From Canada to Cattle Feeding: Emily Jackson on Beef Demand, Markets & Her Career in Agriculture

What does a career in cattle feeding actually look like?
How can women build successful careers in agriculture and livestock production?
What drives cattle markets, beef demand, and the business of feeding the world?

In this episode of We Live It, Ty deCordova and Casey Mabry sit down with Emily Jackson of Arcadia Commodities to discuss her journey from growing up in a cattle-buying family in Canada to becoming a leader in cattle procurement, risk management, and cattle feeding.

Emily shares what it's like to buy cattle across North America, how data and technology are changing the cattle industry, and why she believes agriculture still offers incredible opportunities for the next generation. She also discusses the importance of mentorship, the role women continue to play in shaping the future of agriculture, and why beef demand remains strong despite record cattle prices.

Along the way, the conversation explores some of the biggest questions facing the beef industry today:

• Can the U.S. cattle herd rebuild quickly enough to meet demand?
• What opportunities exist for young people entering agriculture?
• How are data, analytics, and AI changing cattle feeding and commodity markets?
• Why are consumers continuing to choose beef at historically high prices?
• And what does it really mean to help feed a growing world population?

Emily also highlights Beef Sticks for Backpacks, a program providing high-quality beef protein to food-insecure children while showcasing the positive impact the beef industry can have beyond the ranch gate.

Whether you're involved in cattle feeding, commodity markets, ranching, agricultural leadership, or simply passionate about the future of food production, this episode offers valuable insight into the people helping move the beef industry forward.

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.