John Olsen is a fifth-generation rancher from Ephraim, Utah. Kesko Ranch—a diversified cow-calf, hay, and turkey operation—was started in 1867 by his great-great-grandfather. It was there, alongside his six brothers and two sisters, that Olsen learned the values of honesty, hard work, and the importance of family and God. Following high school graduation, Olsen attended Brigham Young University Idaho. He …

Raised in the Texas Hill Country, Chance Muehlstein, attributes his passion for agriculture and wildlife to time spent on his grandparent’s ranch and a family that is active in hunting and livestock. Growing up, Chance was also active in 4-H and FFA showing market hogs and cattle, and serving in many leadership roles including the 2007 Texas 4-H Council where …

Working hard from an early age, Joe Glascock started receiving cowboy wages at 11 years old.  Being the oldest of four, he was expected to work alongside his father in all aspects of the ranching industry. Joe’s determination and drive to pursue great things in life took him to Oregon State University, graduating in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science …

Originally from Las Cruces, N.M., Willemsma has spent his life on the ranch, starting from the ground up as seasonal labor for various operations including Padlock Ranch and Swenson Land and Cattle. Willemsma graduated from New Mexico State University with a bachelor’s degree in animal science with a minor in agri-business. Willemsma comes to the King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management …

Candace Weeda of Creston, Iowa grew up on a diversified crop and commercial cattle operation. From early childhood, she and her older brother worked on the family ranch and developed a love for livestock, specifically the beef industry. Involvement in 4-H and FFA solidified Weeda’s desire to pursue a career in the agriculture industry. Weeda graduated from Kansas State University …

Justin Staley grew up in South Central Idaho working alongside his parents and siblings where he learned the value of hard work. Honesty has always been a huge part of Staley’s life. While growing up, anyone sitting on the job was quickly reminded by Staley’s father that life was better spent on their feet with their hands in it. His …

Board Certified Theriogenologist Veterinarian Dr. Benjamin Espy received a biology degree from Duke University in 1991.  In 1996, he became a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University. Dr. Espy is a board certified specialist in equine reproduction, infertility, and neonatology.  During his career Dr. Espy has practiced equine medicine in Brenham, Texas, San Antonio, TX, and most recently …

Ranch Management Consultant; Ranch KPI www.ranchkpi.com stan@ranchkpi.com Mr. Bevers owns and manages Broken B Cattle along with his wife and other family members.  He also serves as a ranch management consultant and as a public speaker across the country on topics ranging from ranch analysis and management to cattle and grain marketing. He received his B.S. in Agricultural Education (1982) …

Administrative Assistant april.everett@tamuk.edu • 361-593-5401 April Everett joined the KRIRM staff August 2010.  Originally, April grew up in Quemado, Texas, south of Del Rio, Texas.  She attended Texas A&M University-Kingsville and graduated in 1998 with a B.S. in Human Sciences with an emphasis in Child and Family Studies.  April and her husband Luis have been married for 13 years and have …

Web and News Media Coordinator ashley.charanza@tamuk.edu • 361-593-5401 Ashley Patterson, originally from Caldwell, Texas, joined the KRIRM staff in August of 2011 as the PR/Event Coordinator. In September of 2013, Ashley began in a new position as the Web and News Media Coordinator in which she handles the creation and distribution of all advertising and marketing materials for KRIRM, as well …

Senior Administrative Coordinator niki.kaiser@tamuk.edu • 361-593-5406 Niki Kaiser joined the KRIRM staff in October 2016 as the Administrative Coordinator. She was born and raised in Harlingen, TX, where she developed a passion for education and agriculture at a young age.  Niki received a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University-Kingsville in 2009 and a Master of Science degree in Plant & Soil Science (2015), also …

Assistant Professor benjamin.turner@tamuk.edu • 361-593-2464 Dr. Benjamin Turner grew up in Normangee, Texas. He received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Sam Houston State University in 2009, followed by a Master of Science in Agribusiness from Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) in 2011. Between semesters during those years Ben interned with Texas Farm Credit in Robstown, Texas, Hunt Oil Company in …