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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.

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#117
Tuesday · 25 min
117. How to Make Custom Grazing Work 12 Months a Year — Steve Kenyon
How can custom grazing become a year-round business, even in the middle of an Alberta winter? In this episode, John Haskell talks with Steve Kenyon about his experience managing cattle through harsh Canadian winters and using winter grazing to create additional income while improving his land. Steve explains how custom grazing, bale grazing, swath grazing, and crop residue have allowed him to bring cattle onto his land without owning the herd, while also capturing the fertility and water-holding benefits of winter feeding. The conversation also gets into the practical side of winter grazing, including feeding cattle through deep snow and extreme cold, managing winter water, minimizing feed waste, and choosing the right quality of hay. Steve explains why he prefers bale grazing over simply unrolling hay when conditions allow, and how concentrating nutrients and organic matter on the soil can create benefits that extend well beyond the winter feeding period. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover: How Steve turned winter grazing into a way to create year-round work and additional cash flow The differences between bale grazing, swath grazing, and grazing crop residue How winter feeding imported hay can add nutrients and water-holding capacity to the land How cattle handle deep snow and temperatures well below freezing Strategies for managing winter water, including when and how cattle can use snow as their water source How feed quality, wildlife pressure, and grazing experience affect winter feeding results Connect with Steve: Follow on Facebook Follow on YouTube Send an email to skenyon@greenerpasturesranching.com 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: Jim Gerrish books Book 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 help producers slow decisions down just enough to see the real tradeoffs: cash flow, risk, and long-term impact. Better information leads to better decisions—and better sleep. If you want more confidence in the choices you’re making, click below to learn more. Website
#116
September 22 · 18 min
116. The Mindset That Separates Ranchers Who Win From Those Who Don't
What separates ranchers who win, those consistently finding opportunities, from those who get stuck when things go wrong? In this episode, John Haskell explores the problem of zero-sum thinking and how it can limit the way we see value, markets, and opportunity. He explains why someone else benefiting doesn't necessarily mean someone else has to lose, and how recognizing win-win opportunities can change the way you approach buying, selling, and making decisions in your ranch business. John also discusses the importance of contrarian thinking during times of crisis or major change, along with the mindset of looking for opportunities when conditions aren't going according to plan. Using examples from cattle markets, drought, and even jiu-jitsu, he explains why the ability to quickly move past setbacks, learn from experience, and keep looking for the next advantage can have a major impact over the course of a career. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, I cover: What zero-sum thinking is and why it can limit your ability to see opportunities How value creation can create win-win situations for buyers and sellers Why liquidity becomes especially valuable during droughts, market crashes, and other difficult situations How contrarian thinking can help you recognize opportunities during periods of major change Why it's important to keep looking for opportunities instead of dwelling on setbacks or missed opportunities Why continuing education and learning from people who are successfully applying new ideas can have an incredibly high ROI 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: Book 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 help producers slow decisions down just enough to see the real tradeoffs: cash flow, risk, and long-term impact. Better information leads to better decisions—and better sleep. If you want more confidence in the choices you’re making, click below to learn more. Website
September 17 · 9 min
The HR Support Most Ranch Operations Don't Know They Need [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 7]
What does HR support actually look like for a ranch operation and why do you need it? In this episode of the Ranch Right Experience Series, John Haskell sits down with HR advisor, Emilie Hopson, to break down the foundational people-management systems every ag operation needs as it scales. The conversation covers what to think through when hiring a first employee, why onboarding sets the long-term tone for a hire's success, and how operational calendars, org charts, and simple SOPs bring clarity to growing teams. Emilie also walks through the practical, non-corporate approach RanchRite takes to HR and emphasizes coaching conversations as a non-negotiable part of employee development. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover: The foundations for hiring a first employee, starting with job descriptions and the candidate selection process Why onboarding and position agreements set the tone for a new hire's entire tenure The role of regular performance evaluations and coaching conversations in setting clear expectations and opportunities for growth How employment policies (housing, benefits, non-cash compensation) fill gaps beyond base pay Ranch Right’s philosophy of building client self-sufficiency in HR rather than long-term dependency Find the full Ranch Right Experience Series below: Why Ranch Right Exists [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 1] What Happens on a Discovery Call [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 2] Getting You Set Up: Onboarding [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 3] What to Expect From Your Ranch Right Consulting Team [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 4] Clean Books, Clear Numbers — How Ranch Right Manages Your Accounting [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 5] How Payroll Works [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 6] The HR Support Most Ranch Operations Don't Know They Need [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 7] Connect with Ranch Right: Book a Free Discovery Call to Learn More Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Instagram @ranchrightllc Follow on Facebook Check out the website Check out all of our past webinars here
September 17 · 8 min
How Payroll Works [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 6]
What does payroll actually look like once you hand it off to Ranch Right? In this episode of the Ranch Right Experience Series, John Haskell sits down with payroll and onboarding specialist Brianna Lopez, to walk through exactly how payroll works and the way it runs month after month. Brianna explains the onboarding process for new payroll clients, from verifying tax ID numbers and state withholding accounts to gathering employee I-9s and W-4s. The conversation also covers Ranch Right's sliding-scale pricing structure for salaried, hourly, and multi-state payroll, and the monthly discipline of pay period processing, tax filing, and workman's comp documentation that keeps payroll compliant and on time. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover: The payroll onboarding process and account set up The payroll pricing sliding scale based on salaried vs. hourly employees and single-state vs. multi-state operations How the monthly payroll workflow works The tax handling and compliance support that is provided Find the full Ranch Right Experience Series below: Why Ranch Right Exists [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 1] What Happens on a Discovery Call [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 2] Getting You Set Up: Onboarding [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 3] What to Expect From Your Ranch Right Consulting Team [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 4] Clean Books, Clear Numbers — How Ranch Right Manages Your Accounting [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 5] How Payroll Works [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 6] The HR Support Most Ranch Operations Don't Know They Need [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 7] Connect with Ranch Right: Book a Free Discovery Call to Learn More Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Instagram @ranchrightllc Follow on Facebook Check out the website Check out all of our past webinars here
September 17 · 19 min
Clean Books, Clear Numbers — How Ranch Right Manages Your Accounting [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 5]
What does the accounting process actually look like with Ranch Right? In this episode of the Ranch Right Experience Series, John Haskell sits down with account managers, Mandy and Daniel, to walk through exactly what it looks like to keep the books accurate month after month. They explain the transition to a dedicated bookkeeper, why supporting documents (like receipts) are vital to the process, and their system for flagging and clarifying unclear transactions before they turn into a “miscellaneous” black hole. The conversation also covers Ranch Right’s enterprise-based accounting structure and how the monthly discipline of reconciliation keeps your numbers honest. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover: The post-onboarding handoff to a dedicated bookkeeper and why weekly check-ins early on speed up the process Why detailed receipts and other supporting documents matter The system used to flag uncategorized transactions and how it prompts clients for answers The four-bucket overhead structure The distinction between capital improvements and repairs, and how those get tracked through balance sheet accounts Monthly reconciliation and inventory valuation as error-checks Find the full Ranch Right Experience Series below: Why Ranch Right Exists [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 1] What Happens on a Discovery Call [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 2] Getting You Set Up: Onboarding [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 3] What to Expect From Your Ranch Right Consulting Team [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 4] Clean Books, Clear Numbers — How Ranch Right Manages Your Accounting [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 5] How Payroll Works [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 6] The HR Support Most Ranch Operations Don't Know They Need [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 7] Connect with Ranch Right: Book a Free Discovery Call to Learn More Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Instagram @ranchrightllc Follow on Facebook Check out the website Check out all of our past webinars here
September 17 · 21 min
What to Expect From Your Ranch Right Consulting Team [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 4]
What can you actually expect from your Ranch Right consulting team? In this episode of the Ranch Right Experience Series, John Haskell sits down with team members Micayla and Travis to share what actually happens once someone becomes a Ranch Right client. They walk through the entire consulting relationship and explain how the team uses tools like the cash planning tool, the cost-to-keep calculator, and the annual business summary to turn arbitrary numbers into data that clients can make wise decisions on. The conversation also digs into the “why” behind the process: financial literacy as an ongoing goal rather than a one-time lesson, the value of an objective third party in family business conversations, and how the team’s backgrounds in production agriculture let them translate spreadsheet numbers into on-the-ground realities. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover: How one of the initial steps taken is working with the client to define what success looks like to them over the next 3-5 years How regular consulting sessions center on reviewing P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow statements alongside any active cash budget Consultants walk clients through metric calculations (gross margin, ROA, ROE, working capital) rather than just handing over numbers The way the team tailors which financial metrics matter most based on whether a client is optimizing for lifestyle, performance, or return on investment The way an annual visual report organizes financial data into three buckets (profitability, performance, and risk management) to make trends easier to spot Find the full Ranch Right Experience Series below: Why Ranch Right Exists [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 1] What Happens on a Discovery Call [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 2] Getting You Set Up: Onboarding [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 3] What to Expect From Your Ranch Right Consulting Team [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 4] Clean Books, Clear Numbers — How Ranch Right Manages Your Accounting [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 5] How Payroll Works [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 6] The HR Support Most Ranch Operations Don't Know They Need [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 7] Connect with Ranch Right: Book a Free Discovery Call to Learn More Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Instagram @ranchrightllc Follow on Facebook Check out the website Check out all of our past webinars here
September 17 · 17 min
Getting You Set Up: Onboarding [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 3]
What happens after you decide to become a Ranch Right customer? In this episode of the Ranch Right Experience Series, John Haskell talks with Brianna Lopez about the onboarding process and what it takes to get a new client set up for success. From gathering information about your operation and existing accounting system to setting up QuickBooks Online, banking access, payroll, and livestock tracking, Brianna walks through what happens behind the scenes and what clients can expect along the way. The conversation also covers Ranch Right's secure client portal, digital receipt tracking, and the follow-up calls that help make sure everything is in place before a client is handed off to their bookkeeper. John and Brianna explain why getting the financial structure right from the beginning is so important, and why putting in the work during onboarding creates the foundation for accurate reporting and better business decisions down the road. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover: What happens after you decide to become a Ranch Right customer How Ranch Right gathers information about your business and existing accounting system Why the financial structure and chart of accounts are so important What Ranch Right needs for banking, payroll, livestock, feed, and equipment tracking How the business assessment and final handoff calls prepare clients for ongoing support Why investing time and effort into onboarding creates a stronger foundation for the business Find the full Ranch Right Experience Series below: Why Ranch Right Exists [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 1] What Happens on a Discovery Call [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 2] Getting You Set Up: Onboarding [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 3] What to Expect From Your Ranch Right Consulting Team [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 4] Clean Books, Clear Numbers — How Ranch Right Manages Your Accounting [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 5] How Payroll Works [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 6] The HR Support Most Ranch Operations Don't Know They Need [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 7] Connect with Ranch Right: Book a Free Discovery Call to Learn More Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Instagram @ranchrightllc Follow on Facebook Check out the website Check out all of our past webinars here
September 17 · 24 min
What Happens on a Discovery Call [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 2]
What actually happens when you book a discovery call with Ranch Right? In this episode of the Ranch Right Experience Series, John Haskell sits down with members of the sales team to walk through what happens during that first conversation. They explain what they want to learn about your operation, from your enterprises and business structure to revenue, bookkeeping, payroll, taxes, and your goals for the future. The conversation also covers common questions about Ranch Right's services, including why consulting is connected to bookkeeping, how the team works with your existing financial information, what clients can expect after signing up, and how the different service frequencies work. Most importantly, the team explains why the discovery call is designed to be a low-pressure conversation focused on determining whether Ranch Right is actually a good fit for your operation. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover: What Ranch Right wants to learn about your operation during a discovery call How your enterprises, entities, revenue, and financial systems factor into your service quote Why Ranch Right uses a standardized bookkeeping system and QuickBooks Online Why consulting is built around the bookkeeping process and financial data What clients can expect in terms of communication and ongoing support How Ranch Right's different consulting frequencies work and can change over time Why the discovery call is designed to determine fit, not pressure you into becoming a customer Find the full Ranch Right Experience Series below: Why Ranch Right Exists [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 1] What Happens on a Discovery Call [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 2] Getting You Set Up: Onboarding [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 3] What to Expect From Your Ranch Right Consulting Team [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 4] Clean Books, Clear Numbers — How Ranch Right Manages Your Accounting [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 5] How Payroll Works [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 6] The HR Support Most Ranch Operations Don't Know They Need [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 7] Connect with Ranch Right: Book a Free Discovery Call to Learn More Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Instagram @ranchrightllc Follow on Facebook Check out the website Check out all of our past webinars here
September 17 · 7 min
Why Ranch Right Exists [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 1]
What does it actually look like to build a more profitable ranch business? In this first episode of the Ranch Right Experience Series, host John Haskell explains why Ranch Right exists and what the team is ultimately trying to help producers accomplish. The goal is simple: help ranchers and farmers win in business, with profitability as a key part of that success. John explains why financial literacy and an understanding of how daily operations affect the bottom line are so important. John also explains why Ranch Right has expanded beyond bookkeeping into consulting, accounting, payroll, and financial education. He highlights practices they repeatedly see on more profitable operations, including controlling overhead, managing gross margins, improving grazing management, adopting a sell-buy mindset, and taking a long-term view. Most importantly, Ranch Right’s goal is to help producers understand their numbers and turn that information into decisions that create better outcomes. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover: Why Ranch Right exists and what it means to “win” in business Why profitability and financial literacy matter for agricultural businesses The practices Ranch Right repeatedly sees on more profitable operations Why a sell-buy mindset can improve cash flow and profitability How Ranch Right helps producers turn financial information into operational action Why taking a long-term view matters for the future of the business and the next generation Find the full Ranch Right Experience Series below: Why Ranch Right Exists [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 1] What Happens on a Discovery Call [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 2] Getting You Set Up: Onboarding [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 3] What to Expect From Your Ranch Right Consulting Team [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 4] Clean Books, Clear Numbers — How Ranch Right Manages Your Accounting [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 5] How Payroll Works [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 6] The HR Support Most Ranch Operations Don't Know They Need [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 7] Connect with Ranch Right: Book a Free Discovery Call to Learn More Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Instagram @ranchrightllc Follow on Facebook Check out the website Check out all of our past webinars here
#115
September 15 · 18 min
115. How Social Media Became a Marketing Tool for Grandview Livestock with Greg Christiansen
What can a simple YouTube channel do for a ranching business? In this episode, John Haskell talks with Greg Christiansen of Grandview Livestock about how Greg turned his everyday work with sheep, goats, fencing, feeding, and grazing into a growing online audience. Greg explains why he started making videos, how social media as a marketing tool has expanded his market for breeding stock and livestock guardian pups, and why showing people how you raise your animals can help you reach the right buyers. The conversation also explores the sheep and goat production schools Greg puts on each year, including the financial side of building an economically viable enterprise. Greg shares why he sees value in reaching producers who want to add sheep or goats at a meaningful scale, and why you don't need expensive equipment or elaborate production to create useful content. For Greg, the biggest payoff from social media isn't the direct income from the platforms. It's the marketing, relationships, and opportunities it creates for the business. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover: How Greg got started using YouTube to share his sheep and goat operation Why showing how you raise livestock can help you reach better buyers and expand your market How social media has helped Greg sell breeding stock and livestock guardian pups What Greg teaches during his annual sheep and goat production school How Greg creates useful content with little equipment and minimal editing Why building an audience can be valuable even when the direct income from social media is small Connect with Greg: Follow on Youtube Check out his website Email him at greglchristiansen@gmail.com 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: Book 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 help producers slow decisions down just enough to see the real tradeoffs: cash flow, risk, and long-term impact. Better information leads to better decisions—and better sleep. If you want more confidence in the choices you’re making, click below to learn more. Website
#114
September 8 · 33 min
114. The Financial Tool That Changed Everything on Steve Kenyon's Farm
What if the numbers could make your biggest business decisions easier? In this episode, John Haskell sits down with Steve Kenyon to discuss the financial and economic tools that changed how Steve viewed his farm. Steve shares how learning to use gross margin analysis revealed that some parts of his operation were losing money despite strong production numbers, and how understanding opportunity cost led him to completely rethink his business model. Steve and John also discuss why cash flow and profitability are two different things, how custom grazing allowed Steve to build a repeatable, cash-flow-positive business, and why owning land isn't always the best path to building a profitable operation. They explore the danger of following conventional assumptions, the difference between incremental improvements and transformational change, and why understanding your numbers can make it easier to know when it's time to do something differently. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover: How gross margin analysis revealed where Steve was actually losing money Why strong production numbers don't necessarily mean a profitable operation How opportunity cost changed the way Steve looked at his grass and cattle Why custom grazing became a more repeatable, cash-flow-positive business model Why transformational changes can have a much bigger impact than incremental improvements How questioning conventional assumptions can lead to better business decisions Connect with Steve: Follow on Facebook Follow on YouTube Send an email to skenyon@greenerpasturesranching.com 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: Darrin Qualman’s research Book 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 help producers slow decisions down just enough to see the real tradeoffs: cash flow, risk, and long-term impact. Better information leads to better decisions—and better sleep. If you want more confidence in the choices you’re making, click below to learn more. Website
#113
September 1 · 16 min
113. The First Transformation: Separating Your Personal and Business Finances
In this episode, host John Haskell explains why separating personal finances and business finances is one of the most fundamental steps a rancher can take toward gaining financial clarity. From creating separate accounts and books to establishing a family budget and treating money taken from the business as a deliberate draw, John breaks down how mixing personal and business spending can hide where money is actually going and make it harder to understand profitability. John also explains why separating finances is only the beginning. Once personal spending is out of the business, ranchers can more clearly evaluate individual enterprises, understand the economic value of internal transfers, and decide where to reinvest for future returns. The goal isn't simply to make one change and stop. It's to create a business where better data leads to better decisions and continuous improvement. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, I cover: Why separating personal and business finances is the first transformation in building a better business How separate checking accounts, books, and a family budget create greater financial clarity Why spending business money on personal expenses can cause money to leak out of the business How to think about money spent as either an expense that is gone or a reinvestment that can generate future value Why ranchers should separate individual enterprises to understand which ones are actually creating value Why building a better ranch business is a process of continuous improvement rather than a one-time transformation 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: Profit First by Mike Michalowicz Book 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 help producers slow decisions down just enough to see the real tradeoffs: cash flow, risk, and long-term impact. Better information leads to better decisions—and better sleep. If you want more confidence in the choices you’re making, click below to learn more. Website
#112
August 25 · 32 min
112. From Cattle to Goats: What 26 Years in Small Ruminants Taught Greg Christiansen
In this episode, John Haskell talks with Greg Christiansen of Grandview Livestock about the 26 years he has spent raising meat goats and sheep alongside row crops and cattle. Greg shares how he got started, what he learned along the way, and how adjustments to kidding dates, grazing strategies, fencing, and marketing have shaped the enterprise over time. The conversation gets into the practical details of managing goats, from using brush and weeds as forage to grazing cover crops, managing parasite pressure, and finishing kids for the right market. Whether you're considering adding small ruminants to your operation or looking for ways to make better use of the resources you already have, Greg's 26 years of experience offer plenty of practical lessons. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover: How Greg got started raising goats and sheep and what he learned from his early years in the business Why timing the kidding season around weather, forage, parasite pressure, and the market matters How Greg uses brush, weeds, and cover crops as valuable forage for goats The simple, low-cost fencing system Greg uses to contain goats on perimeter fences and manage interior paddocks What Greg's production costs and returns look like from the nanny through weaning and finishing Why paying attention to market demand and the value of adding weight helps determine when to sell small ruminants Connect with Greg: Follow on Youtube Check out his website Email him at greglchristiansen@gmail.com 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: Book 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 help producers slow decisions down just enough to see the real tradeoffs: cash flow, risk, and long-term impact. Better information leads to better decisions—and better sleep. If you want more confidence in the choices you’re making, click below to learn more. Website
#111
August 18 · 25 min
111. When Prices Are Too Good to Be True — Steve Kenyon on the Cattle Cycle and Custom Grazing
Cattle prices are high, but how long can the good times last? In this episode, John Haskell sits down with Canadian rancher and longtime custom grazer Steve Kenyon to talk about the cattle cycle, what history can teach us about today's market, and why trying to predict the exact top or bottom may be a losing game. Steve shares lessons from more than 30 years in the cattle business, including how gross margin analysis led him to sell his own herd and build a custom grazing operation. The conversation explores the market disruptions Steve has experienced firsthand, from drought and BSE to today's record cattle prices, and why outside forces can make the traditional 10-year cattle cycle harder to predict. John and Steve also discuss the danger of expanding simply because prices are good, why producers should be planning for the next downturn while times are profitable, and how strategies like Sell/Buy Marketing can help ranchers make decisions based on margins rather than trying to time the market. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover: Why today's high cattle prices have Steve thinking about the next market downturn Whether the traditional 10-year cattle cycle still applies in today's market How drought, BSE, world events, and other outside forces can disrupt cattle markets Why Steve sold his cow herd even though cattle prices were strong How gross margin analysis changed the direction of Steve's ranching business Why high cattle prices aren't necessarily a signal to expand your herd The risks of trying to predict the exact top or bottom of the cattle market Why producers should make a plan for changing markets before prices turn Connect with Steve: Follow on Facebook Follow on YouTube 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: Episode 13: Market Timing with Bob Metzger - Part 1 Episode 14: Market Timing with Bob Metzger - Part 2 Book 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 help producers slow decisions down just enough to see the real tradeoffs: cash flow, risk, and long-term impact. Better information leads to better decisions—and better sleep. If you want more confidence in the choices you’re making, click below to learn more. Website
August 13 · 45 min
Kevin & Mandy Wiltse — The Farm That Keeps Changing (And Why That's the Point) [Ranchonomics Stories Ep 10]
In this episode of Ranchonomics Stories, John Haskell sits down with Kevin and Mandy Wiltse to explore how their farm has evolved over the years as they learned what worked, what didn't, and what the land needed next. What began as a conventional cropping system gradually shifted toward cover crops, livestock integration, and perennial forage as Kevin recognized the limitations of their previous system. Rather than trying to find one perfect formula, they have continued experimenting, observing, and adapting their approach to embrace a farm that keeps changing. Kevin and Mandy also share how Ranching for Profit helped them rethink their goals and make changes that have created less stress, healthier soil, and greater profitability. They discuss transitioning acres gradually, building flexibility into the farm business, learning from mentors outside their local community, and using rest and grazing management to make the most of their land. Their story is a reminder that successful management is not about sticking with a plan forever, but continuing to learn and make better decisions as circumstances change. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover: How Kevin and Mandy moved from conventional cropping to a system centered on cover crops, livestock, and perennial forage Why they learned that no-till alone wasn't solving their soil and weed challenges How livestock integration and forage production have increased net profit per acre while reducing costs Why they transition acres gradually instead of converting the entire farm at once How building a flexible system allows them to shift between forage and cash crops as conditions and markets change What Kevin has learned by experimenting with grazing management, including the value of resting pastures for a full season Why having clear goals, supportive partnerships, and a willingness to keep learning has helped them navigate difficult years and build a business they feel good about 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: Green Cover Seed Podcast: Building a Drought Resilient Grazing Operation Using Perennials and Cover Crops with Kevin Wiltse Green Cover Seed Podcast: Kevin Wiltse - Integrating Livestock Producer Stories Webinar Series Book 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 help producers slow decisions down just enough to see the real tradeoffs: cash flow, risk, and long-term impact. Better information leads to better decisions—and better sleep. If you want more confidence in the choices you’re making, click below to learn more. Website
#110
August 11 · 24 min
110. Know Your Worth: The Business Value of a Rancher's Time | Amos Troester
Your time is one of the most valuable assets in your business, but are you actually treating it that way? In this episode, John Haskell and Amos Troester explore how ranchers can increase their profitability by understanding the opportunity cost of their time, focusing on high-value work, and putting the right people in the right roles. From buying and selling cattle to planning ahead and learning from others' experience, Amos shares how knowing your worth and better time management can create significant value without simply working more hours. The conversation digs into the real economics of delegation, employee strengths, and focus. Amos and John discuss how to calculate what your time is worth, why paying someone else to handle a lower-value task can actually make you money, and how clear roles, trust, and planning allow everyone on the team to work where they create the most value. They also explore how continually improving your skills can increase the value of your time as your business evolves. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover: Why time is one of the most valuable assets in your ranching business How learning from other people's experience can help you avoid costly mistakes Why planning ahead can help you save time and avoid unnecessary work How to calculate the opportunity cost of your time and identify your highest-value work Why putting the right people in the right roles can dramatically increase efficiency How trust and clear responsibilities help ranch teams stay focused and productive Why continually increasing your skills and value is essential to long-term business growth Connect with Amos: Follow on Facebook Check out his website Send an email at TBarACattle@gmail.com 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: Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell Slack Book 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 help producers slow decisions down just enough to see the real tradeoffs: cash flow, risk, and long-term impact. Better information leads to better decisions—and better sleep. If you want more confidence in the choices you’re making, click below to learn more. Website
August 6 · 59 min
The Sims Family (Part 2) — How the Sims Family Keeps Getting Better With Every Generation [Ranchonomics Stories Ep 9]
In Part 2 of the Sims family's story, John Haskell continues the conversation, focusing on how their approach to ranching has continued to evolve across generations. They discuss changes to grazing management, calving dates, genetics, and drought planning, along with the lessons they've learned from testing new ideas and paying attention to what the land and cattle are telling them. The conversation also dives into what it takes to build a family business that gets better with every generation. The Sims family shares how they approach succession, involve the next generation, create space for different perspectives, and use regular strategy meetings to make sure everyone has an opportunity to be heard. At the heart of their story is a commitment to continued learning, experimentation, and listening, both to the people around the table and to the land itself. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover: How the Sims family has continued evolving its grazing and drought management strategies Why they changed their calving date and how that decision affected weaning weights and economics How adaptive genetics and experimentation have shaped their cattle operation What the Sims family has learned about bringing the next generation into the ranch at the right time How regular strategy meetings give every family member a chance to contribute Why listening, observation, and monitoring are essential skills for both ranch management and family business How a commitment to continued learning and trying new ideas keeps the ranch moving forward Connect with the Sims: Check out their 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: Ranchonomics Stories Episode 8. The Sims Family (Part 1) — From $2 an Acre to a Four-Generation Ranch Book 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 help producers slow decisions down just enough to see the real tradeoffs: cash flow, risk, and long-term impact. Better information leads to better decisions—and better sleep. If you want more confidence in the choices you’re making, click below to learn more. Website
#109
August 4 · 24 min
109. How to Build a More Resilient Farm Business with Cover Crops — Kevin Wiltse
In Part 2 of John Haskell's conversation with Kevin Wiltse, the focus shifts from implementing cover crops to building a resilient farming business that can withstand changing markets and weather. Kevin explains why resilience comes from designing flexible production systems, reducing dependence on expensive inputs, and treating forage as a profitable enterprise rather than simply a tool for soil health. By integrating livestock, perennial forages, and annual crops, he shares how his operation has become more adaptable while improving both profitability and land stewardship. The conversation also explores the importance of making management decisions based on economics instead of tradition. Kevin discusses when annuals outperform perennials, why he adjusts his cropping plans based on projected profitability, and how lowering operating costs helped eliminate the need for an annual operating loan. The episode offers practical insights for producers looking to build businesses that are financially resilient, environmentally sustainable, and prepared to adapt as conditions change. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover: Why perennial and annual forage systems each have a place in a resilient farming operation How integrating livestock can reduce costs while improving soil health and profitability The management changes that allowed Kevin to eliminate the need for an annual operating loan Why projected losses should trigger a change in management, not business as usual How flexible forage systems create opportunities to custom graze cattle and generate additional revenue Why profitable farms are managed as integrated systems, not individual enterprises Connect with Kevin: Green Cover Seed Podcast: Building a Drought Resilient Grazing Operation Using Perennials and Cover Crops with Kevin Wiltse Green Cover Seed Podcast: Kevin Wiltse - Integrating Livestock Producer Stories Webinar Series 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: Covers & Co. Green Cover No-till on the Plains CCTA Book 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 help producers slow decisions down just enough to see the real tradeoffs: cash flow, risk, and long-term impact. Better information leads to better decisions—and better sleep. If you want more confidence in the choices you’re making, click below to learn more. Website
July 30 · 46 min
The Sims Family (Part 1) — From $2 an Acre to a Four-Generation Ranch [Ranchonomics Stories Ep 8]
In this Ranchonomics Stories episode, John Haskell sits down with the Sims family to trace the roots of a ranching operation that began with leased ground at $2 an acre and has grown into a thriving four-generation business. Scott and April Sims, along with their son Shannon and daughter-in-law Melinda, reflect on the pivotal decisions, financial challenges, and mindset shifts that shaped their four-generation ranch over the years. From surviving periods of heavy debt to embracing new management ideas, they share how a willingness to learn and adapt laid the foundation for future generations. The conversation also explores the power of a shared family vision and the role it has played in guiding major business decisions. The Sims family discusses developing a holistic vision, creating space for every family member's voice, and using that vision to evaluate opportunities, genetics, grazing management, and long-term succession. More than anything, this episode is about building a ranch that reflects shared values while preparing the next generation for success. Stay tuned for part 2 of this conversation. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover: How the Sims family grew a ranching business from leased ground into a four-generation operation The financial decisions that helped them overcome debt and improve profitability Why creating a shared family vision became a turning point for the business How their vision guided decisions around adaptive genetics, grazing, and business growth Why embracing new ideas and calculated risks has shaped each generation of the ranch The importance of building a business that creates opportunities for future generations 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: Book 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 help producers slow decisions down just enough to see the real tradeoffs: cash flow, risk, and long-term impact. Better information leads to better decisions—and better sleep. If you want more confidence in the choices you’re making, click below to learn more. Website
#108
July 28 · 21 min
108. Cover Crops, Cattle & Cash Flow: A Better Ranch Management Strategy — Kevin Wiltse
Can cover crops actually make your operation more profitable? In this episode, John Haskell sits down with Kansas farmer and rancher Kevin Wiltse to discuss how integrating livestock into a dryland cropping system has transformed the economics of his operation. Kevin shares how his family's fifth-generation farm shifted from viewing cover crops as an expense to treating them as a profitable forage enterprise, creating additional income while reducing herbicide and fertilizer costs. The conversation explores the practical realities of making cover crops work in a semi-arid environment, including grazing management, species selection, seed costs, and measuring profitability. Kevin explains why success comes from evaluating the entire system instead of individual enterprises, and how stacking multiple sources of revenue on the same acres has helped his operation remain profitable, even during challenging years for traditional row crop farming. Stay tuned for Part 2 of this conversation. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover: Why Kevin transitioned from viewing cover crops as a cost to treating them as a forage enterprise How integrating livestock can offset lower crop yields through additional revenue and reduced input costs Practical guidelines for selecting cover crop species and managing grazing in a dryland system How cover crops have reduced herbicide and fertilizer costs on Kevin's operation How stacking livestock, forage, seed production, and cash crops can significantly increase profit per acre Why adapting farming systems to local rainfall and growing conditions is essential for long-term success 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: Book 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 help producers slow decisions down just enough to see the real tradeoffs: cash flow, risk, and long-term impact. Better information leads to better decisions—and better sleep. If you want more confidence in the choices you’re making, click below to learn more. Website

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