EmpowerU Podcast Summary: "Be Good Or Be Good At It... Featuring Jason Lackey"
Release Date: December 6, 2024
Introduction
In the latest episode of EmpowerU, hosts Weston Hendrix, Augustus Sexton, and Quinn Hartley welcome guest Jason Lackey, a prominent figure in the livestock industry. This episode delves into Jason's extensive experience, his approach to breeding and judging, the evolution of his brand, and the integration of faith and family into his business practices.
Guest Introduction: Jason Lackey's Background
Jason Lackey begins by sharing his journey in the livestock industry. Relocating to Haskell, Texas, ten years ago, Jason has expanded his operations from a modest 10 sows to managing approximately 150 sows. His academic background includes a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Texas A&M, followed by coaching positions at Fort Scott Community College and Louisiana State University before returning to his hometown to focus on livestock.
"We've been running probably 150 sows here in our place and that's what we do."
— Jason Lackey [03:24]
Judging and Coaching in the Livestock Industry
The conversation shifts to Jason's experience in judging livestock. He reflects on the differences between past and present judging styles, emphasizing a shift towards more animated and showy presentations today compared to his more straightforward approach.
"The biggest difference that I see is probably it's not nearly as flashy. It probably wasn't nearly as animated back then as what it is now."
— Jason Lackey [04:05]
Jason highlights the importance of building relationships within the industry, noting that connections made through judging have remained valuable over the years.
He also discusses the critical role of mentorship in his development, citing coaches Ryan Rathman and Jerry Hawkins who taught him the importance of understanding team members' mindsets and individual needs.
"He understood the mindset and mentality of all of his kids on his teams."
— Jason Lackey [07:44]
The Lackey Livestock Brand Evolution
Jason explains the origins and growth of Lackey Livestock, initially rooted in his family's commercial cattle operations. With his wife Jackie’s expertise in marketing, the brand gradually expanded over a decade, transitioning from a hobby to a nationally recognized name in the livestock industry.
"The brand grew slowly. It feels like it was a slow process but I mean we... It just took off over time."
— Jason Lackey [12:04]
He shares the impressive growth of their training day events, expanding from 39 participants in the first year to 180 in recent times, underscoring their commitment to fostering talent in the industry.
Training Day and the Helping Hand Award
Training Day is a cornerstone event initiated by Jason nine years ago to consolidate his efforts on the road. Over time, it evolved into a comprehensive conference featuring nationally recognized speakers and intense showmanship competitions.
The Helping Hand Award honors Cole Gordon, a young and selfless member of the community who tragically passed away in a car accident. This award recognizes individuals who embody selflessness and hard work, with winners selected through votes from participating youth and awarded scholarships.
"The Helping Hand Award... recognizing someone in our group for being selfless and a hard worker."
— Jason Lackey [15:30]
Family and Impact on Business
Jason discusses the profound impact of family on his business. With children involved in the livestock operations, their enthusiasm and questions keep him motivated and passionate about his work. This familial involvement ensures that the business remains a collaborative and dynamic environment.
"Having them around and having them as excited about what we do surely makes everything a lot easier."
— Jason Lackey [18:55]
Marketing and Customer Service Philosophy
Despite not considering himself a marketing expert, Jason attributes the success of Lackey Livestock's brand to his wife Jackie’s marketing skills and a foundational philosophy centered on trust and excellent customer service. He emphasizes the importance of treating customers well, ensuring their needs are met consistently, which in turn fosters loyalty and positive word-of-mouth.
"The bottom line of all of this is the people and the way you treat people."
— Jason Lackey [21:21]
Jason believes that authentic relationships and dependable service are the bedrock of sustainable business growth.
Trends in the Livestock Industry
Jason addresses the evolving trends in livestock breeding, particularly the increasing use of extreme traits to make animals stand out in competitions. While these traits can enhance show performance, they often come with drawbacks that may affect the animals' health and functionality.
"Every extreme piece that you inject into a piece of livestock comes with a problem."
— Jason Lackey [23:23]
He advocates for a balanced approach that prioritizes sustainability and functionality alongside showmanship, ensuring the long-term viability of the livestock.
Feeding Practices and Breeding Strategies
Discussing feeding programs, Jason stresses the importance of high-quality feed and its impact on livestock health and performance. He emphasizes that the quality and accessibility of feed, particularly the corn source, are crucial factors influencing conception rates and overall animal well-being.
"The base ration and the quality of the corn and the quality of all that you get is very, very important, regardless of what brand it is."
— Jason Lackey [34:12]
Jason prefers a consistent and moderate feeding approach, avoiding extreme diets that can lead to health issues, much like practices in cattle management.
Faith and Personal Empowerment
A significant portion of the discussion centers around Jason's faith and how it intertwines with his business ethics and personal growth. He shares his belief in living out his faith through his work, striving to embody Christ-like qualities while remaining competitive.
"This is our opportunity, my family's opportunity to use our faith to show other people and be Christ-like in a way, in the livestock world."
— Jason Lackey [38:21]
Jason emphasizes the importance of humility, integrity, and resilience, drawing inspiration from a favorite quote his grandfather taught him:
"Don't ever get too out of bounds where you can't get back in."
— Jason Lackey [37:30]
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
As the episode wraps up, Jason shares his favorite Bible verse, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, highlighting its relevance to teaching, correcting, and training in righteousness:
"All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
— 2 Timothy 3:16-17
The hosts express their gratitude to Jason for his insights and contributions to the livestock industry, emphasizing the importance of his participation in empowering listeners through knowledge and example.
Key Takeaways:
- Experience Matters: Jason's decade-long journey underscores the value of hands-on experience and mentorship in achieving success.
- Balanced Excellence: Striving for both showmanship and animal well-being ensures sustainable practices in livestock breeding.
- Family and Faith: Integrating personal values and family into business fosters a supportive and motivated environment.
- Customer-Centric Approach: Prioritizing trust and excellent service leads to lasting customer relationships and business growth.
- Continuous Growth: Embracing daily opportunities for personal and professional improvement empowers individuals to excel.
For more insights and empowering discussions, follow EmpowerU on Spotify or visit our website at empowerupod.com.