153 | Verification, Value, and the Future of Beef Production, with Leann Saunders

In Today’s Episode:

This week on Leaders of the West, Jessie sits down with Leann Saunders, President of Where Food Comes From, to unpack a topic that quietly impacts every corner of agriculture: third-party verification.

With experience spanning from the buyer side at McDonald’s to helping build one of the earliest USDA Process Verified Programs, Leann brings a full-spectrum perspective on how verification connects producers, brands, and consumers.

In the episode, Leann chats:

• What verification actually means
• Why it matters
• How it connects ranchers, consumers, and the entire food supply chain
• What this looks like from the actual verification process to the financial return
• Why this isn’t about changing your operation but validating what you’re already doing

Resources & Links:

• 2026 Power of Meat Study (Ann-Marie Roerink)
• The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
• Join The Directory Of The West
• Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description 
• Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship
• Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)
• Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make
• Email us at hello@ofthewest.co
• Subscribe to Of The West’s ⁠Newsletters
• List your jobs on ⁠Of The West

Connect with Leann:

• Visit Where Food Comes From 
• Call (866) 395-5883

Connect with Jessie:

• Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv
• Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest
• Check out the Of The West website

More About Leaders Of The West

Leaders Of The West is a podcast for innovators and change-makers in the ag and western industries. Hosted by Jessie Jarvis, the Founder of Of The West, our mission with Leaders Of The West is to foster a community of pioneers, innovators, and leaders who want to be at the forefront of what’s next. 

Whether it’s a guest episode where we’re digging into the blueprints behind our favorite industry businesses, discussing the innovation and strategies that have allowed family farming and ranching operations to continue on for another generation, to episodes with honest conversations from entrepreneurs who have risked it all on their dreams, or leaders detailing how to create a company culture so strong that you couldn’t pay your employees to leave. 

These conversations are meant to encourage the leaders of today and inspire the next generation of trailblazers. 

In addition to bringing in guests, you’ll also find some solo episodes, where Jessie shares the lessons she’s learned throughout her journey as a rancher, entrepreneur, wife, and mother. 

Whether you’re a farmer, a rancher, an equine lover, someone headed up the leadership ladder, an ag business owner, a western sports athlete, an entrepreneur, or someone who just loves the western way of life—this is the place for you.

You’ll find new episodes every week. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss a show!