Ally Spears – Bryan, Texas

Meet Ally Spears, a rancher, beef advocate, and podcast host based in Bryan, Texas who has been aptly described as a “wearer of many cowboy hats.” 

Ally’s roots run deep in ranching, tracing back to her family’s purebred Angus operation in Northern California which, today, also features Simmental cattle with a focus on genetics. Today, with the family herd still thriving in California and with her own small Texas herd underway, Ally embodies the spirit of a fourth-generation rancher working to balance family heritage with the evolving beef industry – all while acting as an advocate connecting consumers with the truth of where their food comes from.

Ally’s journey began on her family’s California ranch, where she spent weekends balancing livestock shows, sports, and ranch chores. During this time, she was heavily involved with exhibiting cattle on a local, state, and national level. When it came time for college, she headed to Texas A&M, her first-ever experience in the Lone Star State.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness, Ally was hired by Texas A&M University and officially made Texas her home. Her journey as a bona fide Texas rancher began unexpectedly in 2020 when, on a fishing trip with her boyfriend, the pair rescued a calf that had fallen off a bank and was stranded precariously on a small patch of dry land.

“We loaded the calf up into the boat, brought her home, and named her Willow, launching my Texas cattle adventure,” says Ally. “After Willow kept following me around, I decided we’d better get her a herd of her own. Since then, the herd has grown, and we are in our third calving season.”   

While Ally is a small rancher in Texas, her primary connection to the industry is through her popular podcast and social media platform, Ag Chicks. Through Ag Chicks, she highlights and tells the real stories of women within agriculture, aiming to connect with consumers naturally while highlighting the incredible things done by individuals in the beef community. Episodes unfold like a casual and engaging conversation between two friends and Ally has a knack for making guests feel comfortable sharing the good and not-so-good aspects of life in agriculture. 

“I intentionally highlight women on my podcast because I believe they are the turning point for the industry,” Ally explains. “Additionally, women are typically the decision makers of household food purchases, creating a compelling touch point for consumers in the industry.” 

“Ag Chicks has grown over the past several years, not only as a podcast but as an advocacy brand,” she elaborates. “This has allowed me to reach individuals through social media, speaking engagements, and industry opportunities like the NCBA Trailblazer Program. Through these platforms, I have been able to share my experience as a generational rancher and advocate for the agricultural industry.”

It’s no surprise that Ally has been named a Cowgirl 30 Under 30 (2022), recognized by the Texas FFA Foundation as a Leader in Agriculture, and featured speaker at several events across the country highlighting women in agriculture and the beef industry. 

Ally’s advocacy extends to her academic pursuits as well. Currently working toward a Doctorate in Agricultural Communications at Texas A&M, she focuses on how the beef industry can use social media to bridge the gap between producers and consumers. Her goal is to help the next generation of agricultural professionals effectively share their stories and engage with consumers in an increasingly digital world. She hopes to grow Ag Chicks into a consulting business, help the industry communicate with consumers, and expand her Texas cattle operation.

Challenges and Joys of Ranching

Ally’s life in agriculture isn’t without its challenges. Her weeks average around 80 hours, balancing multiple responsibilities between the ranch, Ag Chicks, school, and her business, Junk ‘N Disorderly. On the ranch, the unpredictability of the industry—like managing high operating costs and dealing with unpredictable weather—keeps her on her toes. Ally jokingly compares working with young heifers to wrangling moody teenagers, as they tend to test the strength of fences, wander, and change behaviors unpredictably. Yet, she notes that even the toughest seasons bring rewards, reminding her why the demanding work is so meaningful.

For Ally, the most rewarding aspect of ranching is being part of the cycle of life, especially during calving season. The experience of helping bring new life into the world and knowing that her work will help feed others is a deeply fulfilling part of her job. With Ag Chicks, Ally finds satisfaction in hearing from listeners who have gained new insights or appreciation for agriculture through the stories she shares.

Life Lessons from Ranching

“Anytime I am working with my family or there are cows involved I feel like the opportunity for funny or teachable occurrences is endless,” laughs Ally.

Her stories of ranch life reflect the humor and resilience required to thrive in agriculture. One memorable night involved rounding up escaped calves after a storm, only to find one calf who had taken an accidental swim in the family’s pool! After guiding him out, the calf returned to the herd unfazed, reminding Ally of the unexpected moments that make ranch life so memorable.

Hobbies, Goals, and Good Eats

When she’s not working, Ally has developed a passion for photography and videography, using a real camera to capture the beauty of the Western lifestyle she loves. Cooking, though limited by her packed schedule, has become another focus, especially learning to incorporate beef into quick, easy meals. Her air fryer has become a go-to for whipping up burgers, tacos, and even steaks.

Some of her favorite beef meals bring her back to childhood, like Tri-Tip sandwiches, although in Texas, Brisket has quickly won her over and she loves a good Ribeye. Typically crunched for time, she relies on her slow cooker or air fryer to prep beef meals. When heading out for a quick bite, she recommends Top of the Hill in Bryan for burgers. 

Ally’s vision for the future is rooted in both the academic and agricultural realms. In the next 5-10 years, she hopes to continue teaching at Texas A&M, growing Ag Chicks, and expanding her cattle operation in Texas. With her Ph.D., she’s eager to continue teaching in Agribusiness, bridge the consumer gap, and connect her audiences with the agricultural industry in a way that highlights the dedication, innovation, and hard work behind the food on our tables. Ally’s story, passion, and dedication to agriculture reflect the evolving face of the beef industry, one that honors tradition while adapting to meet the needs of the future.