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 am a third generation rancher from central Montana. I am well versed in all facets of cow/calf production and large scale resource management.

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?

20 + years of hands on management of people, animals and natural resources all at the hand of mother nature has given me worldly perspective on all aspects of a business that is solely dependent on mother nature and the CME.

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?

The current state of the ranching industry is, IMO, balanced on a teeter totter. High prices for cattle make ranchers optimistic but there are lots of weights tipping the scale in an unfavorable direction. High interest rates and inflation along with the continued decline in labor, key services and the aging rancher having minimal opportunities to transition, continue to make ranching one of the most risky businesses out there.

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

We are always seeking new and better ways to manage the ranch but for the most part, the ranch has been regenerative its entire existence. In the 50's the ranch was entirely Hereford then along came cross breeding. We moved to Red Angus and Hereford cross. In the 90's came CAB and we introduced angus. For the past 20 years we have been using composite genetics. We haven't changed the grass on the ranch, just worked to get more moderate, efficient cows to utilize what we have. In doing so we have increased the ranch's carrying capacity 20%.

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?

Good resource managers have and should play a role in mentoring, education and direction of our industry. If we don't, entities like colleges, government agencies and special interest groups will create and implement the rules, guidelines and future direction of our business. Those who have done it, not just studied it or read it, should be leading it.

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?

Utilizing and being members of industry organizations such as MSGA, NCBA, Grain Growers and Farm Bureau help us to stay on top of key issues. They have resources that help guide us through public/social situations as well as represent us as a whole in a positive light. Use of technology and social media to tell our story as well as working to provide the safest, highest quality protein product on the market also helps us to "tell our story"

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?

Use of DNA information to make sound genetic decisions and possibly "buzz word" national programs focused on climate such as range/water improvement and carbon credits

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?

My advise is to not be afraid of a little hard work and starting at the bottom. Be willing to get your hands dirty for at least 5-10 years experiencing all there is to know about how an operation runs before getting into the "management" of an operation. Doing so will give you far more perspective than a college book/professor and will hone your troubleshooting skills and make you better equipped to deal with challenging employee issues.