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Ranch Workforce Project

Rebuilding the Pipeline, One Hire at a Time The Ranch Workforce Project is a limited-series collaboration between the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance and Montana State University’s Dan Scott Ranch Management Program. Hosted by Haylie Shipp and co-hosted by Dr. Rachel Frost, this series confronts one of the most pressing challenges in American agriculture: the deepening labor shortage on farms and ranches. Today’s ranch workforce pipeline is strained and increasingly inexperienced, and many who enter the industry do so with romanticized expectations. At the same time, many ranch operations lack the HR structure, training systems, and cultural tools needed to help new employees succeed. This series brings employers, educators, consultants, and ranch professionals together to close that gap. Across conversations with industry experts, ranch managers, HR specialists, and students preparing to enter the field, we explore practical solutions such as onboarding seasonal workers, cultivating meaningful work environments, understanding the true value of exceptional employees, and preparing ranches to train the next generation. We also highlight underutilized pathways, including veterans and urban-raised youth returning to family ranches. Our goal: to strengthen the agricultural workforce pipeline, elevate the ranching workplace, and help producers recruit, train, and retain top-tier talent for the future.

Latest Video

What Are Ranch Workers Really Worth?

What should ranch workers really be paid, and why is it so hard to talk about? In this episode of the Ranch Workforce Project, host Haylie Shipp is joined by Dr. Rachel Frost and guest McKenzie Rojas of Arrow M Cattle Company to dig into one of the most talked about and least openly discussed topics in agriculture: wages. McKenzie brings a unique perspective as both an employer and employee in the cattle industry. Through her growing social media platform, she has helped spark honest conversations around ranch compensation, expectations, and transparency. In this episode, we cover: - What a compensation package really looks like in ranching - Typical wage ranges across experience levels - Why benefits like housing, beef, and horses matter - The role of transparency in reducing turnover - How employers and employees can better understand each other - Why the future of ag depends on getting this right Learn more about the Dan Scott Ranch Management Program: https://animalrange.montana.edu/danscott/ Follow McKenzie and join the conversation at Arrow M Cattle Company: https://www.facebook.com/ArrowMPH/ Like, subscribe, and share if you found this episode helpful.

Videos

What Are Ranch Workers Really Worth?

Burnout on the Ranch: The Hidden Cost of Pushing Too Hard

Burnout on the ranch is not just a people problem. It is costing operations time, money, and good employees. In this episode of the Ranch Workforce Project, host Haylie Shipp and co-host Dr. Rachel Frost are joined by JD Hill from Padlock Ranch and Caroline Wild from Wild Ranch Solutions to talk about burnout in agriculture from both the employer and employee perspective. They discuss what burnout looks like on a ranch, why it impacts your bottom line, and how better communication and management can help prevent it. In this episode, we cover - What burnout looks like in ranching - Why burnout affects efficiency and profitability - Warning signs employers should watch for - Communication strategies that actually work - The role of expectations and workload - How ranch culture contributes to burnout - Practical ways to support your workforce Guests JD Hill, Padlock Ranch Caroline Wild, Wild Ranch Solutions Resources and Links Caroline Wild LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-wild-a27067229 Padlock Ranch https://padlockranch.com/ Dan Scott Ranch Management Program https://animalrange.montana.edu/danscott/ Burnout often shows up as missed details, fatigue, and disengagement. It affects safety, morale, and profitability. Clear communication, realistic expectations, and taking time away from work are critical to building a sustainable ranch workforce.

Why Your Best Employees Leave

Why do your best employees leave? It is probably not the paycheck. If you are struggling with ranch employee retention, this is something you need to hear. Watch the full episode for practical ways to build a team that stays: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2z0yqQNc_8 #ranching #agriculture #employeeretention

Why Your Best Employees Leave and How to Make Them Stay

Struggling to keep good ranch employees? Learn how to improve employee retention, ranch culture, and job satisfaction in agriculture. In this episode of The Ranch Workforce Project, host Haylie Shipp and co-host Dr. Rachel Frost sit down with Chris Redman to talk about how to keep great employees on your ranch. If you are dealing with high turnover, burnout, or hiring challenges in agriculture, this conversation is for you. Chris shares real world experience from managing large ranch operations and working in human resources. The discussion focuses on practical ways to improve ranch workplace culture, strengthen your team, and create an environment where employees want to stay long term. You will hear insights on onboarding new employees, integrating them into both the ranch and the local community, improving morale, and recognizing early signs of burnout. The episode also explores generational differences in expectations, work life balance in agriculture, and how better communication can reduce turnover. Dr. Rachel Frost is the Program Leader of the Dan Scott Ranch Management Program at Montana State University. Learn more about the program here: https://animalrange.montana.edu/danscott/ If you are a ranch owner, manager, or part of an agricultural operation, this episode will help you build a stronger team and reduce employee turnover. Subscribe for more content on ranch management, agriculture careers, leadership, and workforce development in the beef industry. --------------------------------------------------- #ranching #agriculture #ranchmanagement #employeeretention ranch employee retention, how to keep ranch employees, agriculture jobs, ranch jobs, ranch management, employee retention strategies, farm and ranch workforce, agriculture careers, ranch leadership, reducing employee turnover, hiring ranch employees, rural workforce, ag careers, ranch culture, livestock operations

How Good Onboarding Builds Better Ranch Employees

Hiring the right person is only the first step. In this episode of the Ranch Stewards Podcast, Haylie Shipp and Rachel Frost visit with Aaron Paulson of Switchback Ranch about the importance of onboarding employees on farms and ranches. Aaron has supervised dozens of employees throughout his career and shares the lessons he has learned about setting people up for success from day one. From paperwork and expectations to hands-on training and communication, he explains why a thoughtful onboarding process can make the difference between a frustrating season and a productive one. The conversation explores onboarding across a range of roles, including interns, apprentices, seasonal employees, and full-time hires. They discuss why those first days and weeks on the job matter so much for building confidence, establishing workplace culture, and helping employees understand how their role fits into the bigger picture of a ranch operation. Aaron also shares practical strategies he uses at Switchback Ranch, including structured first-day orientation, clear reporting lines, hands-on training, and helping employees set personal learning goals during their time on the ranch. Topics covered in this episode include: Why first impressions matter for new employees What onboarding really means on a working ranch How investing time up front can prevent frustration later Creating structure and clear expectations for new hires The "see it, do it, teach it" approach to training Helping employees build confidence in new roles How communication and clear reporting structures reduce conflict Supporting employee growth through continuing education Why seasonal employees can become a pipeline for future hires The value of feedback and exit conversations when employees move on Good onboarding does not just help employees succeed in the short term. It can strengthen workplace culture, improve productivity, and help build the next generation of agricultural professionals.

Cracking the Code to the Ideal Ranch Employee

Finding and hiring the right people is one of the biggest challenges in ranch management today. In this episode of the Ranch Workforce Project, host Haylie Shipp of the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance and co-host Rachel Frost of the Dan Scott Ranch Management Program at Montana State University are joined by Dr. Trey Patterson, CEO of Padlock Ranch. Together they explore how ranches can attract, evaluate, and hire great employees in today’s agricultural workforce. From writing clear job descriptions and advertising ranch jobs to conducting meaningful interviews and setting expectations, this conversation focuses on practical strategies ranch managers can use to improve their hiring process. Dr. Patterson shares how Padlock Ranch approaches recruiting and interviewing candidates, while Frost offers perspective from preparing students to enter the ranch workforce through the Dan Scott Ranch Management Program. One key takeaway from this discussion is that hiring the right ranch employee often comes down to more than just experience. Attitude, humility, motivation, and the willingness to learn are often just as important as technical skills. The group also discusses the importance of communicating clearly about expectations, culture, and the realities of working in remote ranch environments. If you are a ranch manager, landowner, or someone interested in careers in agriculture and ranching, this episode offers practical insight into what makes a great ranch employee and how to build a strong ranch team. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Why ranch labor challenges are not only about the work, but also about changing workforce expectations How writing clear job descriptions helps attract the right applicants Why ranches should think about building careers rather than simply filling jobs The importance of attitude, humility, and motivation when evaluating candidates How structured interviews can help reveal character and problem solving ability Why honesty about remote locations and job realities helps prevent hiring mismatches How ranches can expand their candidate pool through intentional recruiting and outreach KEY DISCUSSION POINTS Creating a job people actually want Instead of assuming people no longer want ranch jobs, operations should consider whether the job structure, expectations, and opportunities align with what today’s workforce is looking for. Attitude matters as much as experience While technical skills can be taught, traits like humility, motivation, and a willingness to learn are harder to develop. Both Patterson and Frost emphasize that attitude and soft skills often determine whether someone will succeed in a ranch environment. The value of a structured interview process Padlock Ranch has moved toward a more formal interview process that includes clear job descriptions, open-ended questions, and multiple interviewers. This approach helps reveal how candidates think, communicate, and respond to challenges. Honesty about the realities of ranch work Working on a ranch can mean remote locations, long distances to town, and unique lifestyle challenges. Being transparent about these realities during the hiring process helps ensure that candidates understand what the job truly involves. Recruiting intentionally Finding strong candidates often requires intentional outreach. Patterson shares how Padlock Ranch uses social media and targeted job announcements to reach a wider pool of applicants. Preparing the next generation of ranch managers Frost discusses how the Dan Scott Ranch Management Program prepares students for careers in the ranch industry, emphasizing adaptability, problem solving, and leadership. RESOURCES AND LINKS Dan Scott Ranch Management Program https://animalrange.montana.edu/danscott/ Padlock Ranch https://padlockranch.com/ Dr. Trey Patterson on the Ranching Returns Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/176-dr-trey-patterson-padlock-ranch/id1555361402?i=1000658419243 ABOUT THE RANCH WORKFORCE PROJECT The Ranch Workforce Project explores real-world challenges and solutions related to ranch labor, including recruiting, hiring, and building strong workplace cultures across the ranching industry. #Ranching #RanchJobs #Agriculture #RanchManagement #AgCareers #Livestock #CowCalf #WesternRanching #AgWorkforce #RanchLife

Intentional Short Term Labor: Seasonal Work, Internships, and Apprenticeships Explained

Labor continues to be one of the biggest pressure points in agriculture. But when you are not hiring a full-time, long-term employee, the real question becomes: What kind of help do you actually need? In this episode of the Ranch Workforce Project, host Haylie Shipp and co-host Rachel Frost sit down with Taylre Sitz Zempel of Sitz Angus Ranch and Dan Leahy of the Foundation for Ranch Management to break down the practical differences between seasonal labor, internships, and apprenticeships. This conversation goes beyond definitions. It dives into expectations, responsibility, logistics, mindset, and the long-term impact these roles can have on the ranch workforce pipeline. What We Cover -- Seasonal Labor -- A largely transactional relationship. A defined timeframe, clear expectations, and productivity that directly impacts profitability. Often requires minimal training and the ability to step in and contribute quickly. -- Internships -- A shorter-term learning opportunity. Ranches may invest more time in training and mentorship while students gain exposure, experience, and foundational skills. Internships can play a significant role in shaping the next generation entering agriculture. -- Apprenticeships -- A longer-term, structured commitment with higher expectations on both sides. Focused not only on completing tasks but on developing thought processes, decision-making ability, and mastery. Apprenticeships often serve as a bridge into long-term careers and leadership roles. Key Themes from the Conversation - Words matter. Titles like intern and apprentice carry real expectations. Ranchers must be honest about how much time and training they can realistically provide. - Soft skills such as communication, humility, reflection, and attitude are just as important as technical skills. - Logistics matter. Housing, transportation, and basic living arrangements can make or break a placement. - The workforce pipeline in agriculture is not empty. There are young people eager to enter the industry, but clarity and alignment are critical. - Internships and apprenticeships do more than fill labor gaps. They help build the future of agriculture beyond a single ranch gate. - You will also hear powerful stories of growth, failure, perseverance, and the long-term impact of mentorship. Learn More Dan Scott Ranch Management Program https://animalrange.montana.edu/danscott/ Sitz Angus Ranch https://www.sitzangus.com/ If you are considering bringing on seasonal labor, an intern, or an apprentice, this episode offers practical guidance and encouragement to help you decide which structure best fits your operation and your long-term goals. Want to support the work of the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance? Visit www.RanchStewards.org/support.

Bringing New Hands, New Ideas, and New Energy into the Agricultural Workforce

Every working ranch tells two stories, the one behind us, and the one we are still trying to write. This episode marks the beginning of a 10 episode limited series collaboration between Ranchers Stewardship Alliance and the Dan Scott Ranch Management Program. Together, the series focuses on one of the most pressing challenges facing agriculture today, labor. In Episode 1, host Haylie Shipp is joined by co host Rachel Frost and guest Marty Ropp to explore why the traditional agricultural labor pipeline is no longer enough. The conversation centers on why the industry must look beyond familiar avenues, reach people we are not currently engaging, and rethink long held assumptions about who belongs in agriculture. Marty Ropp brings decades of experience from the beef genetics industry and shares insights from launching New Acres, a nonprofit focused on connecting people with life changing careers in agriculture. Rachel Frost provides perspective from the collegiate level through her leadership of the Dan Scott Ranch Management Program, which blends academic instruction with hands on, on the ground ranch internships. Together, they discuss: - Why the agricultural labor shortage requires new ways of thinking - The importance of looking outside traditional recruitment channels Challenges that arise when bringing new people into rural and agricultural spaces - How ranchers, educators, and industry leaders must adapt their approach to training and mentorship - Why changing how we think about labor is essential to the future of working lands and rural communities - This episode sets the foundation for a series of honest conversations about labor, leadership, and the future of agriculture. About the Series The Ranch Workforce Project is a 10 episode limited series created in collaboration between Ranchers Stewardship Alliance and the Dan Scott Ranch Management Program at Montana State University. Each episode focuses on labor in agriculture, exploring practical challenges and real world solutions from multiple perspectives including ranchers, students, educators, and industry leaders. Featured Organizations Dan Scott Ranch Management Program (Montana State University) https://www.montana.edu/ranchmanagement/ New Acres https://www.newacresproject.org/

Introducing the Ranch Workforce Project

The Ranch Workforce Project is a limited series podcast collaboration between the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance and Montana State University’s Dan Scott Ranch Management Program. While the series is rooted in ranching, the conversations are relevant across all of agriculture, including farming, orchards, specialty crop operations, and diversified agricultural businesses facing workforce challenges. In this preview episode, host Haylie Shipp is joined by Rachel Frost to introduce the purpose of the series and the shared labor issues affecting agricultural operations nationwide. From recruiting and training new employees to managing expectations, workplace culture, and long term career pathways, this series takes a practical look at how agriculture can better prepare, support, and retain its workforce. Drawing on experience working directly with both producers and students, this episode sets the stage for honest conversations about what is working, what is not, and where opportunities exist to strengthen the agricultural labor pipeline, regardless of operation size or production type. In This Episode, We Cover: - Why workforce challenges are affecting every sector of agriculture - The disconnect between interested young people and agricultural employment opportunities - Managing expectations for both employers and employees - The role of mentorship, communication, and workplace culture in employee retention - What listeners can expect from the Ranch Workforce Project series