Join us for a special episode of The Land Bulletin as we reflect on some of our most inspiring conversations from the past year. In this compilation, we delve into the values central to Western life—heritage preservation, land stewardship, and community legacy. Hear from voices like Rick Knight on the deep-rooted knowledge that shapes private land stewardship, Faith Hamlin on balancing tradition with modern ranch management, and Joshua Coursey on the critical role of private landowners in wildlife conservation. We also highlight the National Western Stock Show’s impact on celebrating Western culture and education with outgoing CEO Paul Andrews. Together, these insights capture the spirit of the West and the collective responsibility to keep its legacy alive for future generations.

Topics
[0:00] Introduction: Best of The Land Bulletin
[1:04] Rick Knight: Ranchers as a Keystone Species
[11:00] Faith Hamlin: The Next Generation of Ranchers, Grits, & Guts
[20:21] Joshua Coursey: Protecting the Mule Deer Population of the West
[31:31] Paul Andrews: The Great Western Stock Show

Full Episodes
Ranchers as a Keystone Species
The Next Generation of Ranchers, Grits, & Guts Part 1 and Part 2
Protecting Mule Deer Populations of the West Part 1 and Part 2
Western Life for Over 100 Years: The Story of the National Western Stock Show

Links

About Rick Knight
Muley Fanatic Foundation
The Little Jennie Ranch
National Western Stock Show

Need professional help finding, buying or selling a legacy ranch, contact us:

Mirr Ranch Group

901 Acoma Street

Denver, CO 80204

Phone: (303) 623-4545

https://www.MirrRanchGroup.com/

In this episode of Voices of the West, Haley chats with Amanda Weaver, a geographer, professor, and the farmer behind Five Fridges Farm, a unique urban farm near Denver. Amanda shares her journey from academia to hands-on farming, her innovative approach to urban conservation, and the challenges she faces balancing farm life in a suburban environment. The duo chat about Amanda's work with conservation easements, goat grazing programs for invasive species control, and the importance of connecting urban communities to local agriculture.

Whether you’re starting a journey into urban farming, or just interested in learning more about urban easements, Amanda’s farm, or goats, this episode provides a fascinating peek into the world of inner-city agriculture!

Topics

0:00 - Introduction
1:19 - Amanda’s journey: from geography to urban farming
4:54 - Conservation easements and 5 Fridges Farm
8:28 - Learning the ropes of urban farming
15:40 - Diversifying income strategies
18:52 - Goats for invasive weed management
27:50 - Community response and connection
31:19 - Challenges of urban farming
42:05 - Conservation easement and urban green spaces with Colorado Open Lands
50:47 - Advice for aspiring landowners

Links
5 Fridges Farm
Colorado Open Lands
Rocky Mountain Farmers Union
The Land Institute
Savory Institute

Need professional help finding, buying or selling a legacy ranch, contact us:

Mirr Ranch Group

901 Acoma Street

Denver, CO 80204

Phone: (303) 623-4545

https://www.MirrRanchGroup.com/

In our new series Voices of the West, Haley sits down with Marissa Taylor of Lonetree Ranch in Wyoming to explore the unique challenges and rewards of managing a family-owned ranch. From winter prep to implementing sustainable conservation practices, Marissa shares how Lonetree Ranch balances biodiversity with agricultural production through collaboration and ecological stewardship. Tune in to learn how ranchers like Marissa are preserving open spaces and wildlife habitats while sustaining the ranching way of life in the modern West.

Topics

[0:00] Welcome to Voices of the West!

[2:10] Lonetree Ranch - history and background

[4:58] Conservation and Collaboration at Lonetree

[12:18] Prioritizing Ranch Projects

[17:01] Challenges with Public Land Access

[23:16] Migratory Projects in Wyoming

[26:13] Connection Ranching, Conservation, and Biodiversity

Links

Lonetree Ranch Website

Need professional help finding, buying or selling a legacy ranch, contact us:

Mirr Ranch Group

901 Acoma Street

Denver, CO 80204

Phone: (303) 623-4545

https://www.MirrRanchGroup.com/

Haley catches up with Senior VP of Mirr Ranch Group Jeff Hubbard to dive into the world of upland bird hunting. Jeff shares his deep knowledge and personal experiences from growing up hunting in Georgia to pursuing upland birds across the U.S., and how he's seen the hunting landscape change over the years.

Interested in getting in on the hunt? Haley and Jeff explore what makes a ranch ideal for upland bird hunting, including essential habitat features like food, water, and cover, as well as what it takes to sustain bird populations on private lands.

Listeners will learn the ins and outs of hunting with dogs, key upland bird species like quail, pheasants, and grouse, and the specific challenges facing the upland bird population. Jeff also discusses how to prepare for the hunt, including training dogs and understanding the seasonal rhythms of upland bird habitats. Plus, they cover some of the best upland bird hunting spots across the American West.

Topics

[0:00] Introduction to Jeff and Upland Bird Hunting

[2:43] What makes a ranch ideal for hunts?

[8:11] Best hunting locations and bird behavior

[16:06] Man’s best friend and memorable hunts

[24:13] Comparing upland bird with big game

[29:37] Speed round and best recipes

Need professional help finding, buying or selling a legacy ranch, contact us:

Mirr Ranch Group

901 Acoma Street

Denver, CO 80204

Phone: (303) 623-4545

https://www.MirrRanchGroup.com/

In this episode, Haley chats with Harrison King from King Land and Water to explore the current state of the Texas ranch market. They dive into how Texas differs from the Rocky Mountain region, highlighting Texas' unique landscape of predominantly private land ownership. The conversation also delves into the challenges of conservation in Texas, focusing on the state's distinct water rights system and the impact of exotic species on native wildlife.

Harrison also sheds light on market conditions across Texas, with high demand and low inventory in West Texas, while regions like the Hill Country are seeing a cooling down from recent activity. They discuss how inflation and interest rates are affecting ranch real estate, along with strategies for landowners to generate income through hunting and sustainable grazing. If you’re curious about Texas, its vast real estate opportunities, and the variety of landscapes it offers potential buyers, you won’t want to miss this conversation!

Topics -

[0:00] Introduction to King Land and Water

[5:21] Conservation properties in Texas vs the Rockies

[11:00] Water rights in Texas

[19:00] Advice for buyer’s remorse

[24:51] Management and sustainability practices in Texas

[28:48] Conservation projects changing Texas

[31:44] The future of conservation in Texas

Need professional help finding, buying or selling a legacy ranch, contact us:

Mirr Ranch Group

901 Acoma Street

Denver, CO 80204

Phone: (303) 623-4545

https://www.MirrRanchGroup.com/

In this episode, collaboration is key! Haley teams up with the team at Ranch Stewards Alliance, a group of fellow ranchers (and podcasters!) to talk about support, community, and what’s new in ranching innovations out west.

Leo Barthelmess, rancher and president of the Ranch Stewards Alliance (RSA), and Martin Townsend, RSA's conservation manager, join Haley to talk about the power of community and collaboration in sustainable ranching. Ranchers and conservationists are working together to integrate conservation efforts into ranch operations, using innovative tools like virtual fencing and managed grazing systems to protect wildlife habitats and improve land management. Leo and Martin share how their community in Montana has built stronger relationships between ranchers, conservation groups, and agencies, creating mutual respect and shared goals across the landscape.

Listen in to learn how these collaborative efforts are reshaping the future of ranching, fostering economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion. This conversation is a blueprint for how rural communities can come together to address conservation challenges while supporting the livelihoods of ranchers.

Topics
[0:00] Introduction to RSA
[4:32] Holistic stewardship and the role of RSA
[9:42] New techniques: Virtual fencing and grazing systems
[15:01] Working with landowners and conservation programs
[27:37] How community impacts collaboration

Links
About Ranch Stewardship Alliance
The Rancher Steward’s Podcast

Need professional help finding, buying or selling a legacy ranch, contact us:

Mirr Ranch Group

901 Acoma Street

Denver, CO 80204

Phone: (303) 623-4545

https://www.MirrRanchGroup.com/

In this episode, Haley sits down with Mirr Ranch Group Broker Willy Strazza for an in-depth conversation about the current state of the ranch real estate market and the intricacies of buyer representation. Willy offers valuable insights into market conditions and inventory levels, shedding light on the advantages of working with a buyer's agent. He walks us through his process of understanding clients' needs, thoroughly researching properties, conducting due diligence, and navigating complex transactions.

The discussion also explores the challenges that can arise during transactions, the importance of leveraging industry connections, and Willy’s top advice for buyers considering entering the ranch real estate market. Whether you're a seasoned buyer or new to the market, this episode is packed with expert tips and strategies to help you succeed in your ranch purchase journey.

Topics
[0:41] Intro and market overview
[2:52] Understanding buyer representation
[8:58] Handling challenges and leveraging connections
[15:24] Off-market opportunities
[18:47] Current market outlook
[23:53] Broker Speed Round
[27:57] Final advice for buyers

Need professional help finding, buying or selling a legacy ranch, contact us:

Mirr Ranch Group

901 Acoma Street

Denver, CO 80204

Phone: (303) 623-4545

https://www.MirrRanchGroup.com/

This week, Haley is joined by Colin Woodall, CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), to dive deep into the cattle ranching industry. From his roots on a small cow-calf operation in Texas to leading the nation’s oldest and largest trade association for cattle producers, Colin shares his journey and answers all your cattle-related questions.

Discover the critical role NCBA plays in advocating for cattle producers and landowners nationwide. Colin also sheds light on the current state of the cattle market, revealing why now is a prime time to be a cattle rancher. Thinking about getting started? Colin and Haley discuss tips, tricks, and resources to help you break into the industry.

Whether you’re a seasoned rancher or just “cattle-curious”, this episode offers valuable insights into how cattle ranching sustains our lands and provides a high-quality, sustainable protein source to the U.S. and beyond. Join the "mooovement" and tune in!

Topics

[1:00] Introduction

[4:39] The role and reach of the NCBA

[13:07] NCBA’s research on nutrition

[15:51] Myth Busted: Cow Farts

[23:09] Positive environmental impacts of cattle

[28:47] Current market conditions

[33:49] International market impacts

[40:41] Resources for cattle ranchers

Resources and Links
ncba.org

Cattlemen to Cattlemen - YouTube

beefresearch.org

beefitswhatsfordinner.com

Need professional help finding, buying or selling a legacy ranch, contact us:

Mirr Ranch Group

901 Acoma Street

Denver, CO 80204

Phone: (303) 623-4545

https://www.MirrRanchGroup.com/