Don’t Screw Up the Windfall Profits
2023 is shaping up to be a record profit year for many in the cattle business. I know not everyone is participating as there are regional droughts and specific situations for some, that will take you out of this opportunity. Nevertheless, for some the stars have aligned. The last time we saw record profits in […]
Read MoreAssets, Liabilities and Opportunities
In a discussion about succession and estate planning at the Ranching For Generations course earlier this year, a woman told me that she believed “we should leave our kids opportunities rather than things.” I think she’s right. Unfortunately, we often mistake things, for opportunities. The classic example is leaving the ranch to your children so […]
Read MoreHow to Communicate with Your Team
I think it is safe to say that most ranchers love ranching because they are surrounded by animals more often than people. However, it is critical that ranchers aka business owners know how to communicate with their human team effectively. Before we start, let’s remember two important elements: one is to treat your ranch/farm like […]
Read MoreFinancial Record-Keeping, A Rancher’s Favorite Chore
Mentioning that records are a waste of time can usually start an argument, or at least get someone questioning all the hours they have spent keeping detailed records over the years. Honestly though, most records are a waste of time unless they follow Dave’s rules. It is easy to pick on the little red calving […]
Read MoreUses for Profit
When we talk about uses for profit some people roll their eyes. “Profit – yeah right! Like that ever happens in agriculture.” The reality is that most ag operations are not profitable. In fact most are really expensive hobbies. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Many are profitable every year. Some are highly […]
Read MoreBreak Your Legs
Remember in the movies when the bookie’s tough guy would knock on the door and threaten to “break your legs” if they didn’t pay up? Sometimes, I think many of us would be better managers for our operations if someone broke our legs. If our legs were broken we wouldn’t be able to go outside […]
Read MoreA Fresh Perspective
The past few months have been about change for us. Our team at RMC has moved out of our original Wyoming office to a new building that will allow us room to grow. My wife and I have become empty nesters as our youngest just left for North Dakota to attend college and our oldest […]
Read MoreThoughts on Being Accountable from Shanon Sims
Shanon Sims ranches with his family in McFadden, Wyoming. I’ve long admired their operation for pushing the limits of what is possible. They are leaders in grazing, and leaders in running a family ranching business. I’ve also come to know Shanon as a gifted instructor. He is passionate about helping others, humble, and a lifelong […]
Read MoreImpressionable Years
I remember those post high school years before settling into my roles as husband and father. I was fortunate to find ranchers willing to give a young man with little experience an opportunity to learn on their dime. Actually, they paid me to break their stuff. I wonder if they saw it that way? I […]
Read MoreBumpers for Decision Making
“When I bowl, I need the bumpers to keep the ball heading towards the pins, as my wife Maggie and I make decisions on the ranch we need bumpers to keep us heading toward our goal.” This statement was made by Austin Troyer at the recent Executive Link meeting in Billings, MT. Austin, Maggie and […]