From Feedyards to Farm to Fork: McKenzie’s Story

In this episode of Grit and Grace in the Heartland, Mary and Leah welcome McKenzie of Arrow M Cattle Company for a wide ranging conversation about ranching, cattle production, consumer education, social media advocacy, and resilience after a life changing accident. The episode begins with a discussion about the end of the school year, gardening season, and the challenges of weather across the Midwest and Great Plains. From frost damaged cucumber plants in Minnesota to drought concerns in Nebraska, Mary and Leah share what is happening on their farms and ranches. McKenzie then joins the conversation and shares her journey into agriculture. Raised in North Mississippi in a multi generation cattle family, she earned a degree in beef cattle production from Mississippi State University before heading west to begin her career in the cattle industry. Her path took her through feedyard management with JBS Five Rivers, heifer development programs in Oklahoma, and eventually to building her own direct to consumer beef business through Arrow M Cattle Company. Topics discussed in this episode include: • Growing up in a cattle family and learning from generations of producers • Working in commercial cattle feeding and the lessons learned from experienced cattlemen • Why feedyards are located in certain regions of the country • The growth of direct to consumer beef sales and the rise of consumer interest in where food comes from • Common misconceptions about beef production and cattle management • Bridging the gap between producers and consumers through education • Using research and science based information to answer questions about cattle care • The importance of respectful conversations within agriculture • Challenges facing ranch labor and agricultural employment • The value of mentorship and lifelong learning in the cattle industry • Women in agriculture and navigating traditionally male dominated spaces • The role social media can play in educating both producers and consumers McKenzie also shares the story of a devastating horse related accident that resulted in severe facial injuries and a traumatic brain injury. She discusses her recovery journey, advocating for her own medical care, and the creative writing projects that have become part of her healing process. Throughout the conversation, Leah highlights Mczkenzie's ability to create meaningful discussions around difficult industry topics while helping producers feel seen, heard, and represented. Connect with McKenzie Follow Arrow M Cattle Company on Facebook for educational content, cattle industry discussions, ranch life updates, and information about direct to consumer beef sales. Connect with Grit and Grace in the Heartland Follow Grit and Grace in the Heartland Women in Agriculture on Facebook and visit GritAndGraceInTheHeartland.com for more episodes, stories, and conversations celebrating rural life, agriculture, and the women who help sustain it. Thank you for listening. Until next time, have some grit and grace.