EmpowerU Podcast Summary: "Raising The Bar... Featuring Tyson Rule"

Podcast Information:

• Title: EmpowerU
• Host/Authors: Weston Hendrix, Luke Domingue, Quinn Hartley
• Description: EmpowerU seeks to empower individuals, leaders, operators, and customers by providing knowledge and confidence through insights from livestock industry leaders.
• Episode: Raising The Bar... Featuring Tyson Rule
• Release Date: July 18, 2025

1. Introduction to the Episode

In Season Four, Episode Six of EmpowerU, host Weston Hendrix welcomes Tyson Rule, a prominent figure in the livestock industry, particularly known for his work in sheep breeding and rural supplements. This episode marks a strategic shift as the podcast explores sectors beyond cattle, delving into rural supplements with Tyson as the guest.

2. Tyson Rule’s Background and Company Evolution

[01:26] Tyson Rule:
Tyson shares his extensive background in agriculture, tracing his family's roots back to Colorado in 1955. His grandfather established the first feedlot, expanding into a packing plant in Denver in the early 1970s. The family later relocated to Hayward, Iowa in the 1980s, where they continued to grow their agricultural operations.

[02:46]
Rule Sheep Company has evolved from a modest 40-head operation to managing approximately 2,000 ewes, 15 full-time employees, and 14,000 commercial pigs across 1,000 acres. This diversification exemplifies Tyson's commitment to expanding beyond traditional cattle farming, embracing multiple livestock sectors to ensure business resilience and growth.

3. Transition to Corporate America and Business Acumen

[06:09] Tyson Rule:
Tyson recounts his five-year tenure in corporate America, selling high-value copiers ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. This experience honed his business skills, particularly in managing P&Ls and cash flows, which proved invaluable upon returning to the agricultural sector. The financial acumen gained during this period enabled him to invest in land and expand his sheep operations significantly.

4. Adoption of Artificial Insemination (AI) and Genetic Innovations

[08:00]
A pivotal moment for Rule Sheep Company occurred in 2008 with the acquisition of Vince McGolden's flock. Tyson leveraged owner financing to purchase 400 ewes, marking a substantial increase in operations. As AI was underutilized in sheep breeding at the time, Tyson's research and collaboration with Australian experts like John Crawford introduced advanced AI techniques to his flock.

[10:39] Tyson Rule:
Tyson highlights the rapid adoption of AI in sheep breeding, noting, "90% of the sheep in the show ring right now are being sired by AI Bucks." This technological integration significantly boosted the efficacy and genetic quality of his livestock, setting new industry standards.

5. Genetic Strategies: Inbreeding, Outcrossing, and Elite Rams

[11:05] Tyson Rule:
Tyson delves into his genetic strategies, explaining the initial diversity in his flock's genetic pool. By aligning with Elliot genetics and engaging in selective inbreeding across two main lines, he optimized genetic traits. A critical decision was purchasing elite bucks like "Burn the Internet," which became foundational to his breeding program.

[12:58]
He recounts how acquiring "Burn the Internet" transformed his genetic pool, stating, "If I would have bid one more time or would have got one of the Johnson bucks, I probably would never have had Burn." This strategic move underscored the importance of selecting high-caliber genetics to enhance flock performance.

6. Evolution of Show Sheep Standards and Presentation

[21:50] Tyson Rule:
Discussing show sheep standards, Tyson observes that today's sheep are "better built" with enhanced physical attributes making them more competitive. He notes, "Presentation has gotten a lot better," highlighting improvements in feeding, exercise, and daily care that contribute to superior show performance.

[24:05]
He emphasizes the increased time and effort required for sheep preparation, contrasting it with past practices where less intensive care was sufficient. Modern standards demand meticulous attention to leg wool, muscle development, and overall presentation, making show preparation a more complex endeavor.

7. Daily Care Protocols and Supplementation for Show Sheep

[28:07] Weston Hendricks:
The discussion shifts to daily care protocols for show sheep, focusing on feeding routines, exercise regimens, and supplementation strategies.

[28:30] Tyson Rule:
Tyson outlines a comprehensive care routine:

• Feeding: Twice daily with a transition from group feeding to individualized feeding as lambs grow.
• Exercise: A three-day rotation involving haltering, leg unwrapping, conditioning via circle walkers and treadmills, and posing techniques.
• Supplementation: Use of products like "Race Day" to enhance muscle development and overall health.

He explains, "We're maximizing every bit of immunity and muscle building to ensure our sheep are at the peak of their athletic performance."

8. Development and Differentiation of Rule Supplements

[33:23] Tyson Rule:
Tyson narrates the inception of Rule Supplements in 2016, driven by the need to improve ram fertility and donor health. Collaborating with Jed Asmus, a dairy nutritionist, they developed products like "Macho Man" to enhance ram fertility and later expanded their supplement line to address broader livestock health needs.

[38:38] Tyson Rule:
He elaborates on the product development process, emphasizing practicality over theoretical knowledge:

• Thick: Designed to build muscle without excessive fat, enhancing both bulk and muscle tone.
• Shredded: Focuses on burning fat while building muscle, inspired by athlete-based supplements.
• Race Day: Utilizes principles from dairy cow hydration management to maintain muscle hydration and size in sheep.

Tyson states, "Our products are designed to keep the animals healthy from the inside out, ensuring optimal performance in the show ring."

9. Rule Supplements' Unique Position in the Market

[43:41] Tyson Rule:
Tyson differentiates Rule Supplements by highlighting their hands-on approach. Unlike corporate brands, Rule Supplements can swiftly adapt formulations based on real-world feedback. He notes, "If we don't like the way something works, we scrap it," ensuring high-quality, effective products tailored to customer needs without the constraints of corporate red tape.

[44:53]
He emphasizes cost-efficiency, maintaining lower prices by managing operations internally and avoiding bloated expenses typical of larger companies. This strategy allows Rule Supplements to offer superior ingredients at competitive prices, fostering customer loyalty through consistent product quality.

10. Marketing, Social Media, and Distribution Strategies

[46:50] Tyson Rule:
Tyson discusses the pivotal role of social media in marketing Rule Supplements. He describes both the benefits and challenges, such as high engagement through Facebook and direct customer interactions via DMs. Despite algorithm limitations, Tyson values social media for storytelling and direct customer support.

[49:58]
Looking ahead, Tyson outlines plans to enhance distribution by developing a dealership model, enabling quicker access to supplements through feed stores nationwide. This expansion aims to reduce shipping delays and increase product availability, ensuring customers receive timely support for their livestock needs.

[53:06] Tyson Rule:
He highlights collaborative efforts with small businesses, aiding in their distribution and growth. Examples include partnering with Will Winter on "Punch" supplements and Lane Hail on muzzle products, showcasing Rule Supplements' commitment to supporting and scaling niche products within the industry.

11. Advice for New Breeders and Industry Entrants

[58:30] Tyson Rule:
Tyson offers practical advice for newcomers:

• Seek Mentorship: "Find somebody that's being successful and go talk to them."
• Be Selective: Focus on elite females with proven track records to enhance genetic quality.
• Use Reliable Sources: Caution against relying solely on unverified online advice, recommending direct communication with industry experts.

He encourages persistence and proactive networking, emphasizing that success often stems from hands-on learning and strategic partnerships.

12. Inspirational Insights and Personal Philosophy

[63:19] Tyson Rule:
Inspired by Alex Hermosi, Tyson shares a motivational perspective:
"No one gets to the end of their life that says, 'I wish I would have played it safe.' So, just don't let your dreams die with you."

He embodies this philosophy by continuously pushing boundaries, embracing risks to achieve his agricultural and business ambitions. Tyson emphasizes the importance of leaving a lasting legacy and empowering future generations through his work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit.

13. Closing Thoughts and Personal Reflections

[65:31] Tyson Rule:
Reflecting on his journey, Tyson expresses his drive to "leave something better than how [he] got it." Inspired by his family's agricultural roots and his own experiences, he aims to instill strong work ethics and entrepreneurial values in his children and collaborators. Tyson's dedication to continuous improvement and community support underscores his role as a leader in the livestock industry.

Notable Quotes

• Weston Hendrix [00:05]:
  "Our goal is to empower you while gaining insights and trust and consuming it from some of the most significant people in our industry."

• Tyson Rule [07:27]:
  "The fact that cattle guys and pig guys are doing AI work and, you know, in the early 2000s, and now 90% of the sheep in the show ring are being sired by AI Bucks—it's kind of crazy that's happened just that fast."

• Tyson Rule [21:50]:
  "The presentation has gotten a lot better. The sheep are just better built."

• Tyson Rule [33:23]:
  "We wanted something that would put on a bloom and a bulk, but also build some muscle at the same time."

• Tyson Rule [43:41]:
  "If we don't like the way something works, we scrap it."

• Tyson Rule [63:19]:
  "No one gets to the end of their life that says, 'I wish I would have played it safe.' So, just don't let your dreams die with you."

Conclusion

This episode of EmpowerU provides an in-depth exploration of Tyson Rule's contributions to the livestock industry, particularly in sheep breeding and supplement development. Through his entrepreneurial journey, Tyson illustrates the significance of genetic innovation, strategic business practices, and dedicated customer engagement. His insights offer valuable guidance for both seasoned professionals and newcomers aiming to excel in the agricultural sector.

Note: The episode included several promotional segments between [24:05] and [58:19], which have been excluded from this summary as per instructions to focus on content and skip advertisements.