When a Student Journalist Captures Your Ranch's Soul.
Last April, an email landed in my inbox that would lead to something special.Maggie Pratt, a University of Arkansas student majoring in Agriculture Communications with a minor in Ag Leadership, reached out about featuring The 808 Ranch for her Agriculture Reporting class. As a fellow communications graduate, I was immediately intrigued—but it was her genuine approach that sealed the deal.
The day we met, I knew she was special. After rescheduling due to heavy spring rains, Maggie arrived with a firm handshake, steady eye contact, and that rare combination of confidence and authenticity. Her leopard print blazer, western jewelry, and boots reflected someone who understood what she was doing.
But what truly stood out? Her intentional listening and thoughtful questions.As my cousin Sam and I walked her through our land and shared our passion for livestock stewardship and our ranching legacy, Maggie absorbed every detail. She shared about her own roots, her Anderson, Missouri upbringing, her fiancé Carson, and the beef cattle herd they're building together on family land.
Within that hour, I recognized a future leader.
Maggie told us she wanted to "represent our operation to the best of her ability" despite still being a student. Mission accomplished, Maggie. You captured the heart and soul of The 808 Ranch beautifully.
Her opening lines say it all:"Fourth generation ranchers, whose heritage runs as deep as the Elk River is long, live out the true meaning of land stewardship within their each and every day. For them, heritage isn't just something remembered – it's something practiced."
This experience reminded me why mentorship and supporting emerging talent matter.Young professionals like Maggie are our industry's future—combining deep ranching roots with modern communication skills to tell the stories that need to be told.
- Emily Jandak, Brand Manager at The 808 Ranch
📖 Read Maggie's full feature: Where Heritage Runs Deep: The Story of The 808 Ranch in Ozarks Farm & Neighbor: https://ozarksfn.com/2025/09/23/where-heritage-runs-deep-the-story-of-the-808-ranch/
