We are replaying a past episode this week!

Ross T. Hendrickson shares his journey from a political career to managing the Hendrickson Cattle Company, emphasizing the importance of family legacy, community involvement, and the challenges faced in the cattle industry. He discusses the role of older generations in passing down knowledge, the significance of conservation in ranching, and the balance between work and enjoyment on the ranch. Ross also highlights the importance of preparing the next generation for the future of the family business while maintaining a strong commitment to the land and community.

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Cliff is the founder and co-owner of Rocky Mountain Financial Group in Denver, Colorado. He has 30 years of experience working with business owners regarding their estate and business planning.

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I’m joined by Paul Bernklau, a 91-year-old cattle buyer who spent decades traveling in Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah, consigning cattle and building relationships along the way. Paul grew up on a ranch near Rifle, Colorado, but when he was 19, his father became ill, and the family had to sell the ranch. Paul went on to work as a ranchhand before finding his life’s work in cattle buying — what he calls a people business, not a cattle business. Paul has been married to the love of his life, Carla, and has devoted himself to caring for her. Quick note: this interview was recorded by phone, so Paul is quieter than me at times, but his stories are worth a listen.

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Cliff is the founder and co-owner of Rocky Mountain Financial Group in Denver, Colorado. He has 30 years of experience working with business owners regarding their estate and business planning.

Find Shelbys' Sassy Designs at facebook.com/shelbyssassy

or shop them at shelbys-sassy-designs-emporia.myshopify.com

Make sure to leave us a review!

Robert and Shari Kurtz: Family Beyond the Fences

In this episode, we sit down with Robert and Shari Kurtz, lifelong farmers from east-central Kansas, to talk about what it means to steward both land and legacy. Shari, the only sibling of Terry — whose memory and impact inspired the podcast — brings a deeply personal perspective to the conversation. Together, they reflect on a family shaped by farming, resilience, and strong bonds.

Robert shares stories from his grandfather’s era, when cotton and sheep were part of the farm’s experimentations, and how that pioneering spirit continues today through conservation practices and cover crops, always balancing ideals with the realities of modern agriculture.

Shari offers heartfelt insights on raising farm kids and grandkids, highlighting how children learn not just by teaching but through observation and participation. The couple discusses the challenges and joys of passing down traditions while navigating change, and the importance of sharing their story to build greater understanding about farm life.

From kids make-believe ranching with toy calves to physically helping with chores, the Kurtz remind us that farming legacy is as much about family and character as it is about the land.

Key Topics Covered:

• The long view: multi-generational farming and its influence on decision-making
  
  
  
• Balancing conservation goals with financial realities
  
  
  
• How children learn life lessons naturally on the farm
  
  
  
• Tradition, transition, and technology in agriculture
  
  
  
• Overcoming misconceptions about farming through storytelling
  
  
  
• The role of family humor and close relationships in farm resilience

Send us a text

Cliff is the founder and co-owner of Rocky Mountain Financial Group in Denver, Colorado. He has 30 years of experience working with business owners regarding their estate and business planning.

Find Shelbys' Sassy Designs at facebook.com/shelbyssassy

or shop them at shelbys-sassy-designs-emporia.myshopify.com

Make sure to leave us a review!