Welcome to the Your Ag Empire, a podcast that celebrates all the real conversations that take place at producer meetings. Or, rather, the conversations you wish took place.

Holly Haralson Holly Haralson

Inside Empire Ag’s Brand Playbook: Strategy & Execution

Empire Ag’s own Brooke Taylor and Carman Hicks pull back the curtain on how ag brands can show up with purpose in a noisy online world. From the power of LinkedIn to the risks of TikTok Shop, this episode is a no-fluff look at building a brand that actually connects.

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Jonathon Haralson Jonathon Haralson

Betting on Yourself: Sharon Beach Talks Risk, Faith, and Raising $165 Million

Sharon Beach spent 25 years at Merck before raising $165 million in private equity. In this episode of Your Ag Empire, she shares how growing up around Texas ranches shaped her approach to trust, risk, and building wealth. Sharon and Jonathon discuss why direct lending is changing ag finance and why good relationships still matter more than good résumés.

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Holly Haralson Holly Haralson

22. From Vet to Visionary: How Kari Jo Kelso Built a Brand Rooted in Rural Nostalgia

After years of veterinary school and only four years in the field, Kari Jo Kelso walked away from her full-time vet career to chase something unexpected—t-shirts. Now the founder of Kelso & Co., Kari Jo has built a thriving apparel business and renovated a historic downtown space to support other rural entrepreneurs. In this episode of Your Ag Empire, we talk about grief, creativity, small-town pride, and what happens when you decide not to wait for retirement to live your life.

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Jonathon Haralson Jonathon Haralson

21. Profit, Pressure, and Precision: Brandon Vining on Taking Back Control in Agriculture (Part 2)

In Part 2, we go deeper with Brandon Vining on regenerative ag, long-term fertility, and why precision matters more than ever. Brandon shares how he helps clients—from seasoned producers to next-gen farmers—navigate complex agronomy decisions without sales pressure. From nutrient density to custom plans, it’s a practical look at what modern agronomy should be: transparent, unbiased, and rooted in what works for your land—not someone else’s margin. If you’ve ever felt burned by the system or unsure who to trust, this one’s for you.

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Jonathon Haralson Jonathon Haralson

20. From Retail to Real Talk: Brandon Vining on Flipping the Agronomy Script (Part 1)

In Part 1 of this conversation, independent agronomist Brandon Vining of ProGrow Consulting shares what’s broken in the ag retail model—and what he’s doing differently. After two decades in the industry, Brandon stepped away from commission-based agronomy to focus on field-first, farmer-focused consulting. He breaks down why the “free advice” that comes with a product often costs more in the long run, how soil fertility decisions impact mental health and profitability, and what producers can do to make more confident, cost-effective decisions on every acre.

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Holly Haralson Holly Haralson

19. Leading with Curiosity, Community & Courage with Emily Reuschel

In this empowering episode of Your Ag Empire, Holly interviews rural entrepreneur and podcast host Emily Reuschel about the transformative power of leading with curiosity, building authentic community, and embracing courageous change. Emily shares how she went from burned-out teacher to rural retreat host, helping women in agriculture break free from limiting beliefs and redefine success.

Listeners will gain insight into mental health in agriculture, personal growth in rural communities, and how to chase big dreams while staying present at home. If you're navigating motherhood, marriage, or major life transitions in small-town America, this episode is for you.

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