Ep 242: Are Big Cows Paying Their Way? w/ Dr. Kenny Burdine

About this episode

The episode discusses cow size, efficiency, and profitability in the cow-calf business with Dr. Kenny Burdine.

This week we’re joined by University of Kentucky livestock economist Dr. Kenny Burdine for a timely conversation that starts with cow size and weaning weights — and quickly moves into the bigger picture of efficiency, consistency, and profitability in the cow-calf business. We discuss how mature cow size ties back to real costs, why consistency in the calf crop matters more than many producers realize, and how marketing dynamics like lot size can add — or leave — money on the table. We’ll also take a look at current market signals, herd retention, competing meats, and what ranchers should be thinking about as we head into 2026. Plus a discussion with Jeremy Martin & Chrisman of Stockmen's Source Bull Sale. #WorkingRanchRadio #RanchProfitability #CattleManagement #BeefCattle #Ranching

People in this episode

Host: Justin Mills

Guest: Dr. Kenny Burdine

Topics covered

• cow size
• weaning weights
• efficiency
• profitability
• marketing dynamics
• current market signals

Keywords

• cow size
• weaning weights
• profitability
• cattle management
• market signals
• herd retention
• competing meats

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Kentucky

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