Meet Katie Lacey: Fifth-Generation Rancher Leading the Future of Sustainable Beef

When Katie Lacey was a freshman at Oklahoma State University, her Intro to Animal Science professor asked students to raise their hands by generation—first-generation farmers and ranchers, then second, then third. As the count climbed higher, hands steadily dropped. By the time the professor reached fifth generation, Katie found herself alone with her hand still raised. She was the only one in the entire freshman cohort carrying a ranching legacy that deep.

"That was when I realized how much it meant," Katie recalls. "It made me realize how rare that legacy is—and how deeply proud I am to carry it forward."

Today, as Symbrosia's Business Development Representative, Katie brings that heritage—and everything it taught her—to the work of helping cattle producers adopt SeaGraze®, a groundbreaking seaweed-based feed supplement that reduces methane emissions while improving herd performance.

From the Ranch to the Roping Arena

Ranching isn't just Katie's background; it's shaped who she is. "It's shaped how I think, how I work, and how I connect with the producers we serve," she says. That foundation has given her a different standard for hard work, dedication, and doing things right the first time.

But Katie didn't stop at honoring tradition—she's constantly pushing herself to grow. Two years ago, she took on a challenge that would change how she approaches obstacles: learning to rope off the back of a moving horse.

"Learning something new in your 20s is a humbling experience I think everyone should have to go through," Katie explains. "I had to make myself rope the dummy, get up early to ride before work, and budget to pay for lessons." The process taught her to break down challenges like the mechanics of a swing, to not be afraid of going back to square one, and to seize every opportunity—because the next steer isn't guaranteed.

The branding pen became her classroom for teamwork. "It's complete chaos in there," she says. "Six riders on horseback, a fifteen-person ground crew, calves running in all directions." She learned to listen, to ask when she needs help, and to step up for others.

"I was once the timid person trying to stay out of the way, and now I'm ready to see what I can do to help others in the pen."

Translating Science into Ranch-Ready Solutions

With a Master's degree in Agricultural Communications, Katie knows that introducing innovation to ranchers requires more than data—it requires trust. "There's always some hesitation when introducing any new tool, especially one that touches on feed, animal health, or operational costs," she says. "When you look at SeaGraze®, it almost seems too good to be true."

Her approach is grounded in honesty and relatability. "The most crucial thing is that I believe in this product," Katie emphasizes. "It's about listening to what matters most to producers—profitability, herd performance, and sustainability—and framing new tools in terms of those values."

Good communication also means transparency. "It's not just about sharing data; it's about being transparent about both benefits and limitations, so ranchers feel empowered, not sold to."

Leading on Sustainability Without Sacrifice

As a rancher herself, Katie understands what producers need: solutions that work with existing systems, not against them.

"What excites me most about SeaGraze is that it gives us a real opportunity to lead on sustainability without sacrificing performance or profitability," she says. "We all care about leaving the land better than we found it, and SeaGraze gives producers a tool to reduce methane emissions in a way that's grounded in science and practical for everyday feeding programs."

For Katie, this isn't about overhauling operations—it's about meeting producers where they are. "SeaGraze doesn't ask ranchers to overhaul their operation; it works with the systems we already have. That kind of innovation is what really moves the needle."

A Vision for the Future

Katie sees incredible opportunity ahead for the beef industry. With high-protein diets trending and markets at all-time highs, producers have the momentum to invest in both profitability and resilience.

"We have the least amount of cattle in the country, but we're still meeting demands," she notes. "The improvements in feeding and regenerative ag have made this possible. Adding a product that further increases feeding yields is going to make this industry more profitable and resilient going forward."

Her vision extends beyond the immediate. "Resilience also means keeping the next generation in mind—everything from soil health to succession planning. If we can build operations that are both financially strong and environmentally smart, we're setting the stage for a beef industry that thrives well into the future."

Honoring the Past, Building the Future

For Katie Lacey, carrying on her family's ranching legacy means more than maintaining tradition—it means contributing to its evolution. "My family has contributed to the success of cattle ranching, and I am hoping to make my own contribution and continue the legacy," she says.

Through her work at Symbrosia, Katie is doing exactly that: helping fellow ranchers adopt innovations that strengthen their operations, protect the environment, and secure the future of an industry she loves.

"Being able to help fellow ranchers do that?" Katie says. "That's what fires me up."

To learn more about how SeaGraze® can benefit your operation, connect with Katie and the Symbrosia team.