Ranchonomics

Latest Episodes:

Brian & Jill Munger — Help Enough People and Everything Else Follows [Ranchonomics Stories Ep 7] Jul 23, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Ranchonomics Stories, John Haskell sits down with Brian and Jill Munger to share the journey of building a diversified ranch business while continually creating new opportunities. From taking over family responsibilities at a young age to expanding into registered cattle, custom grazing, educational ventures, and even hospitality, the Mungers reflect on the decisions, relationships, and mindset that have shaped their business. Their story is one of embracing change, saying yes to opportunity, and learning that growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.

Throughout the conversation, Brian and Jill discuss balancing family and business, navigating rapid growth, and the challenge of deciding what deserves their time and attention. They share lessons on leadership, succession planning, continuous learning, and the value of building strong relationships throughout the ranching industry. More than anything, this episode is about living with a mindset of service, believing that when you help enough other people succeed, success has a way of following.

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In this episode, we cover:

How Brian and Jill built a diversified business by continually pursuing new opportunities
Why relationships have been one of the greatest drivers of their success
The challenges of balancing multiple businesses while protecting time and focus
Lessons learned from expanding into hospitality and other non-traditional ventures
How Brian and Jill are preparing for succession and the next generation
Why continuous learning and personal development have shaped their journey

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At Ranch Right, we help producers slow decisions down just enough to see the real tradeoffs: cash flow, risk, and long-term impact. Better information leads to better decisions—and better sleep. If you want more confidence in the choices you’re making, click below to learn more.

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107. Don’t Step Over Dollars to Pick up Pennies: Time, Focus & Opportunity Cost with Amos Troester Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

In Part 2 of John Haskell's conversation with Amos Troester (listen to Part 1 here), the focus shifts from forage systems to business thinking. Amos explains why many producers miss profitable opportunities by focusing on minimizing expenses rather than maximizing returns. Through real-world examples, he shares how integrating livestock with cover crops and annual forages can generate additional revenue, increase carrying capacity, and improve profitability, all while making better use of the same acres.

The conversation also explores the mindset required to adopt new systems, from starting small and learning through experience to viewing biomass as a marketable crop. Amos discusses the economic and agronomic benefits of integrating grazing into cropping systems, including improved weed suppression, erosion control, soil health, and overall resilience. The episode is a reminder that the biggest opportunities often come from thinking differently about the resources you already have.

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In this episode, we cover:

Why producers should focus on return, not just cost, when evaluating new opportunities
How grazing annual forages can increase carrying capacity and improve profitability
Why biomass should be viewed as a valuable crop, not just a byproduct
The importance of starting small when adopting new grazing and cropping systems
How cover crops can reduce herbicide costs while improving soil health and erosion control
Practical strategies for managing mud, compaction, and grazing intensity
Why staying open to new ideas can unlock opportunities that transform your business

Connect with Amos:

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Send an email at TBarACattle@gmail.com

Connect with Ranch Right:

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Pete Ferrell — Five Generations and a Ranch Worth Fighting For [Ranchonomics Stories Ep 6] Jul 16, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Ranchonomics Stories, John Haskell sits down with longtime friend Pete Ferrell to share the remarkable story of a ranch worth fighting for that has remained in his family since 1888. Pete reflects on the generations that came before him, the responsibility of stewarding a family legacy, and the difficult decisions required to keep the ranch financially viable through changing markets, family transitions, and decades of uncertainty. His story is one of resilience, continual learning, and a commitment to leaving the ranch stronger than he found it.

Throughout the conversation, Pete shares how mentors, financial discipline, custom grazing, and a willingness to rethink traditional approaches transformed both the ranch and his outlook on management. He discusses succession planning, separating land ownership from the operating business, and why the ultimate goal is not simply to preserve a ranch but to create opportunities for future generations to build meaningful lives connected to it. More than anything, this episode is a story about stewardship, adaptability, and building something that lasts.

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In this episode, we cover:

The history of the Ferrell Ranch and the responsibility of carrying a five-generation legacy forward
How Pete used custom grazing and cash flow planning to navigate financial challenges
The influence of mentors like Stan Parsons on Pete's approach to ranch management
Why separating land ownership from the operating business created a stronger succession plan
How continually adapting management has kept the ranch resilient through changing conditions
Why preserving a ranch means creating opportunity, not just protecting assets

Connect with Ranch Right:

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Check out all of our past webinars here

Resources & Links:

Knowledge Rich Ranching by Allan Nation
Book a Free Discovery Call to Learn More
Ranching for Profit
Ranching.FYI
Wally Olson, Olson Ranch LLC

Mentioned in this episode:

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106. Screwworm 2026: What's Happening, What to Watch, and What to Do with Travis Krause Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

With screwworm confirmed in Texas for the first time in decades, producers across the country are asking what it means for their operations. In this special episode of the Ranchonomics Podcast, John Haskell is joined by Travis Krause to separate fact from fiction and explain what ranchers need to know about the outbreak. Travis discusses the biology of screwworm, why it poses such a serious threat to livestock and wildlife, how the sterile fly program has historically controlled its spread, and what producers in affected areas should be doing right now.

The conversation also explores how the outbreak could affect cattle movement, biosecurity, and markets across the United States. While producers in South Texas face the greatest immediate impact, John and Travis emphasize that most ranchers should focus on preparation rather than panic. They discuss practical steps for monitoring livestock, documenting animal movements, strengthening biosecurity, and adapting management plans as regulations continue to evolve.

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In this episode, we cover:

What screwworm is and why it poses a serious threat to livestock and wildlife
How the sterile fly program successfully eradicated screwworm and why it's back in the U.S.
What producers in affected areas should do to monitor, treat, and report suspected cases
How quarantine zones and changing regulations may affect cattle movement
Why stronger biosecurity practices benefit every cattle operation, regardless of location
How the outbreak could influence cattle markets and marketing decisions
The practical changes Travis has made to his own operation in response to the outbreak

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Josh Lucas — Building a Ranch Without Waiting for the Perfect Opportunity [Ranchonomics Stories Ep 5] Jul 09, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Ranchonomics Stories, John Haskell sits down with Josh Lucas to share the story of building a ranching business from the ground up in Vermont. Starting with rented land, a side job, and a willingness to pursue every opportunity that generated cash flow, Josh reflects on the early years of hauling livestock, leasing overlooked pastures, and steadily growing his operation one decision at a time. Along the way, he shares how working for someone else became a form of paid education and laid the foundation for building his own successful business.

The conversation explores the mindset shifts that helped Josh move beyond simply working harder to building a business that creates both profitability and freedom. From learning to focus on the right enterprises to outsourcing low-value tasks, investing in relationships, and protecting time with his family, Josh shares the lessons that transformed both his ranch and his life. More than anything, this episode is a story about creating opportunity through persistence, continual learning, and a willingness to think differently.

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In this episode, we cover:

How Josh built a ranching business by starting small and pursuing every cash flow opportunity
Why working for someone else can be one of the best investments in your own future
Lessons learned from leasing overlooked ground and creating value where others didn't see it
How Ranching for Profit changed the way Josh evaluated enterprises and managed his business
Why protecting your time can be more valuable than doing everything yourself
The role of mentors, relationships, and long-term planning in building a successful operation
Why Josh believes there are still tremendous opportunities for people willing to start from scratch

Connect with Josh:

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Check out all of our past webinars here

Resources & Links:

Mentioned in this episode:

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105. From Row Crops to Forage Crops: A New Way to Think About Your Acres with Amos Troester Jul 07, 2026

Show notes

Many producers think of cover crops as an added expense, but what if they could become a profitable enterprise? In part one of a two-part conversation, John Haskell sits down with Amos Troester to explore how integrating livestock with cover crops and annual forages can unlock new revenue streams while improving soil health and reducing input costs. Amos shares how his first-generation farming operation has evolved from a conventional row-crop system into a diversified business centered on cattle, cover crops, seed production, and custom planting services.

The conversation explores row crops to forage crops, the economics of grazing annuals, and why biomass production may be a more useful metric for evaluating land than bushels alone. Amos also explains how reducing fertilizer use, extending the grazing season, and viewing farmland through a livestock lens can create new opportunities for both crop and cattle producers.

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In this episode, we cover:

How integrating livestock can increase the value of row crop acres
The difference between cover crops and forage crops
Why biomass production may matter more than crop yield alone
How annual forages can reduce fertilizer and feed costs
The economics of grazing cover crops and small grain systems
Why diversified enterprises create greater resilience in challenging commodity markets

Connect with Amos:

Check out his website

Connect with Ranch Right:

Subscribe on YouTube
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Check out the website
Check out all of our past webinars here

Resources & Links:

Mentioned in this episode:

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Ben Habig — 45 Goats, a Rented Duplex, and a Business Nobody Else Was Building [Ranchonomics Stories Ep 4] Jul 02, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Ranchonomics Stories, John Haskell sits down with Ben Habig to share the unconventional path that led him from a rented duplex and a small herd of goats to building a prescribed grazing business in Montana. Along the way, Ben navigated multiple pivots, including growing and selling a goat enterprise, moving more than 1,500 miles across the country, working as an employee to gain experience and create new opportunities, and ultimately launching a business focused on helping landowners manage invasive weeds through targeted grazing.

The conversation explores the realities of entrepreneurship, including risk, uncertainty, relocation, and the constant need to adapt while building a business nobody else was building. Ben reflects on lessons learned from entering unfamiliar environments, building new relationships, finding opportunities where others saw obstacles, and creating a scalable business model from the ground up. More than anything, this episode is a story about persistence, flexibility, and being willing to evolve your vision while staying committed to the larger goal.

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In this episode, we cover:

How Ben went from 45 goats and a rented duplex to building a prescribed grazing business
Why selling a successful goat operation created new opportunities instead of ending the journey
The challenges and rewards of moving 1,500 miles to pursue a new vision
How prescribed grazing became the foundation for a scalable business model
Lessons learned from adapting to a completely different climate, landscape, and production environment
Why relationships, mentors, and professional networks accelerate opportunity
How Ben and his wife Lauren have navigated entrepreneurship as partners with complementary strengths

Connect with Ben:

Check out his website
Follow on Instagram @habiglivestock
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Subscribe on YouTube

Connect with Ranch Right:

Subscribe on YouTube
Follow on Instagram @ranchrightllc
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Check out all of our past webinars here

Resources & Links:

Mentioned in this episode:

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104. You Can’t Build a Sustainable Ranch on Unsustainable Effort — Josh Lucas Jun 30, 2026

Show notes

Burnout, stress, and mental health are not topics often discussed in ranching, but they affect nearly every producer at some point. In this episode, John Haskell sits down with Vermont rancher Josh Lucas to discuss the realities of balancing business ownership, family responsibilities, and the pressures that come with building a ranch. Josh shares his personal experience with burnout, a panic attack that forced him to reevaluate his approach to work, and the lessons he learned about sustainability beyond the balance sheet.

The conversation explores the connection between mental well-being, relationships, leadership, and business performance. Josh explains why caring for yourself is not selfish, how financial stress can compound burnout, and why sustainable businesses require sustainable effort. They also discuss the importance of focusing on what you can control, building strong support systems, and recognizing that no one succeeds alone.

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In this episode, we cover:

Josh's experience with burnout and what led to a panic attack
How family responsibilities and business growth can compound stress
Why caring for yourself is essential to caring for others
The relationship between mental health, leadership, and ranch profitability
How the "circles of control" framework can reduce overwhelm
Why financial stress often drives burnout and poor decision-making
The importance of mentors, friendships, and having someone to call when life gets difficult

Connect with Josh:

Follow on Facebook

Connect with Ranch Right:

Subscribe on YouTube
Follow on Instagram @ranchrightllc
Follow on Facebook
Check out the website
Check out all of our past webinars here

Resources & Links:

7 Habits Of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
For the Love of Land by Jim Howell
12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson
Book a Free Discovery Call to Learn More
Ranching for Profit
Ranching.FYI
Wally Olson, Olson Ranch LLC

Mentioned in this episode:

Website

Roger & Betsy Indreland — Decades of Grit, Learning & Building Something That Lasts [Ranchonomics Stories Ep 3] Jun 25, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Ranchonomics Stories, John Haskell and Wally Olson sit down with Roger and Betsy Indreland to share the story of building a ranching operation over nearly five decades. Starting with just 13 bred heifers in 1977, Roger pursued a lifelong dream of ranching, gradually growing the business through persistence, continuous learning, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. Along the way, Roger and Betsy navigated expansion, changing markets, family transitions, and the many challenges that come with building a business over time.

The conversation explores the role of education, mentorship, relationships, and long-term thinking in creating lasting success. Roger and Betsy reflect on lessons learned from decades of grit in the cattle business, the importance of staying curious and adaptable, and why opportunities still exist for people willing to get started today. More than anything, their story is a reminder that meaningful success is rarely built overnight, but through years of persistence, improvement, and commitment to a vision.

Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode!

In this episode, we cover:

How Roger grew from 13 bred heifers to a 12,000-acre ranching operation
The role of passion, persistence, and continuous improvement in long-term success
Why education and professional development accelerated their growth
Lessons learned about leasing land, building relationships, and finding opportunities
How Roger and Betsy are approaching succession and the future of the ranch
Why young producers don't necessarily need to own land to get started
The importance of starting where you are and building over time

Connect with Roger and Betsy:

Check out their website
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Connect with Ranch Right:

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Check out all of our past webinars here

Resources & Links:

Mentioned in this episode:

Website

103. When Cattle Prices Are High, Stop Looking at Price and Start Looking at Relationships with Wally Olson Jun 23, 2026

Show notes

Record cattle prices can create just as many challenges as opportunities. In this episode, John Haskell and Wally Olson discuss why producers should stop focusing on headline prices and start paying attention to the relationships within the market. Whether you're in the stocker business or the cow-calf sector, profitability comes from understanding value, costs, and margin, not from chasing the highest prices.

The conversation explores value of gain, market volatility, cow herd turnover, and the importance of making decisions based on current opportunities rather than past prices or future forecasts. Using real-world examples, John and Wally walk through how to start looking at relationships to evaluate trades, identify where profit actually exists, and avoid getting emotionally attached to inventory.

Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode!

In this episode, we cover:

Why profitability is determined by relationships and margins, not cattle prices alone
How to evaluate opportunities using value of gain calculations
Why market volatility can create profit opportunities for prepared operators
The case for cow herd turnover and focusing on overvalued versus undervalued animals
How to think about heifer development in the current market environment
Why producers should avoid looking backward at past prices when making decisions
The importance of making timely decisions instead of freezing during market swings

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