Edwards was raised in Oologah, Oklahoma. His passion for ranching began working with family on his grandparents’ cow-calf operation. While earning his Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with a minor in Agricultural Economics at Oklahoma State University, he had the opportunity to work outside the classroom on a cow-calf operation and feedlot/bull test station further expanding his knowledge and understanding of the industry. Upon graduation in 2016, Edwards spent a short time in the grain industry as a management trainee before pivoting to become the first manager of Kourtis Family Farms located in Osage County, Oklahoma in 2017. Reflecting on his tenure as the first manager of a new operation Edwards states, “I was able to play a significant role in building the ranch from the ground up, an experience that I believe can serve me well in future endeavors.”
As Edwards was beginning his ranch management career, he was introduced to the Institute through an interview on the Working Ranch Radio Show. Understanding the benefits of lifelong learning, he recently decided to pursue the program. Edwards shares his desires over the next two years is to improve and advance his business management and leadership skills in order to develop himself into the best asset possible for future employers.
Looking toward the future, Edwards desires to serve as a manager for innovative and successful ranches while playing a significant role in leading the beef industry forward. “I believe KRIRM has a proven track record for building up industry leaders who make a positive impact in whatever they pursue post-graduation through implementing real-world training.”
Edwards and his wife Ellen have been married for seven years and have relocated to Kingsville, Texas with their two-year-old son Tatum who loves to play and “work” on the ranch.
Edwards holds the Lee and Ramona Bass Endowed Fellowship as a graduate student at KRIRM.