Finding and keeping good employees can be one of the biggest challenges of managing a ranch, particularly in rural communities with a limited labor pool. This manager-led discussion will focus on the realities of building and managing ranch teams, from hiring cowboys and seasonal employees to setting expectations, developing staff, and retaining good people. Members will share approaches that have worked on their operations, challenges they’ve encountered, and lessons learned from managing different personalities, skill levels, and generations. 

• Mark Lundy, Carman Ranch, OR

• Joel Dunlap, Bar NI, CO

• Greg Collins, Meunier Livestock, Alberta

Discussion questions may include: 

• Where and how are you finding qualified ranch employees?  

• What makes a good hire, and what have you learned from hires that didn’t work out?  

• How do you set expectations and provide feedback while maintaining a strong working relationship?  

• What have you found most effective for retaining good employees in rural areas?  

• How do housing, compensation, benefits, schedules, and time off factor into recruitment and retention?  

Participation is reserved for active members of the Ranch Managers Guild. Not signed up yet? You can sign up here today.