In this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, host Aaron Alejandro sits down with Kade and Morgan Hodges, owners of Hodges Livestock, to share their inspiring journey from meeting in college to running a thriving family ranch.

You’ll hear how they:
✅ Turned major setbacks—like losing half their leased land—into breakthrough opportunities
✅ Pivoted into innovative solar grazing with 1,300 sheep
✅ Built their business on faith, resilience, and creativity
✅ Lead with purpose as stewards of God’s creation

💡 What you’ll learn: Practical leadership tips, how to adapt in challenging markets, and why relationships and persistence are game-changers in agriculture.

🌱 Their mission: To be faithful stewards of God’s creation, producing profitable, productive livestock for consumers and fellow ranchers while preserving the ranching way of life.

🎧 Tune in for a story of grit, vision, and purpose that will inspire anyone chasing a dream.

Dr. Arquimides Reyes shares his inspiring journey from a small farm in El Salvador to becoming an associate professor of animal science at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. His story exemplifies how agricultural education, mentorship, and the FFA can transform lives and create leaders who give back to their communities.

• Grateful for family, God, teaching opportunities, and the FFA which instilled purpose and passion for agriculture
• Grew up on a small dairy and beef farm in El Salvador before coming to the United States at age 11
• Initially viewed agriculture as "the job of the poor" until FFA showed him the true potential of agricultural careers
• Nearly dropped out of high school to work full-time and support his family
• The FFA jacket became a symbol of opportunity that "levels the playing field" for all students
• Graduated as valedictorian and pursued higher education at Texas A&M and Colorado State University
• Identifies adaptability, communication skills, and integrity as keys to success in agriculture
• Currently serves as an associate professor and volunteer firefighter, committed to giving back to his community
• Believes "when your values are clear, your choices are easy"

Go out and do something great for somebody – encourage them, equip them, empower them. Plant great seeds and grow an incredible future.

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

George Couros, author of "The Innovator's Mindset," shares his journey from reluctant teacher to educational innovator and how exceptional leadership transformed his perspective on education. He explores how creating environments where both adults and students can thrive leads to better educational outcomes while preparing communities to navigate an uncertain future.

• Originally from a small Canadian town where community shaped his educational philosophy
• Found his passion for education through an exceptional principal who gave teachers ownership
• Focuses on developing all learners in an organization, not just students
• COVID provided opportunity to rethink priorities and approaches to education
• Teaches his children skills he never learned, preparing them for challenges he can't predict
• Believes in the importance of modeling lifelong learning for students
• Emphasizes engagement comes from seeing purpose, not just making learning "fun"
• Identifies three competitive edges: the "sponge factor" (willingness to learn), taking action on feedback, and personal connection
• Strives to make every interaction the best part of someone's day

Make it your goal to be the kind of person who brings out the best in others. When you focus on being present, continuously learning, and building genuine connections, you create opportunities for yourself and those around you.

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org