Humble Ground

Born and raised in Seneca, Kansas, Matt Koch has built a name that now stands among the greats in the reined cow horse world. An NRCHA Million Dollar Rider and accomplished horse trainer, Matt’s journey has been defined by good horses, great mentors, and the kind of grit that only comes from life on the ranch. From working cattle in the Sandhills to competing under the lights of Las Vegas, his story is one of hard work, humility, and coming full circle — back to where it all began.

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Learn more about Koch Cowhorses at https://www.facebook.com/kochcowhorses

Learn more about Valley Vet at https://www.valleyvet.com

In the quiet heart of Marysville, Kansas, two veterinarians set out to make life better for those who care for animals. What began in 1973 as a small-town clinic would grow into one of the nation’s most trusted names in animal health — Valley Vet Supply.As customer needs changed, Drs. Nagely and Shultz saw opportunity where others saw limits.

By 1985, they had transformed a local practice into a pioneering national mail-order retailer, hand-binding their first Farm and Ranch catalogs with help from their families. From there, Valley Vet Supply never stopped evolving — expanding to serve pet and equine owners, opening a retail store, and launching ValleyVet.com just before the turn of the century.

Today, that same spirit of innovation drives a company that ships over one million packages each year and partners with more than 800 suppliers to serve customers in all 50 states. What started as a rural clinic has grown fifty-fivefold in size — yet remains rooted in its mission: to care for those who care for animals.

In this episode, Julie takes us behind the scenes of a company built on trust, passion, and heartland perseverance.

Learn more at https://www.valleyvet.com

Watch more at https://www.humblegroundag.com

Nolan Wellensiek is a seventh-generation farmer carrying on his family’s legacy at Wellensiek Acres — a Nebraska farm dating back to 1843. But Nolan’s story doesn’t stop with corn and soybeans. What started as his dad’s wild idea has turned into Big Red Shrimp Co., where Nolan grows fresh shrimp in the middle of the heartland. In this episode, we talk about tradition, innovation, and how one young farmer is proving you don’t need an ocean to raise shrimp.

Follow along with his journey https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565562000903 or https://www.instagram.com/bigredshrimpco/

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Since 1971, Buessing Dairy has been a cornerstone of its small-town community. Now, as Roy and Roger Buessing prepare to hand the reins to the next generation, Roy reflects on a lifetime spent on the farm — from his early days growing up among the cows to milking 300 head alongside family. In this episode, Roy shares the highs, the hard work, and the heart behind building a multigenerational dairy operation. It’s a story of tradition, transition, and the deep roots of rural life.

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Rokeyroad Creamery is a family-owned dairy nestled in the scenic hills of Nemaha County, Kansas, where tradition, quality, and community come together. Established in the late 1990s as a continuation of the Rokey family’s passion for farming and registered Holsteins, the Creamery is built on decades of dedication to raising healthy cows and producing fresh, wholesome dairy products.

From their signature cheese curds to creamy, handcrafted ice cream and rich, farm-fresh milk, everything at Rokeyroad Creamery is made with simple, honest ingredients. Their commitment to sustainability and animal care is evident in every aspect of the operation—from the clean, comfortable barns to the nutrient-rich, homegrown feed. With a deep-rooted legacy and a clear love for their land and livestock, Rokeyroad Creamery continues to grow as a local favorite and a trusted source of farm-to-table goodness.

Learn more about them at https://www.rokeyroadcreamery.com

From the struggles of the 1980s farm crisis to 45 years of raising quality cattle, the Alverson family has built a legacy rooted in hard work, perseverance, and a love for the land. Join Ron, Brent, and Brock as they share the story of Alverson Cattle Co.—a cow-calf operation with eyes on the next generation. It’s about more than cattle; it’s about family, resilience, and keeping rural traditions alive.

To watch or listen to more episodes, visit https://www.humblegroundag.com

Blake Matthews joins us from Idaho to share the story behind his family’s fourth-generation farm, where they grow everything from potatoes and beets to wheat and corn—and also run a cow-calf operation and feedlot. We talk about the evolution of the farm, managing such a diverse operation, and what it takes to keep a multi-generational legacy thriving in today’s ag world.

For more episodes visit https://www.humblegroundag.com

We sat down with Donald Hornung, President and CEO of CrustBuster/Speed King, Inc., to talk about life growing up in rural Kansas, the challenges of building a business through some of agriculture’s toughest decades, and what it means to carry on a legacy. From its humble beginnings in Spearville, KS, CrustBuster grew into a nationally recognized name in farm machinery by staying innovative, adapting to changing markets, and never losing sight of its values.

Donald shares stories from the early days working alongside his father, Michael Hornung — who founded the company in 1960 — and how the business weathered the farm crisis of the '80s, reinvented itself through strategic acquisitions, and expanded into new markets. It’s a conversation about perseverance, family, and what it takes to build something that lasts across generations.

Chase Larson joins us to share the story behind Bestifor, a sixth-generation farm that’s grown far beyond the fields. From high-quality hay and grain to land management, trucking, fabrication, and even hay for exotic pets—Bestifor represents a modern ag business rooted in tradition. Now stepping in to lead the next chapter, Chase talks about inheriting more than just the land—he’s carrying forward a legacy built by his dad and uncle since the 1970s, and by generations before that. Learn how a name that means “grandpa” in Danish has come to represent excellence across the Midwest and beyond.View more episodes at https://www.humblegroundag.comTo learn more about Bestifor visit https://www.bestifor.com

Nick Hasenkamp joins us to share the powerful and personal story of his father, Bob Hasenkamp—a lifelong Kansas farmer who was born on the family farm in 1951 and never left. Bob farmed alongside his father, Alfred, until Alfred’s passing in 1977. Fifteen years ago, Bob died by suicide, leaving behind a grieving family and a story that echoes the silent struggles many farmers face.

Nick, one of Bob’s seven children, opens up about the toll mental health can take in rural America, the quiet weight farmers carry, and the legacy his father left behind. Today, Bob’s sons—Ben and Josh—continue to farm the land, carrying on a tradition rooted in generations, shaped by both love and loss.

This conversation is about more than one man or one farm—it’s about breaking the silence around mental health in agriculture and honoring the lives lived on and for the land.

If you are struggling or know someone who is please visit one of the links below.

https://www.healthinnovationsnetworkofkansas.org/hink-spin

For more episodes visit https://www.humblegroundag.com