Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Future of Beef podcast! In this episode, host Jim Johnson, along with co-hosts Dr. Jessica Sperber and Ian Wheal, sits down with Lamar Steiger, owner of 808 Ranch and founder of Ranch to Retail, to explore how the beef industry is evolving through supply chain collaboration, data-driven management, and stronger producer partnerships.

Lamar shares his experience working with Walmart’s Prime Pursuits program to create a more transparent and connected beef supply chain. From tales of growing up on his family's ranch to leading large-scale supply chain innovations, Lamar discusses how producers can benefit from working together instead of staying isolated.

We also dive into key challenges like inconsistency in cattle quality, the role of digital technology, and the power of communication between producers, feed yards, and retailers.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

-Why data sharing and transparency are essential for modern beef production

-How Lamar helped Walmart create a connected beef supply chain

-How to improve consistency and performance with the right partnerships

-The critical role of consumer trust and how producers can meet those expectations

-Why "we jump from one thing to another like a junior high girl in fashion" needs to change

Key Quotes

"We're fiercely independent. We jump, like, we jump from one thing to another like a junior high girl in fashion." – Lamar Steiger

"In God we trust. Everyone else, bring data." – Ian Wheal

"Grocers want to look the consumer in the eye and truthfully say they know where that beef came from." – Lamar Steiger

Links

Here are key resources to help you learn more about what was discussed in this episode:

Join the Academy - ⁠www.thefutureofbeef.com⁠

Connect with American Cattlemen: ⁠www.americancattlemen.com⁠

Explore the Breedr App:⁠ www.breedr.co⁠

The 808 ranch: ⁠www.the808ranch.com⁠

Learn more about Prime Pursuits: ⁠www.primepursuits.com