#248 – Derek Schwanebeck – Seasonal Grazing for Improved Lifestyle and Profit
Derek Schwanebeck and his wife took over her family’s ranch and weren’t afraid to make changes to improve both profitability and quality of life. They transitioned from a traditional owned cow/calf operation to a fully seasonal custom grazing model focused on fall...
#248 – Derek Schwanebeck – Seasonal Grazing for Improved Lifestyle and Profit
Derek Schwanebeck and his wife took over her family’s ranch and weren’t afraid to make changes to improve both profitability and quality of life. They transitioned from a traditional owned cow/calf operation to a fully seasonal custom grazing model focused on fall cows, bringing in cows each...
#181 – John Wagner – Taking Over a Non-Family Ranch
In the last episode, Pete Ferrell shares his experience buying back the family ranch and his perspective on passing on the grazing business to somebody not in his family. Today, we talk to that somebody, John Wagner, and hear his story of taking over the business and...
#180 – Pete Ferrell – Continuing a Ranch Legacy to Non-Family
Pete Ferrell shares his story of building his ranch and buying much of his original family ranch back from other family members after it was split up in the past. He shares his decision to move largely to custom grazing and explains why and how he found a non-family...
#179 – Jared Faubus – Building His Own Ranch
I often wonder if the best route into agriculture might be to get a job with a high income that can then be used to reinvest in land and livestock. Jared followed that route and has been buying land and livestock while working full time off the ranch. Resources...
#178 – Eric Bailey – Doubling Down on Stockers
Eric Bailey shares his experience and research comparing a full season-long stocker operation and a doubled stocking rate for half the season. You may be surprised at the results. We discuss them and all the other benefits from this method of doubling the stocking...
#177 – Duane Thompson – Crop/Livestock Integration at Scale
Duane and his family have done an awesome job of integrating livestock and cropland in a way that benefits both. Piling and grazing crop residue keeps cow winter feed costs low, and rotating cropland into pasture has resulted in organic matter increasing by several...
#176 – Dr. Trey Patterson – Padlock Ranch
Dr. Trey Patterson manages the Padlock Ranch, a large family-owned diversified cattle and farming operation in Wyoming. He joins me today to talk about their management and marketing strategies, family ranch ownership dynamics, and much more! Resources Mentioned: The...
#175 – Tony Malmberg – Ranching Success Story
Tony Malmberg started his ranching career with enough setbacks to make most people quit forever. He faced bankruptcy, the death of his father, and divorce. But by being willing to think differently and ranch differently, he ultimately had a very successful career in...
#174 – Rory Londer – Bonus Episode with Crack Addict Who Broke Free
This is the first bonus episode, which admittedly has very little to do with grazing, livestock, farming, or ranching. Rory Londer shares his story of dealing with addiction, homelessness, prison, and more, but breaking free and creating a successful business and real...
#173 – Steve Kenyon – Custom Grazing on Leased Land
Steve Kenyon of Greener Pastures Ranching is someone I've wanted to interview for a while, and I finally had the opportunity. He's built a business entirely around grazing other people's livestock on nearly 3,000 acres of leased land! This has resulted in a great...
#172 – Jared Sorensen – Profitable Steward
Jared Sorensen is a rancher and host of the Profitable Steward Podcast. He shares his story of building a successful ranch and discusses all the enterprises they have experience with, including sheep, cows, custom grazing, and direct marketing. Resources Mentioned:...
#171 – Rylan Crawford – 600 Cow Ranch by 31 Years Old
At only 31 years old, Rylan has built a thriving cow/calf operation with over 600 cows. He's not only acquiring his own land base but also expanding on leased properties. In sharing his strategies for cattle production and growth, Rylan sheds light on what has...
#170 – Nic De Castro – Monetizing Recreation on Your Farm or Ranch
Nic De Castro is the founder of LandTrust, a company that partners with farmers and ranchers to help them diversify their income streams by monetizing various agricultural experiences and recreational opportunities on their farms and ranches. This can provide many...
About the Ranching Returns Podcast
On this podcast, we talk to farmers and ranchers who are leading the industry in so many ways. We’ll discuss the various returns they get from ranching, including, of course, the significant financial returns, but also returns to their land resources and ultimately the amazing lifestyle. That might be the most important return ranching can offer!
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No Bull for You!
Around the office at PCC® Headquarters, I am jokingly referred to as the only bull salesman who talks people out of buying bulls. It’s true! I’m the Bull Nazi. During bull-sale season, I probably talk at least one potential customer out of buying our bulls every week. I have my reasons! We encourage potential new customers to call me and to allow me to work a Quick Sort with them. Before we begin the sorting process, I like to ask a few questions about their...






