Ranchonomics

John Haskell, Ranch Right LLC

Welcome to Ranchonomics! Where we empower you to build a better ranch and transform your operation into a thriving business. This podcast is brought to you by Ranch Right LLC, and together we will look at essential strategies, mindsets, and processes needed to take command of your financials and master the business metrics that make all the difference. If you are ready to start winning at ranching, then you are in the right spot. With each episode of Ranchonomics, you will hear inspiring success stories, gain simple yet powerful financial literacy tips, and listen to insightful interviews with industry experts and real-life practitioners. Whether you are a seasoned rancher or just starting out, we believe that managing a ranch shouldn't mean drowning in paperwork or missing out on valuable opportunities. Our mission is to help you see the link between your daily ranching operations and your financials that allow you to go from chaos to clarity and achieve your goals. Join us as we explore the intersection of ranching and finance, helping you understand your numbers and make informed decisions that propel your business forward. Subscribe now and start your path to a more profitable, less stressful ranching experience with Ranchonomics. It's time to harness the full potential of your operation.

  1. 2D AGO

    77. Cash, Profit, and Taxes: How to Balance All Three

    Tax planning is one of the most overlooked tools in ranch management, yet it can save a business thousands of dollars when done well. In this solo episode, John walks through the practical process Ranch Right uses with ranching clients to plan ahead, avoid surprises, and make smart decisions before the year ends. He explains why tax strategy should never be about panic spending and why good planning always starts with accurate numbers and a clear picture of the year. John also breaks down how different types of income are taxed, how brackets work, and how ranchers can use livestock purchases, depreciation, and timing to manage their liability across multiple years. With clear examples and straightforward guidance, this episode helps ranchers understand how to make decisions that support cash flow, long-term profit, and tax liability. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, I cover: Why tax planning starts with accurate financials before the end of the yearHow to project fall income and expenses and adjust through the seasonWhen prepaying expenses or making strategic purchases can make senseCommon mistakes that drain cash without reducing taxesHow tax brackets work and why managing income across multiple years mattersThe difference between ordinary income, capital gains, and self-employment taxesHow livestock purchases, depreciation, and retirement accounts fit into a solid strategy Connect with Ranch Right: Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Instagram @ranchrightllc Follow on Facebook Check out the websiteCheck out all of our past webinars here Resources & Links: Book a Free Discovery Call to Learn More Ranching for Profit Ranching.FYI Wally Olson, Olson Ranch LLC Mentioned in this episode: Join us for the 2026 Ranch Right Retreat, February 16th-19th in Orange Beach, Alabama. Space is limited, so click the link below to grab your seat now. Ranch Right Retreat

    22 min
  2. DEC 16

    76. Hidden Opportunities in Hard Times: A Conversation with Kim Barker

    Hard times can feel like the end of the world, but what if they're actually the start of something better? In this episode, I sit down with long-time friend and rancher, Kim Barker from Walnut Creek Farms in Oklahoma, to talk about the unexpected ways drought, high prices, family challenges, and even personal setbacks can become turning points in your ranching business. Kim has lived through plenty of ups and downs, and he shares how a crisis mindset can keep you stuck, while an opportunity mindset can turn the same situation into a launchpad. From navigating multi-year droughts to helping the next generation get started, Kim lays out practical examples of how to look ahead, prepare wisely, and build a network that helps you see opportunities you would have missed on your own. Whether you are dealing with tight feed, high cattle prices, family pressure, or just a tough season, this episode will help you reframe the challenge and look for hidden opportunities in hard times. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover: How drought and other crises can create long-term opportunities you cannot see in the momentWays to prepare for tough years by deciding early what to sell, what to keep, and where to marketHow other people's drought and feed can open profitable doors if you have the right skills and portable infrastructureWhy high prices are a chance to clean up your herd, strengthen your finances, and make smart changesHow education, relationships, and a strong network make opportunities easier to spotThe mindset shift that turns a crisis into a turning point instead of a setback Connect with Ranch Right: Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Instagram @ranchrightllc Follow on Facebook Check out the website Check out all of our past webinars here Resources & Links: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. FranklBook a Free Discovery Call to Learn More Ranching for Profit Ranching.FYI Wally Olson, Olson Ranch LLC Mentioned in this episode: At Ranch Right, we build financial systems that make sense for real ranch operations — bookkeeping, reporting, and strategy that actually work. Make this the year you stop guessing and start managing with clarity. Click the link below to learn more. New Year's Resolution

    26 min
  3. DEC 9

    75. Are Your Cattle Covered? Trucking Risks in a High-Price Market with Julie Davidson

    When cattle prices climb to levels few of us have ever seen, the dollar value of a single load can quietly double, or even triple. And while most ranchers wouldn’t dream of driving uninsured, many are still hauling cattle with cargo coverage that hasn’t been updated in years. Are your cattle covered? In this episode, Julie Davidson of High Country Coverage Consulting returns to walk us through the real risks and the practical steps every rancher should take before cattle hit the road. From radius limits and VIN-specific coverage to knowing who’s responsible when a neighbor hauls your calves, this is a timely conversation for a high-price market. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover: Why standard $100,000 cargo policies are now dangerously insufficient when calves can be worth $250k–$400k per loadWho is responsible for coverage, depending on whether you haul, the buyer hires the trucks, or a neighbor does you a favorHow cargo policies actually work: VIN-specific coverage, trailer listings, radius limits, and why “one policy for the ranch” isn’t enoughWhat happens when there’s an accident, including how loss values are calculated and why injured cattle require special evaluationKey exclusions, especially the fact that loss of market price is not coveredPractical steps to update coverage as markets rise and fall, so you’re protected without overspending Connect with Julie: Send her an email at juliedavidsonhccc@gmail.com Connect with Ranch Right: Meet the Ranch Right teamSubscribe on YouTube Follow on Instagram @ranchrightllc Follow on Facebook Check out the website Resources & Links: Book a Free Discovery Call to Learn More Ranching for Profit Ranching.FYI Wally Olson, Olson Ranch LLCCheck out all of our past webinars here Mentioned in this episode: Join us for the 2026 Ranch Right Retreat, February 16th-19th in Orange Beach, Alabama. Space is limited, so click the link below to grab your seat now. Ranch Right Retreat

    14 min
  4. DEC 2

    74. How to Buy Right and Market Smarter with Wally Olson

    Buying cattle in a high market can feel intimidating, but as Wally Olson reminds us, the price doesn’t matter nearly as much as the relationship. In this episode, John and Wally dig into how to buy cattle the right way, why you always need to sell before you buy, and how understanding the value of gain, weight classes, and local market culture helps you make confident, profitable decisions no matter where the market sits. Wally draws on decades of experience as a rancher, marketer, and educator to break down practical buying strategies, from barn cards to understanding how geography, humidity, forage quality, and reputation all shape performance and price. John and Wally walk through real-world examples, common pitfalls, and why good marketing, not good luck, is what drives long-term profitability. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover: Why you should always sell before you buy, and how that drives cash flow and clarityHow to evaluate cattle across weight classes, age classes, and pregnancy status using the value of gainBuilding a dependable barn card and running the numbers to know exactly what you can payHow geography, humidity, forage quality, and local culture affect buying decisions and animal performanceWhen to use an order buyer, how to work well with one, and why reputation matters in both directionsSmarter strategies for packaging cattle, contracting, and marketing in high-price environments Connect with Wally: Check out his website Connect with Ranch Right: Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Instagram @ranchrightllc Follow on Facebook Check out the website Check out all of our past webinars here Resources & Links: Value Of GainBook a Free Discovery Call to Learn More Ranching for Profit Ranching.FYI Wally Olson, Olson Ranch LLC Mentioned in this episode: At Ranch Right, we build financial systems that make sense for real ranch operations — bookkeeping, reporting, and strategy that actually work. Make this the year you stop guessing and start managing with clarity. Click the link below to learn more. New Year's Resolution

    23 min
  5. NOV 25

    73. Avoiding Health Insurance Headaches: Enrollment Tips with Julie Davidson

    It’s open-enrollment season, and if you’re sorting through health insurance options, you’re not alone. In this episode, John sits down with insurance expert Julie Davidson to walk through what ranch families need to know before choosing a Marketplace plan, from how subsidies actually work to what those deductibles and out-of-pocket numbers really mean. Julie breaks down why your modified adjusted gross income is the key number that drives your subsidy, why calling to enroll is almost always better than doing it online, and what to watch for if you’re choosing between work-provided coverage and Marketplace options. John and Julie also talk through real-world considerations like prescription costs, family deductibles, HSA-eligible plans, and why Medicaid isn’t always the safety net folks assume it is. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover: How open enrollment works and why your modified adjusted gross income drives your subsidyThe pros and cons of Marketplace options vs. employer plans, and when to call instead of enrolling onlineHow to think about deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, HSAs, and choosing the right level of coverageWhat to watch for with prescription costs, plus tools like GoodRxWhy insurance should be viewed as risk protection, not a prepaid health planHow to avoid surprise bills and tax-time subsidies gone wrong Connect with Julie: Send her an email at juliedavidsonhccc@gmail.com Connect with Ranch Right: HealthCare.govGoodRxHealthpilotSubscribe on YouTube Follow on Instagram @ranchrightllc Follow on Facebook Check out the website Resources & Links: Book a Free Discovery Call to Learn More Ranching for Profit Ranching.FYI Wally Olson, Olson Ranch LLC Mentioned in this episode: Join us for the 2026 Ranch Right Retreat, February 16th-19th in Orange Beach, Alabama. Space is limited, so click the link below to grab your seat now. Ranch Right Retreat

    25 min
  6. NOV 18

    72. The Most Undervalued Skill in Ranching: Knowing Your Inventory

    Most ranchers know their cow herd, but not everyone truly knows their inventory. In this solo episode, John breaks down why keeping track of what you own is one of the most overlooked (and most profitable) skills in ranching. Whether you run stockers or a cow-calf operation, knowing your inventory helps you make smarter sell/buy decisions, manage your assets like an investor, and keep your operation flexible in a changing market. John walks through simple, hands-on ways to track and tag animals so you always know what you’ve got, from age breakdowns and pregnancy status to an easy color-coded clip system that makes sorting and marketing decisions faster and clearer. If you’ve ever found yourself saying “I think we’ve got about…,” this episode is for you. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, I cover: Why inventory awareness is the foundation of asset-based ranch managementHow to tag and track cows for smarter marketing decisionsThe importance of age breakdowns and pregnancy status in herd planningManaging three-year-olds and maintaining cow condition through the winterHow to make better decisions with less complexity and more clarity Connect with Ranch Right: Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Instagram @ranchrightllc Follow on Facebook Check out the websiteCheck out all of our past webinars here Resources & Links: Book a Free Discovery Call to Learn More Ranching for Profit Ranching.FYI Wally Olson, Olson Ranch LLC Mentioned in this episode: Join us for the 2026 Ranch Right Retreat, February 16th-19th in Orange Beach, Alabama. Space is limited, so click the link below to grab your seat now. Ranch Right Retreat

    17 min
  7. NOV 11

    71. Making Smarter Selling Decisions with Wally Olson

    When should you sell your cattle, and how do you know if it’s the right move? In this episode, host John Haskell sits down with Wally Olson, longtime rancher and sell/buy marketer, to dig into the mechanics and mindset behind selling cattle well. From recognizing when your cattle are overvalued to choosing between selling in the country, through the sale barn, or on a video auction, Wally breaks down the numbers and the “why” to make smarter selling decisions. John and Wally also unpack real-world factors like shrink, commissions, and freight costs, as well as how to use tools like scales, slides, and contracts to protect your margins. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover: How to identify overvalued and undervalued cattle in your herdThe hidden costs of different selling options (and how to manage them)Why relationships with sale barn managers and buyers matterPractical strategies for building confidence in pricing and marketing decisions Connect with Wally: Check out his website Connect with Ranch Right: Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Instagram @ranchrightllc Follow on Facebook Check out the website Resources & Links: Book a Free Discovery Call to Learn More Ranching for Profit Ranching.FYI Wally Olson, Olson Ranch LLC Mentioned in this episode: Join us for the 2026 Ranch Right Retreat, February 16th-19th in Orange Beach, Alabama. Space is limited, so click the link below to grab your seat now. Ranch Right Retreat

    26 min
  8. NOV 4

    70. Staying Covered: Smart Insurance Moves for Ranchers in a Changing Market

    Insurance might not be the most exciting part of running a ranch, but it can make or break your operation when things go wrong. In this episode, host John Haskell sits down with Julie Davidson, resident insurance expert, to unpack smart insurance moves and what every rancher should know about coverage, deductibles, and managing risk in a shifting market. Julie explains how rethinking your deductible could save you serious money, how to weigh the pros and cons of filing a claim, and what to look for when choosing between replacement cost and actual cash value coverage. Whether you’re protecting your ranch, your vehicles, or your home, this episode will help you stay covered (and smart), no matter what the market brings. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover: Why reviewing your policy regularly can reveal hidden savingsHow to balance premiums and deductibles for your unique risk toleranceThe difference between replacement cost and actual cash value coverageTips for handling claims, documentation, and negotiation with your insurer Connect with Julie: Send her an email at juliedavidsonhccc@gmail.com Connect with Ranch Right: Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Instagram @ranchrightllc Follow on Facebook Check out the website Resources & Links: Episode 69. Avoiding Insurance Pitfalls: What Every Rancher Should KnowEpisode 66. Protecting Your Ranch: Insurance Insights with Julie DavidsonBook a Free Discovery Call to Learn More Ranching for Profit Ranching.FYI Wally Olson, Olson Ranch LLC Mentioned in this episode: At Ranch Right, we build financial systems that make sense for real ranch operations — bookkeeping, reporting, and strategy that actually work. Make this the year you stop guessing and start managing with clarity. Click the link below to learn more. New Year's Resolution

    22 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Welcome to Ranchonomics! Where we empower you to build a better ranch and transform your operation into a thriving business. This podcast is brought to you by Ranch Right LLC, and together we will look at essential strategies, mindsets, and processes needed to take command of your financials and master the business metrics that make all the difference. If you are ready to start winning at ranching, then you are in the right spot. With each episode of Ranchonomics, you will hear inspiring success stories, gain simple yet powerful financial literacy tips, and listen to insightful interviews with industry experts and real-life practitioners. Whether you are a seasoned rancher or just starting out, we believe that managing a ranch shouldn't mean drowning in paperwork or missing out on valuable opportunities. Our mission is to help you see the link between your daily ranching operations and your financials that allow you to go from chaos to clarity and achieve your goals. Join us as we explore the intersection of ranching and finance, helping you understand your numbers and make informed decisions that propel your business forward. Subscribe now and start your path to a more profitable, less stressful ranching experience with Ranchonomics. It's time to harness the full potential of your operation.

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