Today’s consumers are generations removed from any connection to a farm and ranch, yet they yearn for a relationship with those who produce their food. Market research continues to show that consumers want to hear from farmers and ranchers about how cattle are raised. The “Cattle Calling” docuseries was created to help bridge the gap between farm and fork. 

Produced by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, “Cattle Calling” invites consumers to step into the world of modern-day cattle ranchers as they navigate the trials and tribulations to continue the lineage of the American beef producer. Each episode provides an in-depth look at how cattle are cared for and invites viewers to follow along to see how families across the country adapt to their environments to ensure their legacies continue. 

Episodes featuring farming and ranching families in Oklahoma, Texas and Colorado are currently available to view, with new episodes coming soon highlighting producers in Washington and Tennessee. The docuseries brings family stories to life and builds common ground between producers and consumers. 

Whether they have been in business for generations or are just getting started, producers tell their own stories about raising cattle. While the families have common goals of caring for cattle and natural resources, they share different management practices unique to their environment, business model and geography. 

“Federation funding has been instrumental in allowing us to produce this important docuseries,” said Hillary Makens, NCBA’s senior executive director of issues management and public relations. “This video series is one more resource we can use to educate the public about how cattle are raised, and it provides a platform to explain complicated topics in a way that consumers can understand.” 

Beyond reaching consumers through YouTube, social media and events, “Cattle Calling” is drawing attention from national networks requesting interviews with producers. As additional episodes are released, the videos will be available online and shown through other outlets to share these unique stories. 

“Cattle Calling” continues the Beef Checkoff’s ongoing emphasis on connecting with consumers and sharing the stories of beef producers. The docuseries aims to build relationships and trust between consumers and the cattlemen and women raising food for the family dinner table. 

For more information and to watch the series, visit CattleCalling.org.