Explore every episode of the podcast Ranchonomics
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 117. How to Make Custom Grazing Work 12 Months a Year — Steve Kenyon | 29 Sep 2026 | 00:25:54 | |
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:
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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. | |||
| 116. The Mindset That Separates Ranchers Who Win From Those Who Don't | 22 Sep 2026 | 00:18:18 | |
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:
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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. | |||
| The HR Support Most Ranch Operations Don't Know They Need [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 7] | 17 Sep 2026 | 00:09:40 | |
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:
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| How Payroll Works [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 6] | 17 Sep 2026 | 00:08:36 | |
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:
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| Clean Books, Clear Numbers — How Ranch Right Manages Your Accounting [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 5] | 17 Sep 2026 | 00:19:45 | |
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:
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| What to Expect From Your Ranch Right Consulting Team [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 4] | 17 Sep 2026 | 00:21:33 | |
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:
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| Getting You Set Up: Onboarding [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 3] | 17 Sep 2026 | 00:17:53 | |
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:
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| What Happens on a Discovery Call [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 2] | 17 Sep 2026 | 00:24:19 | |
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:
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| Why Ranch Right Exists [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 1] | 17 Sep 2026 | 00:07:48 | |
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:
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| 115. How Social Media Became a Marketing Tool for Grandview Livestock with Greg Christiansen | 15 Sep 2026 | 00:18:07 | |
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:
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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. | |||
| 114. The Financial Tool That Changed Everything on Steve Kenyon's Farm | 08 Sep 2026 | 00:33:46 | |
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:
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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. | |||
| 113. The First Transformation: Separating Your Personal and Business Finances | 01 Sep 2026 | 00:16:36 | |
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:
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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. | |||
| 112. From Cattle to Goats: What 26 Years in Small Ruminants Taught Greg Christiansen | 25 Aug 2026 | 00:32:59 | |
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:
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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. | |||
| 111. When Prices Are Too Good to Be True — Steve Kenyon on the Cattle Cycle and Custom Grazing | 18 Aug 2026 | 00:25:00 | |
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:
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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. | |||
| Kevin & Mandy Wiltse — The Farm That Keeps Changing (And Why That's the Point) [Ranchonomics Stories Ep 10] | 13 Aug 2026 | 00:45:44 | |
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:
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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. | |||
| 110. Know Your Worth: The Business Value of a Rancher's Time | Amos Troester | 11 Aug 2026 | 00:24:47 | |
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:
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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. | |||
| The Sims Family (Part 2) — How the Sims Family Keeps Getting Better With Every Generation [Ranchonomics Stories Ep 9] | 06 Aug 2026 | 00:59:36 | |
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:
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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. | |||
| 109. How to Build a More Resilient Farm Business with Cover Crops — Kevin Wiltse | 04 Aug 2026 | 00:24:22 | |
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:
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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. | |||
| The Sims Family (Part 1) — From $2 an Acre to a Four-Generation Ranch [Ranchonomics Stories Ep 8] | 30 Jul 2026 | 00:46:06 | |
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:
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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. | |||
| 108. Cover Crops, Cattle & Cash Flow: A Better Ranch Management Strategy — Kevin Wiltse | 28 Jul 2026 | 00:21:34 | |
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:
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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. | |||
| Brian & Jill Munger — Help Enough People and Everything Else Follows [Ranchonomics Stories Ep 7] | 23 Jul 2026 | 00:51:15 | |
In this episode of Ranchonomics Stories, John Haskell sits down with Brian and Jill Munger to share the journey of building a diversified ranch business while continually creating new opportunities. From taking over family responsibilities at a young age to expanding into registered cattle, custom grazing, educational ventures, and even hospitality, the Mungers reflect on the decisions, relationships, and mindset that have shaped their business. Their story is one of embracing change, saying yes to opportunity, and learning that growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. Throughout the conversation, Brian and Jill discuss balancing family and business, navigating rapid growth, and the challenge of deciding what deserves their time and attention. They share lessons on leadership, succession planning, continuous learning, and the value of building strong relationships throughout the ranching industry. More than anything, this episode is about living with a mindset of service, believing that when you help enough other people succeed, success has a way of following. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover:
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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. | |||
| 107. Don’t Step Over Dollars to Pick up Pennies: Time, Focus & Opportunity Cost with Amos Troester | 21 Jul 2026 | 00:21:07 | |
In Part 2 of John Haskell's conversation with Amos Troester (listen to Part 1 here), the focus shifts from forage systems to business thinking. Amos explains why many producers miss profitable opportunities by focusing on minimizing expenses rather than maximizing returns. Through real-world examples, he shares how integrating livestock with cover crops and annual forages can generate additional revenue, increase carrying capacity, and improve profitability, all while making better use of the same acres. The conversation also explores the mindset required to adopt new systems, from starting small and learning through experience to viewing biomass as a marketable crop. Amos discusses the economic and agronomic benefits of integrating grazing into cropping systems, including improved weed suppression, erosion control, soil health, and overall resilience. The episode is a reminder that the biggest opportunities often come from thinking differently about the resources you already have. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover:
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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. | |||
| Pete Ferrell — Five Generations and a Ranch Worth Fighting For [Ranchonomics Stories Ep 6] | 16 Jul 2026 | 00:48:20 | |
In this episode of Ranchonomics Stories, John Haskell sits down with longtime friend Pete Ferrell to share the remarkable story of a ranch worth fighting for that has remained in his family since 1888. Pete reflects on the generations that came before him, the responsibility of stewarding a family legacy, and the difficult decisions required to keep the ranch financially viable through changing markets, family transitions, and decades of uncertainty. His story is one of resilience, continual learning, and a commitment to leaving the ranch stronger than he found it. Throughout the conversation, Pete shares how mentors, financial discipline, custom grazing, and a willingness to rethink traditional approaches transformed both the ranch and his outlook on management. He discusses succession planning, separating land ownership from the operating business, and why the ultimate goal is not simply to preserve a ranch but to create opportunities for future generations to build meaningful lives connected to it. More than anything, this episode is a story about stewardship, adaptability, and building something that lasts. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover:
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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. | |||
| 106. Screwworm 2026: What's Happening, What to Watch, and What to Do with Travis Krause | 14 Jul 2026 | 00:20:28 | |
With screwworm confirmed in Texas for the first time in decades, producers across the country are asking what it means for their operations. In this special episode of the Ranchonomics Podcast, John Haskell is joined by Travis Krause to separate fact from fiction and explain what ranchers need to know about the outbreak. Travis discusses the biology of screwworm, why it poses such a serious threat to livestock and wildlife, how the sterile fly program has historically controlled its spread, and what producers in affected areas should be doing right now. The conversation also explores how the outbreak could affect cattle movement, biosecurity, and markets across the United States. While producers in South Texas face the greatest immediate impact, John and Travis emphasize that most ranchers should focus on preparation rather than panic. They discuss practical steps for monitoring livestock, documenting animal movements, strengthening biosecurity, and adapting management plans as regulations continue to evolve. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover:
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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. | |||
| Josh Lucas — Building a Ranch Without Waiting for the Perfect Opportunity [Ranchonomics Stories Ep 5] | 09 Jul 2026 | 00:56:32 | |
In this episode of Ranchonomics Stories, John Haskell sits down with Josh Lucas to share the story of building a ranching business from the ground up in Vermont. Starting with rented land, a side job, and a willingness to pursue every opportunity that generated cash flow, Josh reflects on the early years of hauling livestock, leasing overlooked pastures, and steadily growing his operation one decision at a time. Along the way, he shares how working for someone else became a form of paid education and laid the foundation for building his own successful business. The conversation explores the mindset shifts that helped Josh move beyond simply working harder to building a business that creates both profitability and freedom. From learning to focus on the right enterprises to outsourcing low-value tasks, investing in relationships, and protecting time with his family, Josh shares the lessons that transformed both his ranch and his life. More than anything, this episode is a story about creating opportunity through persistence, continual learning, and a willingness to think differently. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover:
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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. | |||
| 105. From Row Crops to Forage Crops: A New Way to Think About Your Acres with Amos Troester | 07 Jul 2026 | 00:20:07 | |
Many producers think of cover crops as an added expense, but what if they could become a profitable enterprise? In part one of a two-part conversation, John Haskell sits down with Amos Troester to explore how integrating livestock with cover crops and annual forages can unlock new revenue streams while improving soil health and reducing input costs. Amos shares how his first-generation farming operation has evolved from a conventional row-crop system into a diversified business centered on cattle, cover crops, seed production, and custom planting services. The conversation explores row crops to forage crops, the economics of grazing annuals, and why biomass production may be a more useful metric for evaluating land than bushels alone. Amos also explains how reducing fertilizer use, extending the grazing season, and viewing farmland through a livestock lens can create new opportunities for both crop and cattle producers. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover:
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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. | |||
| Ben Habig — 45 Goats, a Rented Duplex, and a Business Nobody Else Was Building [Ranchonomics Stories Ep 4] | 02 Jul 2026 | 00:46:27 | |
In this episode of Ranchonomics Stories, John Haskell sits down with Ben Habig to share the unconventional path that led him from a rented duplex and a small herd of goats to building a prescribed grazing business in Montana. Along the way, Ben navigated multiple pivots, including growing and selling a goat enterprise, moving more than 1,500 miles across the country, working as an employee to gain experience and create new opportunities, and ultimately launching a business focused on helping landowners manage invasive weeds through targeted grazing. The conversation explores the realities of entrepreneurship, including risk, uncertainty, relocation, and the constant need to adapt while building a business nobody else was building. Ben reflects on lessons learned from entering unfamiliar environments, building new relationships, finding opportunities where others saw obstacles, and creating a scalable business model from the ground up. More than anything, this episode is a story about persistence, flexibility, and being willing to evolve your vision while staying committed to the larger goal. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover:
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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. | |||
| 104. You Can’t Build a Sustainable Ranch on Unsustainable Effort — Josh Lucas | 30 Jun 2026 | 00:24:55 | |
Burnout, stress, and mental health are not topics often discussed in ranching, but they affect nearly every producer at some point. In this episode, John Haskell sits down with Vermont rancher Josh Lucas to discuss the realities of balancing business ownership, family responsibilities, and the pressures that come with building a ranch. Josh shares his personal experience with burnout, a panic attack that forced him to reevaluate his approach to work, and the lessons he learned about sustainability beyond the balance sheet. The conversation explores the connection between mental well-being, relationships, leadership, and business performance. Josh explains why caring for yourself is not selfish, how financial stress can compound burnout, and why sustainable businesses require sustainable effort. They also discuss the importance of focusing on what you can control, building strong support systems, and recognizing that no one succeeds alone. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover:
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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. | |||
| Roger & Betsy Indreland — Decades of Grit, Learning & Building Something That Lasts [Ranchonomics Stories Ep 3] | 25 Jun 2026 | 00:44:11 | |
In this episode of Ranchonomics Stories, John Haskell and Wally Olson sit down with Roger and Betsy Indreland to share the story of building a ranching operation over nearly five decades. Starting with just 13 bred heifers in 1977, Roger pursued a lifelong dream of ranching, gradually growing the business through persistence, continuous learning, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. Along the way, Roger and Betsy navigated expansion, changing markets, family transitions, and the many challenges that come with building a business over time. The conversation explores the role of education, mentorship, relationships, and long-term thinking in creating lasting success. Roger and Betsy reflect on lessons learned from decades of grit in the cattle business, the importance of staying curious and adaptable, and why opportunities still exist for people willing to get started today. More than anything, their story is a reminder that meaningful success is rarely built overnight, but through years of persistence, improvement, and commitment to a vision. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover:
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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. | |||
| 103. When Cattle Prices Are High, Stop Looking at Price and Start Looking at Relationships with Wally Olson | 23 Jun 2026 | 00:28:05 | |
Record cattle prices can create just as many challenges as opportunities. In this episode, John Haskell and Wally Olson discuss why producers should stop focusing on headline prices and start paying attention to the relationships within the market. Whether you're in the stocker business or the cow-calf sector, profitability comes from understanding value, costs, and margin, not from chasing the highest prices. The conversation explores value of gain, market volatility, cow herd turnover, and the importance of making decisions based on current opportunities rather than past prices or future forecasts. Using real-world examples, John and Wally walk through how to start looking at relationships to evaluate trades, identify where profit actually exists, and avoid getting emotionally attached to inventory. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover:
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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. | |||
| Steve & Sarah Hisel — Proof That Starting from Scratch in Ranching Is Possible [Ranchonomics Stories Ep 2] | 18 Jun 2026 | 00:47:03 | |
In this episode of Ranchonomics Stories, John Haskell sits down with Steve and Sarah Hisel to share their journey of building a ranching business from scratch. Without inheriting a family operation, they navigated a series of unexpected turns, difficult decisions, and calculated risks to create opportunities for themselves and their growing family. Along the way, they discuss the mindset shifts, education, and persistence that helped them move from dreaming about ranching to actually making it a reality. Steve and Sarah reflect on lessons learned about financial discipline, surrounding yourself with the right people, evaluating opportunities, and resisting the temptation to overinvest in equipment and infrastructure too early. They also share how mentorship, business education, and a willingness to adapt have shaped their operation. More than anything, this episode offers encouragement for aspiring ranchers who have been told that starting from scratch is impossible. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover:
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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. | |||
| 102. The Land Is the Unit of Production: Joel Ham on Ranching That Actually Works | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:26:02 | |
In this episode, John Haskell and Wally Olson sit down with longtime West Texas rancher Joel Ham to discuss the management principles that have transformed the way he thinks about ranching, grazing, and profitability. Drawing on decades of experience and mentorship from leaders such as Bud Williams, Joel explains why the land, not the animal, must be viewed as the true unit of production. The conversation explores how improving land productivity, stockmanship, and grazing management can dramatically impact long-term ranch profitability and resilience in harsh, low-rainfall environments. Joel also shares lessons learned from low-stress stockmanship, holistic management, and adapting to the realities of ranching in West Texas. From grazing planning and drought management to integrating sheep with cattle and reducing predator pressure through better systems, the episode emphasizes personal responsibility, observation, and continual replanning. At its core, this conversation is about learning to work with animals and ecosystems instead of against them, while building a ranch business that is both productive and sustainable over time. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover:
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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. | |||
| Dave & Carol Perry - From 10 Cows to the American Dream [Ranchonomics Stories Ep 1] | 11 Jun 2026 | 00:54:40 | |
In the first episode of the new Ranchonomics Storytelling series, host John Haskell sits down with Dave and Carol Perry to share how they built a ranching operation from humble beginnings through decades of hard work, financial discipline, and persistence. Starting with just 10 cows and very little capital, the Perrys discuss the sacrifices, setbacks, and unconventional decisions that allowed them to gradually grow their business while staying focused on long-term sustainability and family goals. Throughout the conversation, Dave and Carol reflect on lessons learned from droughts, debt, injury, volatile cattle markets, and raising a family while building the ranch. They discuss the importance of cash flow planning, creative thinking, education, mentorship, and knowing your numbers, while emphasizing that success in ranching is still possible for those willing to commit fully to the lifestyle. More than anything, this episode is a story about resilience, sacrifice, faith, and building a life around purpose rather than comfort. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover:
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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. | |||
| 101. The Smarter Way to Manage Invasive Weeds on Your Ranch with Ben Habig | 09 Jun 2026 | 00:22:29 | |
Invasive weeds can quietly reduce carrying capacity and create long-term management challenges across a ranch. In this episode, John Haskell sits down with Ben Habig to discuss how prescribed grazing with goats and sheep can provide a biological alternative to chemical weed control. Using species like leafy spurge and houndstongue as examples, Ben explains how targeted grazing can reduce weed pressure, improve pasture utilization, and support healthier soils and riparian areas. The conversation also explores the realities of managing small ruminants, including fencing, predators, labor, and marketing challenges. Ben shares how his business partners with landowners across Montana to provide targeted grazing services that help ranches manage invasive species while improving long-term pasture health and resilience. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover:
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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. | |||
| 100. What Bob Metzger Taught Us About Wealth, Risk & Relationships – Wally Olson | 02 Jun 2026 | 00:21:52 | |
In this special 100th episode of Ranchonomics, host John Haskell sits down with longtime cattleman and investor Wally Olson to reflect on the life and legacy of their close friend, Bob Metzger. Through stories about business deals, investing, cattle trading, and friendship, the conversation explores what Bob taught us; the principles he lived by, including disciplined money management, delayed gratification, risk mitigation, and the power of compounding over time. More than anything, the episode highlights why ranching is ultimately a relationship business built on trust, communication, and surrounding yourself with good people. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover:
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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. | |||
| 99. The Most Valuable Asset on Your Ranch Isn’t Land or Cattle | 26 May 2026 | 00:14:52 | |
What separates two ranches with the exact same land, cattle, and infrastructure from having completely different outcomes? In this episode, host John Haskell explores the idea that the most valuable asset in any operation is not the ranch itself, but the knowledge, stewardship, and decision-making behind it. Using examples from learning curves, investing, grazing management, and succession, he explains how knowledge compounds over time, much like money does. He breaks down how growth happens across multiple domains like grazing, stockmanship, marketing, financial literacy, and relationships, and how those areas begin compounding together when intentionally developed. At its core, this episode is about the long-term power of continuous learning and the role education plays in building resilient, profitable operations. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, I cover:
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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. | |||
| 98. Stockmanship & Range Management with the Indrelands | 19 May 2026 | 00:18:45 | |
What happens when better grazing management changes not only your ranch, but the entire ecosystem around it? In this episode, John Haskell sits down with Roger and Betsy Indreland to discuss how a shift in thinking around soil health, recovery, and grazing management transformed their operation. What began as skepticism after hearing regenerative grazing concepts eventually became a complete rethinking of forage management, drought resilience, and ranch profitability. The Indrelands share how focusing on cover, stockpiled feed, and longer recovery periods dramatically improved both productivity and resilience on their ranch. They explain how better grazing management increased carrying capacity, while also improving wildlife abundance, biodiversity, and overall ranch health. This episode highlights the long-term biological and financial benefits of managing with resilience, recovery, and observation in mind. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover:
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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. | |||
| 97. The Rancher’s Guide to Surviving the Unexpected with Dallas Mount | 12 May 2026 | 00:24:29 | |
Every ranch will face the unexpected. The question is not if, but when. In this episode, John Haskell sits down with Dallas Mount to discuss how ranchers can better prepare for uncertainty, manage risk, and build operations that withstand shocks without falling apart. From droughts to market swings to personal challenges, the conversation focuses on building resilience into the business before problems arise. Dallas shares practical ways to think about risk, including maintaining flexibility, managing debt carefully, and avoiding decisions that limit your options. They also discuss the importance of margin, liquidity, and having a clear plan when conditions change. At its core, this episode is about shifting from reactive decision-making to proactive planning so that when the unexpected happens, your operation is positioned to respond instead of scramble. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover:
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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. | |||
| 96. How to Build a Better Ranch by Letting Go of Control with Emilie Hopson | 05 May 2026 | 00:25:51 | |
Delegation sounds simple, but for most ranchers, it is one of the hardest skills to implement. In this episode, John Haskell sits down with Ranch Right HR Advisor Emilie Hopson to break down why leaders struggle to let go of control and how that limitation can cap the growth of the entire business. They discuss how the real goal of delegation is not to make life easier immediately, but to build long-term capacity by transferring ownership, not just assigning tasks. This conversation walks through a practical framework for delegation, including the importance of responsibility, authority, and accountability, along with tools like the delegation ladder and simple SOPs. Emilie emphasizes starting small with repeatable tasks, accepting that 70% done is good enough, and creating clear expectations with structured check-ins. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover:
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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. | |||
| 95. WITB vs. WOTB: The Ranch Meeting System You’re Missing | 28 Apr 2026 | 00:17:09 | |
Most ranches don’t have too many meetings. They have the wrong ones. In this episode, host John Haskell breaks down the difference between working in the business (WITB) and working on the business (WOTB), and why both are essential to running an efficient and profitable operation. From daily check-ins to long-term strategic planning, he outlines a practical meeting framework designed to improve communication, coordination, and decision-making across the ranch. John walks through the cadence of effective ranch meeting systems, from quick daily stand-ups and weekly planning sessions to monthly financial reviews and quarterly strategic conversations. He also emphasizes the importance of agendas, clear action items, and accountability, showing how well-run meetings help prevent surprises, surface problems early, and keep the business moving forward. When done right, this system creates clarity, builds resilience, and ensures the operation is not just busy but intentional and aligned. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, I cover:
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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. | |||
| 94. Ranching, Money, and Freedom with Crockett Carothers | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:18:26 | |
What does financial freedom actually look like in a ranching life, and is it possible without sacrificing time with your family? In this episode, John Haskell welcomes back Crockett Carothers to explore the relationship between money, time, and freedom, and how ranchers can begin thinking differently about income, scalability, and opportunity. Crockett shares how his desire to provide more for his family, without giving up time at home, pushed him to pursue business models beyond traditional labor-for-income work. The conversation centers on separating time from money, building scalable and residual income streams, and using tools like debt and leverage intentionally. From mindset shifts like asking “how can I afford it?” to the importance of continuous learning and implementation, this episode challenges producers to rethink what’s possible in both ranching and life. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover:
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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. | |||
| 93. Why Ranchers Need to Think Like Entrepreneurs Featuring Crockett Carothers | 14 Apr 2026 | 00:18:16 | |
What if the biggest opportunity in ranching isn’t working harder, but thinking differently? In this episode, John Haskell sits down with Crockett Carothers to explore how adopting an entrepreneurial mindset can fundamentally change the trajectory of a ranching operation and the people behind it. Crockett shares his journey from a traditional cowboy lifestyle to becoming deeply immersed in business, sales, and personal finance, and how that shift was driven by a desire to provide for his family without sacrificing the ranching way of life. The conversation dives into the importance of value creation, understanding money, and breaking free from limiting beliefs around wealth. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover:
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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. | |||
| 92. The Management Decisions That Transformed Noble Ranch | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:29:04 | |
What does it actually take to transform a ranching operation, not just incrementally, but fundamentally? In this episode, John Haskell sits down with Ryan Noble to walk through the key decisions that reshaped Noble Ranch, from its early days of financial pressure to a high-performing, flexible business built on intentional management. Ryan shares the pivotal moments that drove change, including leveraging land over livestock, utilizing leased cows to reduce risk, and ultimately making the difficult decision to exit the cow-calf business entirely. Through education, disciplined financial analysis, and a willingness to challenge long-held assumptions, Noble Ranch shifted toward a heifer development model that dramatically increased scale, margin, and quality of life, while creating a business that can operate without being dependent on any one individual. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover:
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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. | |||
| 91. The Hidden Risk Inside Today’s Record Cattle Prices with Ryan Noble & Wally Olson | 31 Mar 2026 | 00:27:06 | |
Record cattle prices have created strong profits across the industry, but how much of that success is actually driven by good management versus simple market inflation? In this episode, John Haskell sits down with Ryan Noble and Wally Olson to break down the critical difference between inflation, deflation, appreciation, and depreciation, and why confusing these forces can lead to costly missteps, even in the best markets. As cattle values have surged over the past several years, many producers have seen their balance sheets grow without realizing how much of that gain is driven by external market forces. The conversation highlights how depreciation still quietly works against you, why relative value matters more than price, and how failing to actively manage herd inventory and replacement decisions can leave significant money on the table, especially when the market eventually turns. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover:
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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. | |||
| 90. Good Debt, Bad Debt, and Toxic Debt in Agriculture | 24 Mar 2026 | 00:19:59 | |
Debt is one of the most powerful and misunderstood tools in agriculture. In this solo episode, host John Haskell explains how ranchers and farmers should think about debt not as inherently good or bad, but in relation to the asset it finances and the cash flow it generates. He walks through why matching the term of a loan to the life of the asset is critical and how properly structured debt can support productive investments that strengthen the business. John also explores several common debt traps that can quietly weaken an operation over time. From borrowing for assets that do not generate income to repeatedly rolling operating losses into long-term loans, these patterns can limit flexibility and increase risk. The goal is not to avoid debt altogether, but to understand when it helps move a business forward and when it begins to work against it. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, I cover:
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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. | |||
| 89. When Growth Creates New Risk in Your Business with Tyler Dawley | 17 Mar 2026 | 00:29:23 | |
As a business grows, the risks change. What works when you are selling small amounts to many customers may not work when your operation begins moving larger volumes and dealing with much bigger invoices. In this episode, John Haskell sits down with returning guest Tyler Dawley to talk about how growth in Tyler’s pasture-raised chicken business has introduced new financial risks. Tyler shares lessons he is learning in real time about protecting a business as it scales, including the emotional challenge of enforcing payment terms and why larger transactions require more formal agreements and processes. The conversation highlights an important point for any livestock or agricultural business: bigger operations require a different level of structure, risk management, and discipline. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover:
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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. | |||
| 88. The 5-Part Inventory System Every Rancher Should Be Using | 10 Mar 2026 | 00:17:27 | |
In this episode, John Haskell sits down with Wally Olson to revisit the classic inventory triangle of money, feed or grass, and livestock, and expand it into a five-part system by adding time and people. Together, they discuss why these two additions matter and how thinking in terms of a full inventory framework can improve flexibility, risk management, and profitability. From maintaining cash reserves and grass ahead of you to investing in people and managing livestock to build lighter, younger inventory, this conversation offers a practical lens for evaluating your ranch business every day. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover:
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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. | |||
| 87. Why Good Operations Aren’t Enough | 03 Mar 2026 | 00:11:03 | |
In this solo episode, host John Haskell breaks down what he calls the five pillars of business and explains why operational excellence alone will not create a successful ranch. While many producers pride themselves on growing grass, managing cattle, and producing a quality product, John argues that operations are only one piece of a much larger system. He walks through marketing and sales, finance, human resources, administration, and operations, explaining how each pillar interacts with the others. A business that overemphasizes production while neglecting marketing, cash management, people management, or administrative discipline will eventually struggle. True success comes from being reasonably strong across all five areas and recognizing that running a business is an optimization process, not a production contest. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, I cover:
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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. | |||
| 86. From Curiosity to Company: Building Covers & Co from the Ground up with Joseph Gardiner | 24 Feb 2026 | 00:26:49 | |
In this episode, John Haskell welcomes back Joseph Gardiner to talk about how curiosity turned into a company. Joseph shares the story behind launching Covers & Co, what problem he saw in the marketplace, and how he moved from idea to action while still managing the demands of his farming operation. The conversation walks through the realities of starting something from scratch, including testing ideas, managing risk, navigating uncertainty, and staying disciplined when early traction is slow. Joseph explains how the same principles that guide good marketing and financial decision-making on the farm also apply when building a new business. This episode is a practical look at entrepreneurship in agriculture, and a reminder that opportunity often starts with asking better questions and being willing to follow through. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover:
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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. | |||
| 85. Doing the Right Thing Until It Works | 17 Feb 2026 | 00:11:28 | |
In this episode, host John Haskell speaks to people navigating slow starts, tight margins, and the frustration that comes when progress is not immediately visible. He explains why doing the right things often feels unrewarding early on, even when those decisions are setting the foundation for long-term success. John emphasizes the importance of having a clear plan, measuring progress along the way, and staying disciplined long enough to build momentum. Drawing on lessons from Bud Williams, he reminds listeners that success rarely comes from quick fixes, but from consistently doing the right thing until it works and knowing when persistence is required versus when a strategy truly needs to change. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, I cover:
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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. | |||