283: Inside NextGen Cattle: The Genetic Strategy Behind Better Feeder Calves with Derek Thompson

This week, Lauren sits down with Derek Thompson to talk about the story behind NextGen Cattle and how the operation has grown from a feedyard purchase in 2017 into a multi-breed seedstock and cattle feeding business built around the commercial cattle producer. Derek shares how his background in financial services eventually led him back to the cattle business, why NextGen built its model around the full beef supply chain, and how their genetics, buyback program, and producer partnerships are all designed to help commercial cattlemen create a better end product.

Links

NextGen Website - https://www.nextgencattle.com/

April Bull Sale - https://www.nextgencattle.com/spring-classic/

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Key Takeaways

• NextGen Cattle was formed in 2017 by Derek, his brother Damon, and cousin Brad
• The business began with a southwest Kansas feedyard and has since expanded significantly
• NextGen now operates in Angus, Charolais, and Beefmaster genetics with a strong focus on the commercial cattle producer
• Their program is built around matching cattle to environment, not forcing one type of cow into every region
• Derek believes genetics matter all the way through the feeding and carcass phase
• NextGen sells mostly aged bulls because they believe mature, developed bulls hold up better in real-world commercial use
• Their buyback program allows producers to get real feedback on how cattle perform in the yard and on the rail
• Derek sees long-term opportunity for producers who can consistently raise high-quality cattle
• NextGen’s special feeder calf sale and April bull sale are both centered around building community and supporting producers

Chapters

00:00 Derek’s background and how NextGen started
03:30 Why NextGen expanded into seedstock
08:30 How genetics, development, and environment all connect
13:00 The buyback program and why data matters
18:30 Derek’s outlook on the cattle industry
22:00 Upcoming feeder calf sale and April bull sale

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