Ranch Stewards Podcast

Ranchers Stewardship Alliance
  • 5.0 (5)
  • EARTH SCIENCES
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

A podcast dedicated to the stewardship and conservation of grasslands, diverse ecological landscapes, and the salt-of-the-earth individuals who devote their lives to this endeavor.

  1. 9H AGO

    Ranch Health: Cattle Vaccination Best Practices

    If you’ve ever helped work cattle and thought, “I hope I’m doing this right,” this episode is for you. This episode is an audio replay of a recorded webinar from the Rural Resilience series. As you listen, you may hear references to visual demonstrations and slides. If you’d like to follow along or watch the full webinar, you can view the video replay here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEVQMhK5448&list=PL4o5WDFewKec-Wb2Wq09nTgdeTwf4vUV-&index=3 Healthy herds are the foundation of a resilient ranch. In this session, Dr. Katie Rein of Crazy Mountain Veterinary Service shares practical, hands-on guidance for livestock vaccination. Dr. Rein walks through the fundamentals with clear, field-ready instruction you can apply right away. Whether you're working cattle every day or stepping in to help when needed, this episode is designed to build confidence and improve outcomes in the chute and beyond. You’ll hear straightforward guidance on choosing the right needle, administering injections correctly, and avoiding common mistakes that can impact both animal health and meat quality. This episode is especially helpful for ranch hands, interns, family members who assist with livestock care, and experienced producers looking for a solid refresher. In this episode, you’ll learn:  How to choose the correct needle length and gauge  Where to give injections for animal health and carcass quality  The difference between subcutaneous and intramuscular injections  Practical tips for safe, effective, low-stress vaccination  Common mistakes—and how to avoid them About the Guest: Dr. Katie Rein grew up on her family’s ranch near Melville, Montana, land her family has stewarded since 1893. She earned her undergraduate degree from Montana State University and her veterinary degree from Washington State University, followed by an internship in Large Animal Medicine at Texas A&M University. After practicing at Harlowton Veterinary Clinic, she founded Crazy Mountain Veterinary Service, where she focuses on delivering practical, field-ready care to livestock producers. About the Series: This episode is part of the Rural Resilience series from the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance. Now in its sixth year, the series highlights practical skills and applied knowledge that support working lands and the communities who care for them. Support the show The Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA) is a rancher-led, grassroots organization, dedicated to improving the quality of life for rural communities throughout the Northern Great Plains. Through collaborative conservation projects, rancher education events, and local community outreach, RSA works to strengthen our rural community, economy, and culture for generations to come. For more on the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance, head to www.RanchStewards.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Your feedback is always welcome. Email info@ranchstewards.org. Want to support our mission? Visit www.ranchstewards.org/support.

    1h 16m
  2. Burnout on the Ranch: The Hidden Cost of Pushing Too Hard

    3D AGO

    Burnout on the Ranch: The Hidden Cost of Pushing Too Hard

    Burnout in agriculture is often overlooked, but it carries real consequences for people, productivity, and profitability. In this episode of the Ranch Workforce Project, host Haylie Shipp and co-host Dr. Rachel Frost (Dan Scott Ranch Management Program at Montana State University) sit down with JD Hill of Padlock Ranch and Caroline Wild of Wild Ranch Solutions to explore burnout through both employer and employee lenses. From missed details and rising costs to turnover and safety risks, burnout is more than a personal issue. It’s a business issue. This conversation dives into how ranch managers can recognize early warning signs, foster better communication, and build systems that support both efficiency and employee well-being. The group also discusses the unique challenges of ranch life, where work and home often overlap, and how expectations, identity, and lifestyle all play a role in long-term sustainability in the industry. In This Episode, We Cover:  Why burnout matters in ranch operations  Early warning signs employers should watch for  The connection between burnout and operational efficiency  Communication strategies for both managers and employees  The importance of aligning expectations in hiring  How identity and lifestyle impact longevity in ag careers  Practical ways to reduce burnout without sacrificing productivity Guest Information: JD Hill – Operations Manager, Padlock Ranch Caroline Wild – Financial Consultant, Wild Ranch Solutions Resources & Links: 🔗 Caroline Wild LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-wild-a27067229 🔗 Padlock Ranch: https://padlockranch.com/ 🔗 Dan Scott Ranch Management Program: https://animalrange.montana.edu/danscott/ Key Takeaways: Burnout in agriculture often shows up subtly through disengagement, fatigue, and missed details, but can quickly impact safety, morale, and profitability. Addressing it requires intentional communication, realistic expectations, and a commitment to supporting both the personal and professional well-being of employees. About the Series: The Ranch Workforce Project is a multi-part limited series focused on solving workforce challenges in agriculture and rural America, bringing together industry leaders, educators, and practitioners to share insights and solutions. Support the show The Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA) is a rancher-led, grassroots organization, dedicated to improving the quality of life for rural communities throughout the Northern Great Plains. Through collaborative conservation projects, rancher education events, and local community outreach, RSA works to strengthen our rural community, economy, and culture for generations to come. For more on the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance, head to www.RanchStewards.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Your feedback is always welcome. Email info@ranchstewards.org. Want to support our mission? Visit www.ranchstewards.org/support.

    56 min
  3. Why Your Best Employees Leave and How to Make Them Stay

    MAR 31

    Why Your Best Employees Leave and How to Make Them Stay

    You hired well. You trained well. Everything seemed right. Then they left. If that sounds familiar, you are not alone. Employee turnover is one of the biggest challenges in agriculture today, and every time someone leaves, it costs time, energy, and momentum. In this episode of The Ranch Workforce Project, Haylie Shipp and Rachel Frost (Dan Scott Ranch Management Program at Montana State University) are joined by Chris Redman, former Turner Ranches manager, to break down what actually keeps employees on a ranch. It is not just the paycheck. Today’s ranch employees are looking for purpose, connection, and a sense of belonging. The ranches that understand this are the ones building strong, lasting teams. What you will learn in this episode:  How to define your ranch’s culture and why it is the foundation of retention  Why onboarding is more than a first day process and how to do it right  The overlooked role of spouses, families, and community in employee satisfaction  Simple and practical ways to boost morale and engagement  What “treat it like you own it” really means and when it does not work  How to spot burnout before an employee quits  Why your best employees may be disengaging and how to address it  The power of stay interviews and the one question you should always ask  Bridging generational gaps in expectations around work and life  How to create a culture where feedback, growth, and teamwork are the norm Bottom line: Great ranches do not just hire good people. They keep them. That starts with intentional culture, clear communication, and creating a place where people feel like they belong. If you are tired of constant turnover, this episode will give you practical tools to start building a team that stays.  Support the show The Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA) is a rancher-led, grassroots organization, dedicated to improving the quality of life for rural communities throughout the Northern Great Plains. Through collaborative conservation projects, rancher education events, and local community outreach, RSA works to strengthen our rural community, economy, and culture for generations to come. For more on the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance, head to www.RanchStewards.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Your feedback is always welcome. Email info@ranchstewards.org. Want to support our mission? Visit www.ranchstewards.org/support.

    46 min

  4. MAR 20

    Mutually Beneficial: Conservation Funding at Work on Ranches

    What happens when ranchers, conservation partners, and local communities all pull in the same direction? In this episode of the Ranch Stewards Podcast, we pull back the curtain on the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance’s Conservation Committee. Host Haylie Shipp is joined by Martin Townsend, Conservation Director for the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance, and Leo Barthelmess, rancher and RSA Board Member currently serving as Co-Treasurer, for a conversation about how this committee came together, why it matters, and how it has become one of RSA’s most impactful efforts. What started as a small, relationship-driven idea has grown into a powerful model for delivering conservation projects that keep ranches productive, improve wildlife habitat, and strengthen rural communities. Through collaboration with more than 30 partners, including conservation organizations, agencies, and academic institutions, the Conservation Committee has helped bring millions of dollars into north central Montana and put those funds to work on the ground. From the committee’s early days to the way projects are identified, mapped, matched with funding, and implemented, this episode offers a firsthand look at the people and partnerships behind the work. Martin shares how the process functions today, while Leo reflects on the rancher perspective and RSA’s growth over the past decade. In this episode: How the Conservation Committee got its startWhy ranchers wanted a seat at the tableThe role of partners in expanding opportunityHow conservation projects move from idea to implementationThe growth of RSA’s impact across working landsWhy mutually beneficial solutions are key to long-term successThis is more than a conversation about funding. It is about building a model where ranching, conservation, and community all move forward together. Support the show The Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA) is a rancher-led, grassroots organization, dedicated to improving the quality of life for rural communities throughout the Northern Great Plains. Through collaborative conservation projects, rancher education events, and local community outreach, RSA works to strengthen our rural community, economy, and culture for generations to come. For more on the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance, head to www.RanchStewards.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Your feedback is always welcome. Email info@ranchstewards.org. Want to support our mission? Visit www.ranchstewards.org/support.

    59 min
  5. How Good Onboarding Builds Better Ranch Employees

    MAR 17

    How Good Onboarding Builds Better Ranch Employees

    Hiring the right person is only the beginning. The way a new employee is introduced to a ranch operation can shape their success, confidence, and long-term future in agriculture. In this episode, Haylie Shipp and Rachel Frost are joined by Aaron Paulson of Switchback Ranch to discuss why intentional onboarding is one of the most important and often overlooked parts of managing people in agriculture. Drawing from years of experience supervising interns, apprentices, seasonal workers, and full-time employees, Aaron shares practical strategies for setting new hires up for success. From structured first-day orientation and clear expectations to hands-on training and communication, he explains why investing time up front pays dividends throughout the season. The conversation also explores how strong onboarding can build confidence, reduce frustration, and help employees understand their role within the broader goals of a ranch operation. In this episode • Why first impressions matter for new ranch employees  • What effective onboarding actually looks like in practice  • How clear expectations and structure prevent early mistakes  • The "see it, do it, teach it" approach to training  • Helping new employees build confidence and independence  • Creating clear reporting structures and communication pathways  • Supporting employee growth through education and mentorship  • Why seasonal employees can become part of a long-term workforce pipeline  • Using exit conversations to improve future hiring and management Strong onboarding is not just about orientation. It is about building capable employees, strengthening ranch culture, and investing in the future of agriculture. Support the show The Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA) is a rancher-led, grassroots organization, dedicated to improving the quality of life for rural communities throughout the Northern Great Plains. Through collaborative conservation projects, rancher education events, and local community outreach, RSA works to strengthen our rural community, economy, and culture for generations to come. For more on the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance, head to www.RanchStewards.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Your feedback is always welcome. Email info@ranchstewards.org. Want to support our mission? Visit www.ranchstewards.org/support.

    41 min
  6. Cracking the Code to the Ideal Ranch Employee

    MAR 4

    Cracking the Code to the Ideal Ranch Employee

    What makes a great ranch employee, and how do you actually find and hire them? Cracking the Code to the Ideal Ranch Employee Finding and hiring the right people can be one of the most frustrating, and most rewarding, parts of ranch management. In this episode of the Ranch Workforce Project, host Haylie Shipp of the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance and co-host Rachel Frost of the Dan Scott Ranch Management Program at Montana State University are joined by Dr. Trey Patterson, CEO of Padlock Ranch. Together they discuss what it takes to recruit, interview, and hire great employees in today’s ranch workforce. Dr. Patterson shares how Padlock Ranch approaches hiring, from writing clear job descriptions to conducting structured interviews that reveal more than what appears on a resume. Frost adds perspective from working with students preparing to enter the industry and explains why attitude, humility, and a willingness to learn often matter as much as technical skills. The conversation also tackles an important question for ranch managers today. Are we creating the kinds of jobs people actually want, or are we simply frustrated that fewer people want the jobs we have always offered? Topics discussed in this episode include: • Why ranch labor challenges are not only about the work, but also about changing workforce expectations  • The importance of attitude, humility, and motivation when evaluating candidates  • How structured interviews can help reveal character and problem solving ability  • Why honesty about remote locations and job realities helps prevent hiring mismatches  • How intentional recruiting can help ranches build a stronger applicant pool Resources and Links Dan Scott Ranch Management Program  https://animalrange.montana.edu/danscott/ Padlock Ranch  https://padlockranch.com/ Dr. Trey Patterson on the Ranching Returns Podcast  https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/176-dr-trey-patterson-padlock-ranch/id1555361402?i=1000658419243 Support the show The Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA) is a rancher-led, grassroots organization, dedicated to improving the quality of life for rural communities throughout the Northern Great Plains. Through collaborative conservation projects, rancher education events, and local community outreach, RSA works to strengthen our rural community, economy, and culture for generations to come. For more on the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance, head to www.RanchStewards.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Your feedback is always welcome. Email info@ranchstewards.org. Want to support our mission? Visit www.ranchstewards.org/support.

    54 min

  7. FEB 19

    Eye in the Sky: Ranch Drones

    What can a drone actually do on a working ranch, and is it worth the cost? In this episode, Haylie Shipp sits down with rancher Kari Koss, The Nature Conservancy’s Jason Hanlon, and Ranchers Stewardship Alliance Mapping Specialist Maida Knapton to talk about the real world uses of drones in agriculture. From checking water and locating cattle to mapping prairie dog towns and monitoring vegetation, this conversation focuses on practical applications for producers in large, remote landscapes like northern Montana. The group shares honest experiences about learning curves, price points, wind limitations, regulations, and how drones can shift from being seen as a toy to becoming a valuable management tool. Whether you are looking to save time, reduce miles on equipment, or gain a new perspective on your operation, this episode offers a practical look at how drones are being used on working ranches today. Topics Covered in This Episode • Using drones to check water, cattle, and remote pastures • Drone costs  • Wind, battery life, and real world limitations • FAA rules, airspace, and line of sight requirements • Drone use in conservation and mapping • Autonomous flight paths • Opportunity cost and time savings on a ranch Real Ranch Applications Discussed • Checking water sources in hard to access areas • Locating cattle before a gather • Counting hay bales from above • Monitoring infrastructure and flood irrigation • Year to year photo monitoring of rangeland • Mapping prairie dog towns and vegetation health Key Considerations for Producers • Most consumer drones have built in safety features and are easier to fly than many expect • Wind and battery are often the biggest limiting factors on the Northern Plains • Entry level drones can cost a few hundred dollars while advanced mapping drones can cost several thousand • Current FAA regulations require pilots to keep drones within visual line of sight and under 400 feet • Airspace restrictions may apply near airports, military activity, or certain federal lands Resources Mentioned • FAA Before You Fly app for checking airspace restrictions: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/b4ufly • Blue UAS Cleared List and transition information: https://www.diu.mil/latest/dius-blue-uas-list-to-transition-to-dcma • Ranchers Stewardship Alliance YouTube channel webinar on drone seeding with Steve Kenyon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3w7pqhGqCI This episode is especially helpful for producers, land managers, and conservation partners who are exploring practical technology that can save time, reduce labor, and provide better insight into large grazing ope Support the show The Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA) is a rancher-led, grassroots organization, dedicated to improving the quality of life for rural communities throughout the Northern Great Plains. Through collaborative conservation projects, rancher education events, and local community outreach, RSA works to strengthen our rural community, economy, and culture for generations to come. For more on the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance, head to www.RanchStewards.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Your feedback is always welcome. Email info@ranchstewards.org. Want to support our mission? Visit www.ranchstewards.org/support.

    48 min
  8. Intentional Short Term Labor: Seasonal Work, Internships, and Apprenticeships Explained

    FEB 17

    Intentional Short Term Labor: Seasonal Work, Internships, and Apprenticeships Explained

    Labor continues to be one of the biggest pressure points in agriculture. But when you are not hiring a full-time, long-term employee, the real question becomes: What kind of help do you actually need? In this episode of the Ranch Workforce Project, host Haylie Shipp and co-host Rachel Frost sit down with Taylre Sitz Zempel of Sitz Angus Ranch and Dan Leahy of the Foundation for Ranch Management to break down the practical differences between seasonal labor, internships, and apprenticeships. This conversation goes beyond definitions. It dives into expectations, responsibility, logistics, mindset, and the long-term impact these roles can have on the ranch workforce pipeline. What We Cover Seasonal Labor A largely transactional relationship. A defined timeframe, clear expectations, and productivity that directly impacts profitability. Often requires minimal training and the ability to step in and contribute quickly. Internships A shorter-term learning opportunity. Ranches may invest more time in training and mentorship while students gain exposure, experience, and foundational skills. Internships can play a significant role in shaping the next generation entering agriculture. Apprenticeships A longer-term, structured commitment with higher expectations on both sides. Focused not only on completing tasks but on developing thought processes, decision-making ability, and mastery. Apprenticeships often serve as a bridge into long-term careers and leadership roles. Key Themes from the Conversation Words matter. Titles like intern and apprentice carry real expectations.Ranchers must be honest about how much time and training they can realistically provide.Soft skills such as communication, humility, reflection, and attitude are just as important as technical skills.Logistics matter. Housing, transportation, and basic living arrangements can make or break a placement.The workforce pipeline in agriculture is not empty. There are young people eager to enter the industry, but clarity and alignment are critical.Internships and apprenticeships do more than fill labor gaps. They help build the future of agriculture beyond a single ranch gate.You will also hear powerful stories of growth, failure, perseverance, and the long-term impact of mentorship. Learn More Dan Scott Ranch Management Program https://animalrange.montana.edu/danscott/ Sitz Angus Ranch  https://www.sitzangus.com/ If you are considering bringing on seasonal labor, an intern, or an apprentice, this episode offers practical guidance and encouragement to help you decide which structure best fits your operation and your long-term goals. Support the show The Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA) is a rancher-led, grassroots organization, dedicated to improving the quality of life for rural communities throughout the Northern Great Plains. Through collaborative conservation projects, rancher education events, and local community outreach, RSA works to strengthen our rural community, economy, and culture for generations to come. For more on the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance, head to www.RanchStewards.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Your feedback is always welcome. Email info@ranchstewards.org. Want to support our mission? Visit www.ranchstewards.org/support.

    50 min
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About

A podcast dedicated to the stewardship and conservation of grasslands, diverse ecological landscapes, and the salt-of-the-earth individuals who devote their lives to this endeavor.

Information

  • Creator
    Ranchers Stewardship Alliance
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Ranch Stewards Podcast
  • Show Website
    Ranch Stewards Podcast

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