Western Ag Life

The conversation with Ryan Rash covers various aspects of livestock showing, including the impact of home care on show ring performance, trends in livestock quality improvement, and the transformation of different livestock species. It also highlights the advantages of livestock showing for children and families, emphasizing the importance of relationships in the livestock industry. Takeaways Chapters

“This week’s Western Ag Life Weather Report comes from our trusted meteorologist, Michael Groff, bringing you the latest outlook for Arizona and across the West. It’s a great reminder of just how important accurate forecasting is for our farmers, ranchers, and producers making daily decisions. We also want to give a big thank you to our sponsor, Paul Ramirez with Stockmen’s Realty. If you’re buying or selling ranch, farm, or horse property, Paul is a strong advocate for our Western way of life and proud to support this weekly weather update. We appreciate you helping us keep our ag community informed and prepared.”

Welcome back to another episode of the Western Ag Life Podcast—where we celebrate the people, stories, and lifestyle that define agriculture and the Western way of life. I’m your host, Paul Ramirez, and today’s conversation is one that hits home for every farmer, rancher, and ag family out there. We’re joined by Jolene Brown—a nationally recognized speaker, author, and expert in helping farm and ranch families navigate the tough conversations around business, finances, and succession planning. Jolene Brown is a walking-talking spokesperson and champion for the people of agriculture. She's a farmer in Eastern Iowa, contributor to Successful Farming magazine’s popular family business column, author of two great books and an inductee into the prestigious Speaker Hall of Fame. Her worldwide audiences appreciate her fun-filled spirit and valuable information. She's on a mission to share leading-edge best practices, appreciation, laughter and celebration to increase productivity, profitability and peace of mind In today’s episode, we’re diving into what it really takes to stay financially strong in agriculture—especially in today’s unpredictable markets. From managing risk and staying solvent, to handling the delicate balance between family and business, Jolene brings real-world insight that every operation can learn from. We’ll also talk about longevity—what it takes to not only survive, but to position your farm or ranch for success for generations to come. If you’re part of a family operation, thinking about transition, or just trying to make smarter financial decisions in challenging times… this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Let’s get into it. 🎧 This is the Western Ag Life Podcast.

🔥 What a weekend at the League of Their Own Auction Championship! 🔥 On this episode of the Western Ag Life Podcast, we interviewed with the Top 3 Champions fresh off the block after an incredible competition that brought together some of the best livestock auctioneers in the country. After weeks of head-to-head matchups and high-pressure moments, it all came down to grit, skill, and heart — and these three rose to the top. 🏆 🎤 Hear directly from our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners as they share: • What it took to compete at this level • The emotions of the finals • How they handled the pressure • What this milestone means for their future With one of the largest payouts in auction history on the line, this wasn’t just a competition — it was a defining moment for the auction industry. 🎧 Listen now on YouTube and all major podcast platforms 📢 Be sure to LIKE, SHARE, and FOLLOW to support the Western Ag community! #WesternAgLife #Auctioneers #LeagueOfTheirOwn #WesternLifestyle #Agriculture #Podcast #AuctionLife

🔥 The BEST of the BEST are headed to the finals! 🔥 On this episode of the Western Ag Life Podcast, Michael Imbrogno and I break down the Top 10 finalists in the League of Their Own Auctioneer Competition—and let me tell you, this is elite-level talent. After 9 intense weeks of head-to-head battles, it all comes down to this weekend… where one Auctioneer will walk away with a massive $25,000 prize 💰 These auctioneers have brought skill, grit, and heart to the block—and now it’s time to see who rises to the top? 🎧 Tune in to hear our thoughts on the finalists and what to expect in the championship round. 📺 Watch on YouTube and help us grow the Western Ag Life community! #WesternAgLife #AuctioneerLife #LeagueOfTheirOwn #WesternLifestyle #AgCommunity #Auctioneers #FinalsWeekend

🔥 WESTERN AG LIFE PODCAST 🔥 The battles are finished and now we sat down with Brian Marlin and Sam Stamper to highlight the action from the League of Their Own Auctioneer Competition — After intense rounds of competition, we’re officially down to the Top 10 finalists, with the Top 3 advancing to the championship round. These elite auctioneers will meet back in Checotah, Oklahoma on April 11 to battle it out for the title. This competition is truly one of a kind — setting a new standard in the auctioneering world with one of the largest payouts in auction history 💰 and showcasing the very best talent the industry has to offer. From skill and speed to showmanship and grit, this is more than a contest — it’s a celebration of the auction profession and the Western way of life. 🎧 Tune in now to hear the full breakdown and get an inside look at what it takes to compete at this level. #WesternAgLife #Auctioneers #LeagueOfTheirOwn #WesternLifestyle #AgCommunity #AuctionLife #FinalsBound

🔥 New Episode Alert – Western Ag Life Podcast 🎙️ We’re excited to welcome Lorinda Graham Van Newkirk of Lucky Chuck to the Western Ag Life Podcast! Lorinda brings a powerful story rooted deep in the Western lifestyle—blending grit, creativity, and an unstoppable entrepreneurial spirit. From building her brand to staying true to her Western roots, she shares what it really takes to turn passion into purpose in today’s world. 🤠 In this episode, we dive into: • Her journey in the Western fashion industry • The inspiration behind Lucky Chuck • Lessons in entrepreneurship and staying authentic • The importance of preserving and promoting the Western way of life Whether you’re in agriculture, business, or just love the Western lifestyle, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. 🎧 Tune in now on all major platforms + YouTube 👉 Follow, like, and share to help us spread the word of agriculture and the Western way of life! #WesternAgLife #Podcast #WesternLifestyle #Entrepreneurship #LuckyChuck #AgLife #RanchLife #WesternFashion

🎙️ New episode on the Western Ag Life Podcast! Today, host Paul Ramirez sat down with Matthew Noggle from Legacy Farmer for a powerful conversation about what it really takes to run agriculture like a business. 🌾 They discuss the importance of protecting profit, building sustainability for future generations, and managing your agricultural operation in a way that allows for accurate assessment and long-term success. Agriculture isn’t just a way of life — it’s an enterprise that must be managed with purpose, discipline, and vision. If you care about the future of farming and ranching and want practical insights on strengthening your operation, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Listen now on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. 🎧 #WesternAgLife #Agriculture #Farming #Ranching #LegacyFarmer

🎙️ New Episode – Western Ag Life Podcast On this episode of the Western Ag Life Podcast, we welcome Amber Owens from the Arizona Farm & Ranch Hall of Fame. Amber joins us to discuss the five 2026 inductees and the incredible legacy of the Hall of Fame in recognizing the men and women who have shaped Arizona agriculture. The Arizona Farm & Ranch Hall of Fame celebrates the farmers and ranchers whose dedication has played a vital role not only in agriculture, but in strengthening communities across our state. Since its founding, the organization has honored more than 130 individuals whose impact stretches across Arizona—from Safford to Parker, from Douglas to the Navajo Nation. It’s a great conversation about heritage, leadership, and the people who continue to build the future of agriculture in the West. 🎧 Listen now on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. #WesternAgLife #ArizonaAgriculture #FarmRanchHeritage #AgLeadership #RanchingLife #FarmingLife #AgPodcast #ArizonaRanching

🎙️ New Episode of the Western Ag Life Podcast Today on the Western Ag Life Podcast, we had the honor of visiting with Colonel Ralph Wade, world champion auctioneer and one of the most respected voices in the auction industry. Colonel Wade joined us to talk about the upcoming Champion Chant Auction School, taking place March 25–27 in California. During the episode, Ralph shares the skills and techniques aspiring and experienced auctioneers can gain at the school — from developing a strong chant and ring presence to improving rhythm, clarity, and confidence behind the microphone. There are still a few spots available for this upcoming session, so if you’ve ever thought about becoming an auctioneer or sharpening your chant, now is the time to get involved. 📣 Be sure to contact Champion Chant Auction School to secure your spot in this upcoming class! Listen now on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. #WesternAgLife #Auctioneer #ChampionChant #AuctionLife #AuctionIndustry #AuctionSchool #RalphWade #AgCommunity #WesternLifestyle #LearnTheChant #AgPodcast

🎙️ Western Ag Life Podcast – New Episode Alert! We’re excited to welcome Joel Judge of The Judge Source Cattle Genetics to the Western Ag Life Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Joel to talk about his upcoming auction on March 7 at the beautiful Hilton North Scottsdale at Cavasson in Scottsdale**. Joel shares the details behind this highly anticipated sale and gives us an inside look at the elite cattle genetics that will be available for purchase. From program development to what sets these genetics apart in today’s market, this is a great conversation for serious cattlemen and anyone looking to elevate their herd. If you’re in the market for top-tier cattle or just want to hear what’s shaping the future of the industry, you won’t want to miss this one. Digital catalogue: https://cci.auction/orgs/53/auctions/5801 🎧 Listen on all major podcast platforms & watch on YouTube. #WesternAgLife #CattleGenetics #Seedstock #ArizonaAg #ScottsdaleAZ #RanchLife #BeefIndustry #AgPodcast #EliteGenetics #WesternLifestyle

This week on the Western Ag Life Podcast we sat down with Jason Hershberger of Hershberger Performance Horses to talk about his upcoming sale happening February 27 in Scottsdale at Westworld For 21 years, Jason has successfully conducted this sale — a true testament to consistency, integrity, and quality in an industry where longevity like that is rare. We discuss what it takes to keep a horse sale thriving for over two decades and why buyers and sellers continue to come back year after year. What makes it even more special? It’s truly a family affair. From friends to family, it’s all hands on deck to make this event happen — something that reflects the values we appreciate so much in the Western lifestyle. If you’re interested in performance horses or just enjoy hearing the stories behind successful operations, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Listen now on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. #WesternAgLife #HershbergerPerformanceHorses #ScottsdaleArizona #PerformanceHorses #HorseSale #WesternLifestyle #RanchLife #FamilyTradition #HorseIndustry #EquineEntrepreneur #SupportWesternAg

🎙️ This Week on the Western Ag Life Podcast 🌵🐂 We’re excited to welcome Mr. John Butler of the Beef Marketing Group to the show! John is a proud University of Arizona alumnus with deep roots in Arizona agriculture. In this episode, we dive into his family’s long-standing legacy of leadership in the industry—including the tremendous impact of his father, Don Butler Sr who played a major role in shaping agricultural policy in our state. From his early days as a 4-H member to rising into key leadership positions within the beef industry, John shares his journey, his values, and his vision for the future of agriculture. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss! 🎧 Available now on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. #WesternAgLife #AgPodcast #ArizonaAgriculture #BeefIndustry #BeefMarketingGroup #UofAAlumni #4H #AgLeadership #RanchLife #CattleCountry #AgLegacy #FarmAndRanch #AgCommunity #RuralAmerica #AgVoices #WesternWayOfLife

🎙️ New Episode – Western Ag Life Podcast We’re excited to welcome Ricky Rater with Pro Way Livestock Equipment to the Western Ag Life Podcast! In this episode, we dive into modern livestock facility design and how Pro Way is integrating concepts that prioritize safe, efficient cattle handling. Ricky shares insight into their innovative approach—building the majority of each facility in their factory, then erecting it on the farmer or rancher’s location, saving time and improving consistency. We also highlight their Klump Pens project in Duncan, Arizona, and talk about their upcoming Open Pens event: 📍 Duncan, AZ 🗓 February 10 ⏰ 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM If you’re interested in new concepts and forward-thinking livestock facility design, Ricky and the Pro Way team will be on site—stop by and visit with them! 🎧 Listen on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. #WesternAgLife #ProWayLivestockEquipment #LivestockFacilities #CattleHandling #RanchLife #AgInnovation #Stockyards #Cattlemen #Ranching #FarmLife #ArizonaAg #DuncanAZ #LivestockDesign #AgConstruction #CattleOperations

🎙️ New episode out today on the Western Ag Life Podcast! We had a special guest join us — Mr. Jason Santomaso of Sterling, Colorado. On this episode, Jason shares the story behind his Meat In fundraising event and the great causes it supports across Colorado. We also dive into how he incorporated an auctioneer contest into the event — and now, heading into its third year, the contest continues to grow and gain momentum within the community. 📍 Sterling, Colorado 📅 March 21, 2026 If you’re anywhere near Sterling, this is an event you won’t want to miss. 🎤 Auctioneers: there are only 20 spots available, and they fill up fast! Listen now on all major podcast platforms and get the details. #WesternAgLife #WesternAgLifePodcast #MeatIn #SterlingColorado #Auctioneers #AuctioneerLife #AgFundraiser #AgCommunity #WesternLifestyle #CelebrateCommunicateEducate #RanchingLife #FarmingLife #SupportAg

🔥 NEW EPISODE | Western Ag Life Podcast 🔥 We sit down with Michael Imbrogno, one of the most knowledgeable minds in auctioneer competition, to break down all nine head-to-head matchups in the brand-new auctioneer league, A League of Their Own. We go matchup by matchup, making our picks on who we believe wins each battle, while diving into what truly separates elite auctioneers when they’re judged head-to-head by professional buyers. This concept is something the auction industry has never seen before — auctioneers competing directly against one another, evaluated by the very people who buy for a living. Few people understand auction competition at Michael’s level, and his insight brings real depth to this conversation. 🎧 Available now on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. #WesternAgLifePodcast #WesternAgLife #AuctionIndustry #Auctioneers #LivestockAuction #AuctioneerLife #LeagueOfTheirOwn #AuctionCompetition #HeadToHead #ProfessionalBuyers #AgPodcast #RanchingLife #FarmingLife #WesternLifestyle #InnovationInAg #LivestockMarketing #CattleIndustry #AgTalk

🚨 BIG NEWS from the Western Ag Life Podcast! 🚨 Sam Stamper and Brian Marlin are bringing a bold, brand-new auctioneering concept to the livestock industry—“A League of Their Own.” This innovative competition will feature only high-caliber livestock auctioneers going head-to-head in weekly battles streamed on DV Auctions, all leading up to the championship finals April 10–11 at Checotah Livestock Market in Checotah, Oklahoma. With an unprecedented $25,000 to the winner—the largest payout in livestock auctioneer competition history—this inaugural event is set to change the game. If you’re involved in the auction business in any way, this is something you won’t want to miss! There are also other innovated ideas that will be coming, but are too early to make announcements. You may follow all the details of the contest on “A League of Their Own” Facebook page. **And super exciting news for you the listeners will have the opportunity to vote one of the auctioneers back into the finals. ** Stay tuned to the Western Ag Life Podcast for more details and be sure to follow the action each week on DV Auctions. #WesternAgLife #LeagueOfTheirOwn #SamStamper #BrianMarlin #LivestockAuctioneer #AuctionLife #ChecotahOklahoma #DVAuctions #CattleIndustry

🎙️ New Episode from the Western Ag Life Podcast! We’re excited to bring you a great conversation with Dean Edge of Rimbey, Alberta, Canada – the current World Champion Livestock Auctioneer! In this episode, Dean shares his journey to reaching the pinnacle of the livestock auction industry, the dedication it takes to compete at that level, and what the auction profession means to the livestock business across North America. Whether you’re involved in ranching, farming, or just love the rhythm of a good chant, you won’t want to miss this one. Listen now on all major audio podcast platforms! #WesternAgLife #LivestockAuctioneer #DeanEdge #WorldChampion #AuctionLife #RanchingLife #CattleIndustry #AgCommunity #WesternLifestyle #CelebrateCommunicateEducate #LivestockMarketing #AgricultureProud #RanchersAndFarmers #LivestockMarketing

We had the pleasure of having Sarah Ogilvie join us on the Western Ag Life Podcast! 🎙️🐑 Sarah shared details about her upcoming stock dog clinic and trials featuring international stock dog clinician Arwyn Davies in Benson, Arizona. 📅 January 16–19 This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in improving their stock dog skills and learning from world-class experience. 👉 For clinic and trial details, visit Sarah Ogilvie’s Facebook page. Be sure to tune in to the episode and don’t miss this outstanding event in the stock dog community!

🎙️ Today on the Western Ag Life Podcast 🎙️ We had a great conversation with Kaila Baril, who joined us to talk about her entrepreneurial journey and the many ways it connects to the Western way of life. Kaila shared how her photography captures the heart of the Western lifestyle, what it’s like living in the country, and her newest venture—raising free-range hogs that she plans to offer to the public as organically raised pork. This episode highlights hard work, creativity, and the growing connection between agriculture and local food production. A great listen for anyone who appreciates rural living and ag entrepreneurship. 🌾🐖📸 Feel free to contact Kaila @ https://stillwesternphoto.com/ 🎧 Available now on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. #WesternAgLifePodcast #AgLife #WesternLifestyle #EntrepreneurLife #WomenInAg #RuralLiving #CountryLife #AgEntrepreneur #PhotographyLife #FarmToTable #FreeRange #OrganicFarming #LocalAg #SustainableAgriculture