🌟 Our Story – The Ellis Family Journey
We’re Herple and Carrie Ellis — proud Texans, lifelong agricultural professionals, and most importantly, partners in life and family.

Our journey began in Texas, where both of us grew up with deep roots in agriculture. Carrie graduated from Tarleton State University with a degree in Animal Science and later earned a Master’s in Teaching Agriculture. Herple graduated from Sul Ross State University with a degree in Meat Science, and after serving in the U.S. Army, he completed a Master’s in Business.

Shortly after college, our paths led us to Perry, Iowa, where we both began our careers at IBP, one of the largest pork processing plants in the country. It was there that Herple applied for a position with the USDA as a Meat Grader, and our journey with the federal government began.

We moved to Grand Island, Nebraska, where Herple received his first USDA assignment — and at the same time, we received even bigger news: we were expecting twins! On August 30, 1996, our twin boys Herple V and Hershle were born, and life got even more exciting.

Carrie joined the USDA as a Food Inspector in 1997, and by 1999, we both accepted new positions in Washington, D.C. Another move — this time to Virginia — brought more surprises: twins again! On November 17, 2000, we welcomed our daughter Vivian and son Treston into the world. Life was full, chaotic, and absolutely wonderful.

In 2005, we relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where Herple accepted a supervisory position with Packers and Stockyards, and Carrie began working remotely for the Audit, Review and Compliance Branch. Over time, our children grew up, and our family’s story continued to evolve.

Now, we reside in Cisco, Texas, where we’re embracing a new lifestyle rooted in self-sufficiency. Together with Carrie’s brother and sister-in-law, we are raising livestock and produce on family acreage and reconnecting with our agricultural heritage. At the same time, we’re launching a sporting goods business in the town of Cisco, combining our passion for firearms, hunting, outdoor living, and community service.

As we move forward, we plan to document our life after the USDA through YouTube and other platforms, sharing our journey to hopefully inspire others. We believe it's never too late to grow, to change paths, or to take bold risks. Life doesn't stop - it transforms.

After years of serving in agriculture and raising a bustling family, we're beginning a new chapter — one that brings us back to our roots. With our combined experience in food systems, federal service, and a lifetime in agriculture, we’re excited to build something meaningful in the heart of Texas again.

Thank you for being part of our story.

— The Ellis Family