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

The Future of Beef Show is THE place to connect with the people and ideas shaping the future of the cattle industry.

Hey, folks! I’m Jim Johnson from the Brands and Barbed wire podcast, and I’m inviting you to join Ian Wheal, Jess Sperber, and I for The Future of Beef Show. Produced in partnership with American Cattlemen and Breedr.

Together with an inspiring lineup of guests, we’ll share stories from the forefront of modern beef production - and show you how technology and data can make all the difference - while staying true to the values that define our industry.

Most importantly, we’ll help you figure out how to adopt these practices in a way that works for your operation, whatever it’s size.

Ready to lead the charge? Saddle up and subscribe to The Future of Beef Show!

www.TheFutureofBeefShow.com

www.AmericanCattlemen.com

www.Breedr.co

Hey, folks! I’m Jim Johnson from the Brands and Barbed wire podcast, and I’m inviting you to join Ian Wheal, Jess Sperber, and I for The Future of Beef Show.

This is THE place to connect with the people and ideas shaping the future of the cattle industry.

Together with an inspiring lineup of guests, we’ll share stories from the forefront of modern beef production - and show you how technology and data can make all the difference - while staying true to the values that define our industry.

Most importantly, we’ll help you figure out how to adopt these practices in a way that works for your operation, whatever it’s size.

Ready to lead the charge?

Saddle up and subscribe to The Future of Beef Show, available on TheFutureOfBeef.com, Youtube, and wherever you get your podcasts!