Fall is Planning Time
As fall work wraps up for most in cow country, now is the time to start planning for next year. Here are a few essential pieces of that plan: Gross Margin projections and analysis of key enterprises Overhead projection and analysis Profit target setting and how profit will be used Grazing plan for next year […]
Read MoreCow Depreciation – Don’t Follow a Recipe
There has been quite a bit written about managing cow deprecation over the past few years. In simple terms cow depreciation is the reduction of value of a cow from its height of value until it is sold for salvage. I’m glad this often hidden cost is getting attention and that ranchers now see this […]
Read MoreA Good Day
Yesterday was a good day. We pulled bulls from a group of cattle, I’ve been custom grazing for long-time customers who are now friends. The day started early with some neighbors loading horses before first light and making our way up the mountain to the pasture. After riding a circle, we had 3 of the […]
Read MoreHaving the Courage to Talk
I’m extremely fortunate that I have the pleasure of working with an exceptional group of clients and colleagues. Those who choose to attend the Ranching for Profit School are already a cut above the average agricultural business operator. They are above average because they have chosen to make a significant investment in themselves along with […]
Read MoreImplementing the Drought Plan
A good chunk of cow country is experiencing a dry time. If you are Ranching for Profit you had your drought plan done before spring arrived. That drought plan included key dates with specific actions tied to those dates, it was written down, and shared with others on your team who held you accountable to […]
Read MoreRanching from Scratch
Can’t be done. At least that is what conventional wisdom says. I’d agree that it can’t be done, if you follow the rules of traditional ranching – running cows the way everyone else does and owning everything. If you are willing to break some rules and challenge conventional wisdom maybe you can join the amazing […]
Read MoreThe Next Generation of Passionate Ranchers
Last week, in partnership with Wally Olson and the Plank Stewardship Initiative, we hosted the first ever Young Adult Ranching for Profit Workshop. We had 48 youth from 17 states in Sheridan, Wyoming for an incredible four days! The energy, enthusiasm, and passion these young people have for ranching and agriculture was contagious. Several times […]
Read MoreGood Grazing Shouldn’t be Controversial
“You don’t believe in that silly rotational grazing mumbo jumbo do you?” “Oh…. You’re one of ‘those people’!” “I’d quit ranching if it meant moving my cows around in circles all the time.” I’m guessing many of you have heard some version of the statements above and maybe even said it or thought it yourself. […]
Read MorePlanning in a Volatile Market
The landscape for marketing your products is changing so quickly it is hard to keep track of the changes that occur on almost a daily basis. I’m tired of hearing the term “uncertain times” during the coronavirus pandemic. Has there ever been “certain times”? Definitely not when it comes to ag markets! I’ve been spending […]
Read MoreSocial Distancing Rancher Style
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, all of us in America are changing many of our habits and routines to try and slow the spread. While social distancing is the norm for many in the ranching profession, we are most certainly adjusting our routines in the coming weeks and perhaps months. In my house, the major […]
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