Policy in the Pasture

Aaron Halydier is an eighth-generation Texan whose passion for agriculture began in childhood. During high school, he immersed himself in every facet of agriculture he could -working with horses, cattle, sheep, goats, forestry, hay, and poultry. That early exposure inspired him to pursue collegiate livestock judging and earn a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science with a minor in Range and Wildlife...

McKenna Bush serves as the Youth Outreach Coordinator in the Organization Division. She joined Texas Farm Bureau in November 2021. In this role, Bush is responsible for the development, organization, oversight and execution of all activities involving TFB youth outreach and collegiate programs. That includes the Clover Cash Grant Program, Student Success Series, scholarships, Speak Out For Agricul...

Lisa Castillo is a 2013 graduate of Sam Houston State University and owner of Castillo Cattle Company along with her husband, Nicho. They are beef and dairy farmers in Normangee, TX. They have a Private Ministerial Association (PMA) which allows them to sell directly to members. They sell any product from their farm including beef and raw dairy products legally through their PMA. They have classes...

James is a seasoned rancher and innovative leader in agricultural technology, currently serving as Senior Vice President of Grass and Rangeland at EarthOptics. In this role, he empowers ranchers by introducing cutting-edge technology that maps and quantifies soil health and carbon capture capabilities, enabling informed land management decisions and new revenue opportunities. With nearly 400 years...

Andy Wier is the Executive Director of the Simsboro Aquifer Water Defense Fund (SAWDF), a non-profit organization in Central Texas dedicated to protecting the region’s groundwater resources of the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer. Under his leadership, SAWDF works with landowners, businesses, and government entities to safeguard fair and sustainable access to groundwater, ensuring the long-term availability...

Peyton Schumann grew up on a ranch in Novice, Texas where his father, Rodney Schumann, trained cutting horses and managed a cow-calf operation. Today, his family operates a successful stocker operation. A proud graduate of Coleman High School and Texas Tech University, Peyton began his career in Austin, working for the Texas Senate as an Assistant Committee Clerk. He further honed his expertise as...

Austin Brown III is a fourth-generation rancher in South Texas. Traditionally a registered Hereford operation, Austin was born and raised on the family ranch in Bee County. After graduating from Texas A&M University in 1993 and marrying in 1994, he and his wife Jody, also a Texas A&M graduate, moved to West Texas and managed several ranches. They returned to Bee County in 1998 and implemen...

Tyler Schuster is a fifth-generation rancher from Brackettville, Texas. A graduate of Tarleton State University and Texas A&M University, Schuster currently serves as the assistant director of development for Davis College at Texas Tech University. Prior to this role, Schuster served as the Manager of Leadership Development for Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) based...

Emma and Addie discuss from a "then vs. now" perspective, the advancements and improvements that the Agriculture Industry has seen. They cover production practices from the 1800s to more modern-day approaches.

Addie and Emma discuss direct-to-consumer beef sales and marketing and the importance of being truthful toward the consumer.

Emma and Addie answer more of listeners questions.

In this epsiode, Emma and Addie answer questions sent in by listeners!

Addie and Emma discuss issues that directly affect our farmers and ranchers and the success of their operations for future generations. Why is it harder for the next generation to return to the farm or ranch? They converse about these topics in this episode!

Addie shares what she learned at the TSCRA Convention

Addie and Emma talk about how college students can get involved or stay involved in the Ag Industry while being full-time students. They offer some tips and resources that have helped them from personal experience.

Emma and Addie share a different perspective about the "support women in agriculture" movement.

Emma and Addie discuss how wanting to be a successful advocator and spokesman for Agriculture can sometimes come with pressure and how you can take that pressure and turn it into your driving force.

Emma and Addie discuss the "big picture" about policy and the fight being fought for our farmers and ranchers in our state and nation's capitol.

In this episode, Addie and Emma discuss and share their background in agriculture, how that path ultimately led them to where they are today, and how that shaped what they want to do "when they grow up".

Welcome to the Policy in the Pasture! Policy in the Pasture is a podcast where the hosts Emma Smith and Addie Brown sit down and talk about all things cattle, ranching, agriculture, policy, and advocacy.