In this episode of the Next Generation podcast, Lauren Moylan interviews Heather Welper, a prominent figure in the stock show industry. Heather shares her journey from showing livestock as a child to becoming a social media influencer, focusing on the stock show community. She discusses her experiences with infertility, adoption, and how she found her niche in sharing relatable content for young showmen and women. The conversation highlights the importance of social media in agriculture, the challenges of balancing professional life with personal passions, and the impact of mentorship in the stock show world. In this conversation, Heather Welper shares her journey as an influencer, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and building genuine relationships over seeking fame or free products. She discusses the challenges and lessons learned from her experiences with failure, particularly in the context of social media and personal growth. Heather opens up about her struggles with infertility, the emotional toll of IVF, and the eventual joy of adopting her son, Crew. She offers valuable advice for those considering adoption and encourages listeners to embrace their journeys, highlighting the significance of community support and being present in the moment. Finally, Heather provides insights for the next generation of agriculture, stressing the importance of networking and resilience in the face of challenges.

Links

Heather's IG - TikTok - Watch on Youtube

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Takeaways

Social media became a platform for sharing her journey and experiences.

Finding purpose in agriculture was a key theme in her journey.

Heather wants to be a resource for young showmen and women.

She emphasizes the importance of setting measurable goals in social media.

The stock show community is small but impactful in agriculture.

Heather encourages others to find their unique voice online. Authenticity is key in influencing; prioritize relationships over fame.

Failure is a necessary part of growth and learning.

Embrace your unique voice and be original on social media.

Community support can help combat negativity and hate online.

It's important to be confident in your content and decisions.

The journey of IVF can be emotionally taxing but leads to growth.

Adoption should be approached with a child-centered mindset.

Research is crucial when considering adoption options.

Living in the present can alleviate stress during tough times.

Networking and resilience are essential for success in agriculture.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Heather Welper and Her Journey

05:44 The Rise of Social Media and Stock Show Content

12:57 Balancing Professional Life and Social Media

20:04 Finding Purpose and Impact in Agriculture

29:30 Encouragement for Aspiring Influencers

30:11 The Authenticity of Influencing

34:09 Embracing Failure as a Path to Growth

37:17 The Journey of IVF and Adoption

54:30 Navigating the Adoption Process

59:27 Advice for the Next Generation of Agriculture

stock show, agriculture, social media, influencer, Heather Welper, cattle, adoption, infertility, youth involvement, fashion, influencer, authenticity, social media, failure, IVF, adoption, agriculture, community, mental health, personal growth