I can't thank our special coaches, and past podcast guests, Kylie Langley, Cadence Hansen, and Rilynn Buesing, for coming and teaching all the tricks! Our campers learned a lot!

My hope was that the campers would grow in trying new things, and challenge themselves in thinking, "Why not me?". I believe the mission was accomplished.

Throughout the next hour you'll hear the excitement, the giggles, and especially all the confidence. These girls killed it and I couldn't be prouder of them!

Stay tuned as 2026 dates are coming out soon! So enjoy.. Empowerment Beyond the Barn... She Stock Shows!

She grew up in Southwest Minnesota on a hog farm, quickly discovered a passion for cattle and now raises high quality show lambs. She's been a judge all over this country, teaches her students about Stock show fun, including chicken judging, soils, and that preparation is key. There isn't much that Ashley hasn't done or tried.

As the oldest of 8 siblings, her journey is unique. Her energy is contagious, her work ethic her "edge", and in the stock show world she is focused and competitive. I love it. I think you will too. Let's meet Miss Ashley Wiebe!

During our conversation she shares with us how the spring and summer evolved. Would you believe that her hogs actually placed last at her first jackpot? Would you also believe that her Dad challenged her after last year's state fair to win it this year? I love how Rilynn says so casually, "I just knew the hard work would make it possible!"

Like most high schoolers, Rilynn loves to play volleyball, hang out with friends, and be in the barn with her two older sisters and family. She is passionate about, "Hamilton" the musical, and even raps a little! It's amazing how cattle, hogs, and music can bring us all together.

I can't wait for you to listen in. I hope you feel the energy, the excitement and mostly the gratitude that she has for such an opportunity. She says, "Stock show is family"... Rilynn sure shows us that!

I love how this conversation centers around things coming to an end. The last time in the ring, the last set of goals, and all the feels that go with it. It's surprising how it hits each of them differently.

Both Cadence and Molly have big plans ahead; off to college and sights on what's to come. When I ask them, "What's your legacy going to be?" they each thought of others. How they hoped to be an influence and inspiration for young girls just getting started.

But as this chapter closes don't think they are done! Molly is off to the State Fair to represent Cedar County as the 2023 fair queen. Cadence, well she's got a heifer that is on fire this summer. She just represented Cedar County at the Regional Show Best of the Best, won showmanship honors, and has her sights on State Fair! The ladies have worked hard, been consistent, made friends, and created a community that supports and loves them. I'm honored I've been a part of it!

So let's get started, enjoy this last ride and meet this week's Ladies in the Lead... Cadence Hansen and Molly Chapman.

Honestly, I've been wanting to talk to Kate for over a year! She is someone that has been an icon for what teamwork, passion, and stock show family looks like. A cosmetologist by trade, she takes what she creates in the salon and works her magic at home. Kate is modest when she says, "Yeah I just take what I know and apply it in the barn. :)". So don't let that comment fool you, the calves look amazing! She is known for her ability to grow hair!

While some think fashion, hair, and makeup are best left out of the show ring, Kate talks about how fashion and beauty help to create the best version of ourselves. I love how she makes the connection for women and empowers clients to be their best. It's powerful.

The girls are forces of energy and excitement. They are open and freely spoken. They know their goals, their cows, and their love for dogs. Kyndall is a force in the showing and gives great advice, if I'm calm she'll, (her heifer), stays calm." Kennedy loves her time in the cooler, daily rising at 5:30 AM. She's excited to show and begin her own stock show journey.

Kate's edge.. goal setting. She knows how to break it down. Everyone's favorite part of stock show.. the family of friends and the connections you make. To be welcomed, have big goals, and those that want the best for you and your kids, there's nothing like it.

I can't wait for you to get to know them!

(Burns Angus had a huge win at Junior Nationals this year, raising the Grand Champion Angus Steer. I have no doubt that the girls were right there cheering on the final slap.)

Tess grew up in SouthWest Iowa, showing livestock from the 2nd grade. Cattle, sheep, and hogs filled the barn but Tess knew from a young age that Education was where her heart would take her. She attended Northwest Missouri State, earned her Ag Education degree and started teaching. Miss Mittag, as her students will always call her, transformed lives, set high expectations, and created opportunities. She loved each of her students like one of her own. But when the opportunity to join Sullivan's came about, she saw the chance to match her passion with her daily life.

Tess has a drive that comes from building relationships and making an impact. She loves after a weekend at StockShow U, juniors say 'thank you' and feel like family. She'll encourage anyone to attend a Junior Nationals, always ask ask ask, and find a mentor to help you along the way. Tess reminds us, "We get better when everyone gets better!"

Her secret passion, Tik Tok, find her I promise you, you won't be disappointed. So let's get started... Miss Tess MIttag!

As the foundation couple in developing the 13 county regional show, Best of the Best, Mary has been a "present face" in fundraising, recruiting and manager of the details. Mary is working hard to give these kids, "one more show" to get too. Mary and her husband Rob, have spent their lives supporting and building opportunities for Stock Show kids.

Mary's day job keeps her busy in the Extension office of Iowa County. 17 years she's been there, coaching and encouraging families to "Make the best better." What's she's most proud of though is her family. Commuting each weekend to be a cattle producer in Bloomfield, IA, she talks about how the family comes together to make it work. The memories, the fun, the struggles, how it's all worth it when you do it together.

She surrounds herself with good people, works hard, and has stayed true to herself. An avid Stock Show junkie, you'll always find her on the top row, steer side, at the State Fair. I'm been blessed to have spent a few hours with her in that row too, so from now on save me a seat... Ladies in the Lead meet Mary Veatch!

Residing in Miles, Iowa with her husband Charlie and two sons, Hendrix (4 yrs) and Riggins (4 months), Deven is what you would say, BUSY! She is recognized Nationally as a powerful judge, works full time as the Marketing and Social Media director with SC Online Sales, a new mother of two beautiful boys, a business owner with Charlie, sells and promotes elite show heifers and steers, and a huge believer in what stock show is all about.

Deven grew up in two worlds; the city of Lansing, Michigan and on the farm with Grandpa and Grandma. She loved having experiences in both, but knew from early on, age 10, that she was passionate and competitive for the show ring.

Deven and I talk about growing up, how finding Black Hawk College changed her life, her first year of learning to judge, and ultimately making her way to SC. I love how she speaks her mind, isn't afraid to share new ideas, and is super creative. She's fiercely competitive, loves her Michigan State Spartans, and sees people for themselves. She loves a great challenge, but her favorite thing is watching her boys grow. (When Hendrix showed for the first time, it pulled on every one of my motherly heart strings).

Deven lives the Stock Show world daily. She feels so thankful for all of it. She's thankful for Charlie, his work ethic, their herd, her family, the community around her, and the success that they've been able to achieve. She knows it's not easy, and she doesn't take any of it for granted.

I can't wait for you to listen in... this week's Lady in the Lead Mrs. Deven Wilson!

The Baden Baldy Boutique was created in the spring of 2020, right at the start of CO-VID. When most were settling down, Jess was opening a new online business. She'll say it was the best time to open up, "Everyone was shopping online!" Quickly the boutique grew and before she knew it her mindset of "Let's give this a try." turned to, "I need to do this full time!" So she quit her job, and took off!

Over the next 12 months, Jess would travel across the country, attending show after show, last year alone she was a 40 for the 52 weeks! While the business grew, she relied on friends and family for support, found a special business mentor in Louisville, and worked her tail off. What I think made all the difference was her ultimate belief in herself.

You see.. her success truly came from the fact that she believed she deserved a shot. She gave herself her time. She put her energy towards her business. She knew she wanted it and she knew she could do it. So when others were saying no, she trusted her instincts. When she was in doubt, she trusted the journey and by giving herself some grace, her best efforts made all the difference. Fast forward to February 2023.. she's thriving, growing and not stepping back.

Her best advice, "you do you!"... Ladies in the Lead..Miss Jess Horras.

BTW -- thebadenbaldy.com is her website, "shestockshows" as a check out code will get you 15% off your entire order. Who doesn't love a discount? Thanks Jess!

Located in West Central Iowa, Katlyn and her husband Zach, own and operate Razin Cane's Showpigs. Katlyn is known for her judging, especially the way she works with the kids. When she's judging she loves being in that "zone". It's something she has wanted to do since she was 9! She has big goals to hit 30 county fairs by the time she is 30; she's got 25 in and 2 years to go! Her drive.. "to build the passion and fan the flames" that make these kids grow. I love it!

Katlyn loves how stock show gives kids a place to fit in and be successful. She confesses how she use to show and judge horses! She has a huge play list and is always in control of the aux cord! It's just the beginning ... I can't wait for you to hear the rest. Let get started.... Mrs. Katlyn Cain!

Renee and her husband Jim, live outside of West Branch, Iowa and run Thompson Swine Genetics. Together they use their farm to provide students the opportunities to show pigs, (maybe chickens), but really learn about life. Lessons that teach about care for stock, how to win, competitiveness, being humble, and most importantly having fun. As she puts it, "We aren't just showing pigs here, we are teaching about life."

Renee talks about how showing livestock in her youth, took down her "bubble", let people get close, and propelled her to bigger things. I know that same strategy is working with her students. She is a mother of 3, calls herself a Show Mom, and doesn't take one minute of it for granted.

Humble, kind, a true leader... I can't wait for you to hear her story, so let's get started, this week's Lady in the Lead... Mrs. Renee Thompson!

Macy is the 2nd of 4 girls from a 6 generational farm in Washington County Iowa! An inspiring and active hog judge, you are going to find that she takes learning, teaching, and being on the mic to a whole new level.

Macy attended Iowa State University, and pursued her passion through Ag Education! I love her conscious choice to try something new and wait till you hear about how her student teaching led her to Houston, Texas!

She loves to travel abroad, has a powerful mindset of positivity, and finds good people everywhere. She gives us such great messaging of being our best self comes from giving our best effort. Her drive... is securely based in her values! I can't wait for you to meet her, better yet I can't wait for you to see her judge!.... Miss Macy Marek!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I can't wait for 2023!

Kandy bravely shares with us her journey through a long illness with a final diagnosis that led to a kidney transplant. With two autoimmune diseases wreaking havoc on her body, decisions had to be made, not with days but within hours. She shares with us about going on dialysis, finally getting home and being confined for 12 hours a day tied to machines. Kandy would finally get on the transplant list with a hard match to make. Listen closely as she tells about how a beautiful friend was able to join a chain that made Kandy's kidney transplant possible.

Kandy, today, is healthy. I can't thank her enough for taking us on the emotional roller coaster of being sick, maintaining hope when it was hard, and using her platform to spread the word about how transplants save lives.

Enjoy as we wrap up with her favorite places to show, judge, her celebrity crush, and how long she can take Al playing Prime Country in the truck. Last week I started with being awe struck, I leave feeling like a special friend. Kandy Schminke you truly are a very special Lady in the Lead.

Kandy shares about the 40 years of hard work, challenges, and how her flock has gotten to where it is today. She calls herself a learner, a person who grows, and you can see that in her breeding strategy, her judging, and her personal life.

For those in the Sheep World, Kandy is a well respected judge and has covered the US to evaluate livestock. Denver .. check, Houston... check, OYE... yep.. and that's just the beginning. See Kandy was judging when women weren't. You'll smile when she talks about being asked if she was the ribbon girl for the day... but then you'll quickly realize she has set the foundation for so many young ladies to aspire to. Kandy is all class and can cut a class with the best.

Our 1st hour takes us through what Stock Show means and the 2nd hour ends up with her health, which will be part 2.

So enjoy the moments, be open to whatever comes, and keep your dreams in front of you! (Kandy's mantra!) It's going to be a great week to listen! Please join me, be in awe and a little star struck.... I know I was!

She would say her journey is nothing fancy. I'd disagree. She would say it took awhile to find her path. I'd say she did the hard work to get there. And she would say that she's just getting started, I'd say she is right! I loved talking to her about their intentional breeding, her love for podcasts, and her vision for the future. It's going to be awesome!

Mallory has a strong quiet confidence and a work ethic that doesn't quit. She is truly a Lady in the Lead. I can't wait for you to meet her! Enjoy!

Cassidy is an example of what it means to give back. Always committed to a high level of excellence, she shows us how important it is to volunteer, both locally and at the State level. She never forgets where it all started but definitely sees herself on the bigger stage. She knows the importance of staying involved anyway she can. I think it's a great reflection on how she's stock shows .... She gets and keeps things moving. She is a difference maker, a leader. She's smart, open and ready to once again start a new chapter. I can't wait for you to meet her..., so let's get started... Cassidy Moore!

At age 21 she owns her own business, Elite Therapies! She's a 3rd year student at Iowa State and going to graduate early with her Ag Education Degree. (Lucky for us she plans to come back to Eastern Iowa to pursue her career). She talks about her time on the Iowa Junior Beef Breeds Association Board and serving as the President of the National Junior Chi Association. I loved it most when she said, "if you are going to serve, you best speak up."

I love that she knows her stock, has learned from the best, and doesn't let anything stand in her way. Brooklyn Curtin.... what a great Lady in the Lead... I hope you enjoy!

She is the Co-Chair of the Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show and knows the impact this show has. She's proud of achieving huge fundraising goals, but what the Ronald McDonald House does for families, is what makes Casey most proud. As she says, "Who can't get onboard with that?"

She is smart, daring, and ready to try new things. My favorite part, her edge; a continual learner. I just melted. I can't wait for you to hear this amazing conversation with Casey Anderson.

She is a leader, a mentor, and doesn't take it for granted. Her parents, her sisters have been the foundation of her success, her hard work and dedication have taken her to the next level.

Shea has the edge... I can't wait for you to hear all about it!

Season 2.. Episode 3... Miss Shae Becker

When we met I found her on the farm doing what she loves most, raising show cattle, watching Iowa State football, and working in the feed industry. When we talked our conversation made me think. It's hard to know the answers to life, how our journey will unfold. I love how she is taking it step by step to figure it out.

She is the co-creator of my logo! Her marketing talents are just one thing you are going to love! She's smart, talented, and on her way. Season 2.. episode 2... Miss Molly Mormann!

I love how she talks about her family. She proud of how her sisters and parents stand behind each other. Each know how to take on a supportive role and lead when it's their turn. Her edge? Well she never misses a day... never!

I am blown away by her smile, her hard work, her passion to win, and most of all her grace. I can't wait for you all to meet her! Season 2, The Edge, couldn't have started in a better way!

Thank you to Kabela Brothers Cattle for sponsoring this episode- be sure to stop by the Heros and Legends sale on October 2nd to see some amazing calves for next year's run.

Season 2 it's coming.... don't worry I've got big plans ..... and I can't wait to share them with you! Until then.. see you out on the road!

Oh did I mention she's trying wrestling this winter too? She's got fire and spunk! I can't wait for you to get to know her better.

Check us out at shestockshows.com!

When she says, "It's in my blood!" I know exactly what she's talking about! I can't wait for you to hear my conversation with my dear friend, Miss Carmen Smith.

Showing hogs, and a goat or two, she has proven that hard work, surrounding yourself with great people, and taking feedback from others will definitely take you to the top.

She blows me away with how dramatically she changed her life. Listen closely how she talks about the exact moment she knew she wanted to be better. It's so cool!

She's shown Champions, mentored others, built businesses and now is ready for the next step. She is fierce, competitive, and kind....a stock show force. I can't wait for you to get to know her better.

Check us out at shestockshows.com!

Check us out at shestockshows.com!

Check us out at shestockshows.com!

These two women are going to knock your socks off with their dedication to showmanship. I loved how they talked about future careers outside of agriculture and keeping their passion for livestock a big part of their lives.

Brenna's dedication to the daily work, the little things and Aimee's background of the Nebraska ranch.. blew me away! Wait till you hear who the summer interns were! Let me go back and live that summer please!

Brenna just had another Big win with her doe at Best of the Best.. I hope you love it as much as I did! They are spectacular!

Check us out at shestockshows.com!

I love how she says, "Don't hide you passion. I wish I would have learned that earlier."

Listen along as we hear about Jenel, High Hopes Cattle, and her awesome wedding day at the Iowa State Fair!

Check us out at shestockshows.com!

She shares her passion by hard work, and watching others. I hope you can hear her clearly when she says, "I wish I wouldn't have been so stubborn."

I can't wait for you to get to know her, and she why Cedar County, Iowa is proud to have her as our very own.

Check us out at shestockshows.com!