Discover the people and ideas shaping the future of beef

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Learn in the Future of Beef Academy

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Learn in the Future of Beef Academy

Get the strategies and tools, you need to lead the next generation of producers.

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Everyone who joins the academy gets a six month free trial of the award-winning Breedr app, so you can put what you're learning into practice. 

Meet your Hosts

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Jim Johnson is the creator and host of the Brands and Barbed Wire podcast, one of the most listened to beef cattle podcasts in the world.

Jim with his beautiful wife Martha also enjoy a small but successful purebred Charolais herd named JMAR Genetics, in beautiful, historic Appomattox, VA.

Jim began his professional career with the VA Cattlemen’s Association where he was active in marketing over 1 million head of feeder cattle. He then moved into the field where he’s most passionate, beef cattle genetics and for the last 21 years has worked to help cattlemen improve their genetics and profitability with DNA technology.

 

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Ian Wheal is the CEO and Founder of Breedr and sits on the board of the Global Round Table for Sustainable Beef (GRSB).

Based in Texas, Ian is focused on building producer-led supply chains that are based on genomic, data and carcass feedback to rapidly optimize quality and consistency.

For the past 20 years, Ian has worked in agriculture, technology, data, and business development, with a particular focus on supply chains and technology. Ian was raised on a cattle and sheep farm in Australia, where he received a BEng and BSc in Computer Science, followed by an MBA from London Business School.

 

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Dr. Jessica Sperber was raised on her family’s 4th generation cow-calf and grain operation located in central Alberta.

Jessica attained her BS from MacEwan University in Alberta, master’s degree from West Texas A&M University specialized in meat science, and Ph.D. in feedlot nutrition from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Upon completion of her Ph.D., Jessica moved to her home Province of Alberta, where she worked in industry as a feedlot nutrition consultant and technical specialist. Jessica joined the Department of Animal Science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in November of 2022 as an Assistant Professor and Feedlot Extension Specialist.

Her areas of interest include nutritional management strategies in feedlot production, technologies that improve feeder cattle efficiency, and carcass changes over the feeding period.

 

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Our Sponsors

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American Cattlemen

What's in a name? When that name is American Cattlemen, it stands for history, hard work, commitment, and loyalty—values that are at the core of ranching. 

The American Cattlemen Media Group is dedicated to serving the entire beef industry with the same relentless work ethic and passion that cattle producers bring to their operations every day.

With deep roots in rural America, they’re more than just a media brand—they’re a trusted partner, providing the insights and resources you need to thrive in this ever-evolving industry.

Learn more about American Cattlemen
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Breedr

Breedr is the world’s most ambitious beef program, pioneering the new era of data-driven beef production. Founded to revolutionize the beef supply chain, Breedr’s easy-to-use app connects every production stage with real-time data, empowering producers to track and optimize each animal's genetic potential from embryo to finished product. 

Through advanced genetics, genomics, and AI tools, Breedr enables producers to create healthier herds, increase market competitiveness, and reduce environmental impact. Breedr’s mission is to build the connected beef supply chains of the future, delivering premium beef that benefits producers, consumers, and the planet.

Learn more about Breedr

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