The McBee family is adapting to a new reality following patriarch Steve McBee Sr.'s two-year prison sentence for pleading guilty to crop insurance fraud. Over six months into his incarceration at a federal prison in South Dakota, his sons are reportedly stepping up to manage the McBee Farm & Cattle Co. and support one another.
Cole McBee, speaking with Decider alongside his fiancée Kacie Adkison, described the period as a significant adjustment. "With him being gone, there was a big void to fill with work, with life, with being the leader of the family," Cole stated. "Everyone stepped up in their own way to really make this last year happen and to be able to get through this bad situation we’re going through."
The family maintains a hopeful outlook, with Cole anticipating his father's potential release by the end of the year, which could halve his sentence. Cole mentioned visiting his father every few weeks and looked forward to a "Bring Your Grandchild to Jail Day," where his 18-month-old daughter, Blair, and Jesse and Alli McBee’s daughter, Summer, would have the opportunity to spend time with their grandfather.
"Blair and Summer will get to hang out with him in jail for a day," Cole said. "Instead of just sitting in a room, they get to hang out with him. So, that will be fun."
Amidst these family challenges, Cole and Adkison have experienced personal milestones, including their engagement in November 2025 and the upcoming arrival of their second daughter. "Nervous," they responded when asked about having two children under two. Adkison added, "It’s very humbling to be this pregnant and chasing after a wild toddler. I’m ready for the baby to get here, and then we’ll just figure out our new normal."
The couple also provided an update on Steven McBee Jr.'s personal life and discussed their wedding plans, which are anticipated for the following fall on their farm.
Regarding Steve McBee Sr.'s return to filming, Cole indicated it would likely depend on the resolution of their ongoing legal and family matters. "Once all the problems are fixed and we’re back to normal life, he’ll probably be back to it," Cole said. "But we’ve just got a lot of problems to fix first."
Kacie Adkison also addressed Steven Jr.'s past relationship with Allie Eklund, stating that both are moving forward and she wishes them happiness. She clarified that a comment about not giving "20% of my business" to Allie referred to Allie Eklund, not Alli McBee.
Adkison has also launched her own tallow business, initially as a passion project. "I wanted to not have to rely so much on the family businesses. I was staying home with Blair and I wanted to keep doing that. So, that’s how the business started," she explained. Cole is now involved in helping with the business.
On the subject of Masha Petrova's relationship with Steve McBee Sr., Cole advised Petrova to "stay in your lane" and not involve herself in family issues. Kacie added that while they have tried to maintain a relationship, Petrova's actions during a sensitive family time created distance. "None of us have a personal relationship with her," Kacie stated.
'The McBee Dynasty: Real American Cowboys' airs Mondays on Bravo.