EmpowerU Podcast: “Everyone Has A Purpose… Featuring Kent Jaecke”
Host: Weston Hendricks (with Luke Domingue absent)
Guest: Kenton “Kent” Jaecke
Release Date: November 15, 2025
Episode Overview
This episode of EmpowerU dives deep into the journey and wisdom of Kenton "Kent" Jaecke, a widely respected figure in the livestock marketing and show cattle industries. With over four decades of experience, Kent shares personal stories, industry insights, and his guiding philosophies—focusing on mentorship, adapting to change, the evolving role of social media, integrity in competition, and the importance of living with purpose. The conversation is practical, candid, encouraging for the next generation, and reflects a faith-based perspective.
Major Discussion Points & Insights
1. Kent’s Background and Professional Path
- Raised on a cow-calf operation in Chapman, Kansas (03:14)
- Attended Kansas State University thanks to mentor Dr. Miles McKee (03:14)
- Met John Griswold in college, starting a lifelong friendship and business connection (04:42)
- Early career: High Plains Journal, American Polled Hereford Association, American Shorthorn Association, Western Livestock Journal (06:26, 08:33)
- Founded Rock and K Productions in 2000, marketing cattle nationwide (10:22)
Notable Quote
“I’ve always believed in passing on to the next generation.”
— Kent Jaecke (01:16)
2. Adapting to Change: Social Media’s Impact on Livestock Marketing
- Dramatic shift in marketing tactics, from in-person and phone communication to utilizing social platforms (10:39)
- Emphasizes the power and necessity of social media for all breeders, not just major operations (12:07)
- Recalls his own “accidental” start with Facebook Live during a snowstorm—highlighting authenticity and realness as key to success (12:58)
Notable Quote
“Those firms that believe and invest in social media awareness and social media presence are the ones that are… successful, and the ones that fight it… are the ones that are going to be left behind.”
— Kent Jaecke (11:40)
“I don’t plan nothing. I see a set of calves I like, I just hit go. I just hit live and go.”
— Kent Jaecke (13:55)
3. Evolving Communication & Commentary in the Industry
- Observes declining face-to-face communication skills in younger generations; stresses the importance of verbal skills (10:39)
- His candid, unscripted Facebook Live approach is both popular and effective (13:54)
- Commentary work at sales improved his on-the-spot thinking and ability to read cattle and crowds (16:04—18:41)
Notable Quote
“Less is more… you want to keep those cattle rolling… you’ve got to maintain energy because your energy just oozes out in that crowd.”
— Kent Jaecke (17:56)
4. Show Heifer Industry: Changes, Challenges, and Concerns
- Significant improvements in structure and relevance of show cattle (19:23)
- Warns of the escalating costs ("hundred thousand dollar heifers") and growing disrespect or poor sportsmanship among competitors (21:51)
- Stresses returning to the core value: raising young people, not just winning at any cost (22:37—24:03)
Notable Quote
“Sometimes I think we need to step back and remember that we are raising young people first and we’re raising cattle second.”
— Kent Jaecke (23:23)
5. Integrity, Respect, and Social Conduct in the Show Ring
- Discusses recent industry controversies—disrespect and threats toward judges or breeders, especially after high-stakes shows (25:18—28:08)
- Calls for respect for judges’ decisions and maintaining perspective: “It’s one day. That’s how they see them.” (27:33—28:13)
- Praises integrity in judging and addresses the misconception of “politics” in show outcomes (32:58—34:43)
Notable Quote
“No one has the right to disrespect these people that are judging these shows… This is still an industry that people make their livelihood in.”
— Kent Jaecke (26:54)
6. On Choosing and Supporting Judges
- Advocates for judges with actual experience—raising, fitting, selling steers and show cattle (35:16–37:45)
- Calls for a blend of youth and experience among new judges, emphasizing integrity and proven ability (38:20–40:24)
- Warns against “spreading the love” instead of honestly using the best animals, regardless of owner (42:28–44:51)
Notable Quote
“Their job is to go pick the animals that are the best ones and stop worrying about what the… optics look like.”
— Kent Jaecke (42:28)
7. On Competition Among Breeders and Perseverance
- Addresses jealousy and negative talk; emphasizes Proverbs 24:16 (“the righteous fall seven times, only to rise again”) as guiding principle (48:15)
- Champions perseverance and the willingness to get up after setbacks, referencing industry leaders like John Griswold (49:39)
Notable Quote
“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… they fall down, they get up.”
— Kent Jaecke (48:50)
8. Club Calf and Promotional Sires – Trends & Reflections
- Observes generational impact sires: Heat Wave, Monopoly, Here I Am (52:41–54:08)
- Discusses Griswold’s newer bulls (Greater Good, Golden Rule, Ready for War) and their promise (54:08–58:48)
- The success of a bull comes down to “they work institutionally across the United States. Doesn’t matter what kind of cows they’re on.” (57:58)
9. Personal Fulfillment and High Points
- Greatest honor: being entrusted with Griswold’s cattle marketing (61:38)
- Cherishes role as announcer at North American International Livestock Exposition (63:24)
- Most memorable moment: Announcing when Croy Ryman won the National Western Stock Show after his father Nick’s tragic passing—a deeply emotional experience (65:44–68:44)
10. Faith, Purpose, and Guiding Quotes
- Life-changing quote:
“The two most important days of your life are the day that you were born and the day that you find out why.”
— Kent Jaecke (68:52) - Favorite Bible verses:
- Proverbs 24:16 (“the righteous fall seven times, only to rise again”) (48:15)
- Proverbs 3:27 (“do not withhold good to those whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it”) (70:52)
- Finds empowerment in helping others and striving for self-improvement (71:41)
- Luke’s concluding Bible verse: Romans 8:28 — “...in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (72:42)
Timestamps of Key Segments
- Intro & Kent’s Background: 00:01–04:39
- Career Path and Relationships: 04:39–10:22
- Adapting to Social Media: 10:39–13:55
- Sale Commentary & Communication: 15:41–18:41
- State of the Show Heifer Industry: 19:23–24:03
- Show Ring Conduct & Respect: 25:16–28:13
- Judge Selection and Integrity: 34:43–45:53
- Breeder Competition & Perseverance: 48:15–50:59
- Bulls & Breed Impact: 52:41–58:48
- Personal Fulfillment: 61:38–68:44
- Faith & Guiding Quotes: 68:52–75:06
Memorable Moments & Quotes
- “If you don’t appreciate the immense quality that are in the show ring today... never have I seen cattle that are structurally as good as they’ve ever been.” (19:23)
- “We are raising young people first and we’re raising cattle second.” (23:23)
- “No one has the right to disrespect these people that are judging these shows.” (26:54)
- “[Perseverance:] The righteous fall seven times, only to rise again.” (48:15)
- “The two most important days of your life are the day that you were born and the day that you find out why.” (68:52)
- “If you can help them, it’s your responsibility… it’s my fiduciary duty to help them do it.” (70:52)
Closing
This episode is both a masterclass in navigating the modern livestock industry and a heartfelt reflection on the enduring values of respect, faith, mentorship, and personal purpose. Kent Jaecke’s stories and advice motivate both seasoned professionals and younger listeners seeking their place in the industry.
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