The Power of Stock Show Support: Investing in the Next Generation of Agriculture

In this episode of We Live It, host Ty deCordova sits down with two leaders who understand what it means to build something that lasts.

We hear from Mary Russell of Higginbotham Insurance as she shares her perspective on investing in young people, supporting agricultural families, and strengthening the livestock community through leadership and service. Berry Cooper of Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que joins the conversation to talk about legacy, full circle moments in the cattle industry, and why getting youth involved in showing livestock is critical to the future of agriculture.

From stock shows to mentorship, business leadership to faith in the next generation, this episode dives into:

• Youth involvement in showing livestock
 • Building leadership in the cattle industry
 • Supporting the next generation of producers
 • The importance of community in agriculture
 • Full circle moments in Texas cattle country

If you care about the future of the livestock industry and the young people stepping into it, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Listen now and join us as we continue telling the stories of the people who live it every day.

00:00 – Welcome from Cooper’s | 20,000 Head Selling Today
 01:00 – Introducing Mary Russell & Berry Cooper
 02:00 – Mary’s Background at Higginbotham (36 Years in Insurance)
 03:30 – How Higginbotham Got Involved in the Stock Show
 04:30 – Buying the Grand Champion “Snoop Dogg”
 05:30 – Emotional Moments in the Sale Ring
 07:00 – Berry’s Story: From Showing Steers to Judging & Leadership
 09:00 – From County Agent to Corporate to Cooper’s BBQ
 11:00 – Why Supporting Youth in Agriculture Matters
 12:30 – The Character of Show Kids
 14:00 – The Power of Mentors: County Agents & Ag Teachers
 15:30 – The Networking Power of Livestock Shows
 17:00 – Small World Ag Stories & Lifelong Connections
 18:30 – Final Thoughts on Investing in the Next Generation