Way Out West! with the Colorado FFA Foundation

Colorado FFA Foundation
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From corn farmer to cowboy, we want to hear voices that know western life and agricultural ties. Each week, we will be speaking with various leaders, businesspeople, policy makers, advocates, personalities, and everyone in between. You see, we're not just passionate about agriculture, but we’re interested in showcasing the people who feed America and getting to know what they’re all about!  This podcast is hosted by Aidan Datteri, a past Colorado FFA State Officer and fifth-generation agriculturalist who has a passion and intrigue for all things agriculture. 

  1. Jun 2

    WOW! Ep. 20: 5 Rivers CEO and President- Mike Thoren

    Shoot us a text! This week on Way Out West, we sit down with Mike Thoren, the President and CEO of Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, the largest cattle feeding operation in the world. Mike takes us behind the scenes of his impressive career, charting his journey from a passionate newcomer to commanding a massive agricultural enterprise with a feeding capacity of over 900,000 head of cattle. In this masterclass on commercial ranching, he addresses the most significant economic shifts and logistical challenges facing the cattle feeding sector today, while sharing the core leadership principles that guide his management of large-scale operations. Looking toward the future, Mike explores how organizations like the Colorado FFA Foundation can effectively equip the next generation of agricultural leaders, offering powerful, foundational advice for young people determined to forge a successful path in production agriculture. Whether you are aiming for a corporate ag executive track or looking to stay competitive in the modern commercial market, this episode delivers invaluable strategic insight straight from the top of the industry. Executive Sponsor: Schmeeckle Bros.Schmeeckle Bros. Construction are leaders in beef processing as a one-stop design and build! Location Provider: First Farm BankThank you to First Farm Bank of Greeley for providing us with a studio location to record the pod! @wowcoffapod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wowcoffapod/

    52 min

  2. May 25

    WOW! Ep. 19: Teacher Takeover! with Mr. Fong and Ms. Grimes

    Shoot us a text! This week on Way Out West, we are shining a light on the frontline of agricultural literacy with a dynamic conversation featuring two exceptional educators: Mr. Fong of Pagosa Springs High School and FFA and Ms. Grimes of Greeley West High School, representing the Greeley FFA program. As proud graduates of Colorado State University, these two passionate ag teachers join the podcast to share their firsthand experiences navigating the starkly different worlds of rural and urban agricultural education. They dive into the unique challenges of modern classroom instruction, the shifting demographics of their student populations, and what it truly takes to foster a robust work ethic and lasting trust in agriculture among the next generation. From discussing how they got started in teaching agriculture to the learning that comes with it, this episode is a masterclass in leadership, mentorship, and the enduring impact of ag education. Whether you are an FFA alumnus, an aspiring teacher, or curious about the future of our food systems, you won't want to miss their inspiring stories and expert insights. Executive Sponsor: Schmeeckle Bros.Schmeeckle Bros. Construction are leaders in beef processing as a one-stop design and build! Location Provider: First Farm BankThank you to First Farm Bank of Greeley for providing us with a studio location to record the pod! @wowcoffapod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wowcoffapod/

    1 hr

  3. May 18

    WOW! Ep. 18: Travis Grant- CEO of the Colorado Livestock Association

    Shoot us a text! In this episode, we sit down with Travis Grant, the Chief Executive Officer of the Colorado Livestock Association (CLA), to look at the shifting landscape of Colorado’s $48-billion livestock industry. From the state legislature to the farthest corners of our rural communities, the challenges facing today’s cattle feeders, dairy producers, swine operations, and more require both a steady hand and a strategic vision. Travis steps up to the mic to discuss his transition into leading one of the state's most vital agricultural legacies. Drawing on his deep roots on the Eastern Plains and his background in legislative affairs and regulatory policy, Travis breaks down what it takes to defend the interests of Colorado producers in a rapidly evolving political climate. We dive into the critical work being done to safeguard the efficiency, safety, and productivity of our ranches and feedlots, and how grassroots advocacy is keeping our Western heritage alive and viable at both the state and national levels. Executive Sponsor: Schmeeckle Bros.Schmeeckle Bros. Construction are leaders in beef processing as a one-stop design and build! Location Provider: First Farm BankThank you to First Farm Bank of Greeley for providing us with a studio location to record the pod! @wowcoffapod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wowcoffapod/

    51 min

  4. Apr 27

    WOW! Ep. 17- Beef is a Specialty with Dr. Ryan Rhoades

    Shoot us a text! Today, we get to sit down with Dr. Ryan Rhoades, who is CSU Extension's Beef Specialist and professor at the university. In this conversation, we hear more about Dr. Rhoades background, personal and professional interests, and his deep wealth of knowledge that is the livestock industry!  Executive Sponsor: Schmeeckle Bros.Schmeeckle Bros. Construction are leaders in beef processing as a one-stop design and build! Location Provider: First Farm BankThank you to First Farm Bank of Greeley for providing us with a studio location to record the pod! @wowcoffapod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wowcoffapod/

    1h 18m

  5. Apr 7

    WOW! Ep. 16: Big Announcement with Katie Greenwood!

    Shoot us a text! In this episode, you will hear from Katie Greenwood, a long-time FFA Advisor and Agricultural Educator, current COFFA Foundation Local Teacher Success Coordinator, and soon-to-be COFFA Foundation's newest Executive Director! We are so happy to have spent this time talking with Katie about her journey through the program herself, and some more personal stories about what Ag Ed means to her! Listen now!  Executive Sponsor: Schmeeckle Bros.Schmeeckle Bros. Construction are leaders in beef processing as a one-stop design and build! Location Provider: First Farm BankThank you to First Farm Bank of Greeley for providing us with a studio location to record the pod! @wowcoffapod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wowcoffapod/

    59 min

  6. Mar 23

    WOW! Ep. 15- Farming, Ranching, and Hunting with Daniel Reitz

    Shoot us a text! For Daniel Reitz, conservation isn't a buzzword—it’s a daily lifestyle. Whether he’s in the tractor, tending to livestock, or tracking game, Daniel sees the land through three distinct yet connected lenses. Join us as Daniel shares stories from his life as a farmer, rancher, and hunter, and how those roles have shaped his deep commitment to conservation. We discuss the "boots on the ground" reality of managing a working landscape and why hunters and producers are often the most passionate advocates for the environment. Tune in to hear how Daniel balances production with protection to ensure a thriving wild and working world. Executive Sponsor: Schmeeckle Bros.Schmeeckle Bros. Construction are leaders in beef processing as a one-stop design and build! Location Provider: First Farm BankThank you to First Farm Bank of Greeley for providing us with a studio location to record the pod! @wowcoffapod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wowcoffapod/

    1h 7m

  7. Mar 16

    WOW! Ep. 14: Shane White with CERES Tag's Insane Cattle Inovation

    Shoot us a text! There’s a thin line between "cowboy logic" and the data needed to keep a multi-generational ranch profitable in today’s market, and Shane White is helping producers bridge that gap. As the National Sales Manager for CERES Tag, Shane joins the show to discuss how the world’s first direct-to-satellite smart tag is removing the guesswork from herd management. We move past the basics of GPS tracking and dig into the "animal behavior automation" provided by the new GEN6 technology—specifically how measuring individual pasture feed intake and grazing efficiency can help you identify the easy-fleshing cows that actually pay their way. From receiving calving alerts in the middle of a remote pasture to monitoring bull performance without ever leaving the pickup, Shane explains how this infrastructure-free tech is designed to protect your legacy, improve your bottom line, and ensure the next generation has a viable operation to come home to. Shane's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-white-2998b5144 CERES TAG Website: https://www.cerestag.com Executive Sponsor: Schmeeckle Bros.Schmeeckle Bros. Construction are leaders in beef processing as a one-stop design and build! Location Provider: First Farm BankThank you to First Farm Bank of Greeley for providing us with a studio location to record the pod! @wowcoffapod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wowcoffapod/

    1h 21m

  8. Mar 9

    WOW! Ep. 13: Travis Hamblen on Crafting the Cowboy Hat, Culture, and Community

    Shoot us a text! The Flyin' H on the inside of every one of Travis Hamblen's handmade cowboy hats stands for Heritage, History, Hope, and Hard Work. That's what this episode brings to you.  In this episode of "Way Out West!" with the Colorado FFA Foundation, we’re stepping into the workshop of Travis Hamblen, the master craftsman behind Hamblen Hats. Travis isn't just a sponsor of the foundation; he is a living example of what happens when grit meets entrepreneurship. We dive into the steam and the sweat of the custom hat-making process, but we don't stop at the brim. Travis shares his journey growing up in the heart of the agricultural community, reflecting on the folks and lessons that shaped his worldview long before he ever picked up a hatter’s tool. Executive Sponsor: Schmeeckle Bros.Schmeeckle Bros. Construction are leaders in beef processing as a one-stop design and build! Location Provider: First Farm BankThank you to First Farm Bank of Greeley for providing us with a studio location to record the pod! @wowcoffapod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wowcoffapod/

    1h 34m
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About

From corn farmer to cowboy, we want to hear voices that know western life and agricultural ties. Each week, we will be speaking with various leaders, businesspeople, policy makers, advocates, personalities, and everyone in between. You see, we're not just passionate about agriculture, but we’re interested in showcasing the people who feed America and getting to know what they’re all about!  This podcast is hosted by Aidan Datteri, a past Colorado FFA State Officer and fifth-generation agriculturalist who has a passion and intrigue for all things agriculture. 

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