In this bonus episode, host Jonathon Haralson brings together key players in the beef industry to discuss cutting-edge developments in cattle genetics, feed efficiency, and sustainability. Featuring Roland Sanchez from Red Dock Farm, Mark Nelson from Greensteak, and Keaton Dodd, the new executive director of the Santa Gertrudis Association, the conversation delves into how data-driven breeding programs and innovative testing methods are shaping the future of beef production.

In this episode, we cover:

• Feed efficiency testing and Real Progeny Data (RPD): Highlighting the critical role of feed efficiency testing in cattle breeding programs and the significance of RPD in making data-driven breeding decisions.
• Red Dock Farm and Greensteak collaboration: Showcasing Red Dock Farm's approach to data collection and genetic improvement, alongside Greensteak's role in verifying and valuing calves based on performance data.
• The importance of sustainability metrics, including water intake measurements, and the industry's focus on balancing efficiency, profitability, and environmental considerations.
• Exploring the potential of Santa Gertrudis genetics in enhancing commercial herds and the development of Greensteak's certification program for enrolled calves to promote superior genetics.

Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Connect with our guests: 

• https://reddocfarm.com/
• Instagram: @reddocfarm (https://www.instagram.com/reddocfarm
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedDocFarm
• Santa Gertrudis Association: https://santagertrudis.com/

Connect with Your Ag Empire:

• Follow on Instagram @youragempire
• Follow on Facebook
• Subscribe on YouTube
• Follow on LinkedIn
• Follow on TikTok
• Check out our website

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a member
• Protect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutions
• Join The Dirt email subscription 
• Book Jonathon as your next speaker

Mentioned in this episode:

Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.

Empire Financial Services

In this episode, we dive deep into the story of Red Doc Farm with Dr. Roland "Scooter" Sanchez II and Dr. Adolfo Sanchez. From a teenage dream at the New Mexico State Fair to one of the region's most respected Santa Gertrudis operations, the Sanchez family's journey offers valuable lessons for cattlemen everywhere.

Scooter and Adolfo share how their father's analytical mindset as an engineer-turned-physician shaped their approach to cattle breeding, leading to innovations in efficiency testing and carcass quality. They discuss the pivotal role of Cherokee General in elevating their genetics and how partnerships with major industry players like King Ranch and AZTX Feeders validated their breeding program.

Whether you're a seasoned rancher or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights into building a sustainable and profitable cattle operation focused on genetic improvement and customer satisfaction.

In this episode, we cover:

• Building a data-driven breeding program that balances productivity with adaptability to harsh environments
• The advantages of Santa Gertrudis genetics for commercial cattlemen, including heterosis benefits and feed efficiency
• Their approach to vertical integration, from forage production to feedlot trials
• Strategies for passing down a multi-generational ranching legacy
• Data collection and analysis are crucial, but can be challenging to manage at scale
• The importance of building long-term relationships with customers, viewing them as partners in genetic improvement
• Young producers should approach ranching with a business mindset while maintaining a connection to the land

Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Connect with Red Doc Farms: 

• https://reddocfarm.com/
• Instagram: @reddocfarm (https://www.instagram.com/reddocfarm
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedDocFarm
• Red Hot Female Sale: https://reddocfarm.com/red-hot-female-sale/

Connect with Your Ag Empire:

• Follow on Instagram @youragempire
• Follow on Facebook
• Subscribe on YouTube
• Follow on LinkedIn
• Follow on TikTok
• Check out our website

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a member
• Protect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutions
• Join The Dirt email subscription 
• Book Jonathon as your next speaker

Mentioned in this episode:

Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.

Empire Financial Services

In this episode, Jonathon Haralson sits down with James Clement, a rancher, Marine currently serving in the reserves, and tech executive leading soil strategy at Earth Optics. They delve into how these seemingly disparate worlds collide to shape his perspective on land stewardship and the future of agriculture.

James brings a unique "boots on the ground" perspective to topics like soil health, carbon credits, remote monitoring, and how AgTech can truly serve the land and its caretakers. It’s a conversation that explores the intersection of tradition and innovation, challenging long-held beliefs about ranching and profitability.

In this episode, we cover:

• Grounded in Legacy, Wired for the Future: How James's diverse background as a rancher, Marine, and tech exec informs his approach to agriculture.
• A 400-Year Ranching Legacy: How his family's deep roots in ranching have shaped his perspective on land stewardship.
• Carbon Credits Without the Fluff: Demystifying carbon credits as a revenue stream and how Earth Optics makes the process usable and transparent for producers.
• AgTech & Practicality: Leveraging AI and monitoring tools like Ranchbot and Frontiers Market to make better daily decisions and improve ranching observations.
• The Long Game in Land Ownership: The philosophy of leaving land better than you found it and the "100-year decision" mindset.
• Evaluating Ranch Purchases: Beyond traditional metrics, considering all revenue streams and focusing on the long-term health of the land.
• The Land Board: How a diverse board of experienced professionals can serve as an advisory resource for ranching operations.
• Addressing Misconceptions: Busting myths about soil health, AgTech, and the evolution of carbon credits.

Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Connect with James

• www.earthoptics.com
• https://ranch-bot.com
• https://frontiersmarket.com
• https://www.thelandboard.com

Connect with Your Ag Empire:

• Follow on Instagram @youragempire
• Follow on Facebook
• Subscribe on YouTube
• Follow on LinkedIn
• Follow on TikTok
• Check out our website

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a member
• Protect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutions
• Join The Dirt email subscription 
• Book Jonathon as your next speaker

Mentioned in this episode:

Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.

Empire Financial Services

In this episode, Jonathon Haralson visits with Wesley Thorp, a 10-time NFR qualifier and 3-time world champion team roper who proves that hard work, long hauls, and performing under pressure can coexist with family life and strong values.

They explore what it takes to stay sharp year-round, how horse health impacts career longevity, and where team roping is heading as a business. More than just a rodeo star, Thorp is a grounded role model and a testament to the power of perseverance, humility, and faith.

Whether you're chasing a world championship or building your own ag empire, this conversation will inspire you to stay true to your values and find a winning formula that works for you.

In this episode, we cover:

• Wesley Thorp's rodeo journey began with ranching roots and strong family influences, leading him to set ambitious goals from a young age.
• Despite a demanding travel schedule, Thorp prioritizes his family, marrying young and finding ways to balance his rodeo career with his roles as a husband and father.
• Staying sharp and maintaining a winning streak requires focus and dedication, along with a good partner and good horses.
• Thorp emphasizes that horse health is essential for career longevity, viewing his equine partners as athletes deserving of top-tier care.
• Looking ahead, Thorp sees team roping moving toward increased specialization, as well as opportunities in branding and business ventures.

Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Connect with Wesley Thorp:

• Website: [wesleythorp.com](https://wesleythorp.com/)
• Instagram: @wesley.thorp

Connect with Your Ag Empire:

• Follow on Instagram @youragempire
• Follow on Facebook
• Subscribe on YouTube
• Follow on LinkedIn
• Follow on TikTok
• Check out our website

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a member
• Protect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutions
• Join The Dirt email subscription 
• Book Jonathon as your next speaker

Mentioned in this episode:

Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.

Empire Financial Services

In this episode, Jonathon Haralson welcomes Hannah Ferri, Director of Growth & Operations at Empire Ag, for a peek behind the curtain. They explore what it takes to scale a rapidly growing business, the importance of putting the right people in the right seats, and why a little bit of process can go a long way.

Hannah shares her journey from South Texas roots to leading operations at Empire Ag, offering actionable insights on building systems, onboarding clients, and empowering a high-performing team. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or leading a growing organization, this episode will inspire you to lead with grit, build real systems, and embrace the power of saying "yes" to the right help.

In this episode, we cover:

• A disaster-turned-opportunity with the "Going Coastal" brand
• Why processes matter (especially in a growing business)and how creating efficiency relieves bottlenecks.
• Putting the right people in the right seats allows people to flourish
• Touchpoints, communication, and processes, and how Empire Ag’s client onboarding process has changed
• Empowering employees, prioritizing responsibilities, and making sure all of Empire Ag’s brands align have built internal clarity and successful growth.
• What's Next at Empire Ag: The future of branding, adding key personnel, and continuing to scale with intention.

Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Connect with Hannah:

• Follow on Instagram @hannahmo_stx
• Goin' Coastal @goincoastaloutfitters
• Ranch & Reef Outfitters @ranchandreefoutfitters
• www.hannahmo.com

Connect with Your Ag Empire:

• Follow on Instagram @youragempire
• Follow on Facebook
• Subscribe on YouTube
• Follow on LinkedIn
• Follow on TikTok
• Check out our website

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a member
• Protect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutions
• Join The Dirt email subscription 
• Book Jonathon as your next speaker

Mentioned in this episode:

Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.

Empire Financial Services

In this episode, Jonathon Haralson tackles a topic at the heart of every business, farm, and life decision: money. Drawing from “The Psychology of Money,” by Morgan Housel, he emphasizes the emotional side of finances, revealing that money is far more than spreadsheets and numbers. Haralson dives into how our upbringings, experiences, and fears play a significant role in our financial decision-making.

He challenges the idea that success is all about skill, reminding listeners that luck plays a part, and calls for humility and grace in the high-stakes game of agriculture. Beyond the balance sheet, Haralson pushes listeners to take ownership of what money really means to them. Whether you’re chasing millions or starting from scratch, this episode encourages you to stay grounded, stay grateful, and remember that you are worth more than paper.

In this episode, we cover:

• The psychological baggage we bring to money decisions
• The role of luck in success and failure
• Why grace and humility matter in agriculture
• The "more" trap and chasing the horizon
• Compounding principles beyond finance
• What it takes to get wealthy vs. staying wealthy
• How defining "enough" leads to freedom
• Financial planning with reason, not perfection
• Why your scoreboard isn't everyone else's

Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Connect with Your Ag Empire:

• Follow on Instagram @youragempire
• Follow on Facebook
• Subscribe on YouTube
• Follow on LinkedIn
• Follow on TikTok
• Check out our website

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a member
• Protect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutions
• Join The Dirt email subscription 
• Book Jonathon as your next speaker

Mentioned in this episode:

Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.

Empire Financial Services

In this episode, Jonathon Haralson sits down with Dr. Tom Field, the force behind the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program, to explore the power of starting, building a legacy, and the importance of leading a purposeful life. They dive into the challenges of entrepreneurship, the significance of community, and the need for strength tempered with gentleness.

Dr. Field shares his insights on overcoming internal barriers, embracing failure, and the role of faith and hope in navigating the real world. It's a conversation that inspires action and encourages listeners to aspire, not just dream.

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is a reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Power of the Start: Overcoming internal barriers and taking the first step.
• Navigating the twists and turns of entrepreneurship and learning from "false starts."
• How the education system can hinder creativity and the importance of asking the right questions.
• Discovering a passion by solving problems or falling in love with a customer base.
• The Next Generation and Family Operations: Earning the opportunity to be part of a family business and bringing new ideas to the table.
• Creating a culture where employees feel ownership and are empowered to contribute.
• Blending work and life, having accountability partners, and finding a brotherhood.

Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Connect with Dr. Field:

• www.englerjourney.com
• Follow on Instagram@engler_unl

Connect with Your Ag Empire:

• Follow on Instagram @youragempire
• Follow on Facebook
• Subscribe on YouTube
• Follow on LinkedIn
• Follow on TikTok
• Check out our website

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a member
• Protect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutions
• Join The Dirt email subscription 
• Book Jonathon as your next speaker

Mentioned in this episode:

Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.

Empire Financial Services

In this episode, Jonathon tackles a tough topic: what farmers and ranchers are really passing down to the next generation. It's not just land and debt—it's cycles of stress, silence, and financial habits. 

Jonathon dives into generational patterns, from financial management to relationships, and how emotional silence can impact families. 

Whether you're a seasoned operator or just starting out, this episode challenges you to look beyond the balance sheet and build a lasting legacy of stability and health.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why passing down the farm shouldn't mean passing down the struggles.
• Examining financial management, relationships, and business structures.
• How unaddressed trauma impacts families and operations.
• The importance of proper succession planning and avoiding the "working for nothing" trap.
• Dealing with your "stuff" through therapy and open communication.
• Being present for your kids and leading with strength, not fear.
• The critical role of life insurance and estate planning.
• Understanding the roles of CEO, CFO, and Foreman in your operation.
• Building a healthy family and a farm set up to last.

Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Connect with Your Ag Empire:

• Follow on Instagram @youragempire
• Follow on Facebook
• Subscribe on YouTube
• Follow on LinkedIn
• Follow on TikTok
• Check out our website

Resources & Links:

• https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/
• Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a member
• Protect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutions
• Join The Dirt email subscription 
• Book Jonathon as your next speaker

Mentioned in this episode:

Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.

Empire Financial Services

In this special episode of Your Ag Empire, Jonathon Haralson sits down with Brooke Taylor—Empire Ag’s Chief of Brand Strategy and the founder of the Rural Gone Urban Foundation—for a raw, unfiltered conversation about legacy, loss, and the power of choosing to stay.

Brooke opens up about what it really took to launch a nonprofit while raising a toddler and fighting metastatic breast cancer. She talks through the foundation’s flagship programs—scholarships for B and C students, small business grants for rural women, and Love Bombs for women fighting cancer—and the deeply personal experiences that shaped each initiative.

More than a nonprofit, the Rural Gone Urban Foundation is a movement rooted in community, second chances, and support for women who don’t check the traditional boxes—but who show up anyway.

Whether you’re a founder, a farmer, or just someone who’s walked through fire and kept going, this one’s for you.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why rural women deserve better support
• The story behind launching the foundation
• Building something during the storm, not after it
• Why “B and C students” are exactly who we should bet on
• The real goal of Love Bombs
• What Brooke wants her daughter to know about hard things
• Legacy, money, and the power of showing up

Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Connect with the Rural Gone Urban Foundation:

• Follow on Instagram @ruralgoneurbanfoundation
• Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruralgoneurbanfoundation
• www.ruralgoneurban.org

Connect with Your Ag Empire:

• Follow on Instagram @youragempire
• Follow on Facebook
• Subscribe on YouTube
• Follow on LinkedIn
• Follow on TikTok
• Check out our website

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a member
• Protect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutions
• Join The Dirt email subscription 
• Book Jonathon as your next speaker

Mentioned in this episode:

Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.

Empire Financial Services

Nebraska rancher and rural relationship guide Terryn Drieling joins Your Ag Empire to talk about mental and emotional health, breaking generational cycles, and how healing starts with connection—not correction.

In this episode, Holly sits down with rancher and rural relationship guide Terryn Drieling to talk about the kind of work most folks avoid—but desperately need: the inner work of healing. From her journey out of the feedlot to launching a movement rooted in emotional wellness, Terryn shares real, grounded insight on why mental and emotional health in rural communities can’t be an afterthought.

Whether she’s helping others regulate their nervous system or drawing parallels between stockmanship and parenting, Terryn doesn’t offer easy fixes—just deep, steady guidance for folks ready to reconnect with themselves and their people.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why Terryn pivoted from feedlot work to relationship work
• How “good movement draws good movement” became her compass
• Why rural America struggles to talk about emotions—and how to start
• Parenting from a place of presence instead of pressure
• How she works with rural families through one-on-one coaching and her Good Movement Collective

Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Connect with GUEST:

• Instagram: @terryn.drieling
• Podcast: Good Movement Draws Good Movement
• Website: www.terryndrieling.com

Connect with Your Ag Empire:

• Follow on Instagram @youragempire
• Follow on Facebook
• Subscribe on YouTube
• Follow on LinkedIn
• Follow on TikTok
• Check out our website

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a member
• Protect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutions
• Join The Dirt email subscription 
• Book Jonathon as your next speaker

Mentioned in this episode:

Farming is a business—and at Empire Financial Services, we treat it like one. Our team helps farmers and ranchers get clarity on their finances, streamline bookkeeping, and build long-term stability. Click below to learn more.

Empire Financial Services