Cattle Market Madness: How High Can This Thing Go?

Ty and Casey are back together after Casey's busy summer away from the podcast, and boy, do they have some catching up to do! From video auctions and steers in the show barn, to Casey's entertaining tale of a potential truck break-in while shopping for show pigs in South Texas – it's been quite the summer.

But let's talk about what's really got everyone's attention: this absolutely smoking hot cattle market that has ranchers stopping and staring. Casey brings his risk management perspective on how he's advising clients to handle hedging and margin calls in these wild market conditions, while Ty shares his practical insights as a cattle trader on protecting assets and helping customers capitalize on premium opportunities.

What's driving this crazy market? The guys dive deep into the tightest beef supply in U.S. history, how the dairy industry is getting creative with dual-purpose cattle, and the impact of Mexican feeder cattle import restrictions due to new world screwworm concerns. Plus, with green grass everywhere and plenty of rain and hay this summer, the feeder cattle market is riding high.

The latest Cattle on Feed numbers are eye-opening – inventory down 1.6%, placements down 6%, and the Commitment of Traders data shows cattle feeders have more hedges on than ever before. Casey's advice? Focus on what you haven't sold yet and stay bullish, because this market doesn't look like it's slowing down anytime soon.

From video auction prices going through the roof to feed costs being more affordable than normal, this episode covers everything ranchers need to know about navigating these unprecedented market conditions.

Perfect for: Ranchers, cattle traders, anyone trying to make sense of this wild market – and folks who enjoy a good South Texas pig-buying adventure story!

Creators and Guests

Host

Ty deCordova

Ty DeCordova is a seasoned professional with more than 25 years of experience in cattle marketing. He spent 20 years at Superior Livestock Auction, including his final years managing the Country Page as well as the block during video auctions. This allowed Ty to develop a deep understanding of the cattle industry's operations and build relationships with cattle buyers on a national level. Ty now oversees all operational aspects of the business, ensuring efficiency and excellence across all areas. Ty comes from a family with a long-standing history in the cattle industry. Growing up in Groesbeck, Texas, he and his brother started their own cattle business during their teenage years, purchasing and selling loads of steers. By the age of 17, Ty was actively involved in buying cattle at sale barns for his father, gaining hands-on experience. This early exposure to the sale-barn environment shaped his lifelong passion and expertise in cattle marketing. Ty continues to run cattle today and is committed to serving the agriculture industry.

Guest

Casey Mabry

Casey comes to Blue Reef following over a decade-long career with Cargill. Casey’s career in the industry started as a cattle buyer in Western Nebraska and Wyoming for six years. Casey then moved to Wichita, KS where he worked in boxed beef pricing with a focus on understanding out front prices and position optimization. Casey then took to cattle procurement as a Strategic Supply Manager where he focused on cattle formula and grid marketing arrangements working with Cargill’s largest suppliers. Casey’s experience in cash and value based marketing of cattle can be a valuable asset to your operation. He has a Bachelor’s Degree from Texas Tech University where he served on the Meats Judging team, and a Masters from Tarleton State University where he coached the Meats Judging team. Casey resides in Brock, TX with his wife Deidrea and daughters Reyse, Avery, and Brooklyn.

Producer

Katy Holdener

Katy Holdener's journey in agricultural communications began on her family's row crop farm in California's Central Valley, where she developed a deep appreciation for the industry. After earning a degree in Agricultural Communications and Economics from Oklahoma State University, Katy has been fortunate to work with respected organizations such as the American Hereford Association, American Angus Association, Superior Livestock Auction and BioZyme, Inc. These experiences have provided her with valuable insights into seedstock and commercial livestock marketing. Katy strives to create effective marketing strategies that support the company and its consignors.

What is We Live It | LiveAg's Livestock Marketing Podcast?

Welcome to the "We Live It" ranch and livestock marketing podcast, where cattle market intelligence meets ranch-ready wisdom. Join hosts Ty deCordova with LiveAg and Casey Mabry with Blue Reef Agri-marketing as they bring you straight-talk market analysis, proven strategies, and insights from industry leaders who understand ranching isn't just a business - it's a way of life.
From livestock market trends to cattle management practices, each episode delivers actionable knowledge to help take your ranching operation to the next level. Whether you're in the saddle or in the truck, tune in for conversations that matter to modern cattlemen. Because we don't just talk about the cattle business...we live it.