Livestock shows and future business leaders

Summary

Marketplace Morning Report: Livestock Shows and Future Business Leaders
Release Date: March 20, 2025

In this engaging episode of Marketplace Morning Report, host David Brancaccio delves into the vibrant world of livestock shows, highlighting how these events are cultivating the next generation of business leaders. Through insightful interviews and on-the-ground reporting, the episode showcases young entrepreneurs who are merging agricultural traditions with modern business acumen.

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1. Introduction to the Rodeo and Livestock Shows

David Brancaccio sets the stage by taking listeners to the Houston Livestock Show Rodeo, a bustling event that juxtaposes the adrenaline of bull riding with the meticulous competitions of livestock showcasing. This environment serves as a fertile ground for young talents to demonstrate their business skills alongside their agricultural prowess.

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2. Spotlight on Young Business Leaders

a. Laura Cooper: Building a Future in Agribusiness

Laura Cooper, a high school senior from Paris, Texas, emerges as a standout participant in the livestock arena. Cooper's dedication is evident as she travels approximately five hours to exhibit her prized Brahmin cattle, exemplifying both commitment and strategic thinking.

• Investment in Livestock:
  Laura Cooper (04:38): “I had to get an AG loan through the FSA so the farm service agency to buy my own calf to start out with in the very beginning. From then I learned, wow, this is an awesome opportunity. I get to build credit.”

  Cooper's approach to raising and selling cattle has not only provided her with practical business experience but also allowed her to understand the nuances of asset management and investment. Owning nearly 40 cattle, she balances her agricultural pursuits with academic commitments, pursuing both her high school diploma and a two-year associate's degree in agribusiness.

• Future Aspirations:
  Laura Cooper (05:54): “Day become a loan officer to give farmers and ranchers access to the credit they need.”

  Cooper envisions a career that bridges finance and agriculture, aiming to facilitate access to credit for farmers and ranchers. Her proactive monitoring of interest rates underscores her dedication to staying informed about market trends and financial strategies.

b. Baxter Whitworth: The Young Media Mogul of Agriculture

Baxter Whitworth, a 14-year-old from Henderson, Texas, adds another layer to the narrative by intertwining media savvy with livestock management. His entrepreneurial spirit is evident as he not only participates in livestock shows but also builds his media business.

• Showmanship and Media Skills:
  Baxter Whitworth (06:33): “It's time for another episode of the Cattle Innovation Station podcast. I'm your host back. Sometimes we'll talk about ag policy, but mostly it's nutrition, genetics, breeding, herd management.”

  Baxter leverages his presence in livestock shows to enhance his podcasting endeavors, demonstrating an understanding of branding and audience engagement. His ability to manage both livestock and media ventures highlights a multifaceted approach to business leadership.

• Community Engagement:
  Baxter Whitworth (06:54): “In Houston, Baxter's trick of the trade for showing cattle is something that will also serve him well as a podcast host. It's about showmanship and presence, being aware.”

  His focus on community and education through his podcast reflects a commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering a collaborative environment within the agricultural sector.

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3. The Synergy Between Agriculture and Business Education

The episode emphasizes how livestock shows serve as a practical platform for young individuals to hone their business skills. By engaging in activities such as managing livestock, securing loans, and navigating market trends, participants gain invaluable experience that prepares them for future entrepreneurial endeavors.

• Practical Learning and Mentorship:
  Laura Cooper (05:59): “I do have somewhat of an idea about the worth of some things and assets a depreciating value. It is something you still continually learn every day, especially with the new current market trends.”

  Cooper's remarks highlight the continuous learning curve associated with managing assets and understanding market dynamics, underscoring the educational value of livestock shows beyond mere competition.

• Integrating Traditional Practices with Modern Business:
  The integration of traditional livestock management with contemporary business practices exemplifies how young leaders are adapting to changing economic landscapes while preserving agricultural heritage.

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4. Insights and Reflections

Through the stories of Laura Cooper and Baxter Whitworth, the episode illustrates the potential of livestock shows as incubators for future business innovators. Their experiences reflect a blend of passion for agriculture and strategic business planning, setting a precedent for upcoming generations.

• Commitment to Growth and Learning:
  Both young leaders demonstrate a commitment to growth—whether through expanding their livestock operations or developing new media platforms. Their proactive approaches to education and business reflect a forward-thinking mindset essential for success in today’s economy.

• Community and Networking:
  Participation in such events provides opportunities for networking, mentorship, and community building, which are crucial components in the development of effective business leaders.

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5. Conclusion

David Brancaccio's exploration of livestock shows reveals how these events are more than just agricultural competitions—they are breeding grounds for the next wave of business leaders. By spotlighting individuals like Laura Cooper and Baxter Whitworth, the episode highlights the intersection of tradition and innovation, demonstrating how young talents are leveraging their experiences to build promising futures in agribusiness and beyond.

This episode serves as an inspiration for listeners, showcasing the importance of hands-on experience, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial spirit in shaping successful careers. As young leaders continue to emerge from these vibrant communities, the future of business and agriculture looks poised for dynamic growth and innovation.

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Notable Quotes:

• Laura Cooper (05:54): “Day become a loan officer to give farmers and ranchers access to the credit they need.”
• Baxter Whitworth (06:33): “It's time for another episode of the Cattle Innovation Station podcast. I'm your host back. Sometimes we'll talk about ag policy, but mostly it's nutrition, genetics, breeding, herd management.”
• Laura Cooper (05:59): “I do have somewhat of an idea about the worth of some things and assets a depreciating value. It is something you still continually learn every day, especially with the new current market trends.”

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This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting the key discussions, insights, and personal stories that illustrate the link between livestock shows and the cultivation of future business leaders. Whether you're passionate about agriculture, business, or both, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how young individuals are shaping their futures through dedication and innovation.

Transcript

[David Brancaccio]

For has it really been 36 years? Marketplace has provided free, accessible information about the economy with sometimes a sense of humor. Right now, during our March fundraiser, donate $20 or more and pick up a tote bag featuring a classic Marketplace ad from back in 1989. Get a piece of our past while helping us plan for the future. Check out the tote bag and make your gift right [e-mail] donate we're leading with the breakfast cereal indicator showing worried consumers getting careful about spending on basics. I'm David Brancaccio. General Mills has just told investors it expects sales to fall as much as 2% this year. Campbell's and Kraft Heinz also expect business to slow. This is everyday stuff, but a strong signal about the state of the economy, Marketplace's Henry Epp reports inflation over the.

[Henry Epp]

Past couple years has made trips to the grocery store a lot harder for many Americans, and a lot of folks expect prices will keep going up. That's influencing the choices they make when they shop for food, says Ed Johnson, who focuses on consumer industries at Deloitte. The places where we're seeing that choice manifest is only buying essentials, right? So maybe that's Think about categories in the grocery store that are maybe seen as simple indulgences or as nice to haves snacks, soda. Some shoppers are skipping those, he says, or they're trading down from name brands to the generic versions. But executive editor of Supermarket News Chloe Reilly says those store brands aren't immune either, because low income consumers are getting pinched by rising prices for basics like coffee and eggs.

[Chloe Reilly]

Consumers are cutting out many of even the cheaper items as well.

[Henry Epp]

And all these consumer choices are trickling up to corporate offices, says Craig Rowley, who consults with retail companies at Korn Ferry. He says his clients are starting to ask, what do our expenses look like? If our sales are going to be a little bit slight, what can we do to reduce our expenses? They could cancel planned investments, leave open jobs unfilled or even lay off workers. Rowley says his clients aren't making any of those moves yet, but they're exploring their options. I'm Henry Epp for Marketplace.

[David Brancaccio]

The people with an optimal readout on the economy left interest rates unchanged yesterday. The Federal Reserve still expects to cut the cost of borrowing maybe twice as the year goes on amid signs of weakness ahead. But the Fed waited this time, partly in case tariffs spike inflation. The 10 year interest rate this morning down 4.21%, and the average 30 year fixed rate mortgage fell to its lowest in three and a half months and who says the country isn't getting better? There's news Car and truck thefts were down more than 16% last year because people are increasingly doing the right thing and not trying to steal. No, it's in large part because two car companies, Kia and Hyundai, fixed vulnerabilities that have made it quite easy for people to hac into those brands without a key.

[Unknown]

If you want to be savvy about the economy, the Marketplace newsletter is just what you need. Every Friday you'll get explainers and analysis that make sense of everything from the moving markets to grocery prices. No jargon, no hype, just smart takes delivered to your inbox. Sign up [e-mail] subscribe.

[David Brancaccio]

This Week A business reporter Yours truly goes to the Rodeo what we can learn from people gathering at in person Marketplaces to buy and sell as opposed to all the e commerce these days. Rodeo Houston is also the Houston Livestock show, where it was easy to find teenage business whizzes.

[Laura Cooper]

First place in this class goes to.

[Henry Epp]

Madeline Glaze from El Campo ffa. Second place.

[Baxter Whitworth]

While pro bull riders and calf ropers vie for cash in the NFL grade stadium next door, there's another competition happening in a separate building amid more workaday grandstands and piles of hay dyed green, Young people from across the state show off in front of judges the best of their chickens, pigs, lambs, goats and cows.

[Henry Epp]

Tremendous class guys.

[Chloe Reilly]

Let's give them another big round of applause.

[Laura Cooper]

You definitely look for their structure. Are they able to walk? Will they make it out and thrive in the real world?

[Baxter Whitworth]

Laura Cooper is a high school senior from Paris, Texas. She drove about five hours to show at the rodeo. This Brahmin, a breed that's beautiful but not always nice.

[Laura Cooper]

You also check their temperament. It would be awful if I had a crazy and would make it a really long day. We're showing so thankfully she's super gentle.

[Baxter Whitworth]

Cooper was showing Dally who won several.

[David Brancaccio]

Trophies at this year's rodeo.

[Baxter Whitworth]

Now what makes Dally worthy of show?

[Laura Cooper]

Her color, that red tinge is just something that's super flashy in the show world. She puts her ears forward, makes her look like a real lady.

[Baxter Whitworth]

Raising and showing livestock is an investment business.

[Laura Cooper]

I had to get an AG loan through the FSA so the farm service agency to buy my own calf to start out with in the very beginning. From then I learned, wow, this is an awesome opportunity. I get to build credit. Before age of 18 I was able to sell their offspring so when they had calves after their show career, I was able to sell Those make a little bit of profit. From then on, it just seems like it was just a repetitive cycle.

[Baxter Whitworth]

Cooper now owns nearly 40 cattle in total herself. She's finishing up both her high school and two year associate's degree in agribusiness at the same time. With this goal in mind, to one.

[Laura Cooper]

Day become a loan officer to give.

[Baxter Whitworth]

Farmers and ranchers access to the credit they need.

[Laura Cooper]

I do have somewhat of an idea about the worth of some things and assets a depreciating value. It is something you still continually learn every day, especially with the new current market trends.

[David Brancaccio]

You checking interest rates every few days.

[Laura Cooper]

I try to for sure I find.

[Baxter Whitworth]

This livestock show is running thick with business aces.

[Unknown]

My ranch is called Top Notch Cattle and we raise registered Brahmin cattle.

[Baxter Whitworth]

Baxter Whitworth from Henderson, Texas. His assets are winning trophies here too, even as Baxter, age 14, is also building his media business.

[Unknown]

It's time for another episode of the Cattle Innovation Station podcast. I'm your host back. Sometimes we'll talk about ag policy, but mostly it's nutrition, genetics, breeding, herd management. Setting up a farm to table or a branded beef program is something that I've definitely Back at the NRG center.

[Baxter Whitworth]

In Houston, Baxter's trick of the trade for showing cattle is something that will also serve him well as a podcast host. It's about showmanship and presence, being aware.

[Unknown]

Of what's going on in the ring, where the judge is at, where other cattle are at, kind of how much space you have to kind of be engaging and looking where everything is to make sure everything's all right tomorrow.

[David Brancaccio]

Here Turning a goat into Money for education as we explore the dynamics of a charity auction at the rodeo. Our tricks of the trade coverage is streamable from Marketplace online. Also, how I deconstruct a barbecue sandwich to save 66%. That's one of our rodeo videos. Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. You can search our handle marketplace APM. I'm David Brancaccio with our Morning Report from APM, American Public Media.

[Chloe Reilly]

Consumer confidence had its sharpest monthly decline since 2021, which means we're all in our feels about money. And while uncertainty is the only constant these days, it's also a great reason to get serious about understanding personal finance. I'm Janelie Espinal, host of Financially Inclined, a podcast from Marketplace that makes learning about money simple. Learn about practical skills like negotiating job offers, dealing with money and friendship and love, entrepreneurship and student loans. Get serious about your money and build a life you've always dreamed of. Listen to financially inclined. Wherever you get your podcast.