Sustainable Stock: Reviving Legacy Genetics
Sustainable Stock: Reviving Legacy Genetics
Podcast Description
Sustainable Stock: Reviving Legacy Genetics is a podcast dedicated to exploring the power and potential of traditional cattle genetics while celebrating the ranchers who are bringing these practices back to life. Hosted by Patrick Powers, this podcast connects the past with the present, showcasing the resilience, efficiency, and fertility of the cattle breeds that helped build strong herds in the 1960s and '70s.Each episode features in-depth conversations with ranchers and breeders who are rediscovering and preserving the cattlemen practices that have stood the test of time. These ranchers are committed to using common-sense methods that focus on what truly works, blending the wisdom of the past with modern solutions for sustainable ranching in today’s world.At its core, Sustainable Stock is about returning to the fundamentals—embracing practical, time-tested approaches that prioritize what’s best for the land, livestock, and the rancher. We honor the heritage of ranching and are passionate about creating a future that’s rooted in both tradition and sustainability. Whether you’re passionate about heritage genetics, the future of ranching, or simply interested in the story behind the herd, this podcast is for you.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on legacy cattle genetics, sustainable ranching practices, and the challenges facing modern ranchers. Episodes include topics like the formation of Bos Sires with Grant Vassberg and the historical significance of the Droughtmaster breed shared by John Atkinson, emphasizing the integration of time-tested methods with contemporary solutions for better land and livestock management.
Sustainable Stock: Reviving Legacy Genetics is a podcast dedicated to exploring the power and potential of traditional cattle genetics while celebrating the ranchers who are bringing these practices back to life. Hosted by Patrick Powers, this podcast connects the past with the present, showcasing the resilience, efficiency, and fertility of the cattle breeds that helped build strong herds in the 1960s and ’70s.
Each episode features in-depth conversations with ranchers and breeders who are rediscovering and preserving the cattlemen practices that have stood the test of time. These ranchers are committed to using common-sense methods that focus on what truly works, blending the wisdom of the past with modern solutions for sustainable ranching in today’s world.
At its core, Sustainable Stock is about returning to the fundamentals—embracing practical, time-tested approaches that prioritize what’s best for the land, livestock, and the rancher. We honor the heritage of ranching and are passionate about creating a future that’s rooted in both tradition and sustainability. Whether you’re passionate about heritage genetics, the future of ranching, or simply interested in the story behind the herd, this podcast is for you.
Episode 10: Let the Cows Do the Work: Durability Over Dependency with Arron Nerbas
Arron Nerbas of Nerbas Bros Angus challenges mainstream cattle breeding philosophies by creating a herd built on durability rather than dependency. This third-generation Canadian cattleman shares how his family transformed their operation by focusing on three fundamentals: grass, pressure, and purpose.
The conversation reveals a refreshing alternative to trend-chasing in the cattle industry. Arron explains how they've developed genetics specifically adapted to their environment without introducing any live cattle since 1999, relying solely on AI for genetic improvement. Their breeding philosophy prioritizes maternal traits over the extreme growth that has dominated the industry for decades – creating moderate-framed, fertile cattle that require minimal intervention.
”A good cow is a cow that doesn't need me,” Arron explains, highlighting their commitment to letting cattle express their natural abilities without constant human support. This approach has yielded cows that calve unassisted on stockpiled grass, maintain fertility, and demonstrate exceptional longevity in their herd.
The discussion explores four key strategies for herd improvement: AI sire selection, replacement selection, system pressure through management, and strict culling protocols. Arron also shares insights on the benefits of multi-sire breeding, which enhances both land management and reproductive efficiency by allowing natural competition among bulls.
What started as a local approach to better ranching has gained international attention. Nerbas Bros now exports genetics to the UK, with interest coming from as far away as Romania and Botswana. Closer to home, Arron also shares how they’re challenging convention with a self-serve, automated beef market—offering direct-to-consumer sales without middlemen.
This episode offers valuable perspective for anyone questioning industrial cattle production models. As input costs continue rising worldwide, the Nerbas Bros approach demonstrates that focusing on land-adapted, low-maintenance cattle might not just be more sustainable – it might be the economic future of ranching.
Explore more of Arron’s work and learn how the Nerbas Bros are building cattle that thrive where others fail—through the links in our show notes. And don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations with ranchers who are rewriting the rules of sustainable cattle production.
Connect with Arron and Nerbas Bros Angus:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NerbasBrosAngus/
Website: https://www.nerbasbrosangus.com/
Bos Sires: https://www.bossires.com/nerbas-brothers
X page: https://x.com/nerbasbrosangus
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theebutcheryonmain/#
Check out Bos Sires:
Website: https://www.bossires.com/
Bos Sires Catalog: International New Bos Sires Catalog (English)
Support the Podcast
If you enjoy the show and want to support our mission of restoring sustainable, long-lasting genetics to the cattle industry, consider joining our Patreon community. Your support helps us continue producing valuable content for ranchers and cattle enthusiasts worldwide.
Join us on Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/bossirestalk]
Disclaimer
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