Haute on the Ranch: Behind The Brand of Kempker Livestock

Located in the mideast part of the state with a population less than 1,000, Pomona is everything we love about small town Kansas: a quiet main street, mom and pop restaurants, and a nearby lake – a summertime favorite when you live landlocked.

Situated just outside this charming map dot is another vital part of the rural landscape. Kempker Livestock is a 400-head show goat operation built by college sweethearts from the ground up in 2018. Rooted in traditional values while driven by innovation, Trent and Emma Kempker raise elite livestock, sell breeding stock and help kids across the U.S. with showmanship.

Savannah Sevens is proud to feature Kempker Livestock in our content series called Trailblazing the West where we steward the stories of individuals, families and heritage brands that reflect a pioneering spirit with time-honored principles, all while keeping the western way of life alive.

Kempker Origins

The seed of working around livestock was planted early on for Emma. At nine years old, she started showing her first animal through 4-H and worked in a lamb barn where she received vital mentorship that inspires the work she does today.

Trent and his brother originally started Kempker Livestock with show cattle. After meeting his wife in 2016 and expressing an interest in learning more about show goats, Trent and Emma bought their first doe together the following year. To help start the base herd of their business, the two pictured and clipped goats throughout college.

Kempker Day to Day

From feeding and doctoring the goats to preparing for breeding season and travelling to sales and shows, there is never a dull moment at Kempker Livestock. With adding two of their own kids to the operation, life around the farm is busier than ever but Trent and Emma have been able to lean on their three hired hands, one of which is Emma’s mom.

“We’ve been very blessed with the team we have,” said Emma. “The guys, Garett and Zane, have really helped us excel especially when Trent is on the road. And my mom is full time, assisting in the house or even outside, while I handle the marketing side. I believe working with the team we have behind us has made all the difference.”

In 2026, the Kempkers are hosting their very first goat sale – a two-day production called The Pinnacle featuring wether and doe kids, and Behind the Brand featuring their bucks.

Kempker Vision

When you think about the definition of a trailblazer, the idea of someone forging their own path comes to mind; someone who lives boldly and dares to discover a new way. That’s exactly what Trent and Emma want Kempker Livestock to be known for – operating outside of the box.

“I think what sets Kempker Livestock apart is we want to be forward thinking,” said Emma. “We want to stay in front of what’s going on. We’re very passionate about trying to do new things; not always staying in our comfort zone.”

Kempker Legacy

While their business was established out of their own interest in and passion for livestock, the Kempkers are growing an operation for the future generation. They’re on a mission to give back to the show ring youth, just as they received guidance as youngsters. 

“A key priority for us is to treat people how we want to be treated, and just be a light in what we do and how we act,” said Emma. 

They work with youth across the U.S. by placing show goats and helping with hair care, showmanship and feed management. They also create videos or Facetime with the exhibitors if they can’t meet in person to ensure their livestock project is presented with the highest standards.

The Kempkers also are building a personal legacy. When they started the business, they dreamed about creating an opportunity where their children would grow up rurally learning about work ethic and traditional values. As they look to the future, their ultimate goal would be for daughter Grady and son Bonam to return to the farm as adults and work alongside them. 

“I think it’s so cool to be able to look at the different generational farms and see grandparents, parents and their kids all working together,” said Emma. “We look forward to creating that legacy at Kempker Livestock for our family.”