One of my favorite things about traveling the country for agricultural conferences is meeting people on the dusty trail. Each stop brings a chance to connect with incredible individuals in rural America. Their stories inspire me and fuel my passion for keeping family farms alive and thriving. That’s the heart of my column and my podcast, “The Heart of Rural America.”
Let me share a story to illustrate my point.
Last year, at the Edgar Brothers Angus Production Sale in Rockham, S.D., I met Jessy Biggins, a rancher and county commissioner. He was on a mission to find a bull with excellent marbling and carcass traits. His wife, Katie Jane Biggins, was busy running their direct-to-consumer beef business, aiming to offer premium Angus beef to their customers. They knew the key to success lay in careful genetic selection.
After looking through the catalog, Jessy successfully purchased a bull that day. He then introduced me to Katie, and I was eager to have her on the podcast to talk about her beef program.
A year later, it has been amazing to watch their business grow. They are selling their beef all across the country and showcasing ranch life on social media in creative ways.
Recently, Katie ventured into making beef tallow skincare products for her Biggins Cattle Company customers. Excited to try her products, I placed an order, and Jessy was kind enough to deliver them to me at the sale. The event was lively, filled with excitement over the cattle market and future opportunities.
It was a joy to catch up with Jessy again and discuss bulls, beef, and business. The products have been a lifesaver for my family in the harsh South Dakota winter, helping with chapped lips and dry hands.
Creating tallow products is no small task; it requires effort and determination. It’s inspiring to see how this young couple is adding value to their ranch by diversifying their product offerings to meet customer needs.
As my friend Chris Earl at CK6 Consulting says, “The cattle business is 49% genetics and 51% people.” I truly believe that. I feel lucky to meet such hardworking and inspiring individuals wherever I go in this industry.
If you’re interested, you can check out their products at Biggins Cattle Company and use code RADKE to save 10% on your order.
Before I wrap up, I want to share an invitation. My husband Tyler and I are excited to host our Inaugural Presidents Day Production Sale on Feb. 17 at our ranch near Mitchell, S.D. We’ll be offering a great selection of Angus, Limousin, and LimFlex bulls. If you can’t join us in person, you can watch the sale live on DVAuction.
More than the sale, we’re excited to gather with friends from near and far to celebrate what makes rural America special—good people, great cattle, delicious food, and the power of community. We hope to see you there!
