In today’s Beef Buzz, Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Andy Holloway, a longtime Extension Educator from Canadian, Texas, who joined the conversation to highlight the success and growth of the Hemphill County Beef Conference. He noted that the event just celebrated its 10th anniversary this past spring. “We should have been at 11, but because of COVID, we lost a year,” he explained. Looking ahead, the 2026 conference will mark its 11th in a row, and Holloway said he’s already excited about what’s coming.
When asked how he keeps improving the event each year, Holloway said the key isn’t in the planning alone. “Our conference is just a God thing, and it’s the inspiration that He gives me to go out and get those speakers and put it all together.” For 2026, three central themes are guiding the program: regenerative pasture management, cattle markets, and legacy. He emphasized that after the 2024 wildfires, regeneration of the land is especially critical, and the booming cattle markets are creating “generational wealth” for producers.
Attendance continues to be a standout feature of the conference. Holloway shared proudly, “We had almost 1,000 people this year, from 24 states across the whole country.” For the first time, the event also drew international participants from Australia, Canada, Ireland, and South Africa. Nearly half of Texas’ 254 counties were represented as well, underscoring the wide reach of the program. He added that the trade show has grown alongside the event, with many OCA sponsors also supporting Hemphill County.
Holloway was also open about the faith-driven foundation of the conference. He pointed to his guiding principle from scripture: “Ask, and it will be given; seek, and you shall find; knock, and the door shall open. So ask, seek, knock—that’s the formula.” He explained that while some doors have closed over the years, many others have opened, and he credits this approach for the growth and success of the conference.
As he reflected on his role and future, Holloway spoke personally about legacy. “I just turned 66 and I’ve still got a window of years left. I hope to do well, but I can see that window closing, Ron, and I want to do all that I can to leave a legacy for those that follow.” With his passion for the cattle business, his faith, and his dedication to people, Holloway remains focused on building a conference that educates, inspires, and carries forward the values of ranching for the next generation.
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.
