Farmstrong
Few things connect people faster than food. For host Ryan Armstrong, it’s the stories of the people behind the food that hit deepest — their family legacies, how they made it through the tough times and how they celebrate the good times. This podcast will give you a face behind the food. It uncovers the honest and proud stories of the fascinating yet little-known sectors of the agriculture industry.
Farmstrong
7 | Laura Conaway: From Cow Pens to Writer and Back — Exploring the Florida Cattle Industry and Beyond
Laura Conaway joins Ryan Armstrong on Farmstrong for a candid look into Florida’s cattle country and the realities behind the ranching life. Laura talks about growing up in a first-generation cattle family — her parents having built their operation from scratch near Daytona Beach — and the unpredictable nature of working with animals, hurricanes and land development pressures.
They unpack riding the line between romanticized portrayals of ranch life (think shows like Yellowstone) and the honest, gritty day-to-day realities of Florida agriculture. Laura shares her journey from ranch kid to writer for Certified Angus Beef®, reflecting on how firsthand experience brings authenticity to agricultural storytelling. The episode is filled with vivid stories of “Florida cracker” heritage, wild cow hunts, competitive meat judging at UF, and why cattle producers are some of the toughest people you’ll meet.
Highlights include:
- Laura’s transition from the cow pens to national storytelling, and why she never saw herself as a “real writer”
- The pressure facing Florida ranchers from development and changing landscapes
- The lessons Laura learned from industry veterans and why failing forward is key in agriculture
- Behind-the-scenes takes on the meat judging team and the grit it takes to work cattle in the Florida heat
Thought-provoking Quotes:
“The cattle business isn’t just calves in meadows — it’s hurricanes, feed costs, and those moments of beauty that keep you going.” – Laura Conaway
“If I hadn’t failed, I wouldn’t be successful.” – Advice Laura heard from restaurant owners and ranchers
“Florida is changed so much, but still unchanged — and there are still cowboys cracking whips in the palmetto scrub.” – Ryan Armstrong
Tune in for honest stories about rural resilience, the value of telling it like it is, and why agricultural heritage matters more than ever.
Resources:
- Florida Farm List
- Georgia Grown
- Fresh from Florida
- Community Cannery Locations
- Florida Young Farmer and Rancher Resources
- Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers
Questions or guest ideas?
Email farmstrongpodcast@gmail.com
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Work hard. Be honest. Speak proudly.
