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.
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