Ranchonomics

What does it take to build a farm and ranch business when you don't have much money to start with? In this Ranchonomics Stories episode, John Haskell and Wally Olson sit down with Greg and Ann Christiansen to look back at more than 40 years of marriage, ranching, farming, raising a family, and figuring things out along the way. From low-paying cowboy jobs and a growing family to renting their first farm ground and eventually buying land with little money down, Greg and Ann share the decisions, opportunities, and setbacks that shaped their operation.Their story includes plenty of hard lessons, from medical bills and financial mistakes to drought, livestock losses, and a cattle deal that went sideways. But it also shows how persistence, careful cash flow management, relationships, and taking opportunities when they appeared allowed Greg and Ann to keep building. They discuss how they acquired 400 acres without a down payment, why Ann's financial management was critical to the business, and how Greg began planning for succession years before he was ready to step away. Most importantly, they share why the difficult years tend to fade with time and why simply continuing to move forward can be one of the most important skills in ranching.Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover:How renting a house and 40 acres in 1990 gave them a foothold and allowed Greg to gradually build a livestock and farming operationHow Greg and Ann eventually bought 400 acres with no money down by combining Farm Credit and FSA financing and working with landowners willing to carry notesThe lessons they learned from drought, livestock losses, a failed cattle deal, and other setbacks that seemed devastating at the timeHow Ann's financial discipline and behind-the-scenes work helped keep the business moving forward while Greg focused on the physical operationWhy Greg began thinking about succession at age 55 and how Ranching for Profit helped him develop a path for Travis to eventually buy into the businessConnect with Greg & Ann:Follow on YoutubeCheck out their websiteEmail Greg at [email protected] with Ranch Right:Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Instagram @ranchrightllc Follow on Facebook Check out the website Check out all of our past webinars hereResources & Links:Caitlyn TaussigDavid BrooksFrom Strength to Strength by Arthur C. BrooksBook a Free Discovery Call to Learn More Ranching for Profit Ranching.FYI Wally Olson, Olson Ranch LLC Mentioned in this episode:At Ranch Right, we help producers build clarity around cash flow, margins, and risk so the decisions we talk about on Ranchonomics actually work in the real world. If you want fewer surprises and more control, that’s where to start. Click below to book a call today.Book a free discovery call

What does it take to build a ranch that lasts for five generations? In this episode of Ranchonomics Stories, John Haskell sits down with Ryan Noble to trace the history of his family ranch in eastern Colorado, beginning with his great-grandfather William A. Noble driving a stake into the ground in 1910 and filing a homestead claim. Ryan shares the stories of the generations that followed, from his great-grandfather expanding the original homestead to his grandfather and father building the operation through some of the hardest years in agriculture.Ryan also explains how his own approach to ranching changed as the family operation grew and he began learning to look at the business differently. After a serious accident forced him to slow down, Ranching for Profit and Executive Link became major turning points, helping him rethink cow ownership, grazing, infrastructure, and drought planning. From building a grow yard and investing in cross-fencing to making difficult decisions during drought, Ryan shares how the Noble family has continued adapting while working to build something that can last for the next generation.Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode!In this episode, we cover:How William A. Noble started the family ranch after homesteading in eastern Colorado in 1910What Ryan learned from his father's experiences growing up in the 1950s, when the family milked cows, raised chickens, and farmed dryland cornHow Ryan used cattle leasing, custom grazing, and other arrangements to grow the operation while managing riskWhy Ryan's accident became a major turning point in how he approached both the ranch and his own lifeHow Ranching for Profit and Executive Link changed the way Ryan evaluated the economics of the business and made decisionsHow the Noble family developed a drought plan and made difficult decisions about their cow herd when drought conditions persistedConnect with Ryan:Follow on Instagram @noble.ranchSend an email at [email protected] with Ranch Right:Subscribe on YouTubeFollow on Instagram @ranchrightllcFollow on FacebookCheck out the websiteCheck out all of our past webinars hereResources & Links:Book a Free Discovery Call to Learn MoreRanching for ProfitRanching.FYIWally Olson, Olson Ranch LLCMentioned in this episode:Join us online, ask questions, and get practical tools you can put to work tomorrow. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to receive updates on our next session. Click the link below to catch up on all of our past webinars on YouTube.Webinars

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:How Steve turned winter grazing into a way to create year-round work and additional cash flowThe differences between bale grazing, swath grazing, and grazing crop residueHow winter feeding imported hay can add nutrients and water-holding capacity to the landHow cattle handle deep snow and temperatures well below freezingStrategies for managing winter water, including when and how cattle can use snow as their water sourceHow feed quality, wildlife pressure, and grazing experience affect winter feeding resultsConnect with Steve:Follow on FacebookFollow on YouTubeSend an email to [email protected] with Ranch Right:Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Instagram @ranchrightllc Follow on Facebook Check out the website Check out all of our past webinars hereResources & Links:Jim Gerrish booksBook a Free Discovery Call to Learn More Ranching for Profit Ranching.FYI Wally Olson, Olson Ranch LLC Mentioned in this episode:Join us online, ask questions, and get practical tools you can put to work tomorrow. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to receive updates on our next session. Click the link below to catch up on all of our past webinars on YouTube.Webinars

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:The foundations for hiring a first employee, starting with job descriptions and the candidate selection processWhy onboarding and position agreements set the tone for a new hire's entire tenureThe role of regular performance evaluations and coaching conversations in setting clear expectations and opportunities for growthHow employment policies (housing, benefits, non-cash compensation) fill gaps beyond base payRanch Right’s philosophy of building client self-sufficiency in HR rather than long-term dependencyFind the full Ranch Right Experience Series below:Why Ranch Right Exists [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 1]What Happens on a Discovery Call [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 2]Getting You Set Up: Onboarding [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 3]What to Expect From Your Ranch Right Consulting Team [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 4]Clean Books, Clear Numbers — How Ranch Right Manages Your Accounting [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 5]How Payroll Works [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 6]The HR Support Most Ranch Operations Don't Know They Need [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 7]Connect with Ranch Right:Book a Free Discovery Call to Learn MoreSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on Instagram @ranchrightllcFollow on FacebookCheck out the websiteCheck out all of our past webinars here

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:The post-onboarding handoff to a dedicated bookkeeper and why weekly check-ins early on speed up the processWhy detailed receipts and other supporting documents matterThe system used to flag uncategorized transactions and how it prompts clients for answersThe four-bucket overhead structureThe distinction between capital improvements and repairs, and how those get tracked through balance sheet accountsMonthly reconciliation and inventory valuation as error-checksFind the full Ranch Right Experience Series below:Why Ranch Right Exists [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 1]What Happens on a Discovery Call [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 2]Getting You Set Up: Onboarding [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 3]What to Expect From Your Ranch Right Consulting Team [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 4]Clean Books, Clear Numbers — How Ranch Right Manages Your Accounting [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 5]How Payroll Works [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 6]The HR Support Most Ranch Operations Don't Know They Need [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 7]Connect with Ranch Right:Book a Free Discovery Call to Learn MoreSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on Instagram @ranchrightllcFollow on FacebookCheck out the websiteCheck out all of our past webinars here

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:What happens after you decide to become a Ranch Right customerHow Ranch Right gathers information about your business and existing accounting systemWhy the financial structure and chart of accounts are so importantWhat Ranch Right needs for banking, payroll, livestock, feed, and equipment trackingHow the business assessment and final handoff calls prepare clients for ongoing supportWhy investing time and effort into onboarding creates a stronger foundation for the businessFind the full Ranch Right Experience Series below:Why Ranch Right Exists [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 1]What Happens on a Discovery Call [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 2]Getting You Set Up: Onboarding [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 3]What to Expect From Your Ranch Right Consulting Team [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 4]Clean Books, Clear Numbers — How Ranch Right Manages Your Accounting [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 5]How Payroll Works [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 6]The HR Support Most Ranch Operations Don't Know They Need [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 7]Connect with Ranch Right:Book a Free Discovery Call to Learn MoreSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on Instagram @ranchrightllcFollow on FacebookCheck out the websiteCheck out all of our past webinars here

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:Why Ranch Right exists and what it means to “win” in businessWhy profitability and financial literacy matter for agricultural businessesThe practices Ranch Right repeatedly sees on more profitable operationsWhy a sell-buy mindset can improve cash flow and profitabilityHow Ranch Right helps producers turn financial information into operational actionWhy taking a long-term view matters for the future of the business and the next generationFind the full Ranch Right Experience Series below:Why Ranch Right Exists [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 1]What Happens on a Discovery Call [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 2]Getting You Set Up: Onboarding [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 3]What to Expect From Your Ranch Right Consulting Team [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 4]Clean Books, Clear Numbers — How Ranch Right Manages Your Accounting [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 5]How Payroll Works [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 6]The HR Support Most Ranch Operations Don't Know They Need [The Ranch Right Experience Episode 7]Connect with Ranch Right:Book a Free Discovery Call to Learn MoreSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on Instagram @ranchrightllcFollow on FacebookCheck out the websiteCheck out all of our past webinars here

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:How Brian and Jill built a diversified business by continually pursuing new opportunitiesWhy relationships have been one of the greatest drivers of their successThe challenges of balancing multiple businesses while protecting time and focusLessons learned from expanding into hospitality and other non-traditional venturesHow Brian and Jill are preparing for succession and the next generationWhy continuous learning and personal development have shaped their journeyConnect with Ranch Right:Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Instagram @ranchrightllc Follow on Facebook Check out the websiteCheck out all of our past webinars hereResources & Links:Book a Free Discovery Call to Learn More Ranching for Profit Ranching.FYI Wally Olson, Olson Ranch LLC Mentioned in this episode:Join us online, ask questions, and get practical tools you can put to work tomorrow. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to receive updates on our next session. Click the link below to catch up on all of our past webinars on YouTube.Webinars