Humble Ground

Join Derek Pfrang as he talks about family, cattle, crops, and carrying a Kansas operation into the next generation. With the addition of Holton Meat Processing, the Pfrangs have created a fully connected farm-to-family model. This podcast explores the grit, growth, and vision it takes to build a sustainable ag business that stands the test of time. Learn more about them https://holtonmeat.com Wat...

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 s...

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...

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...

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...

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 sig...

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...

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 ht...

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, adapt...

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...

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 Bo...

Rick Strathman of Strathman Farms joins us to share a powerful story of family, farming, and resilience. Raised around a dairy operation, Rick began farming in the 1980s—a time when agriculture was anything but easy. Alongside his brother Roger and now three of their sons, the Strathmans have built a diversified operation in Kansas rooted in grit, faith, and a deep love for the land. For more epis...

What started on a Kansas half section turned into a lifeline for farmers across the country. In this episode, we sit down with Elmer Haug, the man behind Elmer’s Repair—a shop that’s been keeping older tractors running strong since 1974. With over 1,700 Case and IH tractors dismantled and tens of thousands of parts shipped across the U.S. and beyond, Elmer’s team has built a legacy on grit, know-h...

Beck's began as a small family farm in 1937, rooted in the heart of Indiana with a simple yet powerful purpose: to help farmers succeed. What started with Lawrence Beck planting hybrid seed corn on just a few acres has grown into the largest family-owned retail seed company and third-largest seed brand in the United States. Through decades of faith, hard work, and unwavering commitment, Beck&#...

For over 100 years, the Didier family has worked the same Oklahoma soil—enduring dust storms, war, heartbreak, and hardship—transforming 160 acres into over 2,000 acres of sustainable pasture and legacy. Today, Chris and Grant Didier carry on the legacy of their father, Jimmy, and their great-grandfather, Pierre, running a fully modern cow-calf operation built on ethical practices, cutting-edge te...

In this episode, we sit down with Derek Thompson , one of the founders of NextGen Cattle Co. , to hear the story of how he, his brother, and his cousin turned a shared vision into a vertically integrated beef business with impact. Raised on values like trust, integrity, and passion for the land, the trio set out to create a seedstock operation built specifically for the commercial cattleman. Today...

Jay Rezac and his family run Rezac Land & Livestock in rural Kansas, a diversified operation that includes hogs, cattle, crops, and part ownership in a sale barn. Growing up in the family business alongside his dad and grandad, Jay learned the value of hard work and developed a deep love for the ag industry—lessons that have carried over to his own kids and, hopefully, to his grandkids. Today,...

In this episode, we dive into the transformation of Wilroads Feed Yard outside of Dodge City, Kansas and its journey under the ownership of Keith and Tessa Bowman. After purchasing the facility in 2019, the Bowmans expanded operations, upgrading the feedmill with automated flakers, increased storage, and computerized feed batching. Learn about the strategic improvements aimed at maximizing cattle...

In 1972, John and Janie Kramer set out to build more than just a business—they built a legacy. What started as a vision to create opportunities for future generations has grown into J-Six Enterprises, one of the largest family-owned agricultural businesses in America. With over 600+ employees spanning farms, livestock operations, trucking, and milling across Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska, J...

Dave Dreiling has been an entrepreneur since day one, always driven to build and grow businesses. From clothing and restaurants to the pet industry, he’s found success in multiple ventures. But after experiencing Wagyu beef for the first time, he set his sights on ranching. Fast forward a few years, and Dave, along with his team at Booth Creek Wagyu, has built a fully integrated Wagyu operation an...

While stationed on a Navy ship off the coast of Vietnam, Craig Polson made a life-changing decision—he bought his first farm. After serving his country in the Navy, he continued his service in a different way, dedicating his life to farming. Through years of hard work and perseverance, he built a successful family farming operation, turning his vision into a lasting legacy. Follow along with our c...

Galen Ackerman and his wife Linda started Cottonwood Cattle Company in the 1970s. His invention of the HydraBed has become a staple for ranchers across the U.S. and Canada, built on a foundation of faith and family. Learn more about Humble Ground at: https://www.humblegroundag.com Learn more about HydraBed at: www.hydrabeds.com If you are struggling and need someone to talk to please visit: https:...

Five Rivers Cattle Feeding is the world’s largest cattle feeding company, operating 13 feedyards across Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, and Idaho. With a one-time feeding capacity of over 980,000 cattle and an annual market of approximately 1.8 million head, Five Rivers employs more than 600 dedicated individuals. Known for delivering high-quality cattle to processing facilities and sp...

Scott and Glenn Heinen grew up hearing one piece of advice: don’t come back to the farm. Yet today, as fourth-generation farmers, they’ve not only returned but have built a thriving crop and cattle operation in Kansas. They’ve also established one of the largest privately owned aerial application business in the United States, treating nearly 2 million acres each year. In this story, they share th...

4R Farms, nestled in the heart of Kansas, has been a family legacy since its founding in 1991. Now in its third generation, Corbin has returned home with plans to carry on the family tradition. In this story, we delve into the journey that led Corbin back to the farm, the vision he has for the future of this thriving row crop and livestock operation, and the unique challenges and rewards of steppi...