Running on Grass

Cash or Credit: Working Capital, Expansion & the Cycle | Ep. 20

Running on Grass

Show Notes

The conversation covers the impact of drought on livestock management, market volatility, evaluating growth opportunities in the cattle cycle, timing and neighboring properties, and risk management in the Bred Heifer program. The speakers discuss the challenges of drought, market fluctuations, and the importance of timing in making growth decisions. They also explore the role of risk management in livestock operations. The conversation delves into the topics of hedging and risk management, emphasizing the use of tools like hedging and LRP for risk mitigation. It also explores the importance of timing in decision-making and the impact of market highs and lows on hedging strategies. Additionally, the discussion covers capital allocation, working capital, and the challenges of overhead allocation and enterprise management.

Takeaways Drought management Market volatility Growth opportunities Risk management Hedging and risk management Timing is crucial in decision-making

Chapters 00:00 Drought Management and Its Impact 03:08 Market Volatility and Impact on Livestock 05:05 Evaluating Growth Opportunities in the Cattle Cycle 19:37 Timing and Neighboring Properties 29:13 Risk Management and Bred Heifer Program 30:52 Hedging and Risk Management 41:13 Capital Allocation and Working Capital 54:18 Overheads and Enterprise Management

More from Running on Grass

Oct 22, 2026

In this episode of the Running On-Grass Podcast, hosts Logan Pribbeno and Eamon O'Toole discuss various topics including their experiences in Africa, market dynamics in the cattle industry, and the impact of AI on agriculture. They explore the current state of the cattle market, the significance of weather patterns, and the potential future of cattle cycles in light of technological advancements. The conversation explores various aspects of cattle ranching, including the importance of real assets in the age of AI, effective grazing strategies, cost comparisons between grazing and feedlots, and the impact of market fluctuations on cattle feeding. Additionally, the discussion touches on opportunities for ranchers in federal land leasing, the influence of packers on the beef industry, and the significance of genetics in cattle breeding, culminating in Logan's experiences in Namibia.

Oct 7, 2026

In this episode of the Running On Grass podcast, hosts Logan Pribbeno and Eamon O'Toole discuss various topics related to farming, cattle markets, and weaning strategies. They explore the challenges in the coal cow market, the benefits of dual-purpose wheat, and share insights on their weaning practices. The conversation delves into effective calf management strategies, emphasizing the importance of human interaction and care in the weaning process. It also explores the adaptability required in ranching practices, particularly in response to changing environmental and economic conditions.

Oct 3, 2026

The conversation explores various aspects of cattle and sheep management, focusing on the impact of weather, labor costs, and profitability. The speakers share insights on integrating sheep into cattle operations, the challenges of weaning, and the benefits of grazing alfalfa. The conversation delves into various aspects of cattle management, including grazing strategies, cow depreciation, and the evolving beef on dairy market, culminating in a personal account of cattle experiences in Morocco. The speakers share insights on best practices for cattle health, economic strategies for managing cow depreciation, and the implications of beef on dairy genetics in the industry.

Sep 25, 2026

The conversation covers topics such as weather conditions, corn harvest, cattle markets, tax strategies, and equipment upgrades. It also delves into the impact of rainfall on cattle herds and the demand for bred heifers. The tax discussion includes strategies for managing lump cow sales and the importance of capital gains in tax planning. The conversation covers topics related to managing equipment equity, cattle and livestock, leasing land, and the experience of traveling in Africa. It also touches on the challenges and opportunities in the beef and sheep industry, as well as the differences and similarities between plains ranching and mountain ranching.

Sep 16, 2026

The conversation covers topics related to weather conditions, agricultural activities, cattle breeding, market analysis, and board memberships. It also delves into the importance of camaraderie, strategic partnerships, and the impact of industry involvement on business growth and innovation. The conversation covers a range of topics related to ranching, finance, and business management. It delves into the complexities of financing, debt structuring, balance sheets, and the challenges of managing a ranching business. The hosts also discuss the impact of international travel on family time and the importance of tax management in ranching operations.

See all episodes →