Advertise on podcast: The Ranch Rolodex: Connecting ranchers with resources

Access to capital can be one of the biggest barriers to building a ranching business, especially when cattle, equipment, and land all come with a hefty price tag. In this episode, Derek, Zach, and Dan share how they’ve financed their own operations, from conventional loans and FSA financing to private investors and self-financing. They discuss the trade-offs between borrowing money and using your own capital, including how each approach affects growth, risk, and your ability to seize opportunities. They also dig into the importance of building relationships with lenders, managing cash flow, and keeping working capital available for the right deal. Each operation has a different approach, shaped by its goals, resources, and comfort with debt. They also discuss whether more government support is needed to help beginning ranchers access capital and why they ultimately see capital as an even bigger barrier than land. Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! Connect with us: Subscribe on YouTubeFollow on Instagram @theranchrolodexFollow on FacebookCheck out the website Resources & Links: Episode 3. There's No One Way to Ranch: Toby Holsted's Story of Leaving the Family Farm and His Path to ProfitabilityEpisode 11. Owning Dirt vs. Building a Ranch: A Land Access Discussion2025 Bluestem Pasture ReportScholarship PledgeScholarship ApplicationPodcast Music by Cade FoehnerCheck out the Territory BallroomSign up for our email list so you never miss an episode

Everyone wants to own the dirt they’re ranching on, but what if owning land isn’t always the best way to build a ranching business? In this episode, Derek, Zach, and Dan dig into the tradeoffs between buying and leasing ground, drawing from their own experiences building ranch businesses with limited capital. They discuss how land ownership affects cash flow, why controlling productive land can matter more than owning it, and how the right approach can change as a business grows. The conversation then moves beyond buy versus rent to the relationships that make land access possible. The guys talk about building a strong reputation as an operator, creating win-win arrangements with landowners, and why a rancher’s legacy doesn’t necessarily have to be tied to owning dirt. They also wrestle with when buying land does make sense and why the answer ultimately depends on your capital, stage of business, and goals. Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! Connect with us: Subscribe on YouTubeFollow on Instagram @theranchrolodexFollow on FacebookCheck out the website Resources & Links: Episode 10: What 10 Years Away Taught a Fifth-Generation Rancher with Logan Pribbeno of Wine Glass RanchScholarship PledgeScholarship ApplicationPodcast Music by Cade FoehnerCheck out the Territory BallroomSign up for our email list so you never miss an episode

What happens when a fifth-generation rancher is required to leave the family operation for ten years before he can come back? In this episode of the Ranch Rolodex, Derek sits down with Logan Pribbeno, of Wine Glass Ranch in Southwest Nebraska, a multi-generational ranch that's been in his family for 140 years. Logan's family had a rule: leave the state, leave agriculture, and stay gone for a decade. He spent those years studying economics at UC Santa Barbara and working in Silicon Valley finance through the Great Recession, and he came home viewing the ranch as a business first. Derek and Logan dig into how that time away shaped his approach to ranch finances, from treating cattle as financial instruments to waging war on overhead and using long-term mortgage debt as an inflation hedge. They close on ranch succession, the K-shaped economy, and how Logan structured his operation so he can leave for six months while the business keeps improving. Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! Connect with Logan: Check out his websiteFollow on XFollow his podcast, Running on Grass Connect with us: Subscribe on YouTubeFollow on Instagram @theranchrolodexFollow on FacebookCheck out the website Resources & Links: Episode 5: How Profitable Ranchers Think Differently with John HaskellScholarship PledgeScholarship ApplicationPodcast Music by Cade FoehnerCheck out the Territory BallroomSign up for our email list so you never miss an episode

Everyone says America needs to rebuild the cow herd, but what does it actually take for a rancher to keep back heifers when the market won't give them confidence? In this episode, Zach, Dan, and Derek dig into the cattle market volatility and political noise pressuring producers right now. They look at the latest cattle inventory numbers, why heifer retention isn't the same as herd expansion, and dive into the USDA’s LRP program. The conversation then moves past the headlines to the long-term threats to the U.S. beef supply including urban sprawl, the disappearing tallgrass prairie, generational land transitions, and the barriers beginning ranchers face in accessing land and capital. Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! Connect with us: Subscribe on YouTubeFollow on Instagram @theranchrolodex Follow on FacebookCheck out the website Resources & Links: Scholarship PledgeScholarship ApplicationPodcast Music by Cade FoehnerCheck out the Territory BallroomSign up for our email list so you never miss an episode

What if the biggest thing holding your ranch back isn’t your resources, your genetics, or your market, but actually not knowing exactly what you’re building toward. In this episode, hosts Derek, Daniel, and Zach sit down with the Vision Flight team to unpack why mission and vision aren’t just corporate buzzwords but essential tools for ranch decision-making, family alignment, and long-term profitability. The conversation walks through real examples of ranchers and families that used the Vision Flight process to move past vague goals and uncover the deeper interests driving those goals. Often finding that clarity changes the entire direction of their business and personal lives. No matter what season of life or ranching you’re in, tune into this episode to learn about the power of a practical framework for turning aspirations into a written plan you can act on. Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! Connect with Vision Flight: Check out their websiteFollow them on Facebook Connect with us: Subscribe on YouTubeFollow on Instagram @theranchrolodex Follow on FacebookCheck out the website Resources & Links: Use code ROLODEX20 to get 20% off your Vision Flight experience (valid through the end of 2026)Scholarship PledgeScholarship ApplicationPodcast Music by Cade FoehnerCheck out the Territory BallroomSign up for our email list so you never miss an episode

Most cattlemen are taught to buy low and sell high, but what if the real profit lives in what you buy back, not what you sell? In this episode, Daniel, Zach, and Derek break down sell/buy marketing, a cash-flow-driven approach to cattle trading that flips the traditional buy/sell mindset on its head. Instead of hoping the market rewards you at sale time, sell/buy marketing locks in your margin upfront by selling the overvalued animal and immediately identifying an undervalued buyback. Turning a cow herd into a continuously appreciating asset instead of a once-a-year calf check. The guys share the core numbers and formulas you need to know, walk through examples in real time, and even dive into the emotional side of ranching, with the ultimate goal of sharing sell/buy marketing not as the only way to successfully ranch, but as an option of a way to successfully ranch. Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! Connect with us: Subscribe on YouTubeFollow on Instagram @theranchrolodex Follow on FacebookCheck out the website Resources & Links: Doug Ferguson Mr CattlemasterWally Olson & Ranching.FYIRanching for ProfitKLR MarketingScholarship PledgeScholarship ApplicationPodcast Music by Cade FoehnerCheck out the Territory BallroomSign up for our email list so you never miss an episode

In this episode, Derek sits down with Nicky Tiffany and their conversation digs into confidence, courage, and what it actually takes to go first. Whether that's revitalizing a historic building, starting a side hustle, or stepping into a new season of life you don't feel ready for. They talk about the difference between performance-based confidence and the real thing, why growth requires the courage to stop doing everything yourself, and how a rural Kansas town became an unlikely hub for ranchers, entrepreneurs, and women rediscovering their own value. Whether you're weighing a big leap of your own or just need permission to believe your gifts are worth something, this episode offers a grounded, practical look at what it means to build something that outlasts you. Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! Connect with Nicky: The Territory Ballroom website and Instagram @theterritoryballroomHer website and Instagram @nickytiffanylegacycoach Connect with us: Subscribe on YouTubeFollow on Instagram @theranchrolodex Follow on FacebookCheck out the website Resources & Links: Scholarship PledgeScholarship ApplicationPodcast Music by Cade FoehnerCheck out the Territory BallroomSign up for our email list so you never miss an episode

In this episode, Derek and Daniel sit down with Ranch Right founder, John Haskell to explore the mindset and business principles that help ranchers build more profitable operations. John shares his path from working as a cowboy to studying biology and mathematics and learning from ranchers, scientists, and mentors who shaped how he approaches business. He explains why understanding your financials, recognizing opportunities, and making better management decisions can have a much greater impact than simply working harder or producing more. The conversation digs into leverage, cash flow, asset allocation, and the difference between optimizing and maximizing a ranching operation. John also explains why small improvements can become significant over time through compounding, and why investing in education may be one of the most valuable decisions a rancher can make. The episode closes with a challenge for listeners to identify where their time, energy, and focus can produce the highest return and put more effort into that opportunity. Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! Connect with John Haskell & Ranch Right: Book a CallListen to the Ranchonomics PodcastSubscribe on YouTubeCheck out all of their past webinars hereFollow on Instagram @ranchrightllcFollow on FacebookFollow on LinkedInCheck out the website Connect with us: Subscribe on YouTubeFollow on Instagram @theranchrolodex Follow on FacebookCheck out the website Resources & Links: Scholarship PledgeScholarship ApplicationPodcast Music by Cade FoehnerCheck out the Territory BallroomSign up for our email list so you never miss an episode

In this episode, the ranch women are taking over the podcast as they know firsthand what it means to carry the many responsibilities that come with life on a ranch. Kerri Jackson, Emilie Hopson, Nicky Tiffany, Elli Unruh, and Jill Carr share an honest conversation about motherhood, marriage, work, mental health, and the often invisible load women carry while supporting their families and ranching operations. Rather than pretending they have everything figured out, they talk openly about the strategies, systems, and mindset shifts that have actually helped them navigate the demands of rural life. The conversation explores practical ways to create boundaries, communicate with your spouse, protect your mental health, and make space for yourself when everyone seems to need something from you. They also talk about the importance of intentionally building community, especially when ranch life can feel isolating, and why women need other women who understand what they're going through. From weekly family meetings and household systems to taking a walk, getting outside, or simply inviting people over without waiting for everything to be perfect, this conversation is a reminder that you don't have to carry it all alone. Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! Connect with the Ranch Women: Kerri Jackson: Instagram @theranchcreatives and @jacksonforgeksEmilie Hopson: Agri-Culture websiteNicky Tiffany: Instagram @nickytiffanylegacycoach or Territory Ballroom websiteElli Unruh: Instagram @elli.unruh14Jill Carr: Instagram @jillcarrpodcasting or her website Connect with us: Subscribe on YouTubeFollow on Instagram @theranchrolodex Follow on FacebookCheck out the website Resources & Links: Scholarship PledgeScholarship ApplicationPodcast Music by Cade FoehnerCheck out the Territory BallroomSign up for our email list so you never miss an episode

In this episode, Derek sits down with Toby Holsted to share a story that challenges one of agriculture's biggest assumptions: that there's only one path to building a successful ranching business. Toby reflects on growing up on his family's Oklahoma farm, helping build a large stocker cattle operation, and eventually reaching a point where drought, changing markets, and family dynamics forced him to rethink everything. Rather than walking away from ranching, he found a new way forward by questioning long-held paradigms, embracing Ranching for Profit principles, and building a business centered on solving problems for others. The conversation explores the difficult reality of leaving a family operation, the role Toby's wife played in helping him challenge old assumptions, and how Executive Link and Ranching for Profit reshaped both his business and his relationships. Toby also shares how he transitioned from farming and owning equipment to managing custom cattle operations, why proposals and clear communication have become essential to his business, and how finding purpose beyond land ownership has given him the freedom to build a profitable ranching career on his own terms. Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! Connect with us: Subscribe on YouTubeFollow on Instagram @theranchrolodex Follow on FacebookCheck out the website Resources & Links: Ranching For Profit websiteScholarship PledgeScholarship ApplicationPodcast Music by Cade FoehnerCheck out the Territory BallroomSign up for our email list so you never miss an episode

In this episode, Derek, Zach, and Daniel sit down with Dallas Mount, owner of Ranching for Profit, to explore how one business management school fundamentally changed the way each of them approaches ranching. This conversation focuses on the hosts' personal journeys: how they found the program, the challenges they were facing beforehand, and the practical changes that have shaped their businesses, families, and long-term goals since attending. The discussion goes well beyond spreadsheets and profitability. Dallas and the hosts talk about the importance of accountability, mentorship, healthy relationships, mental health, and surrounding yourself with people who challenge you to grow. They also address common misconceptions about Ranching for Profit, explain why the program isn't just for large or established operations, and introduce the Ranch Rolodex scholarship initiative designed to help more producers invest in continuing education and professional development. Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! Connect with Dallas: Follow on Instagram @ranching4profitCheck out the Ranching for Profit website Connect with us: Subscribe on YouTubeFollow on Instagram @theranchrolodex Follow on FacebookCheck out the website Resources & Links: Scholarship PledgeScholarship ApplicationPodcast Music by Cade FoehnerCheck out the Territory BallroomSign up for our email list so you never miss an episode

In this episode, hosts Derek Jackson, Zach Hopson, and Daniel Unruh introduce the story behind The Ranch Rolodex and explain why they believe the right relationships can completely change the trajectory of a ranching business. Rather than focusing on perfect operations or overnight success, they share the real stories of building businesses through leased ground, custom work, mentorship, hard lessons, and a willingness to challenge traditional ways of thinking. The conversation explores each host's ranching journey, the people and programs that shaped their businesses, and the mindset shifts that allowed them to see opportunities where others saw limitations. They also share the mission behind the podcast: creating a place where ranchers can learn from the people who have helped them grow, while encouraging listeners to build stronger businesses through relationships, accountability, and continuous learning. Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! Connect with us: Subscribe on YouTubeFollow on Instagram @theranchrolodex Follow on FacebookCheck out the website Resources & Links: Scholarship PledgeScholarship ApplicationPodcast Music by Cade FoehnerCheck out the Territory BallroomSign up for our email list so you never miss an episode

The Ranch Rolodex is where ranching, business, and relationships come together. Hosted by Derek Jackson, Zach Hopson, and Daniel Unruh, the show is built around conversations with the people who know what it means to start from nothing and build something real. From cattle and land deals to entrepreneurship, leadership, and hard-earned life lessons, the guys sit down with ranchers, businessmen, mentors, and friends who helped shape their journey along the way. Every episode pulls a new contact from “The Ranch Rolodex” — the kind of people you call when there’s a problem to solve, a deal to make, or wisdom to pass down. These are stories about grit, faith, risk, stewardship, and the relationships that build ranches, businesses, and communities from the ground up. Whether you’re in agriculture, business, or just appreciate authentic conversations with people who have earned their stripes, this podcast brings you inside the world behind the brand. Welcome to The Ranch Rolodex.