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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.
29 Episodes
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Winter grazing might sound like a risky gamble, but for Montana ranchers Cooper Hibbard and Leo Barthelmess, it’s a key part of building a more resilient—and affordable—grazing system. In this episode, we dig into how they manage livestock in the cold months, monitor forage quality and cow condition, and adjust plans in real time. From financial realities to grazing mistakes, they share what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what they’re still learning. Plus: If you’re listening before August 21, 20...
We’ve said why the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance exists. But what do we actually do? In this season-opening episode of the Ranch Stewards Podcast, host Haylie Shipp sits down with RSA Executive Director Angel DeVries, Conservation Director Martin Townsend, and Board President Conni French to break down the mission of this rancher-led nonprofit—and the real-world impact it’s having across the Northern Great Plains. We’re talking about: The millions (yes, millions) in conservation investments R...
In this episode of the Ranch Stewards Podcast, we explore how one program is shaping the next generation of ranch managers and land stewards. The Dan Scott Ranch Management Program at Montana State University blends academic instruction with hands-on, on-the-ground internships—providing students with a well-rounded, real-world education in ranching systems. You’ll hear from Dr. Rachel Frost, who leads the program; Montana rancher and mentor Billy Whitehurst; and student intern Major Harms. To...
In this episode of the Ranch Stewards Podcast, host Haylie Shipp sits down with longtime ag journalist, rancher, and now multi-time author Rachel Gabel. You may know Rachel from her work with The Fence Post Magazine or Western Ag Network—but today, we’re exploring a different side of her story: her journey into the world of book writing. It all started with a moment close to home—her daughter’s hesitance to head off to kindergarten. That spark led to Rachel’s first children’s book, and she ha...
Fencing is a fundamental part of ranching, but not all fences are created equal. In this episode of the Ranch Stewards Podcast, host Haylie Shipp dives into the benefits of wildlife-friendly fencing—also known as modified farm fencing—with RSA Conservation Coordinator Martin Townsend, Phillips County rancher Mark French, and Brett Dorak from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. From a rancher’s perspective, these fences aren’t just about wildlife—they make sense for the operation, too. A highe...
Welcome to the Ranch Stewards Podcast! Excited to have you with us for another episode as today we share rancher knowledge on a topic both of our guests are passionate about: What is it, you ask? cow size. We talk a lot within the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance about “finding your community,” and let me tell you what – if you can sit down for an hour with two individuals still want to keep talking more about what cows weigh at the end of it, you know you’ve found yours. Ranchers. ...
Have an agricultural conference in your future? In today's podcast, we chat with two women who have been actively involved in Montana's Next Generation Conference. Started in 2010, this one-day gathering is packed with 36 distinct educational opportunities! Join Host Haylie Shipp, Lacy Roberts of the Farm Service Agency, and Montana Roots Accounting's Britney Temple as they discuss: attracting farmers and ranchers to educational opportunitiescreating a layout that works for presenters and pa...
Have you ever sat down to tackle something and thought, “Well, I don’t know what this is gonna be all about, but we’re going to send it just the same”? That was Haylie walking into this week’s podcast recording. Until 6:59 a.m. Tuesday morning, she and Bart Morris had only exchanged a few texts. Then it was, “Admit to Zoom, hit record, and let’s see what magic we can make in the next hour.” Spoiler alert: It went great. We had the incredible Conni French, a Phillips County rancher, to round o...
Moving cattle from your desktop? While it’s not exactly that advanced, virtual fencing is being trialed by two northern Montana ranchers. Hear from Ranchers Stewardship Alliance President Leo Barthelmess and Secretary Tyrel Obrecht as they discuss the technology. In this episode, we discuss virtual fencing: · Costs · Relationship to Grazing Strategies · Opportunities and Challenges · Technical Components · &...
Mark Twain coined it: "Water is for fighting, Whiskey is for drinking." While we’re not doing any fighting today, it’s not that kind of podcast, we are echoing the sentiment of importance. In this episode, we’re focusing on mesic restoration. Joining host Haylie Shipp to unpack this topic are two incredible guests who bring hands-on experience and insight to the table: Brian Fox, a rancher from Turner, Montana, and a board member of the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance, and Autumn Holzgen, with...
Tax deadlines and end-of-year planning are looming! Join Haylie Shipp as she chats with Britney Tempel (CPA at Montana Roots Accounting), Angel Devries (CPA and RSA Executive Director), and Michelle Math (rancher and RSA board member). In this episode, we discuss: Difference Between Cash Flow & Taxable IncomeSunsetting Tax RulesAgricultural Tax PlanningEstate TaxEntity SelectionManaging Deferred IncomeHow to Best Utilize Your AccountantBookkeeping Management StrategiesAlso mentioned in t...
Join Haylie Shipp as Ranchers Stewardship Alliance Vice President Dale Veseth and Conservation Coordinator Martin Townsend talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly of crested wheatgrass In this episode, we discuss: A history of Crested Wheatgrass' Introduction into the Northern Great PlainsSeasonal Benefits of the GrassGrazing Strategies to Complement Existing GrassesNative Grass Varieties in Northern MontanaCrested Wheatgrass MitigationReseeding to Native Grasses with the Help of Organiza...
Join Haylie Shipp as Ranchers Stewardship Alliance Treasurer Vicki Olson and Ellie Brighton of the Montana Public Lands Council talk about the importance of public lands grazing and current hot topics. In this episode, we discuss: Definition of Public LandsBLM and State of Montana Grazing LeasesIntroduction to the Public Lands CouncilThe Importance of Volunteer LeadershipACES - Areas of Critical Environmental ConcernBIDEH - Biological Integrity, Diversity, and Environmental HealthAgricultura...
Join Haylie Shipp as Ranchers Stewardship Alliance and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) staff outline exciting opportunities with new funding from BLM. This podcast is a shorter version of what was heard on KLTZ Glasgow's "Live Under the Big Sky" talk show. CLICK HERE to listen to the full interview. Want more information on Restoration Landscapes? Visit the BLM's website. The Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA) is a rancher-led, grassroots organization, dedicated to improving the quality of...
Join Haylie Shipp as Ranchers Stewardship Alliance member Sheila Walsh and Kelsey Molloy of The Nature Conservancy talk birding in the Northern Great Plains. In this episode, we discuss: The relationship of responsible ranching and good bird habitatTraditional bird species in the Northern Great PlainsThreats and opportunities to bird populationsSage grouse politics...without getting politicalYour "Birding Starter Kit"Challenges presented by certain speciesFrom Kelsey Molloy, our "resident bi...
She's called the "Dr. Phil" of agriculture and boy do Haylie Shipp and Ranchers Stewardship Alliance board member Conni French feel better after talking to her! Jolene Brown is an award-winning speaker, farmer, and author. She'll be bringing her energy to Malta, MT on Saturday, May 11 to present "The Positives of Passing It On" to our audience. Registration is now open: https://ranchstewards.org/events/the-positives-of-passing-it-on/ Ahead of the event, Jolene shares her insight into the wo...
Join Haylie Shipp as Ranchers Stewardship Alliance board member Tyrel Obrecht and Dr. Megan Van Emon, Montana State University Beef Cattle Specialist, talk about cattle nutrition needs amidst brutal temps. In this episode, we discuss: Choosing supplementsFeeding strategiesPurchasing open cowsA nationally declining calf crop percentageDrought's impact on breeding ratesLinks mentioned in the show: Rural Resilience Webinar Series/CattleFax Webinar Subscribing to the Ranchers Stewardship Allian...
Join Haylie Shipp as Ranchers Stewardship Alliance board member Rick Caquelin and North Dakota rancher Jerry Doan start a conversation about conserving intact grassland and end up in a discussion of the big picture of the U.S. cattle industry. In this episode, we discuss the benefits of cattle grazing, carbon sequestration, multi-generational ranching, collaborative conservation, regenerative agriculture, and the challenges facing the American rancher. The Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA)...
1Join Haylie Shipp as Ranchers Stewardship Alliance Conservation Coordinator Martin Townsend and Phillips County, Montana rancher Lesley Robinson dig into what it takes to have good landowner/hunter relations. In this episode, we discuss best practices, stewarding good relationships between hunters and private landowners, wildlife friendly fencing, cows as conservationists, and Haylie's love for jerky. The Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA) is a rancher-led, grassroots organizati...
Join Haylie Shipp as RSA Board Member Connie French and Dr. Hayes Goosey, Montana State University, take a deep dive into the world of dung beetles. The entertaining bugs are complementary to cattle grazing systems, breaking down manure and allowing for elevated forage growth as well as healthy bird populations. Book Recommendation: Cow patty critters: An introduction to the ecology, biology and identification of insects in cattle dung on Canadian pastures The Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (...
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