On most mornings, Alana Kinzle starts her day the same way — with a cup of coffee and a to-do list. What follows rarely sticks to the plan.
A customer might stop by needing vaccines for cattle. Another may be looking for mineral supplements or equipment. In a small agricultural community, the needs of the day often dictate the pace.
“No two days are the same,” Kinzle said. “Everything’s different.”
For Kinzle, owner of The Feedlot in Iola, the work is both familiar and personal. Agriculture has shaped much of her life, beginning long before she officially stepped into business ownership.
THE FEEDLOT was opened 31 years ago by Kinzle’s parents, Steve and Frances Kinzle. Today, at 34, she carries on that legacy after assuming ownership four years ago.
“I was basically born into this business and have always helped my parents with it,” she said.
Kinzle graduated from Humboldt High School and later from Allen Community College before dedicating her career to the family business. She has been involved in the management side of The Feedlot for about 14 years.
The transition, she said, was intentional. Rather than waiting until her parents stepped away completely, the family chose to move ownership while they could still work together.
“It was just something that I knew I wanted,” Kinzle said. “Some people like to transition later, but we wanted to do it as a family and be able to share that time together.”
That decision gave her the opportunity to ask questions and learn alongside her parents as she stepped into the ownership role.
AGRICULTURE has often been described as a male-dominated field, but Kinzle said that perception doesn’t match the reality she sees today.
Early in her career, however, there was a particular moment that tested her. She remembers one longtime customer who jokingly questioned her ability.
“Where’s the man at? I don’t want you,” he said.
Over time, as he saw her experience and knowledge firsthand, that changed.
He later asked Kinzle’s father, “Where’s Alana at? I need someone who knows something.”
Moments like that, Kinzle said, reflect how respect in agriculture is often built through relationships and experience.
