Stock Show Sisters

This week on the Stock Show Sisters podcast, co-host Ricky interviews Amy Cowan, executive director of the Hereford Youth Foundation of America and director of youth activities for the American Hereford Association, about her nearly 28-year career and the value of staying with one organization. Cowan shares her northwest Iowa farm upbringing, SDSU degrees in ag journalism and animal science, a key internship with the American Short...

This week, Riki interviews Clancy Gunn, brand experience lead for Vermeer’s Forage Solutions and former livestock coordinator at the National Western Stock Show. Clancy shares growing up on a Colorado farm, studying agricultural communications at Oklahoma State with an animal science minor, and being influenced by mentors who encouraged her design skills. After a first job in Texas didn’t work out, she returned home, took a data-en...

Mae Boedecker, Livestock and Rodeo Coordinator for the American Royal Association in Kansas City, shares her nontraditional path into agriculture from growing up in Frisco, Texas, starting with showing pigs through FFA. She discusses how being new to ag was intimidating, but built strengths like teachability, humility, and asking for help. Mae recounts attending Oklahoma State, switching from pre-vet to animal science production, a...

Rachel interviews Ranch House Designs colleague Carole Arriaga on the Stock Show Sisters podcast about her 15-year journey from licensed veterinary technician to self-taught web designer and the team’s go-to Shopify expert. Carole describes her busy routine as a working mom, 4-H leader, and mentor, emphasizing handwritten to-do lists, preparation, and learning to say no to protect family time. She discusses evolving web technology,...

Stock Show Sisters Co-Host, Riki Nardiello, interviews Dr. Jodi Sterle of Iowa State University, a Harmon Endowed Professor and associate department chair for teaching who also serves as a provost faculty fellow expanding high-impact, hands-on learning. Sterle shares her path from growing up showing livestock on a Michigan farm, to earning an animal science degree at Michigan State and graduate degrees in swine reproductive physiol...

Stock Show Sisters Co-Host, Riki Nardiello, talks with Riley Reep, Director of Youth and Communications for the Texas Pork Producers Association, about growing up in Ropes, Texas, showing pigs, and how FFA, 4-H, and public speaking helped build her confidence and leadership. She shares her path to Texas Tech, earning a degree in agricultural communications while learning to embrace discomfort, networking, and trusting God’s plan. R...

Stock Show Sisters Co-Host, Riki Nardiello, interviews Kass Newell of the Oklahoma Youth Expo and Cattlemen’s Congress about her path from showing livestock to running operations for two major events. She shares her education at Oklahoma State University, OYE’s scale as the largest junior show for Oklahoma youth, and how Cattlemen’s Congress launched in 2021.

Kass discusses leading high-pressure shows, building a team-first culture,...

In this episode of Stock Show Sisters, Rachel interviews Ricky Nardiello, a Texas A&M student and one of the most respected young women in the livestock world. Ricky shares her journey from growing up in East Bernard, Texas, to showing multiple species like pigs and cattle, and the lessons she learned along the way. They discuss the differences in caring for various livestock, the importance of patience and discipline, and Rick...

In this episode of 'Stock Show Sisters’, Rachel converses with Camille Burns, an outstanding student at Texas A&M University with a rich background in agriculture. Camille shares her experiences from growing up showing Brangus cattle and being involved in various school activities, to dealing with challenges in high school and college. The discussion covers topics like managing stress, the role of social media, overcoming disap...

In this episode of the Stock Show Sisters podcast, guest host, Ashley Fitzsimmons interviews Brittainy Barton Frost, the owner of Proud Souls Boutique in Illinois. Brittainy shares her journey from growing up in Texas and showing livestock to moving to Illinois out of love and opportunity. She discusses her passion for fashion, starting her boutique, the importance of community support, and the challenges she has faced in expanding...

In the final episode of 2025, the team at Ranch House Designs gathers for a lively discussion on the year in review and offers predictions for marketing trends in 2026. The episode includes light-hearted conversations about mom life, personal anecdotes, and the challenges of balancing work and family. They highlight significant achievements, like their favorite client projects and successful workshops. The discussion covers the ris...

In this episode, Sheila Jensen, owner of Jensen Livestock Agency and co-owner of Jensen Herefords, shares her rich history and experiences in the cattle industry. Sheila discusses her journey from growing up on a farm in Canada and attending North Dakota State University to meeting her husband, Kevin, and starting their own business. The story includes Sheila and Kevin's extensive work in livestock shows, the establishment of their...

This podcast is made possible because of Ranch House Designs. Have a question you want to submit to guests on the show? Learn more here: https://ranchhousedesigns.com/grit-and-grace/

In this episode of the Grit and Grace podcast, Rachel interviews Jennifer Shike, a prominent figure in the agriculture communications field and a pioneering woman in the swine industry. The episode explores Jennifer's exceptional career, including her r...

In this episode of the Grit and Grace Podcast, Rachel is back and is joined by Amanda Wall, a Hereford seed stock producer and genetic consultant from Iowa. Amanda shares her journey in the cattle business, beginning with a friendship formed over Facebook and growing into a close relationship. The podcast covers Amanda's inspiring career path, starting from her education at Iowa State University to working with organizations like E...

In this episode of 'Grit and Grace from the Barn to the Boardroom and Beyond,' Rachel interviews Kristen Davis, a dedicated graphic designer at Ranch House Designs. Kristen shares insights into her personal life, including her marriage, family, and her significant role as a show mom. She opens up about her harrowing battle with acute myeloid leukemia, describing the physical and emotional challenges she faced, and how her faith and...

In this episode of the Grit and Grace podcast, Rachel interviews Becky Allan, a Hereford show mom and entrepreneur with a rich background as a military brat. Becky grew up with no experience in the cattle business, yet she has become one of the most successful figures in the industry. She shares her journey of raising a family while managing multiple businesses, including the Brand Co and Gene Source, alongside her husband, Dave. B...

In this episode of 'Grit and Grace,' Rachel welcomes Ashley Fitzsimmons, co-owner of Fitz Genetics, a powerhouse in agricultural marketing, for a detailed conversation about her journey and daily life. They engage in rapid-fire questions to break the ice before delving into Ashley’s personal and professional background. Ashley shares her insights on issues like mean girls, balancing multiple roles, the significance of perseverance,...

In the inaugural episode of the Grit and Grace podcast, hosted by Ranch House Designs, the focus is on celebrating women in agriculture and specifically the purebred livestock industry. Our first guest is Traci Middleton of Mill Creek Land and Cattle, based in Puryear, Tennessee.

The conversation covers Traci's background, from her involvement in 4-H and FFA to running her own successful cattle operation and participating in indust...

The first episode of the podcast 'Grit and Grace, from the Barn to the Boardroom' introduces hosts Rachel Cutrer, Erin, and Elizabeth, who share their backgrounds in the livestock industry and their passion for celebrating women's contributions to it. Sponsored by Ranch House Designs, the podcast aims to inspire, encourage, and connect women across generations in the purebred livestock sector by sharing real stories of grit and gra...