Get to Know the Country Tough Times Contributors
Brandy Von Holten
Founder of Country Tough Times Magazine and owner/co-owner of multiple businesses including Von Holten Ranch, Horsemanship with Brandy, Country Tough Homesteading, Brandy Von Holten Consulting, Building with David, and Country Tough Apparel, she is the definition of a successful entrepreneur.
What fuels her fire? Helping others and showing them anything is possible with hard work, determination, and grit. Brandy says, "If you have a dream go after it! The world is yours for the taking"
Contact Information
Website:
Social Media Handles:
https://linktr.ee/brandyvonholten
Phone Number: (816) 719-5988
Mailing Address: 30455 Pacific School Road, Mora, MO 65345
Email Address: [email protected]
Jennifer Fizer
With over a decade of experience in finance and operations, Jennifer has worked with small businesses to streamline processes and improve profitability. She spent seven years as the Operational CFO for an agricultural company, navigating challenges such as Chapter 11 bankruptcy and lending transactions.
Five years ago, she became an entrepreneur, gaining firsthand insights into the rewards and hurdles of business ownership, and recently successfully sold her business. Now, as a Fractional CFO & Consultant, she’s passionate about helping business owners optimize finances and achieve their goals.
Contact Information
Email: [email protected]
Ken McNabb
A lifelong cowboy with strong family values, commitment to patriotism, and faith in Christ, Ken McNabb grew up in a traditional ranching community. He knew all of his life that he wanted to work with people and horses and started studying horsemanship while still in jr. high. His other passion has always been ranching & livestock production. In 2005, Ken started his own television show, Discovering the Horseman Within, which aired on RFD-TV and YouTube.
In 2013, Ken was the recipient of the Telly Award for an educational program called “A Day in the Life of a Rancher” which aired on his TV show.
Ken has spent the last 28 years traveling the United States from coast-to-coast teaching and hosting horsemanship clinics & events.
Contact Information:
Magen Warlick
Contact Information
Email: [email protected]
Bruce P. Whittle, DVM
DVM Bruce Whittle won the 2022 MVMA Veterinarian of the Year!
Bruce and his wife, Gayla, are both veterinarians and own Honey Creek Veterinary Hospital in Trenton, Missouri.
It is a treasure to have his wealth of knowledge shared in Country Tough Times.
Contact Information
Address: 210 E Highway 6 Trenton, MO 64683
Phone Number: (660) 359-9908
Email: [email protected]
Tiffany Butters
Tiffany Butters is a certified herbalist and one of the few contributors that has a section in each edition.
Tiffany teaches hands-on classes and is a wealth of holistic knowledge.
Contact Information
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 417-224-4864
Chris May
Equine Professional and Oklahoma cowboy, Chris May, has a breeding program that focuses on foundation quarter horses. He's countrier than a chicken fried steak! You'll get honest knowledge from him along with training tips and so much more.
And ladies, don't put him on your heartthrob list just yet....he married his high school sweetheart, Shonta!
Contact Information
Email: [email protected]
Kara Karpinski
Meet Kira Karpinski with Anarchy Acres Farmstead in Pennsylvania. She was a leather maker but switched over to farmsteading. Pork, chicken, goats, sheep, turkey, and gardening are what she is throwing down.
Kira is a wealth of knowledge.
Contact Information
Email: [email protected]
David Von Holten
David Von Holten, is the 4th generation to purchase his family's farm in Mora, Missouri. He and his wife, Brandy, turned the farm into a horse trail riding facility and wedding venue. David did not come from money and had to figure everything out for himself. At the age of 22, he built his first home. Since then, he has built two other residences, a cabin, a boarding barn, and numerous out buildings and shops.
Brandy was a school teacher for over a decade. David found himself involved with Brandy's teaching career on numerous levels from judging a talent show, fixing classroom tables, helping hang decorations, to putting together simple machines.
Now, at the horse trail riding facility, David and Brandy host numerous kids day camps. It was at that time David realized there was a need to teach woodshop. This is the beginning of "Building with David". David is also available for custom wood furniture!
Contact Information:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.buildingwithdavid.com
Kenda Woodall
Riding began for me when I was 2 years old, that was many moons ago. I competed in a large variety of classes: speed, pleasure, liberty, trail, cowboy dressage and more. I recognized the importance of saddle fit about 20 years ago, which is when I started Kenda's Texas Saddles. I ride horses and have for many years, we had a cattle farm when I was growing up and I rode daily, therefore there were many hours in the saddle. We also raised the babies. In addition to the saddle business, I teach horsemanship across the United States, beginners through advanced, to help the rider understand the horse. If you would like to learn more, contact me and we can talk about horses, one of my favorite subjects.
Contact Information:
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Kenda's Texas Saddles
Megan Acklin
Anah Waynick
Meet Anah Waynick! She's a Junior at Cole Camp High School. Country Tough Times Magazine is about finding local talent rather than glorifying celebrities and sports figures.
Anah isn't even 5' tall. Her height is small but her talent and work ethic are 10' tall.
Photo Credit: The Scarlett Lens
Sydney Kotow
Brandee Bratton
Caleb Wilson
Katlyn Hays
Lee Hart
Dr. Brad Anders
Dr. Anders, Pettis County Sheriff, contributed his article on Tips from Law Enforcement to the first edition of Country Tough Times.
Hannah Straatmann
Deanna Kohley
Deanna Kohley is the President and founder of T&D Donkey Rescue, a large 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of donkeys. The organization was started after Deanna was asked to rescue two donkeys, sparking a passion for donkey welfare and leading to the establishment of the organization. Deanna attended Drury University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. She has a deep love for horses, donkeys, horseback riding, and photography, all of which play a significant role in their daily life.
Contact Information:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 417-214-9010
Megan Jaeger
I am a first-generation farmer, working alongside my family to establish a regenerative farm in Johnson County, Missouri. Driven by a deep passion for holistic health, we believe it all begins with nurturing healthy animals and cultivating nutrient-dense foods. At the heart of our farm is a commitment to community, lifelong learning, and educating others. We hold the belief that God intended for us to live in harmony with nature, and when we do so, everything thrives in balance. Our goal is to create a vibrant community centered around this philosophy.
Contact Information:
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @jaegerfamilyflow
Mary Ella Zimmerman
Julie Williams
