Way Out West! with the Colorado FFA Foundation

Shoot us a text! In this episode, we sit down with Colorado State Representative Dusty Johnson (HD 63) to discuss the intersection of policy and production agriculture. Drawing on her roots in 4-H, FFA, and her role on the House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee, Rep. Johnson breaks down how state legislation impacts rural communities and how the next generation can effectively...

Shoot us a text! This week on Way Out West , we sit down with Mike Thoren , the President and CEO of Five Rivers Cattle Feeding , the largest cattle feeding operation in the world. Mike takes us behind the scenes of his impressive career, charting his journey from a passionate newcomer to commanding a massive agricultural enterprise with a feeding capacity of over 900,000 head of cattle. In this m...

Shoot us a text! This week on Way Out West , we are shining a light on the frontline of agricultural literacy with a dynamic conversation featuring two exceptional educators: Mr. Fong of Pagosa Springs High School and FFA and Ms. Grimes of Greeley West High School, representing the Greeley FFA program. As proud graduates of Colorado State University, these two passionate ag teachers join the podca...

Shoot us a text! In this episode, we sit down with Travis Grant , the Chief Executive Officer of the Colorado Livestock Association (CLA) , to look at the shifting landscape of Colorado’s $48-billion livestock industry. From the state legislature to the farthest corners of our rural communities, the challenges facing today’s cattle feeders, dairy producers, swine operations, and more require both...

Shoot us a text! Today, we get to sit down with Dr. Ryan Rhoades, who is CSU Extension's Beef Specialist and professor at the university. In this conversation, we hear more about Dr. Rhoades background, personal and professional interests, and his deep wealth of knowledge that is the livestock industry!  Executive Sponsor: Schmeeckle Bros. Schmeeckle Bros. Construction are leaders in beef pro...

Shoot us a text! In this episode, you will hear from Katie Greenwood, a long-time FFA Advisor and Agricultural Educator, current COFFA Foundation Local Teacher Success Coordinator, and soon-to-be COFFA Foundation's newest Executive Director! We are so happy to have spent this time talking with Katie about her journey through the program herself, and some more personal stories about what Ag Ed...

Shoot us a text! For Daniel Reitz , conservation isn't a buzzword—it’s a daily lifestyle. Whether he’s in the tractor, tending to livestock, or tracking game, Daniel sees the land through three distinct yet connected lenses. Join us as Daniel shares stories from his life as a farmer, rancher, and hunter , and how those roles have shaped his deep commitment to conservation. We discuss the &quo...

Shoot us a text! There’s a thin line between "cowboy logic" and the data needed to keep a multi-generational ranch profitable in today’s market, and Shane White is helping producers bridge that gap. As the National Sales Manager for CERES Tag, Shane joins the show to discuss how the world’s first direct-to-satellite smart tag is removing the guesswork from herd management. We move past t...

Shoot us a text! The Flyin' H on the inside of every one of Travis Hamblen's handmade cowboy hats stands for Heritage, History, Hope, and Hard Work. That's what this episode brings to you.  In this episode of "Way Out West!" with the Colorado FFA Foundation, we’re stepping into the workshop of Travis Hamblen, the master craftsman behind Hamblen Hats. Travis isn't just...

Shoot us a text! Hello everybody, I felt it was long overdue to explain how this podcast came to be and what the goals are for the podcast going forward. This episode here is just a solo, personal discussion all about the podcast!  Instagram Handle: wowcoffapod Executive Sponsor: Schmeeckle Bros. Schmeeckle Bros. Construction are leaders in beef processing as a one-stop design and build! Location...

Shoot us a text! Bridging the gap between the pasture and the stage, Braxton Hamblen offers a unique perspective on the two industries that define the American heartland. As a multi-generational agriculturalist and rising artist in the country music scene, Braxton hosts conversations focused on the realities of the Western way of life. From land conversion and cowboying to the creative process and...

Shoot us a text! Meet Dr. Travis Park , the National FFA Advisor! In this quick conversation, we explore his philosophy that guides the strategy of the National FFA Organization. As Chair of the governing board, Dr. Park is the steward of the FFA mission for over 1 million members. He shares how his past roles —including serving as a National FFA President and later as a chapter advisor—have shape...

Shoot us a text! The FFA Foundation's Meat and Greet is a specialty fundraising and awareness event designed to showcase and support the hard work of youth involved in agriculture. Hosted by the Colorado FFA Foundation, the event features a selection of Coloradan-raised proteins—such as beef, pork, and lamb—prepared in a "foodie" style. Its core purpose is to connect young FFA and 4...

Shoot us a text! Step into the world of agricultural advocacy and leadership with Kenton Ochsner , Executive Director of the Colorado Beef Council . After two decades leading the Colorado FFA, Kenton offers an insider's look at the US beef industry, detailing the high demand , tightening cattle supply , and the crucial work of the Beef Checkoff program in promoting quality and consumer trust....

Shoot us a text! In this episode, we have the opportunity to hear firsthand about the many experiences and insights John Stahley has gained over his years of involvement with the FFA. Although Mr. Stahley may introduce himself as "an old ag teacher," he too was an FFA member at one point in time, even serving as a Past Colorado FFA State Officer. John now works as the current Executive D...

Shoot us a text! In this episode, we're joined by Curt, a true innovator in the livestock industry. With a lifetime of experience as a rancher, Curt has a unique ability to think outside the box and challenge others to do the same. He's made a name for himself by conducting stockmanship clinics and demonstrations across the country, sharing his expertise and helping ranchers improve thei...

Shoot us a text! Ryer is the kind of guy who knows how to be serious and professional, but he's also the type of guy who switches up the conversation and tosses out the funniest joke you've ever heard in the blink of an eye. We're pretty sure you'll see that and so much more from him on this episode full of laughs and deep-cutting wisdom, which is why we'll always be rooti...

Shoot us a text! On this week's episode, we're kicking off our boots and pulling up a chair with a truly unique talent: Liza Jo. She's not your typical rising star, and her story is as compelling as her music. Before she was captivating audiences with her powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics, Liza Jo was leading the charge as a past FFA State President. Join us as we dive into how h...

Shoot us a text! Welcome to the Way Out West! Podcast, we are so happy to have you here! On our first episode, we have Rachel Gabel, a longtime agriculture writer and the assistant editor of The Fence Post Magazine. She writes exclusively about the agriculture industry and primarily about protein production. She lives in northeastern Colorado, where she is a member of one of the 12,400 beef-produc...

Shoot us a text! In this episode, we get to hear from 3 of the 10 Colorado FFA State Officers: Kaitlyn Fenton, Thomas Schaal, and Maddux Chapman. Each officer recorded a one-on-one 20-minute segment to make up this episode, allowing us to meet the very people who instill leadership from the ground up in the youth of agriculture. Jump in to hear how FFA plays a role in their lives and how they cont...

Shoot us a text! For the last of the 3 launch episodes, we have brought on the Colorado State FFA Advisor, Shannon Baylie. Shannon was a State FFA Officer in 2011 before attending Colorado State University and majoring in agriculture education. She started her teaching career in Brush, Colorado, in 2014 and then moved to Windsor High School in 2017, where she has been ever since. While teaching, S...