryder sees as the biggest policy challenges and opportunities for Canadian producers over the next decade
Links:Future of Beef Show: www.futureofbeef.com\Learn more about the Canadian Cattle Association: www.cattle.ca\Read more from Drovers: www.drovers.com\Learn more about Breedr: www.breedr.co\Learn more about Corteva Agriscience: www.rangeandpasture.com

Embryo transfer and IVF have become powerful tools for accelerating genetic progress in cattle—but selecting the right embryos remains one of the biggest challenges in reproductive management.In this episode of The Future of Beef Show, Dr. Cara Wells joins hosts Jim Johnson, Dr. Jessica Sperber, and Ian Wheal to explore the science behind embryo selection and how new technologies are helping producers make more informed breeding decisions. As founder and CEO of EmGenisys, Cara explains how artificial intelligence, machine learning, and video-based embryo analysis are bringing objective data to a process that has traditionally relied on visual grading alone.The conversation covers the differences between conventional embryo transfer and IVF, the role of genomics and sexed semen in modern breeding programs, and how improved embryo evaluation could increase pregnancy rates while reducing costs. Cara also shares the entrepreneurial journey that led to the creation of EmGenisys—from undergraduate research and a TED Talk-inspired idea to a growing ag-tech company focused on improving reproductive outcomes.From embryo grading and pregnancy prediction to AI-powered sex determination and the future of precision breeding, this episode offers an inside look at the technologies shaping the next generation of cattle reproduction.What You'll Learn:• The differences between conventional embryo transfer and IVF• Why embryo transfer can accelerate genetic progress in commercial and seedstock herds• How embryo viability has traditionally been evaluated—and the limitations of visual grading• How AI and machine learning can help predict embryo health and pregnancy success• Why objective embryo analysis could improve conception rates and reduce costs• The role of genomics in donor selection and embryo testing• The benefits and tradeoffs of sexed semen in cattle breeding programs• How non-invasive embryo sexing could create new opportunities for producers• The entrepreneurial story behind EmGenisys and its development from research to commercial application• What the future of reproductive technology could mean for the beef industryLinks:Future of Beef Show: www.futureofbeef.comLearn more about EmGenisys: www.emgenisys.coRead more from Drovers: www.drovers.comLearn more about Breedr: www.breedr.coLearn more about Corteva Agriscience: www.rangeandpasture.comLearn more about Whole Cottonseed: https://wholecottonseed.com/