Final Reflections
November 2024

Reflecting on my apprenticeship season at The Home Ranch, I feel a huge sense of growth and gratitude. This experience changed me in many ways, shaping not only my skills but also my vision for the future. Working on a larger ranch gave me a real taste of what ranching involves, from the physical work to the mental focus it takes to manage livestock and land successfully. I came into this experience with a passion for agriculture, but now I leave with a clearer purpose and a better idea of where I want to go.

Though I already had some experience with cattle and horses, this apprenticeship taught me so much more, especially about sustainable ranching practices and working with livestock on a larger scale. I learned how to manage proper grazing, plan livestock rotation, and keep pastures healthy, all of which are key for a sustainable operation. The stockmanship and horsemanship skills I gained here really deepened my understanding of what it means to work with animals responsibly. Every task, from doctoring cattle to running equipment, pushed me to expand on my skills, making me more confident and capable.

This apprenticeship confirmed my commitment to staying in the agriculture industry. I’m still figuring out the exact path, but I know I want to grow my own beef herd and start a beef business. Learning what it takes to run a larger operation here showed me that, even though it’s a lot of work, it’s something I want to keep pursuing. One of my main goals is to continue developing my horsemanship and training skills, and thanks to the connections I’ve made here, I’ll have more opportunities to work on those.

In the near future, I hope to find a ranch where I can keep learning and, if possible, start a small herd of my own on some leased land. Long term goal is to eventually own land where I can expand my operation. I see agriculture as more than a job; it’s a purpose and a way to give back to the community and be a steward the land and animals. This apprenticeship has shown me that this is where I belong, and I’m excited to find my own place in the industry.

Some great moments of this experience were working alongside knowledgeable, passionate people. Layna and Michael were both incredible mentors who not only taught me valuable skills but also shared their dedication to sustainable practices. Watching them care deeply about the land and animals reinforced my respect for the industry and the responsibility it carries. I also loved working with the cattle and horses every day, connecting with and understanding these animals better through horsemanship and stockmanship. 

Of course, the apprenticeship had its challenges too. Adjusting to the physical demands of long days on the ranch was tough at first, especially when learning new skills like operating heavy machinery or treating sick animals. But these challenges helped me build resilience and confidence, teaching me to push past my limits and develop the focus needed to do my job well. Another challenge was dealing with the unpredictable nature of ranch life, where no two days are the same. Whether it was weather disruptions or unexpected issues with animals, staying flexible and ready to adapt is a huge part of the job. But I truly see all of this as to what makes this lifestyle so great. 

Reflecting on everything I’ve learned here, I feel even more sure of my choice to build a career in agriculture. Although I don’t have my exact “next step” figured out, I know I’m headed in the right direction. Whether I join another ranch, lease land to start my own operation, I’m excited for what’s next. My dream is to build a sustainable operation that honors the land and animals, making a positive impact on the industry. The Home Ranch has been the perfect place to start, giving me a deeper sense of purpose and showing me the path forward.

I’m very grateful for this opportunity and the mentors who guided me along the way. It’s been an experience that not only built my skills but also strengthened my commitment to agriculture, and I’m looking forward to seeing where this path leads.

How did you get interested in agriculture? And what are you hoping to gain from your apprenticeship?
May 2024

My journey into the world of ranching and farming may not have started on a ranch, but it has been a lifelong calling, with horses always being a part of my life. I had always been interested in farming and horses when I was younger, spending a lot of time on a family friend’s farm and taking lessons at various barns. I grew up riding a bit and playing sports and was a college athlete. I graduated college and worked in the corporate setting in marketing and events, working for organizations such as the PGA TOUR. I rode hunter/jumper for awhile but western riding was what I loved most. I learned barrels and also worked as an intern at a liberty rescue and rehab facility as well as worked at a different show barns in both Massachusetts and in Kansas. 

It wasn’t until my mother passed away when I realized the integral role horses would play in my life. Getting back into riding daily after she passed, horses were the one thing that got me through a time in my life when my world was turned upside down. A couple years later, I decided to move to Montana to complete a wild mustang training certification. I believe working with horses is a lifelong journey and I continue to work on my horsemanship every day. After certification, I actively trained and adopted the horses out to good homes. I bought a mustang and trained her and within just a couple months, we were taking backcountry pack trips and exploring the mountains of Montana. We also started working some cattle together on the ranch. From there, I moved to another ranch in town and I didn’t realize it at the time, but this ranch would ultimately change the course of my life. I was introduced to the cattle business and now I can’t ever look back. I started out at the ranch as a volunteer and soon became the assistant herd manager. I played a pivotal role in managing a 200-head cow/calf operation and helped with all aspects of herd management. I also took over their marketing and social media as well.

I hope to gain knowledge and learn more about how other operations work. I hope to learn more about running a cattle operation, get better at my horsemanship skills and learn everything I can while I am here. 

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