Cultivate Resilience at Empire Ag’s 2025 Elite Retreat
January 31 - February 1, 2025
Los Colinas, Texas
This isn't your typical conference; it's a space for real conversations, meaningful networking, and valuable takeaways for forward-thinking farmers, ranchers, and ag entrepreneurs.
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Who Should Attend?
Farmers, ranchers, and ag entrepreneurs looking to expand their knowledge, grow their network, and elevate their business. This is for those who are ready to take their operations to the next level with intentional strategies and a supportive community.
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Keynote Sessions & Discussions
Learn from the leaders in agriculture and industry experts as they share insights into the current market, commodity strategies, financial planning, and more. While the 2025 lineup is yet to be announced, you can expect a powerful combination of experience, knowledge, and actionable advice to implement on your farm or ranch.
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Interactive Workshops
Dive deep into practical skills that help you grow your operations. Past topics have included commodity market trends, financial optimization, personal health, and well-being for farmers. This year, workshops will focus on helping you cultivate resilience in your business and personal life.
What is the Elite Retreat?
The Elite Retreat is your chance to connect with forward-thinking farmers, ranchers, and ag entrepreneurs who are driven to elevate their businesses. It’s not just about listening—it's about doing. With hands-on workshops, genuine conversations, and a focus on intentional growth, you'll gain the skills and insight needed to transform your operation. The learning doesn't end when the retreat does; we're building a network of agriculture leaders ready to innovate and preserve the legacy of rural America. Come ready to grow, connect, and lead.
Jonathon Haralson, a sixth-generation Texas farmer and founder of Empire Ag, combines his deep agricultural roots with expertise in commodities and finance to empower farmers and ranchers nationwide.
Holly Haralson is a seasoned healthcare professional and the COO of Empire Ag. With a background as a pharmacist and a passion for agriculture, Holly combines her expertise in precision, strategy, and leadership to drive financial growth and operational excellence for clients across diverse industries. Her commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation makes her a trusted partner in navigating both health and business landscapes.
Clayton Lind, Founder and Chief Everything Officer of Atlas Media Solutions, is dedicated to serving agriculture by passionately showcasing its stories and values through high-quality digital media.
Emily Reuschel is a dynamic thought leader dedicated to empowering the leaders, thinkers, doers, and dreamers of rural communities.
Jordan Morris, a first-generation Iowa farmer, owns and operates a custom cattle feeding business while also serving as a risk management agent for Stockguard Inc. With a degree from Iowa State University and a deep commitment to agriculture, Jordan combines hands-on expertise with strategic insights to help producers manage risk and achieve success.
Meet Erin Arick, a Denver-based Account Executive at Figured, combining her expertise in hospitality and tech to empower accounting firms with tools that drive ag profitability.
Jacob grew up on a row crop and cow-calf operation in Garwood, TX, and holds a B.S. in Animal Science, a Masters of Agriculture, and a Business Certificate from Texas A&M University. Since joining the agency in 2012, he has specialized in developing systems to streamline policy management while assisting insureds with financial strategies and analysis.
Shaye Reilly, M.Ed., MCP, LPC, is the principal at Alpha Assessment & Counseling, LLC, specializing in mental health services for rural communities in Oklahoma. With expertise in trauma, grief, and developmental disorders, Shaye combines her background as an educator and school counselor to provide compassionate care and advocacy for her clients.
Brandon Vining, Founder of ProGro Agronomy, is an experienced agronomist specializing in agrochemicals, soil fertility, and agronomy, with a Bachelor of Science in Botany from Idaho State University.
Dr. Kay Corpus, MD, is an Integrative and Functional Medicine Physician and the founder of the Soul of Medicine Institute in Owensboro, Kentucky. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Corpus is dedicated to guiding patients on their journey to optimal health by addressing root causes and embracing whole-person wellness. Her mission is to mentor individuals through their path of healing, empowering them to live with vitality, authenticity, and a renewed sense of purpose. A passionate advocate for modern aging and holistic health, Dr. Corpus combines clinical expertise with a compassionate approach to help her patients unlock their true potential.
Rob Kress, RPh, known as "The Godfather of Functional Pharmacy," is a passionate advocate for transformative wellness and men’s health. With decades of experience in functional medicine, Rob empowers practitioners to build impactful practices and helps individuals reclaim vitality through a holistic approach to body, mind, and soul.
Donna Hughes, a seasoned Senior Risk Management Consultant based in Abilene, Texas, brings over 30 years of expertise in hedging and risk management, having worked with leading pork producers, contributed to ag news networks, and educated producers through speaking engagements and media outreach.
Dan Reed serves as an Area Representative for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in North Denton, where he works to inspire coaches and athletes to grow in their faith and leadership. A dedicated mentor and the owner of Reed Livestock, Dan combines his passion for ministry and agriculture to create lasting impact in his community.
Brooke Taylor is a seasoned brand strategy consultant who has worked with national and international clients to build meaningful connections and tell impactful stories. With a focus on rural communities and agriculture, Brooke blends creative vision with strategic insight to help brands amplify their message and grow their influence.
Jim Eggleston is a seasoned attorney with over four decades of experience specializing in commercial real estate, farm and ranch real estate, mergers and acquisitions, and business transactions. As a partner at Eggleston King Davis, LLP, Jim has been a trusted advisor to agricultural and business clients across Texas, bringing unparalleled expertise to complex legal and business matters. With a Juris Doctor in Real Estate from the University of Kansas School of Law and a Master of Laws in Agriculture and Food Law from the University of Arkansas, Jim combines deep academic knowledge with practical experience to support the unique needs of the agricultural community. His dedication to empowering farmers and ranchers through informed decision-making has made him a respected leader in the field. When he's not practicing law, Jim enjoys championing the rural way of life and fostering connections within the agricultural industry.
Nic Koester’s background spans ag tech and finance, including his time at AcreValue (when it was part of Granular), where he worked with farmers, land investors, and brokers to maximize the platform’s land insights tools. He also managed assets in the ag division at The Northern Trust Company. At Harvest IQ, Nic helps producers streamline revenue tracking by integrating futures and options, cash sales, and insurance—giving them the insights they need to make informed financial decisions.
The farmers and ranchers who fill our seats represent a diverse and influential cross-section of the agricultural industry, hailing from 20+ states.
You’ll find progressive farmers, ranchers, seed salesmen, and commodity traders, all of whom are leaders in their respective fields.
Their operations encompass a wide range of agricultural practices, from cow/calf operations and feedlots to grain and dairy farms. This diverse mix ensures a rich exchange of ideas and experiences, fostering innovation and collaboration across the industry.
Empire Ag is more than just a business—it’s a legacy of agricultural excellence rooted in six generations of Texas farming.
Founded by Jonathon Haralson, a sixth-generation Texas farmer, rancher, and ag entrepreneur, Empire Ag embodies the spirit of modern agriculture while respecting its deep roots.
With services like succession planning, financial consulting, risk management, and self development, we help you sow intentionally, harvest profitably, and build a resilient future.
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Where and when is the retreat held?
The 2025 Elite Retreat will be hosted at the Texican Court in Irving, TX.
501 W Las Colinas Blvd., Irving, TX 75039 -
When should I arrive/depart?
Programming is set for full days on Friday, Jan. 31 - Saturday, Feb. 1. We recommend arriving on Thursday and departing on Sunday.
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What can I expect from the retreat's programming?
Expect hands-on workshops, real conversations with industry peers, and unique experiences tailored to tackle challenges in agriculture. The retreat’s agenda will focus on practical insights, creativity, and intentional growth.
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Are accommodations included?
No, accommodations are not included in the registration fee, but we have arranged special rates at Texican Court for attendees.
You can book your stay through the link provided in your confirmation email. -
What is the cost of attending the retreat?
$599 per pass.
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Can I bring my partner or family?
Yes, the relaxed environment at Texican Court also makes it an enjoyable getaway.
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Is there a dress code?
The retreat is casual and comfortable. Bring attire suitable for relaxed sessions, workshops, and social activities, but be prepared for a few outdoor elements like fire pits and music.
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Can I be a sponsor?
Yes. We'd love to chat. Send us a message.