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Episode 4: Genomics with Nick Jorgensen

Nick breaks down how genomics helps ranchers select better heifers, manage risk, reduce bull failures, and sort feeders before they leave the ranch.

When it comes to genetics, most producers have historically relied on phenotype, instinct, and maybe a few legacy bloodlines.

But as this episode makes clear, the future of beef starts with knowing what’s under the hood. In this deep dive, Nick Jorgensen, CEO of Jorgensen Land & Cattle, joins hosts Jim Johnson, Dr. Jessica Sperber, and Ian Wheal to share how his team transformed genomic testing from a niche tool into a cornerstone of commercial beef production.

With the largest seedstock Angus operation in the country, Jorgensen’s operation runs a private, ranch-specific genetic evaluation in partnership with Zoetis—backed by tens of thousands of data points and a drive to help every customer make better decisions. You’ll hear how they’ve cut semen test culls, improved feeder sort precision, and built a collaborative supply chain rooted in trust and data, not just brand or tradition.

What You’ll Learn:

  • How genomic selection adds $500+ to the lifetime value of the right heifer
  • The pitfalls of phenotype-only selection—and how to fix them
  • What “apples to apples” genetic evaluation really looks like
  • Why early DNA testing can reshape feeder placement and profitability
  • How top seedstock producers are blending data, service, and strategy to move the industry forward

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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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Drovers

Drovers is a leading U.S. media brand dedicated to serving the beef cattle industry. Established in 1873 as the Chicago Daily Drovers Journal, it is recognized as the nation's oldest livestock publication. Today, Drovers operates as a monthly magazine and digital platform under Farm Journal Media, based in Lenexa, Kansas .

They offer comprehensive coverage of the beef industry, including market trends, production insights, policy developments, and expert commentary. Its content spans various topics such as beef production, veterinary practices, ag policy, and cattle markets, providing valuable information to cattle producers, veterinarians, and industry stakeholders.

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Breedr’s mission is to build the connected beef supply chains of the future, delivering premium beef that benefits producers, consumers, and the planet.

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.

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