Growing up on a diversified crop and beef cattle operation, I learned the value of hard work from an early age. In fact, I think many of us involved in agriculture can attest to that. It’s no secret that life on a farm or ranch is not always easy, and it certainly has its share of ups and downs. Despite that, people like Kathryn Hefte devote their lives to caring for the land and livestock.

In Kathryn’s case, she’s been raising cattle nearly all her life. As a result of her hard work and perseverance, she owns and manages a purebred Santa Gertrudis cattle operation near Hondo, Texas. In this episode of the Trailblazing in Agriculture podcast, Kathryn shares how Hefte Ranch has changed and evolved over the last several decades; talks about her family’s focus on continually improving their cattle’s performance; discusses the launch of the Strait-Hefte Tried and True Production Sale; and offers encouragement for young people who are starting out in the cattle industry.

Kathryn’s story is an excellent reminder for all of us, regardless of our age or career path, that hard work and perseverance pay off. I was inspired by Kathryn’s story, and I hope you are too.