Episode Details

On today’s episode of the podcast, Lauren is joined by Dr. Jennifer Hammack, agriculture instructor at Western Oklahoma State College and lifelong cattle producer, for a conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing today's beef industry. From growing up on one of the largest ranches in Texas to building her own cow-calf operation from the ground up, Jennifer shares her perspective on genetics, herd rebuilding, land ownership, technology, and the future of agriculture. The discussion dives into why it has become increasingly difficult for young producers to enter the cattle business, how rising land prices and competing land uses are reshaping rural America, and what today's producers can do to position themselves for long-term success. Jennifer also offers valuable insight into educating the next generation and why she remains optimistic about the future of the cattle industry despite the challenges ahead.

Links:

Western Oklahoma State College - https://www.wosc.edu/

WOSC Ag - https://www.wosc.edu/index.php?page=agriculture2#agabout

Dr. Jennifer Hammack - https://www.wosc.edu/index.php?page=jennifer-hammack

CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
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Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco
The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/

Key Takeaways:

• Building a cattle operation takes more time and capital than ever before
• Rising land prices continue creating barriers for young producers
• Data centers and competing land uses are changing rural communities
• Genetics and EPDs remain valuable tools for improving herd performance
• Herd rebuilding remains difficult despite historically strong cattle prices
• Technology adoption continues to reshape cattle production
• Business management skills are just as important as production knowledge
• The next generation of producers remains eager to learn and get involved
• Community colleges play an important role in agricultural education
• Experience, patience, and long-term planning are critical for success
• Drought and weather cycles continue influencing expansion decisions
• The future of the cattle industry depends on bringing new people into agriculture

Chapters:

00:00 Growing up on one of Texas' largest ranches

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