How would you introduce yourself in one or two sentences, highlighting the passions and motivations that drive your work in ranching or related fields?

I run an agricultural insurance agency focused on ranchers and am involved in my family's commercial cattle operation in Colorado. I was blessed to be born into generations of entrepreneurial ranchers and am now lucky enough to work with people cut from the same cloth all over the nation.

What experiences in ranching or agriculture have profoundly shaped your perspective, and what do you consider your most significant achievements and challenges on this journey?

My education at the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management, paired with growing up on the ranch, solidified my thought that ranching and land management is the most interesting systems and careers a person can be involved in.

Reflecting on your journey, what are your thoughts on the current state of the ranching industry, and how do you envision its evolution fueled by passion and innovation in the coming years?

I am very optimistic that innovative problem solvers are going to succeed and scale well-run cattle operations of all types. I think business acumen and progressive thought, specifically around grazing, will be rewarded.

How have regenerative practices in ranching and livestock management influenced your approach, and what personal insights and stories can you share from these experiences?

I grew up not knowing any different than intensive rotational grazing and the principle that nature should always guide your management. My family adopted these practices because they are the most profitable, but I think now there are even more reasons to adopt them, as the wider world appreciates the value that well managed ecosystems.

What role do you believe ranching professionals should play in their local communities to foster local food production, promote conservation, and educate both aspiring ranchers and the general public about the joys and challenges of ranching?

I think peer to peer learning is the superior way to get better, so I encourage any rancher to reach out and ask to visit or speak with others they think are doing interesting things. My family has not been shy about this and has also never been shy about opening our doors to others, be they in the industry or in conservation, education, or just other businesses. I think this reciprocal openness pays a lot of dividends.

How do you perceive the relationship between ranchers and the general public, and what steps do you believe are crucial for deepening public understanding and appreciation of the ranching industry?

Ranching needs to be open and transparent, but also not defensive of every practice that every person does. I think carbon and ecosystem services are absolutely worth paying attention to, as they will have a significant impact with how the general public thinks about agriculture.

Can you describe any future projects or initiatives you plan to undertake, and how they might inspire new ranchers, improve your ranching operation, or benefit the community at large?

My family is expanding (4th kid on the way) as is the family ranch and EastCo, so there is a lot of scaling going on in general. I want to make room for more sharp people to add their brainpower to my businesses but also the bigger ranching world.

Based on your experiences and achievements in ranching, what advice would you give to young people aspiring to start or advance their careers in this field, driven by their passions and love for agriculture?

Find a mentor you respect and want to learn from, and ideally figure out a way to work for them for at least a while. Read widely.