At Cattlemen’s Congress, I had the honor of participating in the second annual Gathering of the Gals event, a unique opportunity to connect with female farmers, female producers, and women leaders in the agriculture industry.
What is Gathering of the Gals?
Gathering of the Gals is an annual women in agriculture event at Cattlemen’s Congress, bringing together female agribusiness leaders for networking, education, and mentorship.
It was a meaningful and inspirational experience, and I’m so grateful to my longtime friend, Blayne Arthur, a champion for rural communities and gender equality in agribusiness, for inviting me to join. Blayne, who serves as the Secretary of Agriculture for the state of Oklahoma, reached out a couple of months before the event to ask if I would moderate a panel on building your brand in agriculture. It was an invitation I couldn’t refuse—for the chance to reconnect with an old friend and to be part of something so impactful for women in our industry.
Reconnecting with Blayne Arthur
Blayne and I go way back—nearly 30 years—to our days on the American Junior Shorthorn Association Board and her time as the National Lassie Queen. Watching her career flourish has been an absolute joy.
Today, Blayne is one of the most visible and respected leaders in the United States agricultural sector, and I’m proud to call her a friend. She and her husband Jerrod (another AJSA junior board alum) have raised an incredible family, and their kids have carried on the tradition of excellence with impressive show careers of their own. When Blayne’s daughter won the Shorthorn Junior Nationals a few years ago, I was cheering her on from afar, watching on the live stream and being excited to know her parents!
Receiving Blayne’s email about this year’s conference was such a meaningful moment. To be asked to help guide this event alongside her was an honor, and I was thrilled to accept.
Blast from the Past
A special memory from our junior show days—with Blayne Spencer Arthur holding the banner as National Lassie Queen and me at the backdrop.
A Shared Commitment to Agriculture
Standing alongside Blayne and Knox, I’m reminded how deeply rooted agriculture is in our families and how we continue to pass these values down.
A Warm and Inviting Space
The event was held in the Cattlemen’s Bar at the showgrounds—a cozy, welcoming space that quickly became a retreat from the bitter cold outside. It was snowing in Oklahoma City, and as a Texan, I wasn’t quite prepared for the chill. But the bar’s warm ambiance, complete with big-screen TVs streaming the ongoing show, made it the perfect place for fellowship and meaningful conversations.
I arrived early, about 30 minutes to an hour before the event started, and found myself eagerly scanning the schedule. One unique feature caught my attention: a beef-tasting experience where attendees sampled different quality grades of beef. This immediately stood out to me because my husband and son, Knox, were coming to the event as well. While Gathering of the Gals is geared towards women, I knew the educational aspect would be invaluable for Knox.
Knox has become quite the student of the beef industry, especially after preparing for the cattleman’s written test during the Shorthorn Junior Nationals in 2024. He already understood the importance of quality grades, but this was his first chance to taste the differences himself, thanks to the Oklahoma Beef Council. Watching his excitement as he learned was one of the highlights of the day for me.
Inspiration and Authenticity
The first panel of the day featured Emilee Foster (Seldom Rest Angus), Christie Gabel (Magnum Feedyard), and Theresa Miller (Prairie View Farms). Their session was motivational, packed with inspiring stories and personal insights. Though I didn’t know some of these women before the event, I was familiar with their reputations and admired the vulnerability they brought to the conversation. The room was packed—there wasn’t an empty chair in sight—and I found myself deeply moved by the authenticity they shared. It’s not always easy to open up in front of a crowd, but they did so with grace and honesty, leaving a lasting impact on everyone present.
The Brand-Building Panel
Soon, it was time for our panel. Originally planned with four speakers, we ended up as a trio when Megan Blankenship had to stay with her daughter, who was showing a Hereford heifer. (In true stock show fashion, the heifer went on to win while we were mid-panel, and we celebrated as the win streamed live on the TVs beside us.)
The panelists included two incredible agribusiness women I was thrilled to collaborate with:
- Paige Wallace Arnold: Paige is not only my go-to partner for V8 Ranch’s promotional videos but also a dear friend. Since 2019, Paige has been central to my vision of sharing our ranch’s story in a more visual, personal way. Her creativity and guidance have shaped V8’s brand, and it was an honor to share the stage with her.
- Lindsey Graber Runft: While I hadn’t met Lindsey before, I knew of her through mutual friends and her work in the industry. She and her husband run a successful Charolais seed stock operation, and Lindsey’s day job at Certified Angus Beef (CAB) brought a unique perspective to the table. CAB is one of the most recognizable brands in agriculture, and Lindsey’s insights into mainstream marketing were invaluable.
Our panel focused on practical strategies for building a brand in agriculture. The conversation flowed naturally, and before I knew it, our time was up. We shared tools and ideas, and from the feedback we received, I believe attendees left feeling inspired and equipped to take action in their own businesses.
A Partnership in Storytelling
Paige Arnold has been instrumental in helping me share our ranch’s story, and I’m grateful for the chance to be on stage with her discussing the power of branding in agriculture.
Sharing Insights on the Panel
Speaking on this panel was an honor—discussing brand-building in agriculture with other incredible women and sharing what I’ve learned along the way.
Closing Thoughts
As I reflect on the Gathering of the Gals event, I am struck by the sense of camaraderie and support that defines the agriculturalour industry. Agriculture is more than a profession—it’s a way of life, one that shapes our families, our values, and our communities. Events like this remind me how fortunate we are to be part of such a tight-knit, supportive network.
I’m grateful to Blayne and JanLee Rowlett, Deputy Commissioner, for inviting me and to everyone who attended. If you’re a woman in agriculture, I encourage you to attend next year’s event—it’s only going to grow and get better. And if you ever feel alone in this industry, reach out. There are so many amazing women ready to connect and support one another.
Here’s to celebrating women in agriculture and to another successful Gathering of the Gals. See you next year!
0 Comments