Ranch Stewards Podcast

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...

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...

In this third and final bonus episode from National Ag Week on KLTZ Glasgow’s Live Under the Big Sky, we sit down with Jillien Streit, the new director of the Montana Department of Agriculture, to discuss her background, priorities for the department, and thoughts on agricultural trade. She also introduces the Beyond the Weather mental health campaign, a crucial initiative aimed at supporting the...

In this second bonus episode of the Ranch Stewards Podcast, recorded during National Ag Week on KLTZ Glasgow’s Live Under the Big Sky, we’re talking ranching, resilience, and diversification with Phillips County, Montana, rancher Carmen Salveson. As part of a multi-generational ranching family, Carmen has incorporated goats into their operation as a way to diversify income, make use of underutiliz...

In this special bonus episode of the Ranch Stewards Podcast, we’re bringing you a conversation straight from the airwaves of Live Under the Big Sky on KLTZ Glasgow as heard during National Ag Week. Join guest co-host Haylie Shipp, RSA Communications Director, alongside show host Stan Ozark, as they dive into an insightful discussion about the Matador Grassbank—a unique collaboration between The Na...

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 per...

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 talkin...

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:...

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.” Spoile...

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...

A bonus episode from the Ranch Stewards podcast, this "Success Story" features Saco, Montana rancher Paul Williams. For full story, photos, and video content, visit RSA's website or YouTube channel . Water Weary Rancher Resourcefulness How community and the internet set one rancher’s capacity to create ablaze. Birds chirp in no-man’s land. A tall red barn, weathered paint but no hin...

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 ranch...

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 Income Sunsetting Tax Rules Agricultural Tax Planning Estate Tax Entity Selection Managing...

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 Plains Seasonal Benefits of the Grass Grazing Strategies to Complement Existing Grasses Native Grass Varieti...

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 Lands BLM and State of Montana Grazing Leases Introduction to the Public Lands Council The Importance of Volunteer Leadership ACES - Areas of Critic...

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 . Supp...

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 habitat Traditional bird species in the Northern Great Plains Threats and opportunities to bird populations Sage grouse politics...without getting political Y...

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 ope...

Join Haylie Shipp as Ranchers Stewardship Alliance board member Brian Fox and Steve Campbell of Tailor Made Cattle talk about the impact of toxins and minerals on cattle health alongside Steve's infamous "Red Solo Cup" cow demonstration. In this episode, we discuss: Countering environmental toxins Cattle salt Cattle Mineral Apple cider vinegar supplementation Cattle temperament Repr...

Join Haylie Shipp as Ranchers Stewardship Alliance Vice President Dale Veseth and Brian Martin of The Nature Conservancy talk about the history, acquisition, and management practices of the Matador Ranch and Grassbank in Phillips County, Montana. In this episode, we discuss: Montana ranch history Ranching strategies Grazing strategies Creating a grassbank Drought Management Commingling large herds...

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 supplements Feeding strategies Purchasing open cows A nationally declining calf crop percentage Drought's impact on breeding rates Links mentioned in t...

Join Haylie Shipp as Ranchers Stewardship Alliance President Leo Barthelmess and Bob Budd, Executive Director of the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust, talk about history and hope in the ranching industry. In this episode, we discuss homesteading stories still attached to the land, challenges in the livestock industry, ranch transitions, and the need to tear off segregating labels in the...

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 agri...

Join 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...

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...