Championdrive Podcast – Episode 3.3: Chelsea Nelson (Tyson Foods/Enfield Club Lambs) + The Essentials Product Spotlight

Date: August 25, 2025
Host: Steven (Championdrive.com)
Guest: Chelsea Nelson (Director of Pricing, Tyson Foods; Enfield Club Lambs)
Segment Guests: Jill Keller (Novel Designs), Barrett Carlisle (Essentials Product Spotlight)

Overview

This episode of the Championdrive Podcast dives into the diverse career of Chelsea Nelson—Director of Pricing at Tyson Foods, and co-operator of Enfield Club Lambs. Steven explores Chelsea’s journey from a non-farm Iowa upbringing into a central role at a major agri-food corporation, all while maintaining deep roots in the show sheep industry. Additional segments include a deep dive into sheep nutrition products with Barrett Carlisle, marketing advice for breeders, and insights into upcoming podcast topics.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Team Spotlight: Jill Keller’s Background (00:01 – 06:22)

• Jill’s Early Involvement:

  • Started with horses via 4H, then moved through several livestock species before focusing on sheep.
  • Success in the show ring, including reserves at the American Royal and Denver. (01:15)

• College & Novel Designs:

  • Attended Kansas State (K State), heavily involved in agricultural communications, magazines, and events. (01:37–02:34)
  • Transitioned through a college internship into a full-time role at Novel Designs. She focuses on social media, graphic design, content curation, and running Champion Drive’s platforms. (02:37–04:22)

• Marketing Trends and Tips:

  • Noted the evolution and importance of social media in marketing livestock. Emphasized organization for clients submitting ad design requests.
  • Quote: “The more that you have organized for us, the easier it is … to get a quality product out to you.” – Jill Keller (05:10)

2. Essentials Product Spotlight – “Chub” (06:39 – 07:42)

• Chub Product Details:

  • Described as a high-energy, high omega fatty acid pelleted supplement supporting bloom and bulk in show sheep. Useful both as a top-dress and offered free-choice to lambs. (06:39)

• Ordering:

  • Sold in buckets (10, 25, 40 lbs) and bags via Essential’s website and dealer locator. (07:19, 07:31)
  • Resource info available on Champion Drive’s Product Spotlight page.

• Quote: “If you just need extra, just bulk or bloom, highly recommend that product.” – Barrett Carlisle (06:42)

3. Podcast Roundtable Preview: Barn Renovations (07:42 – 10:27)

• Upcoming episode will feature Cody Schmincke, Chad Charmeson, Jake Warntjez, and Brian Riley discussing practical and regional considerations for retrofitting or expanding livestock barns.
• Focus is on modifying existing structures for better herd management and adapting to regional weather/challenges.
• Encouragement for listeners to submit questions for inclusion.

Main Interview – Chelsea Nelson (13:09 – 34:39)

Getting Started in Sheep (13:22–14:03)

• Background:
  • Chelsea grew up in SW Iowa; her family wasn’t traditional farmers. Early sheep involvement came through 4H.
  • Quote: “My dad was like, nope, you’re gonna do 4H. So that’s really how it all evolved.” – Chelsea Nelson (13:37)

Career Path: Iowa State, Cargill, Smithfield, Tyson (14:46–19:26)

• Education & Early Career:

  • Iowa State University, started as ag ed major, switched to industry track. (14:46)
  • Sales trainee at Cargill—first exposure to the breadth of roles in the pork industry. (15:24)
  • Positions with JBS, smaller Iowa processor (sold to Smithfield), moved from sales to procurement/buying hogs.
  • Current role at Tyson as Director of Pricing for fresh pork (handles pricing for retail meat cuts).

• Professional Skills from Showing Sheep:

  • Skills in problem-solving, resourcefulness, work ethic.
  • Quote: “It taught me to be resourceful and savvy…those are the same things I do on a barn.” – Chelsea (19:33)

Insights on Corporate Agriculture (20:08–22:39)

• Addressing Misconceptions:

  • Large corporations get negative narratives—importance of attitude, problem-solving, teamwork.
  • Industry needs both large corporations and independent farmers; both sides are vital for the food supply chain.
  • Quote: “We both need each other to put food on people’s tables…It is really the truth.” – Chelsea (21:42)

• Diverse Career Opportunities:

  • Beyond production/sales—legal, accounting, HR, and more.

Enfield Club Lambs – Flock Evolution and Management (23:04–26:24)

• Flock & Genetics:

  • Partnership with Nick and Andrew Enfield in Maxwell, Iowa. Roughly 40 blackface ewes and 20 recips; genetic base heavily influenced by Impact Hampshires.
  • Transitioned from Dorsets/white-faced sheep to blacks following a family loss and market changes. Dorsets now a small part of herd, often as recips. (24:48)

• Breeding Philosophy:

  • Don’t chase fads; focus on raising sheep they like and building through strategic purchase and genetic retention.
  • The importance of hands-on experience as both showman and occasional judge.

Work-Life Balance: Career and Sheep (26:24–27:41)

• Balances Tyson role in Arkansas with Iowa-based sheep farm—six-hour commutes on weekends. (26:30)
• Quote: “Not being able every night to go out and do chores and stare at the ewes...that’s been really challenging.” – Chelsea (26:58)

The Judging Ring & Developing Successful Showmen (27:41–29:39)

• Judging:

  • Loves working with kids and livestock; values hands-on interaction and mentor influences (shoutout to Joel Morkle). (27:50)
  • Quote: “It’s just talking to people, listening, understanding…and then being able to get in a ring and sort through good livestock. It’s just a lot of fun.” – Chelsea (28:32)

• Showman Advice:

  • Today’s youth have strong support networks; encourages appreciation, gratitude, and recognition of the effort others put in.
  • Quote: “I just hope they understand some of the struggles that others had to help them get to where they are.” – Chelsea (29:06)

Reflection, Giving Back, and Final Advice (30:15–32:45)

• Most Rewarding Aspect:

  • Giving back—mentoring youth, assisting their transition from the ring into the workplace. (30:15)

• Full Circle Moments:

  • Being able to help others just as mentors (like Megan Hobbs) helped her.
  • Quote: “I love, in my position, hiring livestock kids because they know how to work hard and ... handle challenges.” – Chelsea (30:52)

• Advice to Next Generation:

  • Don’t be afraid of taking risks or making mistakes—be proactive and learn from experience. (31:42)
  • Humor about being warned not to enter the meat industry due to bad meat lab grades, but ending up running pricing for pork.

Highlighted Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Topic | Speaker | Timestamp | Quote | |-------------------------------------- |--------------- |-----------|--------------------------------------------------------------------| | Organization for Design Requests | Jill Keller | 05:10 | “The more that you have organized for us, the easier it is... ” | | Product Endorsement | Barrett Carlisle| 06:42 | “If you just need extra, just bulk or bloom, highly recommend...” | | Origin in Sheep | Chelsea Nelson | 13:37 | “My dad was like, nope, you’re gonna do 4H…” | | Work Ethic from Livestock | Chelsea Nelson | 19:33 | “It taught me to be resourceful and savvy...those are the same…” | | Balance in Ag Industry | Chelsea Nelson | 21:42 | “We both need each other to put food on people’s tables...” | | Farm/Career Balance | Chelsea Nelson | 26:58 | “Not being able every night to go out and do chores…” | | Showman Attitude | Chelsea Nelson | 29:06 | “I just hope they understand some of the struggles that others had to help them get to where they are...” | | Giving Back/Full Circle | Chelsea Nelson | 30:52 | “I love, in my position, hiring livestock kids because they know how to work hard...” | | Risk and Opportunity | Chelsea Nelson | 31:42 | “Don’t be scared...We all have to make mistakes to learn...” | | Career/Irony | Chelsea Nelson | 32:29 | “Whatever you do, just don’t go into the meat industry…” |

Fun & Personal Segment (33:15 – 34:39)

• Most Unique Place Lived: Kanawha, Iowa – “middle of nowhere, cornfield part of Iowa.” (33:15)
• Favorite Sheep Show: Iowa State Fair for camaraderie, Louisville for tradition.
  • Quote: “It’s hard to beat Louisville. There’s something about the green chips.” (34:08)
• Best Moving Hack: “Don’t. Don’t move.” (34:32)

Episode Flow / Timestamps

• 00:01 – 06:22: Jill Keller career and marketing advice
• 06:39 – 07:42: Essentials Product Spotlight – “Chub”
• 07:42 – 10:27: Podcast announcements and roundtable preview
• 13:09 – 19:26: Chelsea Nelson’s early career path
• 19:26 – 22:39: Corporate ag discussion
• 23:04 – 26:24: Enfield Club Lambs genetics, market, flock management
• 26:30 – 27:41: Balancing career and sheep operation
• 27:41 – 30:15: Judging shows and mentoring youth
• 30:15 – 32:45: Full circle moments and advice
• 33:15 – 34:39: Fun questions, favorite shows, moving hacks

Conclusion

This episode spotlights the intersection between a high-level corporate ag career and deep dedication to the show sheep industry. Chelsea Nelson’s journey underlines the value of risk-taking, adaptability, and giving back. Insightful advice for youth, a realistic look at industry dynamics, and genuine reflections make this a compelling listen for anyone in livestock or agricultural careers.

For more info on products or to get involved, visit ChampionDrive.com.