Ryan grew up in a ranching family in North Central Texas. He attended Seymour High School where he graduated in 1993. Following high school, Ryan attended Texas A&M University where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Business. After graduation, Ryan moved to the Texas Panhandle with his wife Colette to begin his career in the cattle feeding industry at Cimarron Feeders. He is currently the General Manager of JBS Five Rivers/Hartley Feeders in Hartley, TX. Ryan and Colette have lived in Dalhart for over five years and have two boys, Caxton (7) and Case (2). Ryan also serves as Treasurer on the Bi-County Livestock Show Board.