Business Endeavors

Brandi Iverson, a former schoolteacher from rural Central Montana, transitioned to entrepreneurship by acquiring a business selling wild rags—cowboy neckerchiefs. This move allowed her to stay home with her children more often while sustaining financial stability. Her business, based in Montana, follows a model where the production is handled by a team of sewists paid per piece, allowing flexibility given her remote location. This setup, which emphasizes local production and fair compensation, has successfully exceeded her previous teaching income.

Ranch Operations and Challenges

Brandi, alongside her husband, manages a ranch in Petroleum County, Montana, focusing on soil health and sustainable practices such as high-intensity rotational grazing. They handle about 750 cow-calf pairs across both deeded and leased lands, with the goal of improving plant and soil health. The family has faced challenges such as water management, unpredictable weather conditions, grasshoppers, and a fire that required pivotal operational adjustments.

Community and Learning

Brandi's passion extends to soil health education, taking part in various seminars and workshops, often provided by local organizations like Winnett ACES (Agricultural Community Enhancement and Sustainability). These efforts are important in their small, rural community to foster learning and interaction.

Technology and Lifestyle

Despite the challenges posed by isolation, modern technology aids in maintaining her social connections. Her husband is training for a pilot's license to expedite travel between their scattered properties.

Family and Personal Notes

Brandi emphasizes the importance of family and work-life balance. Her family's involvement in rural community services, including volunteer firefighting, underscores their commitment to both their agricultural operations and their community.

Future Aspirations and Community Ties

The interview highlights the potential for future projects, like introducing horses for 4-H activities for their children, and further utilizing technology to streamline operations. Brandi values community ties and learning from other ranchers to improve her practices continually. The conversation also provides insights into her husband’s aerial ambitions, which reflect a regional trend of using planes for ranch management efficiency.

Lauren Frick from Twin Creek Ranch shared the story of how she and her husband, both with backgrounds in animal science and meat science, developed their ranch in Kansas after taking over a cow herd three years ago.

They focus on breeding Simmental cattle for their maternal and carcass qualities. Their interest in this breed is rooted in Lauren's lifelong involvement with it, and the ranch aims to raise cattle that can thrive without intensive management.

Lauren also spoke of her experience with livestock judging, which she became involved in during college and has greatly influenced her perspective on cattle breeding. The couple values hands-off ranching and is enthusiastic about bringing their bulls to market. The ranch is preparing for its second annual bull sale scheduled for March 7th, facilitated through an online platform, DV Auctions.

The sale will be conducted as a bid-off to provide buyers with flexibility and an opportunity to view the bulls at Waldo, Kansas, while the bidding is held online. The sale will transition into extended bidding at 6 p.m., allowing potential buyers to place bids until there are no new bids for five minutes.

LINK TO AUCTION

3/7/26 Twin Creek Ranch - Simmental Bull Sale Lots | Twin Creek Ranch

Listen in to this valuable archived interview by the late Howard Hale with Angus Seedstock Producer, Gary Godley.