Loading summary
Transcript160 lines
- [00:02]
Weston Hendricks
Welcome to season five of EmpowerU and I'm your host, Weston Hendricks, and I developed this platform alongside my team with the objective of aiding to your interest as a person in the livestock industry. Our goal is to empower you while providing insights and value from some of the most significant people in our industry. With that said, a new episode is released every Saturday with a sneak peek available on social media the day prior. We are grateful to have you as a listener and hope you enjoyed the episode. Here's to empowering you.
- [00:33]
Luke
All right, so this is going to be episode five. And what I'm so happy and thrilled about is we got Mr. Kenton Jakey on with this here today. Now I'm by myself. Luke is not here with me for this episode and it's all good. He's on doing things right now. But I couldn't not take the opportunity to talk with Mr. Jakey. This is someone that has been known in the industry for quite some time. He's very knowledgeable and yes, I stalk on Facebook. I watch just about every live that he goes on, but I'm very stoked to talk with him and have a few conversations and talk about some topics that are pretty hot right now. And so with that said, Mr. Jakey, if you'd like to introduce yourself so everyone can get to know you a little bit, and then afterwards I'll proceed with some questions.
- [01:17]
Kenton Jakey
All right. Well, Weston, thanks for asking me to be a part of this. Hey, I've always believed in passing on to the next generation and.
- [01:28]
Luke
Right.
- [01:29]
Kenton Jakey
I can remember when I was 17, 18, 19 years old as you are, and. And trying to figure out what I want to do in the world. And it's funny how God has a plan for everybody and. And when you're that age, you don't necessarily think of it that way, but he. He definitely had a plan for me. And I'm just glad that I was able to stay on the path right this long. But I. I have. I. I've gone through a lot of different things in my life, but hey, currently I own and operate my own marketing company called Rock and K Productions. Help people market cattle all over the United States, both purebred and commercial cattle, if I can help them do that. And then also my relationship with John Griswold and Griswold genetics is storied. We basically became friends when we were in college and then stayed friends for over 40 years. And here a few years ago, John wanted to kick up genetic side of it a little bit. And so put me on the road full time for Griswold Genetics, even though I'm not a full time employee, I'm just a hired gun for them. But I've kind of become somewhat of a, of a face for the Griswold genetic program. And so that has been a big, huge blessing in my life. And, and I love, I love every second I get to spend with these people all over the United States. So that's what I do. So.
- [03:02]
Luke
Awesome. Well, with that said, I'd like to start. Where did you begin this path? What led to K State? What led to your passion for the industry and marketing as a whole?
- [03:15]
Kenton Jakey
Okay. Well, I was raised on a commercial cow calf operation in the Flint Hills of Kansas. My hometown is Chapman, Kansas, which is kind of on the eastern or the western edge of the flint hills. So 35 miles southwest of Manhattan, Kansas is where I was raised. So back in 1980, it's not like today. And with social media the way it is, a lot of these kids, it doesn't matter where you live. You can live in Albany, NY and be best friends with Weston Hendricks and in Blinn College. I mean, the power of social media has opened up the doors, so to speak. The miles are very short and the world is very small today. But back in 1980, I only had one option. And my family went to church in Junction City, Kansas. We did all of our doctor and our grocery shopping and everything we did was in Manhattan, Kansas. So I was going to be a wildcat no matter what. And through the grace of God, I met Dr. Miles McKee who took me under his wing and, and, and got me to K State. And, and, and so that's how I ended up at K State. And I wouldn't do it any other way. If I had to do it all over again, I'd do it again, do it right what I did.
- [04:32]
Luke
So. Absolutely. And so you said you met John Griswold at college, correct?
- [04:39]
Kenton Jakey
Yeah, John was at college.
- [04:40]
Luke
Correct.
- [04:40]
Kenton Jakey
John was at Oklahoma State.
- [04:42]
Luke
Okay.
- [04:43]
Kenton Jakey
And so John was raised up in Wisconsin. He's a, he's a cheese head by birth. And he's a cowboy. He's a cowboy by choice. But he came to Oklahoma State and he, he's a year younger than me. So John would have started at Oklahoma State here in the fall of 1981, and he, and he was able to lease the little place that we now call our show Barn at, at on Brush Creek Road there south of town. And that's where he got his start. And so my full Last year at K State, I had a full time job with the High Plains Journal out of Dodge City, Kansas. And so my territory was western or eastern Kansas, eastern Nebraska, all of Iowa and Missouri. But we had a really, really, really good sales lady that sat in the office in Dodge City, Kansas and she could sell I Eskimos. And back in those days she would sell advertising. Her territory was Oklahoma. So she would sell advertising to Oklahoma and then she'd sell ring service and I would go work the ring for her at those sales and we would split the money. And so when I came to Oklahoma, I stayed with John and Stillwater. And so we, we became, we became very good friends and state. We've stayed friends. We met in 19, I think we figured out we met in 1983. So we've been friends for over 40 years. Yeah.
- [06:12]
Luke
Wow, that's awesome. And so you said and mentioned you worked for High Point, what was it? High Points Journal. Okay.
- [06:21]
Kenton Jakey
Yeah.
- [06:22]
Luke
So after college I assume you continued to work for them.
- [06:27]
Kenton Jakey
No, I just worked for them for one year through my last year at K State I was a full time student and had a full time gig. And then when I graduated In December of 1984, I got an opportunity to go work for the American Pole Hereford Association. For those of you young viewers on here, they used to be two separate associations. So there was a Pole Hereford association and a Horned Hereford Association. They were both in Kansas City. But back then the line in the sand was drawn pretty hard and you were either a polled Hereford guy or a horned Hereford guy. But yeah, I got the job in January in 1985 and they moved me to Oregon. So I had, I traveled the great northwest. So I had Oregon, Washington, Idaho, the western third of Montana, all of British Columbia and all of Alberta. And that was my territory. And I was there for two years working with breeders in the Pol Hereford breed, which included people like. I got to meet people at Collier Herefords back in the day. Guy Collier had started that program. He was an old fieldman for the Western Livestock Journal. And I'd met Guy through that. And so we became friends back then. And people like Wooden Shoe Farms, which would have been in Washington, or Split Butte Ranch back in those days was a big name in the pole Hereford business. Wasser and Winners, Pole Herefords, Kill Morley, Pole Herefords up in Alberta, Remital Hereford's up in Alberta, which would, you know. So we, I got to work with all those breeders in that part of the world and loved every minute of it. From a Flatland kid From a Flint Hill cowboy to go out in that part of the world. I mean, my eyes were the size of saucers every day. So it was, it was an absolute great education for me to be able to do that.
- [08:18]
Luke
And so I assume that all of these relationships and friendships that you created through working for the Hereford association allowed you to proceed your future endeavors. And so what led after that?
- [08:33]
Kenton Jakey
Well, then, then after that, it was kind of a cool, kind of a cool chain of events. So Neil Orth, who was the director of field services at the Drovers Journal at the time, took the international brangus breeders job and moved to San Antonio. And so Alan Sears, who was another great friend of mine, he was working for the American Shorthorn Association. He gets Neil Or's job at the Drovers. And, and then Alan Sears recommended me for his job. So I moved to Omaha then in May of 1987, and I went to work for the American Shorthorn Association. And so through that relationship, I worked for Dr. Roger Hunsley then. And, and then I traveled the entire United States and Canada, sold advertising, and was in charge of all the shows and sales for the American Shorthorn Association. I did that for seven years. Wow. And then what took me to Oklahoma in 1983, or. Yeah, 1983, I moved to Oklahoma, started a brand new territory for the Western Livestock Journal, which was based out of Denver, Colorado. And Pete Crow ran the Western Livestock Journal and is now ran by my good friend Logan Ipsen, who works a lot of sales, works our sale force, but he now is the director of the Western Livestock Journal Fieldman. And it was always considered the bible of the West. And so, I mean, that paper was still a very huge part of Western livestock marketing. But I moved to Oklahoma in 19, I guess 92 or 3. And then I just, I've never left Oklahoma. I've stayed right here. So started my own company in 2000. So I've been doing this for 25 years.
- [10:23]
Luke
So, so tell me, now that we've talked about, you know, the most recent event that you've stayed with the last 25 years, you've ran your own company. Talk to me how things have changed from 2000 to now. What have you done differently to be more effective?
- [10:40]
Kenton Jakey
Well, the, the, the, the purple elephant sitting in the corner of the room is social media, right. And, and through the Internet and through that, I mean, you got to realize when I, when John and I met in college, there was no cell phones, there was no Internet. So to communicate, you wrote letters or you called people on the Phone. You had to learn how to verbally communicate. And I think the biggest problem you're going to. And now you're going to hear me on my soapbox a little bit. But I think the biggest disconnect with your generation is you. Nobody wants to do this face to face. Nobody has verbal skills to meet face to face. And so I commend you for doing, you know, a podcast like this where you actually communicate. And so many people do the texting, the emailing, the whatever. I mean, and you saw how difficult it was to get me on this podcast. I mean, I'm still old school. I mean, I still picked the phone up. I mean, what was the first thing I did tonight? I called you and, and, and that's, and it's just, that's just my generation. And, but the social media aspect of what we do, and those firms that will change and those firms that believe and invest in social media awareness and social media presence are the ones that are going to be the ones that are, that are successful and the ones that fight it and don't want to be a part of it are the ones that are going to be left behind.
- [12:07]
Luke
Yeah.
- [12:08]
Kenton Jakey
And I, I firmly believe our, our social media, which has led to online sales, which gives every little breeder in America the same capability as the Griswolds and the Bucks and the Hoffmans and, you know, all the big programs in America Express ranches. You have those same capabilities those big guys do to merchandise your cattle nationwide. When, before this, before online sales came along, you were selling regionally and, and, but now it gives everybody the op. Same opportunity if you, if you promote and, and get your face in front of as many people as you can.
- [12:48]
Luke
Let me ask you this question. When Facebook or social media first came out, what was your thoughts? And were you like, could I utilize this or not?
- [12:59]
Kenton Jakey
Well, yeah, I mean, it was kind of a. It was by accident. How I got, how I got so familiar on Facebook is one year at the classic, we had a terrible ice storm. It's funny how God puts events in your life that you look back now that I'm 63 years old, and you look back and you go, gosh, how did this all happen? But I remember the night it happened. We had a terrible ice storm come through Oklahoma and we were going to move the sail back to one o' clock and we didn't know how to do it. Our start time was at noon, but we didn't want everybody to hurt themselves getting there and put people's lives in danger. So I got on Facebook Live, and I didn't know what I was doing. I didn't even know how to do it. I set my phone. I mean, I was more nervous about the angles and all this kind of thing, and I didn't know what I was doing. But the key to it was, is I didn't plan nothing. I didn't script anything.
- [13:55]
Luke
Yeah.
- [13:55]
Kenton Jakey
And I think that's been the. That's been my shtick, if you want to say that on Facebook, is, I don't plan this. I see a set of cabs. I like, I just hit go. I just hit live and go.
- [14:05]
Luke
Yeah.
- [14:06]
Kenton Jakey
And I talk about them and I even. I mean, if I make a mistake, I just go. I correct it and go on. But I think the realness of what I do on Facebook is what's been so effective. And that's what I did that night. I got on there. And looking back on, I mean, we had. We had over 5,000 views, you know, and that would have been like in maybe 2000, 16 or 17 is when we did it. I have to look back when it was. When it. When we did it. But I'll never forget that. I mean, Steve Bonham got on, called me that night and said, jake, you have got to get on Facebook tonight. And I didn't know how else to do it but do it live. And. And it. And it. And it helped our sale that day. We had one of the best sales we've ever had, because people. We weren't going to start till people got there, but we didn't want them to kill themselves getting there. And then. And then, to be honest with you, the other big event in my life, and I don't mean to go into the next one, but was when my dear friend Nick Ryman was tragically killed in that plane wreck with those other three souls. And Ryman Ranch has had, you know, Kent, Nora Ryman came to me and said, hey, Jake, you know these cows as good as Nick did. We need you to help us with this sale. And then. So that was the very first sale I ever got up on the block and did sale commentary was. Was Ryman Ranch's dispersal. And of course, Now I do 25, 30 of those a year. I do that commentary for bull sales and female sales all over the United States now. So that's. That opened up a whole new door for me in my career, too.
- [15:41]
Luke
Right. And so you brought up commentary. What I want to know is, have you changed the way that you do commentary from when you started to now and have, has that been able to help you read cattle outside of the sail block, just in general and also provide better speech to the public?
- [16:04]
Kenton Jakey
Yeah, I mean, yeah, I think it does because I think it teaches you how to think on your feet. You know, I mean, as, as a judging, as a judging, you know, student, as you are, you understand the importance of being able to put thoughts together into words very quickly.
- [16:20]
Luke
Yeah.
- [16:21]
Kenton Jakey
To express how you describe an animal or in, in your situation and it's judging contest, you know, 1 over 2, 2 over 3, 3 over 4. How you want to, you know, how you're going to describe the differences in, in, in the commentary side of it. And when you do big sales like I did, the very first one was Ryman's. That was a, you know, two day dispersal. I mean we sold 1800 head in two days or maybe three days. I don't remember how many we did. But you get thrown into the fire pretty quick and you learn that you might hit a hot button. I mean, I always felt like I'm one of those guys that probably talks too much and I know I do. But you want to describe that animal and maybe hit a nerve with that guy sitting on the top row straight away from me if I say something about, you know, this one's a daughter out of the dam of wizard and he has three wizard daughters at home and he may go, oh my, maybe I can raise my own Wizard. And just that one little reminder of what that female is might strike up an interest that he normally wouldn't have had. So you, you want to be quick. You, you also want to recognize that we're in the flow of an auction. I mean, a lot of times people always make fun of Steve. When I'm with Bonham, he'll sell right over top of me when I'm talking. And, and that used to bother me, but it doesn't bother me anymore. Because when we get into the flow of an option, the less is more. I mean, the less you say, the quicker you, you want to keep those cattle rolling to those people. And now when you get in trouble and you get slow and it gets slow, then that's when I think I can, I can get the, get fired up back. And it's, and it's energy mojo back going. Right. You've got to maintain an energy because your energy just oozes out in that crowd. If you can keep an energy going. I mean, we sell 500 bread heifers at Griswolds in December. You know, I've Got my energy level has got to be higher than anybody in that barn. To drag everybody along for, you know, 10 hours to sell 540 bread heifers. And, and that's the key, is to keep people excited and keep people motivated. And everyone that walks in there's the next great one. I mean, you know, that's, I mean that you gotta, you gotta be excited about every one of them. The first one, the last one's just as important as the first one, the.
- [18:41]
Luke
Bringing up the bread sale. I think it's real neat the way y' all utilize the sale cattle to make a mock judging contest for all collegiate students and others. That's always. I got to witness it for the first time last year. I had relatively good day, but it was real fun. I loved walking through it all and seeing all the heifers in person for sure. With that said, now that we're on the concept of heifers, you've been in the show heifer industry for so long. So what I want to know is, as of now, how have things changed in the ring and what do you think we lack in the show heifer industry?
- [19:24]
Kenton Jakey
Well, I think, you know, I think back on those days that I was still on crews and working on crews in Denver and going to Louisville and I, you know, I mean, I worked for all the great guys back in those days and I think you have. If you, if you don't appreciate the immense quality that, that are in the show ring today. I mean, never have I ever seen cattle that are structurally as good as they've ever been from the ground up. I mean, the feet and legs, some breeds need to work on their feet structure and their feet shape a little bit. Yes. But all in all, when you start really studying these cattle, we've got them at an optimum size, an optimum frame score. We're very symmetrical. I think the cattle today for, for the, for the size of the end product that these packers are wanting now. I mean, ever since 2020, and I don't even know, I'm not even going to say that word, but ever since 2020, it, we, the packers realized that the more product they can they can hang on the rail, the more product they've got to sell. So our producers now mean, can sell a 1700-1800 pound steer. And the females that we're producing, the females that are in the show ring have never been more relevant in, in my opinion, size wise than the cow herd across the country that are raising these 17 to 1800 pound steers. So from that standpoint, I think we're as close to where we need to be in relationship to the, to this, to the segment of the industry that's, that's our, that's our endpoint than we've ever been in my lifetime. I mean, and in my lifetime since my birth, since 1962, we've never had this shortage of females that we do in the United States right now. So from a marketing standpoint, the more things we can do now, the better we can utilize these genetics to make, keep making these cattle good, the better it's going to be for us. And I'm telling you, we're in great times right now. We're in the best times I've ever seen in my life. Right. And, and I don't see an end to it. I mean, as long as we keep killing heifers in these feedlots, I don't see the numbers increasing to the point where we're gonna, our supply is gonna overtake our demand. And that's right now, our demand, our demand is much higher than our supply.
- [21:50]
Luke
Yes, sir. Yes, sir.
- [21:52]
Kenton Jakey
But to answer your question, what we need to change in an industry, and I'm probably going to, I mean, this probably be a controversial thing and I don't want to cause controversy, but we've overpriced these heifers. We've gotten out of control. I've never seen my, in my life, so many hundred thousand dollar heifers in my life. If you don't have a hundred thousand dollar heifer anymore, it's, it's tough to win a show. And I'm not saying you can't do it. I'm saying you can still find those great efforts out there. Get them in the right barns, in the right feeding and management program and you can still compete. But what it's created is a lack of respect for my fellow competitor.
- [22:38]
Luke
Yeah.
- [22:38]
Kenton Jakey
And I see it, I see it getting worse and worse and worse every year. And we have judges stand in rings and talk about raising our young people in the greatest industry in the world to raise young people. And I agree with that 100%. But what we forgot about is to teach these kids that it's not about winning all the time. And with the investments that we've made in these animals, it's created that pressure. And sometimes I think we need to step back and remember that we are raising young people first and we're raising cattle second.
- [23:22]
Luke
Yes, sir.
- [23:23]
Kenton Jakey
And if we'll, if everybody will just take a deep breath and remember that just because somebody got over into your stalls a little bit. Isn't the end of the world. Okay, Move, make do. You know, I mean, let's, let's really, let's think about this a little bit. I mean, I'd rather, I'd rather lose. I'd rather stand third in class and not have a chance at the division than somebody say and, and, and be gracious about it than to say, gosh, I'd never do business with that guy. I mean, he just, I mean, what kind of person is that? I think we got to remember why we're doing it. That's just my, I'll get off my soapbox.
- [24:03]
Luke
No, it's all good. I love the honesty. Well, with that said, I'm going to ask something or point out something the way that you just described. You know, these hundred thousand dollar heifers are allowing us to kind of be blindsided by what we're truly after. You did it in a respectful manner. Now there's people on social media that don't do it in a respectful manner and they completely bash the breeder and the female that sold. Do I think that's wrong? Absolutely. I respect the way that you did it. So I think a lot of people need to take after the fact and listen to what you were saying. Mr. Jakey. And the way you said was a lot more respectful and it was definitely more pleasant to listen to. And so I think there's a difference between maturity, there's a difference between right and wrong, obviously.
- [24:56]
Kenton Jakey
Right. And also we don't have to cross that line of making it a life and death situation. And I'm, and I say that, I say that, I say that kind of two different ways for those people that maybe were in Kansas City and watched the steer show.
- [25:17]
Luke
Yep.
- [25:19]
Kenton Jakey
Dr. Scott Shockey and I were roommates in college. He is one of my longest, oldest, dearest friends. Someone that I have looked up to for a long, long time. If it hadn't been for people, if it hadn't been for Scott Shockey, I'd never graduated from K State. I mean, I'm just gonna say that that guy had a photographic memory. Could walk into a lecture, he could go into a class and never take one note and remember everything that professor said.
- [25:51]
Luke
That's awesome.
- [25:52]
Kenton Jakey
It was, yeah, very jealous of him. But he also had a way to. He also helped me through a lot of those classes that I needed. I was not a very good student. I, I was a terrible student. But, but guys like him, him and several others helped me through that but to listen to him give that speech in Kansas City was very unlike him. He's never one to get on a soapbox and preach to anybody ever. So I knew there was something going on there. And I'm just going to say this. I think the people that take this industry so serious to the level where they threaten someone, a judge, a breeder, we have no use for those people in this industry. I don't care if you ever buy another one from Griswold or anybody else or ever have anything to do with. I'm. What I'm doing. We don't have time for that. This is still an industry that people make their livelihood in. And no one. And I mean no one has the right. No one has the right to disrespect these people that are judging these shows. And. And trust me, I. I've never judged a major livestock show. Probably never will just because of the politics and the. And my livelihood depends on people. I want people to like Kent Jakey. I don't want people to hate me. Sure way you can sure lose a lot of friends is judge your friends in a livestock show. So I'm. I got a big ego, but I ain't got that big ego. I don't need judgy shows.
- [27:33]
Luke
But.
- [27:34]
Kenton Jakey
But what I'm saying is when. When we have these talented, extremely talented stockman and professors in our industry, evaluate these livestock shows, respect them, respect their opinion that day. It's one day. One day. And that's how they see them. And let's just. Let's just. You're going to have a great day, and you're going to have a bad day.
- [28:01]
Luke
Yeah.
- [28:01]
Kenton Jakey
And the greatest way not to get one beat is don't go.
- [28:06]
Luke
That's right.
- [28:07]
Kenton Jakey
Okay.
- [28:07]
Luke
That's right. That's right.
- [28:09]
Kenton Jakey
If you go, just realize that everybody else is there to win, too.
- [28:13]
Luke
Yeah.
- [28:14]
Kenton Jakey
So it was one day. But that's enough about that. So I think we've got a great industry, Weston. I love what we do, and I love where we've got these cattle. And I just would hate to see jealousy and. And the pressure that we've put on these young people to overtake while we're really here to do it.
- [28:36]
Luke
All right, guys, we'd like to tell.
- [28:37]
Weston Hendricks
You about the businesses and operations that.
- [28:39]
Kenton Jakey
Have powered this platform, and we couldn't.
- [28:42]
Sponsor Representative
Do what we do without them. So here's what they have to offer.
- [28:45]
Weston Hendricks
To you at Trademark Genetics. They're committed to excellence in every aspect of their family owned and operated business, specializing in elite red Angus and Red Brangus Genetics. They pride themselves on breeding cattle that outperform in real world conditions, delivering both superior quality and lasting value.
- [29:03]
Sponsor Representative
Whether you were in search of a project for a young exhibitor or looking to enhance your herd with fresh, proven genetics, their mission is to produce high caliber livestock while fostering lifelong relationships.
- [29:16]
Weston Hendricks
They are also pleased to offer semen and embryos from their bull battery and donor females that are rooted in generations of proven performance, maternal strength and impeccable structural quality traits that add tangible value whether your focus is on cow power or carcass quality.
- [29:32]
Sponsor Representative
Owned and operated by John Mandy and Madison Fisher, Trademark Genetics is dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through unparalleled quality and service to advance your herd. We encourage you to connect with Mandy at 713-204-7535 or at Madison at 832-963-4233 to explore how they can support your goals.
- [29:57]
Weston Hendricks
Discover the latest cattle offerings and stay informed on their journey by visiting trademarkgenetics.com and following them on Facebook and TikTok.
- [30:08]
Sponsor Representative
But if the purebred aspect isn't for you and you're seeking after Club Cap Genetics, then look no further.
- [30:15]
Weston Hendricks
Reed Vessel Ranches is a premier ranching operation specializing in the production of top tier show cattle offering a wide range of American, British and exotic breeds. Over the course of just five years, RVR has grown from four donors and 20 AI cows to over 50 donors and 500 AI cows, ensuring their commitment to quality and excellence. Their success in is rooted in a strategic, intentional approach, planning years in advance to maximize the potential for their customers to succeed in the show ring.
- [30:45]
Sponsor Representative
In addition to breeding competitive show cattle, Reed Vessel Ranch's team is dedicated to offering a full range of services for show preparation from clipping and fitting to feed management and expert show assistance. RVR ensures that their clients are fully supported through the entire process process.
- [31:03]
Weston Hendricks
For more information about Reed Vessel Ranches, including their private treaty, cattle sires, donors and upcoming sales, visit their website@reedvesel ranches.com.
- [31:15]
Luke
Yep and I'll point something out briefly, but I did a post game short with Scott Shocky of the American Royal Steer show and obviously that question came up as to why did you do that speech And I pointed something out and you'll hear me say it again. But these judges that are judging the shows were on a list and then also being asked to judge a show for a very solid reason. Either their resume, their eyes, their mouths, the way they describe livestock. People respect them and so they got on that list for A reason. So if someone is on social media or making text messages and threatening breeders and judges and showmen probably don't need to be in the industry anymore because it was one man's opinion on one day. So regardless if you respect it or not, let's not make it a public event for everyone to see how spiteful someone was. That's exactly. That's my logic on it. So with that said, I just think that we all need to do better as people in the industry and not see everything as quote, unquote, politics, because as Scott has told on the podcast, he knows about everybody in the industry. And so for you to say that it's politics, it's not politics. And as Scott also said, if it's one of his good friends, you're more likely to go third than win the class just because. So it doesn't look that way. And that's fair enough, too. But it shouldn't have to get to that point. The best cap should just win the show in general.
- [32:59]
Kenton Jakey
During Scott's speech that he's talked about, he referred to a former student, someone that he had mentored, and referred to him and said that he had, that he was the reason that he was so political, that that student was so political in his judging. Well, I got news for you. He didn't say his name, but I'm not embarrassed to say his name, but it was Brandon Callis. And nobody, in my humble opinion, in this industry has a higher degree of integrity or as high a quality of evaluator as brandon. Cows, oh, 100, period. And I don't care if he's judging goats, sheep, hogs or cattle. And I don't care if he's judging Brahmins or Minnie Herefords. Yeah, the guy can see livestock, he can see structure. And I don't need, I don't need to blow smoke up his skirt. He's one of my dear friends. But I'm going to tell you also, nobody in this business has a higher degree of integrity than him. And for somebody to accuse or insinuate that is just goes to show you how ignorant people can be. And I think, I mean, you can show your ignorance so fast by opening your mouth and, and, and accusing people of things without knowledge of what's, of what's the real world's about. And I just, that's enough about that subject. But I just think we've got to take a deep breath and we've got to realize that, I mean, it's still a people business and the, these cattle Are our media to do business? We still do business with people. So. And I think we got to remember that a little bit more.
- [34:44]
Luke
Yes, sir. So with that said, what I'd like to know, now we're on the concept of show ring and judges and all this, our judging lineup, the people that we have selected to judge shows. Do you think that it is more repetitive nowadays with the same judges over and over and that we might need a refresher with some new people to come in, or do you think that we should continue to kind of go in the motion with the same people for the next couple years and then do it?
- [35:16]
Kenton Jakey
Well, that's a good question, Weston. I, I think that we need to use people that are qualified. And, and I'm going to say this, I'm going to say this because I have a very strong opinion about steer judges. For instance, let's talk about the steer business, too. We've talked about the heifers. Do it. If you don't, if you don't raise them, breed them, sell them, clip them, fit them, you shouldn't be judging steer shows.
- [35:51]
Luke
Correct.
- [35:51]
Kenton Jakey
Okay. I mean, if you are now, and I'm, and now I'm going to say this. I also feel like these guys that are raising steer calves see structure better than anybody because there isn't none. And, and they realize it. But, but they, they're stuck in a catch 22. It's kind of like being in a hog business. I mean, they're trying to breed freaks on freaks on freaks on freaks. The, the difference with the hog business is the hog people, their generation intervals are a little shorter and they can change those things a lot different and.
- [36:27]
Luke
They can make it happen a lot faster.
- [36:29]
Kenton Jakey
Yeah. You get one shot a year on a steer.
- [36:31]
Luke
Yep.
- [36:32]
Kenton Jakey
You get, you can have three shots a year on a sow.
- [36:35]
Luke
Yeah.
- [36:36]
Kenton Jakey
And so I think that, but I have a strong, strong opinion about these steer judges. I think when you get some, when you, when you go in and you select some guy that's raising purebred pol Herefords in Ohio and to judge a steer show in Oklahoma. I don't know that I agree with that.
- [37:06]
Luke
Yes, sir.
- [37:07]
Kenton Jakey
I, I think that if you've got a, if you've got a knowledge of what a show steer is supposed to look like, if you know whether you like them like I do, like you like them chubby and good looking. And I don't care if one's moderate, if that calf's covered right. If he's, if he's covered like a piece of Velvet over that 12th and 13th rib. And that thing can move like a. Like a freight train. And he's got a big old caboose on him, a big ridge down his back like a durock hog, and still got some look. He's going to win. I think sometimes these guys get these things too narrow based they're trying to make them look like heifers. And as a result of. We've taken a lot of this muscle out of these steers.
- [37:45]
Luke
Yes, sir.
- [37:45]
Kenton Jakey
But I. And then as. And as far as the judges go. Yeah, I think everybody's always searching for that new, fresh voice that maybe doesn't have a lot of connections to the rest of the industry, but if you're successful in this business, you're going to have connections. I mean, you know what I mean? I mean, there's nowhere in the United States that I could go, nowhere, I mean, virtually nowhere that I could go and judge a show that I wouldn't have somebody that would show up that.
- [38:17]
Luke
I know 100%, absolutely.
- [38:20]
Kenton Jakey
You know, and I'm not saying me. I'm just saying if you're successful in this business and, and you are an active part of it, you. You have relationships with everybody all over the United States. So I just think that, yes, I think we've got to keep an eye out for fresh new cattlemen in the. And I'm just talking in the cattle business, fresh new cattlemen that, that, that, you know, just like, you know, you know, Ryan Johnson's a good example. I don't. I don't mean to point out rj, But Ryan's a younger guy, younger generation that's been very successful in both segments raising show heifers, raising bred females for replacements, and raising high quality show steers. That's a guy that can see the differences. He's been there, he's bred them, he's mated them, he's raised them, he's calved them, he's weaned them, he's broke them, he's got them ready for shows and sales. There's a young. There's a new young guy that's starting to judge a few more shows that I feel like is more than qualified to do it. I mean, and there's other people like him. I don't mean to point out rj I'm not politicking for RJ Judge shows, but I'm just saying there's a young guy in. In a younger generation that has earned his stripes, in my opinion, for what he does for him and his family. And those are the kind of guys I want to see. And. And women. I'm not. I'm not. Hey, I think there's plenty of. There's. There's women out there that I think are more than capable of judging shows. I mean, I mean, there's a young lady that lives in Tennessee that's a Brangus breeder, in my opinion, can see cattle as good as anybody. And I mean, I've had an opportunity, you know, announcing a lot of shows as I do. I get a chance to work with a lot of judges, and there's a lot of talented people out there, far more talented than me, and I respect them and look up to all of them so well.
- [40:24]
Luke
And you mentioned you don't want to get politicked for bringing out a name. What I want to point out as well with this, this topic that we're on is people seem to think, well, if we bring in steer guys to judge steer shows, it's going to get political. I just think in general that cattle people are going to know other cattle people, and likewise, it should be that in any species. But I also think that politics is irrelevant. If you just pick morally correct people, I think that's easy to do.
- [41:01]
Kenton Jakey
So I agree.
- [41:02]
Luke
And I think you can point them out pretty easy off of their resume or the people that they involve themselves with.
- [41:08]
Kenton Jakey
I. I've had this conversation with, and I'm going to bring up this example because I've sat around a ringside or I've announced a show and, and I'm there. Again, I'm. I'm not trying to point out somebody, but this is my example. Blake Bloomberg and I have had this conversation hundreds of times that if back when Sarah Sullivan was showing cap, and there were times when I sat on that announcer stand in. In my opinion, the holy grail of our livestock industry is the green shavings at the North American and Freedom Hall. That's the holy grail. That is the archdiocese of our industry, in my opinion. And there's been times when she has had not only the best heifer in the supreme lineup, she's had the next two best ones and probably the fifth best one. But I've seen judges not do their job, because how does it look if I use Sarah Sullivan for first, second, third, and fifth now? Is that right? Are they doing their job?
- [42:28]
Luke
Not at all.
- [42:29]
Kenton Jakey
No, they're not doing their job. Their job is to go pick the animals that are the best ones and stop worrying about what the, you know, the optics look like.
- [42:42]
Luke
Yep.
- [42:42]
Kenton Jakey
Okay. If Sarah saw, and I'm not trying to. Sarah's done showing, so I can use her as an example, but I've seen her get beat before because of who she is. And she had the first, second, third, and fifth best effort there. And she should have got first, second, third, and 5th. If you're judging the show and you're doing. You're doing the job that you were hired to do, then do it. Don't worry about what the optics look like. You don't have to explain it to anybody. If you, if you're standing around ringside and you can't see that she's got the first, second, third, and fifth Beth Heifer, then you're an idiot. I mean, and most people would agree, you don't have to. This whole thing about, you know, almost spread the love, that's not doing your job. And you can get yourself into a trap pretty quick if you're standing in class. And, and, and, and, you know, hey, I've got a really good buddy that's out there. I've pulled two heifers out there. And there's a guy that I just, I've never gotten along with. I've never agreed with what he's done in life. I just, I mean, he and I just never done business together. I don't know him that well. And he's got a good heifer and a really good buddy of mine's got one. And they're equally as good, and they're both sound, and they both weigh the same weight, and they both give you the same look. Who are you going to use? You're going to use that guy that you have a relationship with? That's human nature. That's. That's where relationships come into play. And I'm. And you're only human. I mean, I'm going to admit that's the first thing I would do if they're that close. But you can. You can. When you evaluate animals, if you, if you evaluate them based on their contemporaries in that class, no matter who's holding them, you never, ever will get in trouble. It's just like telling a lie. If you tell the truth every time, you never have to worry about the lie you told.
- [44:51]
Luke
Correct.
- [44:52]
Kenton Jakey
It's just like judging livestock. If you evaluate those cattle based on what is important to you, you will never, ever get in trouble.
- [45:02]
Luke
So one thing I'll tack onto this is every judge has a conscience. And Scott Shockey, Scott Shockey said it in his post game, every judge has a conscience. And I think, you know, Regardless of who's on the halter or who's the breeder or what the ear tag looks like, you were hired to pick the best one in your opinion. Now, if it wasn't the best one, truly, and it was a subpar animal in whatever species or lineup that you're in, you're probably not going to be asked to come back, because your job is to find the best one. Now, there's a best one in this way, shape and form, and there's the best one in this way, shape or form. That's why we have judges that have type and kinds of. They're still both good cattle in their respective forms. So.
- [45:53]
Kenton Jakey
Right.
- [45:53]
Luke
That's why we respect people with different types and kinds. For instance, Scott Griner, we all know he likes them wide, stout, burly, dense, and they'll give up a little look, they'll probably give up a little bit of soundness. And then you have someone like Glenn Martin, for instance.
- [46:09]
Kenton Jakey
But Weston, he's never changed.
- [46:11]
Luke
Exactly. Changed. Never changed. Never changed. Then you have someone like Glenn Martin, he'll give up a little bit of that punch to keep them sound and rolling, but they still are adequately, just as wide, big, hip, burly. So you have judges with different types and kinds. And I think that's what's so awesome about our industry, is people can have their own opinions, and of their opinions, they're going to pick the best one in their mind, and I think that's completely fine. And no matter who's behind the halter, if there's a girl or a guy that has three different calves in the grand drive, and those are the best three in that judge's mind, and those are three really nice cattle. Get it on. They're probably going to be asked to come back and judge the show, just like Scott Griner has for the last however many years, because he does a nice job. He's consistent in this type and kind. Same thing with Glenn Martin, Same thing with Scott Shockey, Same thing with Brandon Callis. And I could keep going on and.
- [47:07]
Kenton Jakey
On and on, and you can solve a lot of those problems. And the judges that do this are the masters at it when they're describing that animal. If you honestly open your mind and listen to what he's saying and follow what he's saying about that animal, and he describes that animal from the tip of their nose to the end of their tail down to the ground, and you see those differences, how can you disagree 100%?
- [47:36]
Luke
There's no.
- [47:36]
Kenton Jakey
I mean, I'm just telling You, Those guys that can see those differences can describe those cattle to me and don't worry about who's leading them pick. The best ones always are going to be. Have. They're always going to have a place for me in a show ring.
- [47:54]
Luke
And one other thing is, I think that we need to talk about is breeders coming on to breeders and trying to diminish them, whether it's social media or in person or talking bad about them to someone else. Why can't we just respect other breeders for trying to do something for themselves.
- [48:15]
Kenton Jakey
Or those people that. That work, that do the work, put the work in. I mean, I mean, I guess I've always felt like, you know, you know, there's always people that, that maybe don't get to that level of some of these guys. And there's jealousies, you know. Yeah. And I've always kind of. I've always kind of remembered this. And I don't mean to get. I mean, I don't mean to get, you know, go down this rabbit hole, but there's always been. I've always been a big Proverbs guy. I've always felt like Proverbs was my book in the Bible. And I've always felt like there was always a Proverbs, a. A verse that I always, always, always remember, and it's Proverbs 24:16. And for those people that, that don't follow the Bible, don't understand it, remember this. Through the righteous fall seven times, only to rise again. And I'm telling you, those guys that are right always rise up, are the ones that are successful. And they don't worry about what people say behind their backs, don't worry about what they say in front of their face. They fall down, they get up and. And those guys that are that committed. I mean, you think John Griswold got to where he is today because it was handed to him?
- [49:39]
Luke
Absolutely not.
- [49:41]
Kenton Jakey
John Griswold showed up in Stillwater, Oklahoma, with one cow and, and built this program around Jodo. Six. Six. She's the mother of 3066. She's the mother of 5066. 56 is the. 5066, is the mother of Ms. Boston. I mean, there that guy had to build a cow herd off of one cow and build the program. And you think he didn't fall down seven times or six, 14 or 21 times? I mean, you know, I mean, those are the guys that I want to hook my wagon to, those guys that have perseverance that, that absolutely don't give up and aren't afraid to try.
- [50:29]
Luke
Yes, sir.
- [50:30]
Kenton Jakey
You know, Gerald Buck's another great example, dear friend of mine. But there's a guy that, I mean, he's an old steer jock for crime in Italy. I mean, you know, he. He. He built his program because he had a vision of what he wanted to do.
- [50:45]
Luke
Right.
- [50:45]
Kenton Jakey
You know, Weston, Hendricks, you can do the same. I mean, your generation, the next John Griswold, the next Gerald Buck, you know that, I mean, is in. Is in. This is out there going to do the same thing.
- [50:59]
Luke
Yes, sir.
- [50:59]
Kenton Jakey
But, you know, you've got to have the perseverance and a vision for what you want to do. And don't be afraid. Don't be afraid. And it's just like, you know what we're talking about this. These judges. I mean, I. We all go back to this judging, but there are a lot of young, qualified people out there, and I hope they all get their chance, because there's some great, great young talent in our. In our industry right now. In your generation. The generation and your. I mean, I talk about your generation. I'm talking, you know, guys that are in college and just five years out of college. There's some great young people in that. In that generation.
- [51:40]
Luke
And I think eventually, you know, you're gonna have to start picking and choosing out of my generation, per se. And I hope it doesn't come as soon, because I'd like to see some guys a little younger than the people that have been judging here recently step up and go into their place. And obviously, I mean, it's just a. It's just a reaction, a chamber reaction as we go down, and that's okay, right? But with that said, I. I've loved this so far. This is honestly what I've wanted. But I want to talk about promo bulls, because here recently, John Griswold, obviously, you're in within tight, and he's come out with some really awesome club calf bulls. I've had the opportunity to get some semen on a couple of them. I want to know your thoughts on those club kef bulls, and you can do as however many you want. And then you can also do some purebred sires if you'd like, ones that aren't related to the Griswold Cattle Company or not. I just want you to list some of your favorites and maybe what they offer to the public.
- [52:41]
Kenton Jakey
Well, in the club calf business course, you know, I've. I've had a chance to go through the whole heat wave Heat seeker, heat wave generation. And then came along Monopoly. And then of course, after Monopoly, we've been in this here I am era for how long? And, and to be honest with you, if you don't go to 600 five sires and don't appreciate here I am for what he is, that bull's impressive to look at. Now do I agree? Do I like all of his calves? Absolutely not. They're too late maturing for me. But, but you keep them long enough, they get there. And I mean, and they're hard to get around. But I'm just saying those are generational sires. And so for us to think that greater good, golden rule, or our new red Bull, the, you know, ready for war that we just, that we just bought with from Martin's, to say any of those bulls are going to be in that, in that echelon or in that, you know, 10 years from now, we're going to be talking about them. I hope so. I know the first calves are coming, so we're still real excited about those bulls. And the first time I ever saw greater good, I just, I just, I just couldn't believe what I was seeing.
- [54:08]
Luke
Right.
- [54:09]
Kenton Jakey
A bullet has that much power, that much true muscle shape. That bull's got a big, big ribeye and a big, big square hip and awesome structure. And you know, I just. That is so flexible. I mean, the bull just moves like he's on roller skates. And for a bull that have that kind of power and still be able to move, I think has a very, very, very huge upside in our industry for that. And, and you know, how great. How great thou art has been a very, very, very solid contributor to our industry. But you know, he's been a hit, hit and miss on making semen. So that's the other thing that greater goods, a great semen collector. He's a how great Bell Arts son. So that's another advantage that we felt like he was. He was going to bring to the table. And John and I both, I mean, we, we don't pride ourselves in being that club calf, you know, I mean, let's face it, my, my dear friend from Searsboro, Iowa's got, got, got everybody around the throat and justly so, I mean, and he's earned it and I love what he does in his. There again, another guy that's built his business because he did. He wasn't scared. And, and, and so, you know, he's. The success that that guy's had with his sires has been unbelievable believable. But that's a huge market and we wanted to be a part of it. And we felt like golden rule, which is a clean, you know, in God, little Red with some power and some hair and course greater good. And then of course ready for war. That gives us three bulls that we can, that we can go butt heads with weight on, I feel and, and be able to give those genetics to the buying public and give them some options. And yes, I love them bulls and, and we're going to find out pretty quick, Weston. I mean this spring, I mean we're going to have them first ones on the ground. And so I'm real excited about that as, as far as promotional bulls, I've had a chance to see a lot of the great ones. I mean first class Angus bull legend, dream on legend in the semitol business. You know, the, the, the Hereford bulls that have been just instrumental in this, in this business. You go back to the old bulls like Molar and some of those old Hereford bulls that have made a huge contribution. I mean I just think that there's. In every breed, there's these legendary bulls that have just. That are just stand the test of time. And from my standpoint, we've been involved with style was at our place. Broker, wizard, maternal maid, something about Mary. I mean we've had, we've had bulls in our program that have Data Bank. I mean Data bank may go down as the. One of the greatest main on Jew bulls ever in the business. Just because he doesn't, he just doesn't screw nothing up. Yeah, I mean he gives, I mean he's had more national champions than any other main on Jubilee in the history of the business. And then of course the grand old man Irish whiskey. I mean, you know, when you think about the bulls that have graced the pastures of Stillwater, Oklahoma in the G Bar program. We've been so blessed, so blessed that to have just. I mean not just one, but have all them bulls I just named Gold Standard. I mean a bull that John Rays that was just, I mean he was just the Cabanese king for 20 years. People used him.
- [57:58]
Luke
Right?
- [58:00]
Kenton Jakey
So we've been very fortunate. I've been very fortunate to have those bulls to be able to merchandise and market to people. And the reason they've become successful is for one reason, one reason only. Because they work institutionally across the United States. Doesn't matter what kind of cows are on, they work. And, and, and I wouldn't believe. I mean, you know, I mean, you see, you see how passionate I am. About what I do and, and I truly, and from the bottom of my heart, I believe it because I see the, I see the progression that we, that we make with these people. No matter he's got 10 cows or 110 cows, you know, when I can help them make their cow herd better and their calf crop better and they can make more money because the calves are higher quality, that's what it's all about. So it's all about 100%.
- [58:49]
Weston Hendricks
All right, guys, we're going to take a few more minutes of your time to brag about our new sponsors that are here on the platform.
- [58:55]
Sponsor Representative
Founded and based in Tolar, Texas, Texas Recip was built on a simple calling to provide recipient cows that actually perform and deliver for your needs. They have a strong focus on buying and delivering the highest quality receipts.
- [59:09]
Weston Hendricks
All cows are blood tested to deliver clean recepts to your herd. Texas Reset manages these cows from new nutrition and minerals all the way to the best data tracking to deliver the greatest success. When it comes to embryo transfers, results are the only thing that matter.
- [59:24]
Sponsor Representative
Their focus is solving real world problems through the RESIP program, improving performance by expert nutrition, blood work and uncompromising quality assurance. At Texas Reset, they don't just sell cows, they deliver solutions built on reliability, consistency and care for your success.
- [59:42]
Weston Hendricks
Contact Scott Dreier at 309-275-5271 or Gavin Jones at 832-372-9557 or find them on Facebook and visit their website@texasrecept.com Choose Performance. Choose quality. Choose Texas Reset.
- [60:03]
Sponsor Representative
Now our next sponsor is someone that is no other than the legend himself itself, Rory Downs Prevailing Genetics, which is located in New Brownsville, Texas where they raise some of the most elite show cattle and show pigs. Rory has been in the industry all of his life and has dedicated his career to getting kids to the backdrop and earning success. Rory has built his operation around honesty, integrity and morals that have kept them at the top for over a hundred years.
- [60:29]
Weston Hendricks
At Rory Delm's Prevailing Genetics, they constantly keep show steers and hogs for sale. And if they don't have what you're looking for, they can surely find what you're seeking after. Cattle include American crosses and exotics that are only backed by the most proven genetics that are no stranger to success.
- [60:46]
Sponsor Representative
They also have show pigs available year round for county shows in all majors throughout the country. These animals are based off of the most consistent, predictable genetics that have yielded champions throughout the United States, producing 34 grand or reserve grand champion barrows At.
- [61:01]
Luke
Texas Majors alone, they pride themselves on.
- [61:05]
Weston Hendricks
Customer service and satisfaction and will do whatever it takes to earn and keep your business. They have accumulated over a hundred years of feeding experience and will help you in whatever way they can during the feeding period.
- [61:17]
Sponsor Representative
You can contact Rory Dam at 830-608-5058 for all your show steer and show.
- [61:23]
Luke
Pig needs to slowly close this out. What's been one of the most fulfilling things that you've been able to accomplish up until this point?
- [61:38]
Kenton Jakey
Well, I, I still feel like the greatest honor that I ever. Well, I'll just tell you this. When John approached me about being a part of his marketing team for, for what I do for Griswold, that's, That's. That will. That will be the greatest. That will be the greatest honor that I've had, is to be a part of the growth of Griswold cattle and, and being a very small part of our growth in the industry and how we are accepted, you know, nationally. You know, I can tell you that back in 2017, I mean, we had, we sold less than 20 head of cattle east of Mississippi, and now we sell over, you know, 150 to 200 head east of the Mississippi. Our, Our, our reach for our program both east to the east coast and to the west coast is growing. It grows every year. And the only reason it does is because, you know, the cattle work and, and to be a part of that and be. To watch, to watch this program grow from where John. Because I know where he started and, and, and, and I know there's nobody that I know in this business that is not afraid than John Griswold. He's not afraid of anything. And have we failed at every. Have we, have we been successful at everything? Nope. I mean, I talk about maternal maid and I talk about broker, and I talk about, you know, data bank, and I talk about Irish whiskey and wizard, but there's been bulls that have not worked either. And, but the thing that he's done, the thing that I respect him and the thing that I love the most about my place here is that we are not afraid to go find the next one. And we're always trying to find the next one. We don't get lackadaisical. We don't get lazy on our laurels. We have got to try where I'm always looking for the next piece of the puzzle, and the puzzle is far from being done. So that's what I love the most. Another thing that I love the most, and that, that probably my Highest at one of my most is I want. I loved being the announcer in North America. And due to circumstances beyond my control, you know, I no longer get to do that. But those. Those seven years that I did, that was. I mean, it was like. It was like Christmas morning for me every morning getting to do that. And to this day, I. I don't miss Louisville. I walk down that ramp from the makeup ring on the top down onto the floor. I do it every Sunday morning. I get up early. I'm one of the first people in North America into the Freedom hall every Sunday morning to this day. If you want to find me, I'm walking down that ramp about 7:15 every morning because nobody's there. And if you can't walk down that ramp at the North American, um, then you. You don't have much passion for what we do in this business. I love it and I love my time to be able to do that and be a part of that. Great. I was only the third. The only a third announcer ever at the North American. And, and, and, and I was a. It was a huge honor for me. And, and I. I'll always, always, always cherish those years. I got to do that.
- [65:25]
Luke
Yes, sir. And you talked about you being an announcer or what's been one of the most refreshing or memorable times being that at a show or at a sale on the block.
- [65:44]
Kenton Jakey
I think. I think the most memorable event that that has happened to me in my life was Nick Ryman was like a little brother to me. And two years ago, for Croy Ryman to win the National Western Stock show and, and, and be able to receive the trophy that is in his dad's memory and to listen to Glenn Martin give his. Give his speech before they selected that steer. That is an. That is an event in my life that I don't know that I'll ever forget. There's a lot of. There's a lot of emotion that goes into it. I. And I had to relive all that this last fall when my good friend Troy Thomas passed away unexpectedly. I wasn't thinking very good when I stayed in Chamberlain, South Dakota that night and had to drive up the highway. That. That plane took that. That path that was. That was struck. And I cried like a baby going up that road that morning to Troy Thomas's funeral, thinking about Nick and those other. And those other great gentlemen that were in that plane with him. But sitting on that stage at the National Western Stock show in that Coliseum and all the history that goes along with that place and that crowd that was in there that night, it was full. And, and for, for Croy to win that, that night, I only want to believe that his dad was looking down, smiling, and I miss him every day. And I just, you, you really, it really tugs at your heart. And, and that was, that will be a moment that I'll never Forget.
- [68:00]
Luke
Yes.
- [68:00]
Kenton Jakey
Is two years, two years ago in Denver in 24. It's very emotional and you know, and it's just, it was very, you know, it's been a long time ago. It was 12 years ago that Nick died, but it just, it just never goes away. And you know, you, you wonder what if, you know, if Nick could still be around, what if impact he would have on this industry. But for the short time that he was on Earth, he changed our industry. There's a whole generation of young kids that looked up to Nick Ryman and, and he will forever be remembered as one of the great cattlemen in this business for sure.
- [68:44]
Luke
What I'd like to ask you, what is a favorite Bible verse or quote that motivates you the most on a daily basis?
- [68:53]
Kenton Jakey
Well, I'm going to tell you it's very important that I read this Bible verse that I've got, but there's a quote that I live by that I read several years ago. So most people don't know I'm adopted. I mean, I was adopted as a baby. And so this famous quote or this quote that I read back when I was in college always kind of gave me my motivation to outwork everybody. And it's. The two most important days of your life are the day that you were born and the day that you find out why. And, and for me, that always hit home because my life was guided by fate. I had no vote and who adopted me and who raised me. And I just thank the good Lord Jesus Christ every day that I was raised in a Christian home, on a ranch, in agriculture, because I can't imagine my life any other way. And, and the path that I, that I, that I was given was given to me. And so I think the, like I said, the most important two days in your life is the day you were born and the day you find out why you were born and when somebody realizes why they were born and put on this Earth. Thank God I figured that out as an early age. I mean, I, I, I, I've been given the gift of, of being able to speak and been able to give the gift to be able to help people market and, and do a better job in their program. And, and. And I love what I do. If you can't tell, I love what I do. And the older I get, people go, when are you going to retire? When you're going to give it up? And I go up. Why? I mean, what else would I do, you know?
- [70:52]
Luke
Right.
- [70:52]
Kenton Jakey
And. And then probably the. Probably the. The. Another Proverbs verse that I Love is Proverbs 3. 27. And it's, do not withhold good to those whom it is due when it is your power to do it. And I've always lived by those words because I always felt like I have the ability to help people. And if you can help them, it's your responsibility. It's my responsibility. I have a responsibility for Weston to become successful. I have responsibility for John Griswold to be successful. And if I have the abilities to do it, it's my duty. It's my fiduciary duty to help them do it. So those are just two things that I live by. Weston.
- [71:41]
Luke
Yes, sir. Now, what I want to ask you is what empowers you to be better than who you were before?
- [71:51]
Kenton Jakey
Well, I think it's just that that last Bible verse, if you've got the power to help people, I mean, that's my motivation. I always think we can do better. John calls me every Sunday morning after our class and go, what do we need to do better Every year? We could have had a $5 million sale. And he's calling me on Sunday morning, what do we need to do different? What do we need to do better? And I think that's my motivation. I still have the excitement to get up every day at 6 o'. Clock. I still have the excitement to how can I help whoever today? And I think that's the thing that motivates me the most, and that's what I owe the industry, is to give them my best every day.
- [72:42]
Luke
Yes, sir. Mr. Jakey, this has been a pleasure. I've had a lot of fun, and I kind of got goosebumps right now because we talked about a lot and we got to go over a lot, and we hit almost every point that I really wanted to in the episode. And I usually try to end out every episode with the Bible verse. I think it's important to know that we got to keep the good Lord in the middle of all of it. I got to remind myself that a lot of the times. And so today's verse comes from Romans 8, 28. And it says, and we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who Love him who have been called according to his purpose. And what I get from that is we all have a purpose, Mr. Jakey. You have a purpose. I have a purpose. My roommate has a purpose. The guy I don't know in the other apartment has a purpose. So we can't forget that we're here for a reason. We have a calling. And whether you have found it or not, you will eventually one day, because the Lord is going to allow you to find that. And you have to cherish it, hold it, and take advantage of it. And so I think that was a good reminder for myself and anybody else who is listening. But I appreciate your time, your knowledge, and your investment into the platform. It's been a pleasure. And I hope anybody and everyone who listens benefits from this in some way, shape or form, and I'm sure they will. This is something that is a remarkable. I've had a blast doing this episode.
- [74:17]
Kenton Jakey
Well, hey, I want to thank you for asking me to do this. And I get a chance to sit down here, be at home for one night and be able. I couldn't think of a better way to do this. And to. And I appreciate you asking me to do this, and it's been a blast to do this, too. And. And I just want you to know how proud I am of you.
- [74:37]
Luke
Keep.
- [74:38]
Kenton Jakey
Keep your faith in God. Keep your faith in Jesus Christ, and everything will work out. Everything's going to be fine. There is a purpose for everybody. And, And. And I think we need to. We. We as we. As Christians. And. And you, as a young Christian man, you have a far better chance of a better life when you keep him in your life. And I. And I'm proud of you for doing that.
- [75:06]
Luke
I appreciate that, Mr. Jakey. I try. I'm not perfect. I'm not a perfect human being. I don't think anyone is.
- [75:13]
Kenton Jakey
Nobody is.
- [75:15]
Luke
But nobody can always strive to be better every day.
- [75:18]
Kenton Jakey
Exactly.
- [75:20]
Luke
And you're gonna make mistakes every day. There's. That's. That's promised. But, yeah, I think, you know, you keep looking up, you keep relying on the Lord. Put your faith and trust in him, and try not to stress out so much, even though that seems like that's a given.
- [75:36]
Kenton Jakey
Absolutely, Absolutely. Absolutely. That's right.
- [75:39]
Luke
So.
- [75:40]
Kenton Jakey
All right.
- [75:40]
Luke
That said, I appreciate your time, and I hope that everybody that listened had fun. And so with that said, this is empowering you with Mr. Kent Jakey. And we will hear from y' all next time, Mr. Jakey. Thank you.
- [75:54]
Kenton Jakey
Thank you. Weston.
- [75:57]
Weston Hendricks
Make sure to check out our website@empoweryoupodcast.org where you'll find our team's story, sponsor highlights and merchandise. But also make sure to check out our social media on Facebook and Instagram powerupod to stay up to date on episode, sneak peeks and releases, merchandise updates and sponsor announcements. We are proud to have you as a listener on and hope you gained more knowledge through us. Make sure to give us a five star rating and have a blessed day.