In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Beth Pembrook of Pembrook Cattle Company of Fairview, Oklahoma about a new faith-based effort aimed at making a positive impact within the livestock show industry. While many producers focus on raising quality cattle and livestock, Pembrook says her family felt called to also invest in the spiritual well-being of young people involved in the show scene through a newly launched effort called Influence Livestock Ministries.
Pembrook explains the ministry grew out of a simple beginning. “It started with a men’s Bible study that my husband would have been involved in,” she said, noting that what began with about 15 men meeting weekly has expanded to include around 100 people across multiple studies. She added that the wives later formed their own Bible study, and the growth reinforced the need for something more structured and far-reaching.
Following the passing of her husband, Travis, last summer, Pembrook says the vision became even clearer. “The last few days there, he told us, ‘We have a project to get started,’” she shared. Pembrook said the overwhelming support from people across the country has been both humbling and affirming, calling the ministry “a mission that we needed to do as a family.”
The goal of Influence Livestock Ministries, according to Pembrook, is to reach kids of all ages with small, localized Bible studies. “We’re trying to get a Bible study for kids of all ages scattered across the country,” she said, adding that the long-term vision is to have leaders helping “lead those young kids to Christ.” The livestock show circuit provides a natural opportunity to connect, given the extended time families spend together at major events.
Pembrook says the ministry is intentionally centered on the livestock industry and welcomes all species. “When we come to these shows, we’re here for 10 or 12 days at a time,” she explained. “We feel like we can do it like a church service.” She added that interest is already growing across cattle, goat, and other show families, calling it “a great way to keep our kids focused on what’s truly important.” Influence Livestock Ministries launched at Cattlemen’s Congress, continued at the National Western Stock Show, and plans to be present at the Oklahoma Youth Expo this spring.
The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.
