Shows
The Rural DispatchFrom the Ground Up: How Justin Heiman Built a Thriving Cattle Operation from ScratchSend us a textIn this episode of The Rural Dispatch, Aly sits down with farmer and cattle feeder Justin Heiman, a Carroll County native who built his own farming operation from the ground up. Justin shares how he got started with nothing but work ethic, a love for agriculture, and mentors who were willing to show him the ropes.We talk about the highs and lows of getting into farming on your own, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and why serving on the Carroll County Cattlemen’s Association board matters to him...2025-06-1843 min
The Rural DispatchFrom Hauling Livestock to Car Lots: Howard Curry on Trucking, Business, and the Power of Good PeopleSend us a textSit down with us as we talk with Howard Curry, owner of Howard Curry Transport Inc, a brokerage business with deep roots in hauling livestock. Howard takes us all the way back to 1953, when his dad first got into hauling livestock. Born into the business in 1962, Howard's been a part of the livestock world ever since. At 16 years old, he quit school, moved out and went to work on his own -- building a life through trucking, livestock, dispatching, selling cars, and investing in real estate in Liberty, Indiana. Tu...2025-05-211h 01
The Rural DispatchWill Epperly: From Rural Roots to World Champion AuctioneerSend us a textIn this episode of The Rural Dispatch, we sit down with Will Epperly, 2022 World Livestock Auctioneer Champion and co-owner of Dunlap Livestock Auction, to talk cattle, markets, and mentorship. From growing up in his family's sale barn in Virginia to becoming one of the top voices in the industry, Will shares the path that led him to earn the world champion title and co-own one of Iowa’s most respected livestock markets. We dive into what it really takes to become a world-class auctioneer, how he sees the cattle market evolving, and...2025-04-1655 min
The Rural DispatchTrucking Talk: Peterbilt vs. Kenworth, Wilson vs. Eby & the Current Cattle MarketSend us a textThis week on The Rural Dispatch, we’re talking all things trucks, trailers, and the cattle industry with Smoke. From EPA regulations to the closure of the American Foods plant in Yankton, SD, there’s a lot shaking up the trucking & livestock worlds right now. Plus, we’re breaking down which brand is really best when it comes to trucks and livestock trailers. And, if you’re frustrated with the cattle market, you’re not alone. We wrap up with an honest conversation about market challenges.Listen now and don’t forget to su...2025-03-1926 min
The Rural DispatchCattle Feeding Realities: Cash Flows, Hedging & Passion with Jeff "Bug" SchroederSend us a textIn this episode of The Rural Dispatch, I sit down with Smoke and Jeff "Bug" Schroeder, a cattle feeder from western Iowa, to talk about his journey in the industry. We cover everything from feeding in dirt lots and barns to the realities of hedging cattle and what skills every good cattle feeder should have in their back pocket. Tune in for an honest look at the cattle business, the highs and lows, and what it really takes to make it work. Resources & Links:Cattle Ma...2025-03-0536 min