167. Ranching with Family and Utilizing Public Grazing Lands with Karson Rippstein

Karson Rippstein is a rancher from The Ripp Ranch in central Utah. His family's involvement in the industry dating back to the late 1800s. Karson has effectively combined traditional ranching methods with innovative practices, transforming undervalued plots of land into a thriving and sustainable cattle business. His journey is marked by resilience, creativity, and a commitment to sustainable grazing techniques, which have allowed his family's ranch to prosper even on less desirable land.Topics covered in this episode:Family ranching and grazing land utilizationBuilding a beef herd on undervalued landExpanding cattle ranching through the formation of an LLCFamily communication and transparency in ranchingTransitioning to low-input cattle ranchingChallenges of public lands grazing and breedingRedmond's approach to mineral supplementationNuances of mineral supplementation in cattle nutritionRecommended resources and tools for ranch managementListeners should tune into this episode to gain valuable insights into modern cattle ranching and sustainable grazing practices. Karson Rippstein's story offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation, showcasing how resilience and strategic decision-making can lead to success in the cattle industry. Whether you're a seasoned rancher or new to the field, Karson's experiences and practical advice provide inspiration and guidance for anyone looking to improve their ranching operations. His focus on collaboration, efficient land use, and natural supplementation offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in modern ranching.Links Mentioned in the EpisodeRipp Ranch on YouTubeVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmondGBT AngusGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResources (Coming Soon)Community (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastOriginal Music by Louis PalfreyChapters(00:00) - Introduction to Ranching with Family (00:10) - Fast Five with Karson Rippstein (01:38) - Welcome to the Grazing Grass Podcast (03:04) - Electric Fence Challenges (06:24) - Karson's Ranching Journey (08:01) - Starting with Small Herds (23:38) - Forming the Family LLC (34:16) - Shifting to Low Input Cows (41:40) - Understanding Public Land Grazing (42:45) - Grazing on Public Land: Permits and Challenges (45:43) - Managing Cattle Breeding on Shared Grazing Lands (46:28) - Adapting Calving Seasons for Better Efficiency (51:34) - Innovative Grazing Practices and Virtual Fencing (52:52) - Extending Grazing Seasons for Profitability (54:31) - Introduction to Redmond Agriculture (56:47) - Redmond's Unique Mineral Products (01:00:46) - Philosophy on Mineral Supplementation (01:16:32) - Famous Four Questions (01:20:21) - Practical Tips for New Ranchers