Growing Our Future

In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro engages with legendary rodeo announcer Bob Tallman, exploring themes of gratitude, agricultural heritage, and the importance of education in agriculture. They discuss the role of organizations like 4-H and FFA in shaping young people's futures, the challenges facing the agricultural industry, and the need for conservation and resource management. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding where our food comes from and the opportunities available in agricultural careers.

Story Notes:

• The Importance of Gratitude in Agriculture
• Personal Stories and Agricultural Heritage
• Understanding Agriculture and Food Production
• The Future of Food and Agricultural Careers
• Conservation and Resource Management in Agriculture
• The Impact of Waste in Food Production
• Water Conservation and Its Importance

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro speaks with Dan Taylor, a prominent figure in Texas agricultural education and the FFA. They discuss the importance of gratitude, mentorship, and the journey of Dan's life in agriculture, including his experiences as a teacher, businessman, and philanthropist. The conversation also highlights the significance of the Discovery Center in Lubbock, Texas, and the legacy of the Texas FFA Foundation.

Story Notes:

• Gratitude and Its Impact on Life
• Dan Taylor's Journey in Agriculture
• The Influence of Mentorship in Agriculture Education
• Understanding Cotton Ginning
• The Importance of the Discovery Center
• The Legacy of the Texas FFA Foundation

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

On this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, we meet Jennifer Green, the Public Relations and Events Manager at Cavender's. We discuss Jennifer's journey from her early days shopping at Cavender's to her current role, emphasizing the importance of relationships, research in job interviews, and finding a competitive edge. Jennifer shares valuable insights on leadership skills, the impact of FFA on personal development, and the significance of resilience and adaptability in careers. The conversation concludes with fun questions about concerts and personal reflections.

Story Notes:

• Jennifer Green's Journey to Cavender's
• Importance of Research in Job Interviews
• Finding Your Competitive Edge
• Leadership Skills for Young People
• The Impact of FFA on Personal Development
• Resilience and Adaptability in Careers

Communication and Positivity in Leadership

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

On this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, we meet Colton Kyle, president of American Sniper, discussing themes of growth, leadership, and the importance of discernment. Colton shares his journey, emphasizing the significance of gratitude, vulnerability, and effective communication in leadership. The conversation highlights the value of asking questions and seeking truth in an age of misinformation, while also reflecting on the lessons learned from agriculture and personal experiences. In this conversation, Aaron and Colton discuss the importance of connections, competitive edges, and living one's faith in business. They explore how personal relationships can enhance professional opportunities and the significance of authenticity in branding. The dialogue emphasizes the need for young people to find their unique advantages in a competitive world while also highlighting the role of faith and purpose in achieving true joy and fulfillment.

Story Notes:

• Colton Kyle: A Journey of Growth and Leadership
• The Importance of Discernment and Asking Questions
• Vulnerability and Leadership Traits
• Effective Communication and Strategic Thinking
• Gratitude and Life Lessons from Agriculture
• The Power of Connections and Timing
• Finding Your Competitive Edge
• Living Your Faith in Business
• The Importance of Personal Connections
• Understanding True Joy and Purpose

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro engages with Dr. Sarah Sprayberry, an advocate for agriculture and social media influencer. They discuss the importance of family support, the journey of Sarah in agriculture, and how she uses social media to promote agricultural literacy and advocacy. The conversation emphasizes the need for a positive online presence, resilience in leadership, and the significance of sharing the true stories of agriculture to combat misconceptions.

Story Notes:

• The Importance of Family Support
• Sarah Sprayberry's Journey in Agriculture
• Advocacy Through Social Media
• Building a Positive Online Presence
• Leadership and Resilience in Agriculture

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

In this insightful episode of Growing Our Future, host Aaron Alejandro sits down with Zoee Nolen, a 2022-2023 Texas FFA officer and junior at Texas A&M University. Zoee shares her remarkable journey, from growing up on a traditional West Texas farm to discovering a passion for agriculture through FFA after two major injuries derailed her sports career. Now a double major in Agricultural Communications & Journalism and Agricultural Economics, Zoee reflects on how her family's work in agriculture ignited her deep appreciation for the industry.

Zoee also discusses her involvement at Texas A&M, including her role as Vice President of Public Relations for the Student Council for the College of Agriculture and her work with AgriLife Communications. Additionally, she talks about her ambition to make an impact on the global stage, with plans to participate in the International Agricultural Education Fellowship Program in Ghana or Guatemala.

Story Notes:

• Gratitude is a key to personal growth and leadership.
• Zoee’s journey from sports to agriculture highlights the power of resilience.
• The role of FFA in shaping leadership and a deep connection to the agricultural industry.
• Zoee’s goal of working in international agriculture to promote sustainable practices.

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Jackie Hoegger, owner of Hoegger Communications. They discuss the importance of storytelling and empathy in leadership, as well as the value of mentorship and continuous learning. Jackie shares her journey of starting her own company and emphasizes the power of telling personal stories. She also highlights the significance of living your brand and leaving a legacy.

Story Notes:

• Discovering the Power of Storytelling
• The Importance of Failure and Learning
• Living Your Brand and Leaving a Legacy
• The Value of Empathy in Leadership
• Tips for Telling Your Story and Leading Others
• Leadership Skills: Empathy, Leading by Doing, and Continuous Learning
• Fun Question: Best Concert Experience
• The Inspiration Behind the Slinky

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Ron Kitchens, the CEO of the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce. They discuss the importance of gratitude, the power of a job in changing lives, and the role of agriculture and FFA in creating opportunities. Ron shares his personal journey from poverty to becoming a leader in economic development, emphasizing the value of showing up, lifelong learning, and leaving a positive impact on others. They also address the workforce challenges faced by businesses and the need to invest in the younger generation. 

The conversation focuses on the importance of mentorship and leadership development in shaping the future generation. It emphasizes the need to invest in young people and provide them with the tools and guidance they need to succeed. Ron discussed the role of education and the need for mentors and support systems in helping students achieve their goals. They also highlight the importance of continuous learning and personal development in becoming effective leaders. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the power of perseverance and thinking big in order to create a positive impact in the world.

Story Notes:

• Ron's Background and the Power of FFA
• The Transformative Power of a Job
• Agriculture and FFA: Creating Opportunities
• Challenges Faced by Young Men in the Workforce
• Creating Opportunities and Competing for the Minds of the Younger Generation
• The Power of Mentorship and Guidance
• Education and Support Systems
• Continuous Learning and Personal Development
• Perseverance and Thinking Big

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

In this episode of Growing Our Future Podcast, Eddie Priefert, the president of Priefert, shares his journey and the success of the Priefert brand. The company started with 300 acres, one product, and a two-car garage, and has now grown to a 3,500-acre ranch and a campus with 35 acres under roof. Priefert is involved in the ranch equipment and rodeo markets, as well as the steel industry, selling converted steel to other manufacturers. They also offer Priefert Complex Designs (PCD), which helps design and build animal agriculture facilities. Eddie emphasizes the importance of attitude, faith, and integrity in achieving success.

Story Notes:

• Eddie's Journey to Becoming President of Priefert
• The Priefert Brand and its Innovations
• The Scope ofPriefert's Operations
• The Growth and Future of Priefert
• The Importance of Attitude, Faith, and Integrity
• Competitive Edges for Success

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Robert Smith, a magician and consultant in the fair industry. They discuss the importance of gratitude, the positive impact of organizations like FFA, and the power of storytelling and advocacy. Robert shares his journey from being a magician to creating unique experiences at fairs and expos. He also talks about starting the Fair Game podcast to document stories from the industry. The conversation highlights the resilience and adaptability required to navigate challenges and find opportunities for growth. The conversation revolves around the impact of the podcast and the importance of connection and empathy. It emphasizes the role of the podcast in providing an outlet for guests to share their struggles and process their emotions. The conversation also touches on the concept of personal branding and the need for gratitude and resilience in leadership. The importance of accountability and taking responsibility for one's actions is highlighted, along with the significance of empathy in dealing with criticism. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the challenges faced by students during the pandemic and the need for educators to adapt and support them.

Story Notes:

• The Power of Gratitude and Renewed Hope
• Building Experiences in the Fair Industry
• Storytelling and Advocacy for Connection
• Turning Challenges into Opportunities
• The Value of Podcasts for Storytelling
• The Power of the PodcastGratitude and Resilience
• Taking Responsibility and Embracing Failure
• Empathy: A Shield Against Negativity and Criticism
• Supporting Students in the Face of Pandemic Challenges

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org