In this episode, Cassidy Johnston shares her journey from growing up in the city to becoming a first-generation large scale beef producer and ranch consultant. She talks about a college research project exploring the relationship between environmentalists and ranchers and how that led her to an internship where she met her husband, and eventually to her life on a farm. She discusses the complexities of ranching at scale, the importance of animal welfare, her thoughts on regenerative and organic practices, and the communication challenges that arise ag people and non-ag people make assumptions about each other. Cassidy advocates for building a more resilient food system that prioritizes collaboration and understanding among all stakeholders, and dreams of a better world where more people have access to high quality food.
Takeaways
- Cassidy Johnston is a first-generation beef producer and consultant.
- She transitioned from urban life to ranching, finding her place in the rural community.
- The importance of understanding the relationship between ranchers and environmentalists.
- Regenerative practices in agriculture are complex and vary by region.
- Communication between agriculture and corporate sectors is crucial for progress.
- Quality of food production should be prioritized over sheer efficiency.
- Hands-on experience is essential for those looking to enter the ranching industry.
- A better food system requires collaboration and understanding among all stakeholders.
Read the transcript and find links from the episode at Brands for a Better World
The Brands for a Better World podcast (formerly Evolve CPG) is hosted by Gage Mitchell, founder (CEO) and Creative Director at Modern Species, a sustainable brand design agency helping better-for-the-world brand launch, evolve, and grow to scale their impact.