Shows
Behind The BeefConsistency is KeyIn this episode of Behind the Beef, Madison and Becky discuss why consistency is just as vital as accuracy when it comes to cattle data. Becky shares insights from a recent ultrasound training session, explaining how even minor variations in technique can lead to significant reranking of an entire contemporary group.Key Takeaways:The Difference Between Accuracy and Consistency: While being accurate ensures a measurement is correct, being consistent ensures that every animal in a group is measured using the exact same standard.The Impact of Variable Measuring: Becky uses ribeye area as...
2026-03-1023 minBehind The BeefUK Review Part 2In the second installment of the two-part series reviewing their trip to the United Kingdom, Madison joins Becky and Cody as they reflect on their time in the UK. The discussion centers on the innovative agricultural facilities, grazing management, and global environmental pressures facing the cattle industry today.Key Highlights:The Kilkenny Mart Experience: Cody describes the Kilkenny Mart as "revolutionary". He highlights its cleanliness, the use of galvanized steel pens and grooved concrete floors, and its role as a "one-stop shop" for farmers—complete with accountants, lawyers, farm stores, and even a white-tablecloth restaurant....
2026-03-0225 minBehind The BeefUK Review Part 1In this episode of Behind the Beef, Madison sits down with Becky and Cody Hayes to review their recent educational trip to the United Kingdom. The conversation explores the cultural and agricultural differences between the UK and the US, providing a fresh perspective on global livestock production.Key Highlights:A Different Approach to Breeding: Cody discusses the massive frame and muscling of UK cattle, noting that three-year-old cows often weigh over a ton.Efficiency and Climate: Learn how the wet, high-forage environment allows UK producers to run as many as one cow per...
2026-02-2418 minBehind The BeefTiming is EverythingIn this episode of Behind the Beef, Madison and Becky emphasize that when it comes to cattle data, timing is everything. The discussion focuses on how age windows and submission deadlines impact the reliability and usefulness of genetic evaluations.Why Timing Matters for Data CollectionActual performance data is standardized to specific age endpoints to allow for fair comparisons within Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs).Age Windows: Breed associations set specific age ranges (e.g., 320 to 440 days for yearlings) where they feel confident adjusting data.Consequences of Missing Windows: Data collected outside these windows will...
2026-02-1723 minBehind The BeefHow Are You Using the Data?In this episode of Behind the Beef, hosts Madison and Becky dive into the essential world of cattle data and the importance of data management for cattle operations. They provide a clear breakdown of industry terminology, explaining complex concepts like EPDs (Expected Progeny Differences), indexes, and contemporary groups in a way that is accessible to everyone from seasoned ranchers to those just curious about the beef industry.What's in this Episode:The Mission of Data Management: Learn how professional data services can alleviate the stress of record-keeping for busy ranchers, covering everything from birth weights...
2026-02-1017 minBehind The BeefGrowing up with UltraInsightsThis fourth episode of Behind the Beef, titled "Growing up with UltraInsights," moves beyond technical data to explore the heart of a multigenerational family business. Madison sits down with Becky and her daughter, Lindsay Allen, to share stories of raising children in the cattle industry and the unique dynamics of working alongside family Life on the Chute Side: Lindsay shares her earliest memories of the ranch, including being buckled into a car seat at two weeks old while her parents synchronized cows for AI. The "Business Call" Rule: A humorous look at the boundaries set in a home-office...
2026-02-0319 minBehind The Beef13in Ribeye - Good or Bad?In this third episode of Behind the Beef, Madison and Becky tackle a common question from producers: "Is a 13-inch ribeye good or bad?". They use this as a starting point to explain why actual raw numbers matter less than how an animal compares to its "contemporary group".The "It Depends" Rule: Why a 13-inch ribeye might be poor for a group of heavy bulls but excellent for a group of young heifers.Contemporary Grouping: An in-depth look at the "backbone of EPDs". Learn how animals are grouped by the same calving season, sex, and...
2026-01-2717 minBehind The BeefEPD BasicsIn this second episode of Behind the Beef, Madison and Becky break down the fundamentals of Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs). Aimed at both newcomers and experienced producers, this conversation treats EPDs as the "dribbling and passing" of cattle data - essential skills to master before diving into complex management plays.What is an EPD?: A look at the high-level data used to predict an animal's genetic potential.The Three Building Blocks: Discover how EPDs are generated using pedigree connectivity, performance data (weights and measures), and modern DNA technology.The Power of Accuracy: Understand...
2026-01-2021 minBehind The BeefWelcome to Behind the Beef! Season 1 PremierThis episode marks the premiere of Behind the Beef, an UltraInsights podcast dedicated to demystifying the world of cattle data. In this introductory conversation, hosts Madison Mether and Becky Hays discuss the vital role of data management in modern ranching and how it drives long-term success.The Mission of Data Management: Discover how professional data services help busy ranchers manage records like birth, weaning, and yearling weights without the stress of midnight computer sessions.Cracking the Code: An easy-to-understand breakdown of industry terminology, including EPDs (Expected Progeny Differences), indexes, and contemporary groups.Beyond...
2026-01-1319 min