The roots of the cattle industry stretch much deeper than most people realize, crossing not just decades but centuries, and not just state lines, but national borders. At the heart of this legacy are the families who have carried on the work — generation after generation — often without recognition for the full scope of their impact. One of those families is the Medina Wallace family, whose history in Mexican cattle ranching dates back over 150 years. Through that legacy, and the voice of Teto Medina Wallace, we gain not only a clearer picture of where the cattle industry came from but also a deeper understanding of the values and people who continue to shape it.

Women in agriculture are some of the most resilient, hard-working people out there. They juggle countless roles—caretaker, business owner, mom, community leader—and often carry the weight of an entire operation on their shoulders. But in the middle of calving season, crop planning, and everything else, one thing tends to fall to the bottom of the list: personal health.

This episode of The Next Generation Podcast features Emily Shaw, founder of Dairy Girl Fitness. Through her online fitness and nutrition coaching business, she’s helping women in agriculture take care of themselves in ways that are sustainable, realistic, and deeply needed.

Sharing the story of agriculture isn’t always easy. Putting a farm, a livelihood, and a way of life out into the world for scrutiny can feel overwhelming. The fear of being misunderstood—or worse, attacked—has kept a lot of farmers and ranchers from speaking up. But Annaliese Wegner knows that fear can’t be the thing that stops people from advocating for an industry that feeds the world.

Thea Larsen is a dynamic voice in the agriculture industry, known for her work as the host of Cowgirls Over Coffee and her dedication to helping rural women navigate the demands of business, personal growth, and ranch life. Her journey into agriculture was not traditional, but today, she and her husband operate a commercial cattle ranch in the Sandhills of Nebraska. With a background in business and communication, she brings a unique perspective to the challenges of balancing multiple roles within the agricultural lifestyle.

If you’ve spent any time in the stock show world, you’ve probably come across Heather Welper. Whether it’s her spot-on stock show fashion advice, her raw and real-life updates, or her impact on the industry through breeding and selling show cattle, she’s made a name for herself in a way that’s both inspiring and completely authentic. In this episode of The Next Generation Podcast, I sat down with Heather to talk about her journey in the stock show world, her social media presence, and her deeply personal experience with infertility and adoption. She’s built a life and career that intertwines so many aspects of agriculture, and she’s done it in a way that’s unapologetically her.

In this powerful episode of The Next Generation Podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Callyn Hahn, founder of Callyn Hahn Enterprises and Dialed In Coaching. Callyn’s approach to health and wellness is unique, integrating mindset coaching, nutrition, and exercise into a holistic approach that transforms lives inside and out. Whether you’re in agriculture or any other industry, her insights are incredibly relevant.

Emma Coffman, the powerhouse behind EE Ranch Advocacy, is an advocate for agriculture and a passionate storyteller who has bridged gaps between consumers and producers. Her journey into agriculture was not a traditional one—she didn’t grow up in a farming family—but through 4-H and her dedication to learning about food production, Emma has found her calling in advocating for agriculture, educating the public, and using social media as a tool for connection.

Farming isn't just about tending to crops or raising livestock; it’s a business that requires strategy, resilience, and a clear vision. For those looking to grow an agricultural operation into a thriving enterprise, there is one key ingredient that stands above all: mentorship.

In agriculture, mentorship can make all the difference between surviving the early stages and truly thriving. For Matt and Janna Splitter, the path to growing their family farm into a successful business wasn’t just paved with hard work; it was shaped by the wisdom and guidance of those who had been there before them.

Ally Spears, known for her podcast AgChicks, has a remarkable story that intertwines personal passion and professional growth. As a fourth-generation farm girl from Northern California, Ally has long been immersed in agriculture. From showing cattle to competing in livestock judging, her roots in agriculture run deep. However, Ally’s journey took an unexpected turn when she moved to Texas to pursue a college degree at Texas A&M University, a decision that would shape her future in ways she never imagined.

Michele Payn has made a lasting impact on agriculture through her work in connecting farm and food, advocating for mental wellness in agriculture, and empowering others to share their authentic stories. From her roots as a farm girl in Michigan to her current role in central Indiana, Michele’s journey has been shaped by a passion for agricultural education and communication. With four books published, a thriving speaking career, and a dedication to both global and local agriculture, Michele is a true advocate for the industry.

Ashlee Westerhold’s work in succession planning and farm transition has been a driving force in helping farmers and ranchers navigate one of agriculture’s most difficult processes. As the director of the Office of Farm and Ranch Transition at Kansas State University, Ashlee has dedicated her career to ensuring that the next generation of farmers and ranchers have the resources and support they need to take over operations and keep them thriving.

Meredith Volquardsen’s journey into agriculture is a story of determination, curiosity, and an unwavering drive to make a difference. From growing up outside of Los Angeles to becoming deeply involved in Wyoming’s agricultural landscape, Meredith’s path is anything but conventional. But her story is one of embracing challenges, overcoming obstacles, and finding her place in an industry that she’s passionate about—despite not growing up in it.

Jackie Mundt’s journey from corporate America to rural Kansas is a story of intentional choices, perseverance, and community impact. Growing up in central Wisconsin, Jackie was deeply immersed in agriculture through her family’s dairy operation and her involvement in FFA. From serving as a state and national FFA officer to earning a degree in agricultural communications, Jackie’s path has always been aligned with the agriculture industry. Her career in agribusiness and work as a chemical sales representative with Dow AgriSciences laid a foundation for her future in agriculture, but a significant chapter awaited her when she and her partner Mark decided to return to his family farm in Pratt, Kansas.

Michelle Miller, also known as the "Farm Babe" on social media, is a powerhouse advocate for agriculture. Her journey into the world of agriculture, from her roots as a city girl to becoming an influential voice in farming, is nothing short of inspiring. With a background that includes working for Gucci on Rodeo Drive and living in some of the most metropolitan areas in the U.S., Michelle’s transformation into a passionate agricultural advocate shows the power of authenticity and staying true to one’s journey.

Alissa Kirchhoff’s journey into veterinary medicine and her commitment to rural community development is a story of resilience, adaptability, and passion for both animals and people. Growing up in Wichita, Kansas, Alissa didn’t come from an agricultural background, but she always felt drawn to the world of agriculture. Her journey into veterinary medicine was a way to integrate her love for animals with her desire to contribute to rural communities. Little did she know that this path would not only shape her career but also the future of her community.

Sheri Glazier is a dietitian with a unique perspective—she combines her extensive knowledge of nutrition with a deep understanding of agriculture. Growing up on a wheat and stocker cattle farm in Northwest Oklahoma, Sheri’s connection to agriculture has always been strong, but it wasn’t until she married into another multi-generational farming family that her journey truly came full circle. Today, Sheri operates as the Dirt Road Dietitian, a business dedicated to advocating for healthy relationships with food and promoting accurate agricultural information.

Max Krupp’s journey from a Green Beret to a passionate rancher in Texas is an inspiring testament to dedication, resilience, and a deep commitment to reconnecting people with the origins of their food. As the owner and operator of Halo K, a pasture-to-plate operation, Max has made it his mission to bridge the gap between urban consumers and rural producers, focusing on raising high-quality grass-fed, grass-finished Angus beef while offering custom grain-finished options for those with different preferences.

Anna Kobza’s journey into feedlot nutrition and agricultural advocacy is a testament to passion, education, and the power of social media in reshaping conversations about agriculture. As an advocate for feedlot life and its essential role in the agricultural system, Anna has carved out a unique space where she shares her expertise and insights, educating consumers and producers alike. Her approach is rooted in a deep understanding of feedlot nutrition, and she’s passionate about using her platform to address misconceptions and build connections within the agricultural community.

Preserving history is more than just keeping old records—it's about honoring the stories that shape who we are and where we come from. Kaitlyn Weldon, a passionate historian, emphasizes the importance of preserving the personal and agricultural histories of today for future generations. As someone deeply involved in Western history, Kaitlyn is determined to share the untold stories that often get overlooked, especially the stories of women in the West and the agricultural community.

Brandi Buzzard’s journey into agricultural advocacy started in an unexpected way. Growing up in a hobby ranching environment, she never imagined that she’d one day become a full-time advocate for agriculture, sharing her story through blogs, social media, and speaking engagements. But that’s exactly what happened, and her path has been anything but conventional.