352: If Agriculture Doesn't Tell Its Story, Someone Else Will with Josie Holland

On today’s episode of the podcast, Lauren is joined by writer, event producer, and agricultural communicator Josie Holland for a conversation about the power of storytelling in agriculture. From rodeos and western events to social media, rural communities, and consumer engagement, Josie shares why producers can no longer afford to sit on the sidelines when it comes to telling their stories. The discussion explores the role events play in connecting consumers to agriculture, the importance of face-to-face relationships in an increasingly digital world, and how the next generation of agricultural advocates can help shape public perception before someone else shapes it for them. Whether you're a cattle producer, rodeo fan, agricultural communicator, or simply passionate about the future of rural America, this episode is a reminder that every conversation has the potential to make an impact.

Links:

Josie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josiemac/

CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/
CattleUSA App IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cattleusa/id1673147759
CattleUSA App Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edgarmcbee.cusamobile&pcampaignid=web_share
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/
Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusa.shop/products/cattleusa-drive-premium-daily-newsletter?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9g
CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/
Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/
Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco
The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/

Key Takeaways:

• Agriculture must tell its story before others tell it for us
• Rodeos and western events create valuable consumer connections
• Face-to-face conversations still matter in a digital-first world
• Building trust starts long before a crisis occurs
• Social media can be a powerful tool when used intentionally
• Community events help strengthen rural America and agriculture
• Curiosity and relationship-building open doors across industries
• Young producers have an important role in agricultural advocacy
• Every producer has a story worth sharing with consumers
• The future of agriculture depends on meaningful communication
• Networking remains one of the industry's greatest strengths
• Small interactions can create lasting impacts on public perception

Chapters:

00:00 Josie's background in event production and communications

04:00 Why rodeos and western events matter to agriculture

08:00 Community, networking, and industry connections

12:00 Consumer exposure and agricultural education

16:00 Controlling the narrative through storytelling

21:00 Building relationships across agriculture

25:00 Social media, advocacy, and the next generation

29:00 What agriculture can do better moving forward

Josie Holland, agricultural storytelling, agriculture communication, ag communications, agricultural advocacy, cattle industry, beef industry, ranching, western industry, rodeo industry, rodeo production, western events, agricultural events, consumer education, consumer engagement, agriculture marketing, rural America, rural communities, agricultural leadership, social media in agriculture, agricultural influencers, beef producers, cattle producers, livestock industry, livestock producers, western lifestyle, agricultural networking, rodeo marketing, storytelling in agriculture, agricultural public relations, agriculture and social media, producer advocacy, agricultural policy, consumer trust, food production, ranch life, western culture, livestock shows, National Western Stock Show, agricultural outreach, rural development, agriculture podcast, cattle podcast, next generation agriculture, Gen Z agriculture, agricultural careers, agricultural education