Western Landowners Alliance

How to Plan Grazing for Healthy Land and Livestock
2025-08-29 08:30 - 2025-08-30 18:00 (America/Denver)
Welcome to “How to Plan Grazing for Healthy Land and Livestock”
Do you care about your land, livestock, time, money, and relationships with other people? If so, this workshop is for you. In this workshop you will learn how to create the best possible grazing plan for the coming season without having a wreck. Learn how and why Allan Savory’s step-by-step planned grazing is a simple yet powerful planning, implementation, and monitoring tool. The grazing plan you develop will address all the issues needing attention. You will learn each step by doing it yourself. You will also learn why conventional and rotational grazing practices pale in comparison.
This two-day workshop is focused on developing a grazing plan for the Santa Rita Ranch for the upcoming growing season. You will learn how to use a simple planning chart for planning, implementing, and monitoring grazing. Each participant will create a grazing plan using these steps.
Registration includes two days of instruction and personalized feedback from instructors, reference books and other resources for writing your plan, coffee/pastries & lunch both days, and a cookout dinner on Saturday.
Please note: If you want to create a grazing plan for your own ranch during this workshop, it will take you considerable time to prepare all the information you need to bring with you. Contact Joshua Kouri for more info: josh@coastalrcd.org
Scholarships are available. If the registration fee prevents you from attending, please use this application to request a scholarship to cover workshop costs.

Site Adapted Livestock: Matching Your Livestock to Your Land
2025-09-11 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Denver)
Site Adapted Livestock: Matching Your Livestock to Your Land
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Noon MDT
If you’re running livestock now, or thinking of adding a livestock enterprise, you’ll want to catch WLA’s September 11 webinar on Site-Adapted Livestock: Matching Your Livestock to Your Land. A key to profitability, land health, risk reduction and the potential to have more joy in life is having livestock that truly harmonize with your land, management style and markets. We’ll discuss how to select, manage, cull and breed livestock that set your operation up for long-term success. Featured will be renowned seedstock producer Kit Pharo, who says the breed of cattle is not nearly as important as the selection criteria that comprise the breeding program. And are cattle the best or the only livestock that fit your land? Join us for a practical, in-depth conversation with takeaways you can put to use immediately as you’re gearing up for fall sales.

Expanding Markets Conference
2025-09-22 - 2025-09-24 | The Delta Hotel, 2301 Colonial Drive, Helena, MT, 59601, United States
Join the Western Sustainability Exchange Sept. 22-24 for the Expanding Markets Conference!

An increasing number of people are actively seeking out food options that are not only good for the planet but also benefit the well-being of farmers and ranchers, and local communities.
Regenerative agriculture is perfectly poised to meet these evolving consumer preferences. In fact, a recent survey conducted by The Hartman Group reveals that a whopping 68% of U.S. consumers prioritize regenerative agriculture practices when making their food purchases. With more and more individuals tuning in to the benefits, the movement is gaining momentum at an unprecedented rate.
This year’s Expanding Markets Conference will be held September 22nd-24th at the Delta Hotel in Helena, Montana with a ranch tour and two full days of speakers, exhibitors, and networking.

Water Leadership Summit: Pathways to Civic Engagement & Action
2025-09-23 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Denver) | CSU Spur, Hydro Building, 4777 National Western Dr, Denver, CO 80216, CSU Spur, Hydro Building, 4777 National Western Dr, Denver, CO 80216, CO, 80216, United States
The Water Leadership Summit, hosted by the Colorado Water Center and made possible through the generous support of the Walton Family Foundation, is a one-day event that equips community members with the knowledge, skills, and resources to engage in water decision-making and take action on issues that shape Colorado’s water future.
The summit will provide resources, real-life examples, and practical steps for those interested in learning how policies are developed, how to engage in local and state decision-making, how to serve on boards and commissions that influence water planning, and how to effectively communicate about water issues. It offers a valuable opportunity for individuals at all levels of experience to build knowledge, strengthen skills, and take meaningful steps toward building inclusive, community-driven solutions to Colorado’s water challenges.
Who should attend

Community members interested in water and public decision-making
Individuals looking to take on leadership roles in their communities
Students and professionals in environmental, legal, or public policy fields
Those interested in serving on boards, commissions, or in elected office
Organizations and individuals working on water-related topics

What you’ll gain

Increase Understanding: Provide accessible information on Colorado and national water challenges
Connect with Public Officials: Offer attendees the chance to hear directly from elected leaders involved in water issues across different levels of government
Support Leadership Growth: Highlight programs that prepare individuals to participate in public life and serve in decision-making roles.
Encourage Civic Involvement: Provide practical steps for joining boards and commissions, participating in public meetings, contributing to rulemaking, or even running for office.
Share Resources: Introduce attendees to a wide range of organizations, tools, training programs, and resources focused on water communication, policy engagement, leadership development, and community-based initiatives that support ongoing participation beyond the event.

Accessibility & support
We’re committed to a welcoming, accessible event. If you have needs that will help make the day comfortable—such as wheelchair access, interpretation (ASL or Spanish), large-print materials, or dietary accommodations—please let us know in registration.

CalGLC Webinar Series
2025-09-26 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-24 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-11-28 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-12-26 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-01-23 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Denver) | https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_coc2S4L6RZ2kPmz39RNilA#/registration
Building Partnerships in Stewardship Economies: Ranching, community-based organization, voluntary conservation, rangeland research, and policy-making all intersect in successful efforts for rural economic development and sustainability. Let’s talk about it!
Are you interested in strategies for working more effectively with peers and partners?
Hear from representatives from local, state, and west-wide efforts focused on the stewardship of working lands and working communities by working together.

March 28 at noon PST
Centering Community Voices – Using Situation, Problem Solution Framework

Functionality and dysfunctionality of collaboration
Problems and wicked problems
Feasibility, utility & risk
Situation, problem, solution
Where does innovation and adaptation happen?
Why do we engage or not engage?
Talking through examples like: Public Lands, Water, Wildlife, and Economic Development

April 25
Ranchers in the Driver’s Seat: Addressing risk, strengthening community, and improving quality of life together

Inviting new perspectives and skill sets into your community—and when some just show up
Managing the tensions – being grounded in the community while navigating funding, agency rules/culture, etc.
Leaning into the cycles of conflict and resolution, and knowing when not to partner/collaborate and who to invite
Multi-generational opportunities and challenges
The power of convening/coordinating capacity as generative/emergent

May 30
From ranch to co-lobor-atory, from research to co-production- better science through community partnerships
June 27
Grounded policy – discovering solutions within ranching communities

Wet Meadow Restoration, A Free Workshop for Landowners
2025-10-03 09:30 - 16:00 (America/Denver) | Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District, 210 Spencer Ave STE B, Gunnison, CO, United States
Wet meadows make up only about 1% of the landscape but are important to wildlife, livestock, and water retention on the landscape. Many of these systems have degraded over time – learn how and why to fix them! This is a free workshop for landowners who want to learn:

How, why, and when to implement restoration
Benefits to vegetation, wildlife, and water
Agencies and organizations who can plan and fund projects
Experiences of other landowners

At-a-Glance

October 3, 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District (210 Spencer Ave STE B, Gunnison, CO)

For more information, or to RSVP for a free lunch, contact Marcella Tarantino by phone (970-707-3049) or email (marcella.tarantino@usda.gov).

Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District: Help Shape the Future of Water and Farming
2025-10-22 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Denver) | Raymond G. Sanchez Community Center, 9800 4th St NW, Albuquerque, NM, Raymond G. Sanchez Community Center, 9800 4th St NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87114, United States
If you’re a producer in the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, here’s a great opportunity to have your voice heard about water and farming in the district. These small-group conversations are a chance for you to share your experiences, ideas, and concerns directly with those shaping local programs and policies. Participants will receive a $50 Amazon gift card as a thank-you, along with coffee and donuts during the discussion.
Two sessions are available:

Wednesday, October 22 | 10–11:30 AM

Raymond G. Sanchez Community Center, 9800 4th St NW, Albuquerque, NM

Wednesday, October 29 | 2–3:30 PM

New Mexico Tech campus, 801 Leroy Pl, Socorro, NM
Space is limited, so please reserve your spot by emailing mrgsurvey@unm.edu or calling/texting at 505-456-0638.

Carbon, Cattle, and Collars with the Eastern Colorado Grasslands Coalition
2025-10-24 08:30 - 16:00 (America/Denver) | Kit Carson High School, 102 W 5th Ave, Kit Carson, CO, 80825, United States
Join us for a full day soil health and grazing workshop in Kit Carson, CO. FREE for the first 40 RSVPs. Discover how grazing can build healthier soils, stronger grasslands, and capture carbon. This workshop features morning visits to Flying Diamond and Collins Ranch and afternoon soil health talks from Grassroots Carbon and Burke Teichert from Understanding Ag.
Agenda:

8:30 – Arrive for coffee, breakfast and loading
9:00 – Ranch tours
12:00-4:00 – Lunch and workshop

Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District: Help Shape the Future of Water and Farming
2025-10-29 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Denver) | New Mexico Tech Campus, 801 Leroy Pl, Socorro, 87801, United States

CSU San Luis Valley: Ag Business Workshop
2025-11-03 18:30 - 21:00 (America/Denver) | Ski Hi Complex, 2335 Sherman Avenue, Monte Vista, CO, 81144, United States
RSVP: 719.852.7381
Topics include:

Custom Rates & Enterprise Budgets
New Decision Tools and Notes
Ag Tax Update
Market Outlook:

Cattle (Feeders and Fed)
Hay
Grains
Other

Speakers include Jeff Tranel, CSU Extension Regional Ag Business Specialist, and Larry Brown, Director of CSU Extension – San Luis Valley Area.

Montana Conflict Reduction Consortium Annual Meeting
2025-11-12 | University of Montana Western, Dillon, MT, United States
Join the Montana Conflict Reduction Consortium (CRC) in Dillon, Montana on November 12th for an in-person meeting focused on supporting the formation of place-based groups.
The Montana CRC, convened by Western Landowners Alliance, is a diverse, landowner-led network of partners working to reduce wildlife-livestock conflicts and support working landscapes in Montana. This group is working to further community and place-based efforts that reduce wildlife conflicts and support the economic viability of rural communities in the state.
These groups, many of which are landowner and livestock producer-led, may include all or part of a particular community and offer a way to meaningfully engage state and federal wildlife agencies, non-profit organizations and other stakeholder groups to achieve community needs and outcomes supporting working lands and wildlife.
Within this one day meeting, we are offering opportunities for individuals and communities interested in forming or expanding place-based groups and an opportunity to connect with landowners, livestock producers, facilitators, program managers and funders who have formed and lead place-based efforts within their own communities.

Range Riding Workshop at University of Montana Western
2025-11-13 - 2025-11-14 | University of Montana Western, Dillon, MT, United States
Do you operate in an area with wolves, grizzly bears or other large carnivores? Are you concerned about conflicts? Join Amber Mason, range rider at Ruby Dell Ranch and Rae Nickerson of Utah State University for a day of conversations and learning alongside livestock producers, range riders, agency representatives and organizations focused on applications of range riding for reducing wildlife-livestock conflicts. Topics of discussion will include:

What is range riding and defining effectiveness (needed skills)

The importance of context and operational considerations

Risk evaluation

Supporting tools
Communication and conflict mitigation

Together with compensation, control, and collaboration, expanding access to range riding is an important piece of the puzzle for supporting resilient ranches, rural communities and thriving wildlife populations.
When: November 13th and 14th
Where: University of Montana Western, Dillon, MT
Day 1 will center perspectives from range riders from Montana and around the West and how the practice fits in their operations. The day will include presentations, panels and group discussions. Lunch provided.
Day 2 offers a full day of professional wildlife track and sign training provided by Cyber Tracker North America focused on the range rider skillset. Only 14 spots available, first come first serve with priority to range riders, livestock producers and agency representatives. Snacks provided.
See the full agenda here.
Reserve your spot now! Register at wla.social/rr-mt-western
Please reach out to Matthew Collins at matt@westernlandowners.org if you have any questions about this convening.

Diversifying Land Use in the Trans-Pecos: Informing Landowner Strategies for Conservation and Economic Sustainability
2025-11-13 09:00 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | Sul Ross University – Morgan University Center (UC), E Sul Ross Avenue, Alpine, TX, 79832, United States
Join fellow landowners, legal experts, conservationists, and industry professionals for a dynamic, solutions-focused conference designed to help landowners in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas navigate a changing landscape. This one-of-a-kind event will explore alternative land use practices that support economic opportunity, environmental stewardship, and long-term sustainability.
Key Topics Include:

Legal insights into energy development (renewables, oil & gas, transmission) from qualified attorneys
Real-world perspectives on the benefits and risks of energy development
Opportunities in ecosystem services including carbon credits and emerging markets
Alternative land uses like ecotourism and conservation easements
Practical strategies for land stewardship, rangeland enhancement, and profitable ranching
Plus an update on the current situation with the New World Screwworm.

Whether you’re exploring new revenue streams, facing legal challenges, or committed to conservation, this event offers actionable insights to help you make the most of your land—today and for the future.

Ripples of Resilience: Stories and Strategies for a Thriving Future
2025-11-20 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-11-22 10:30 - 14:00 (America/Denver) | Alamosa Public Library, 300 Hunt Ave, Alamosa, CO, 81101, United States
Bring your family and friends for a weekend of community, creativity, and connection as local water groups celebrate the We are Water Alamosa Community Exhibit!
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20
Headwaters Drought Resilience Game Night & Dinner
6:00 to 8:00 pm
Adams State University Student Union Banquet Room
Join us to jump into the role of a local water leader, and learn how the Rio Grande Basin Roundtable is planning for drought resilience in your community.
Dinner and kids activity station provided.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22
Public Opening of the We are Water Exhibit
10:30 am to 2:00 pm
Alamosa Public Library
Join us to celebrate the installation of the We are Water exhibit at the library, interact with local community organizations, and engage in water-related activities!

Profit Decisions: Avoiding the Five Mistakes Ag Producers Make
2025-11-21 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Denver)
What are the foolish uses of profit and what are the wise uses of profit?
Dr. David Kohl, a leader in the ag finance space recently said, “I’m worried about the beef industry – the worst decisions are made in the best of times.” He is talking about foolish decision with deploying profit. Many of those decisions will be made between now and the end of the calendar year in the name of tax avoidance.
Ranching for Profit has asked Dr. Kohl to join us on a webinar, open to all in the ag community who want to dig deeper into this.

Innovations in Rangeland & Livestock Management Webinar: Grazing Management for a Resilient Ranch
2025-12-04 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Denver) | Zoom
Join us for a grounded, practical look at how virtual fencing, remote water sensors, and a focus on soil health can make grazing management more practical and adaptable on working ranches.
Jim Armendariz (NRCS State Rangeland Management Specialist) will present on the use of these tools and how they have benefitted his family’s ranch. He’ll also walk through funding options that can help cover equipment and start-up costs and discuss how his focus on soil health has simplified grazing management, making it more intuitive, efficient, and adaptable.
Hosted by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range and NMSU’s Department of Animal and Range Sciences, this webinar series brings forward innovations in rangeland and livestock management from the U.S. and beyond. From new technologies to fresh perspectives on time-tested practices, each session is designed to spark ideas and share practical insights. Our first series spotlights virtual fencing, exploring its applications for grazing management, livestock production, and ecosystem restoration.

Ranch Managers Guild - Welcome & Introductions
2025-12-09 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Denver)
We are excited to convene the first of our monthly Ranch Managers Guild calls on Tuesday, December 9 at 12pm MT. This call will be held on Zoom and will serve as an introduction to the guild, with remarks from WLA CEO Lesli Allison, and ranch managers Tim Haarmann of Banded Peak Ranch and Billy Whitehurst of Granger Ranches. We will then spend some time on introductions break into small groups to get to know each other and discuss the successes and challenges you’ve seen at the ranch you manage in 2025.
Participation is reserved for active members of the Ranch Managers Guild. Not signed up yet? You can sign up here today.

Preserved at The Lyric Theater
2026-01-09 18:15 - 20:30 (America/Denver) | The Lyric, 1209 N College Ave, Fort Collins, CO, 80524, United States
Preserved unveils Vermejo—a 558,000-acre living laboratory where rarely seen wildlife behaviors unfold: bears stealing mountain lion kills, microscopic life thriving in seasonal potholes, and animals adapting to a rapidly changing world. In this feature-length documentary, scientists, ranchers, and conservationists reveal how the seemingly impossible has been achieved here, from North America’s largest native trout restoration to the return of beaver, elk, and bison. Rich in discovery and layered with human history, Vermejo stands as the pinnacle of conservation in the U.S.—and a bellwether for what’s possible elsewhere.
In 1996, media mogul Ted Turner purchased this vast expanse in northern New Mexico and launched an ambitious conservation vision. Vermejo’s iconic Park Plateau has been home to Indigenous communities, homesteaders, and roaming herds of bison and elk. In the 19th century, mining stripped the land, leaving scars that would take generations to heal.
Shot over more than 130 days, Preserved takes viewers deep into this breathtaking landscape, following the passionate stewards working to restore this thriving ecosystem. In an era of wildfires, drought, and species collapse across the American Southwest, Vermejo is living proof that restoration is not only possible—it’s happening. And it’s a blueprint for what comes next.
Get tickets today!

Ranch Managers Guild - Hunt Management
2026-01-13 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Denver) | Zoom
Our January Ranch Managers Guild Zoom meeting will facilitate knowledge sharing and networking on the topic of hunt management. Participants will share how hunting fits into their operations, what’s working, what’s challenging, and how they navigate wildlife management, regulations, and landowner objectives. The goal is not to present “best practices,” but to surface real-world approaches, lessons learned, and questions worth exploring together.
Discussion questions will include:

How does hunting fit into your ranch’s overall management goals (ecological, economic, and social)?

What hunting models are you using (membership, guided, commercial, family/staff, mitigation-focused), and why?

Where do you see opportunities or barriers (policy, liability, access, or capacity) to improving your hunting program?

What questions are you currently wrestling with that you’d like input from fellow managers on?

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

Monkey Wrench Films presents “Preserved”
2026-01-13 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Denver) | Dairy ARTS Center, 2590 Walnut Street, Boulder, CO, 80302, United States
Preserved takes viewers inside Vermejo—a 558,000-acre living laboratory where mountain lions, bears, and countless other species reveal how wildlife is adapting in a changing world. The film spotlights the stewards working to restore this landscape—and why what happens here matters everywhere. The planet can heal. It starts with us.
*** Featuring exclusive performance by musician MILCK ***
SHOWINGS AT 5:30PM AND 8PM

Ted Turner and Friends - Stories from the Wild Edge of Co-Existence
2026-01-14 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Denver) | Emerson Center for the Arts, 111 S Grand Ave, Bozeman, MT, 59715, United States
A conversation moderated by journalist Todd Wilkinson of Yellowstonian with insight from the Center for Large Landscape Conservation. Hear stories shared by our special guests!

Mike Phillips shares stories about Ted Turner and wolves
Jeff Laszlo shares about re-wilding the Madison Valley with the largest wetland restoration endeavor in Montana
Matt Skoglund shares stories about raising bison in the North Bridgers – a working ranch that also provides wildlife habitat and manages biodiversity

WLA is proud to sponsor this event.
In person at the Emerson Center for the Arts OR livestreamed on Zoom!
See more here.
Register for livestream here.

Preserved Film Screening: DENVER PREMIERE
2026-01-14 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Denver) | The Oriental Theater, 4335 W 44th Ave, Denver, CO, 80212, United States
Denver Premiere Event with Special Musical Performance by MILCK
Featuring In-Person Conversation with director Ben Clark, author Craig Childs, Protect Our Winters, Western Landowners Alliance, more.
January 14, 2026 • 7:00 pm

Virtual Fencing on Working Lands
2026-01-29 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Denver) | Fire Protection District, 240 7th Street, Meeker, CO, 81641, United States
An Informational Community Meeting for Rio Blanco County Landowners & Grazing Permittees
THURSDAY, JANUARY 29 6PM
FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT Fire
MEETING AGENDA

Welcome – Conservation Districts
Virtual Fencing Basics – Elena Chavez, Halter Representative
Ranch & Rangeland Application – Eagle CD & CSU study: “Rancher Perspective on Virtual Fence”
Partner Funding Opportunities – BLM, Colorado Parks & Wildlife, Halter, Western Landowners Alliance
Roles & Responsibilities for Landowner, Agency, Manufacturer
Subscription, Equipment & Long Term Costs – Halter Representative
Producer & Program Experience – Eagle Conservation District
Q&A

Hosted by the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts
RSVP 970.878.9838 for questions or email whiterivercd@gmail.com

Ranch Managers Guild - Virtual Fence Technologies on Working Lands
2026-02-10 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Denver) | Zoom
This call will bring Ranch Managers Guild members together for a candid, peer-to-peer discussion about the use of virtual fencing technologies in real-world ranch operations. Members will share firsthand experiences with different systems, what it actually takes to implement and operate them, and how the technology is affecting cattle behavior, labor, costs, and management flexibility. The goal is to move beyond marketing claims and focus on practical lessons learned from managers who are using or seriously evaluating virtual fencing.
We’ll discuss:

Overall experiences using virtual fencing in day-to-day operations

Upfront and ongoing costs, including installation, labor, and maintenance

Unintended consequences, limitations, or surprising outcomes

Comparisons between different virtual fencing companies and platforms

How cattle have responded and adapted over time

The realities of operating the apps and managing herds digitally

How to identify cost-share programs and funding opportunities

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

Managing Wolf Depredation: Reporting, Documentation, and Support
2026-02-10 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Denver) | Burns, Colorado, Burns, CO, 80426, United States
At this workshop, Dr. Brackett, DVM and local ranchers will share their experiences with the claim process. Attendees will learn what steps to take after a suspected wolf kill to improve the chances of having a depredation confirmed.
This workshop is intended for livestock owners and managers. Lunch is provided.
RSVP to denyse@eccdistrict.org or at 970-236-6168
