How did you get interested in agriculture? And what are you hoping to gain from your apprenticeship?
May 2025
Some of my earliest memories took place in Mt. Airy, NC at my godmother Karen’s farm. I remember being just tall enough to rest my chin on her farm dog’s back. Holding newborn spring lambs and spending days covered head to toe in mud by the creek at the bottom of the hill. We spent holidays in the one room cabin with our families curled up by the fireplace. Those days blend together for me like one long golden hour.
I’m writing this now as I am going into my eighth season in agriculture. It’s difficult to put into words the meaning this work has given me. Regardless of my experience everyday feels brand new to me and pursuing ranching has put me way out of my comfort zone. I started my career in vegetable production with the goal of eventually getting into livestock. It was nearly impossible to get my foot in the door until I started running sheep with a friend in Western North Carolina. Over the years I’ve had so many wonderful mentors and friends who made me the person I am today. These folks not only provided the skillsets I have now but also made me feel like a part of their family.
I am currently apprenticing at Ladder Ranch in Savery, Wyoming. Right now we are still in spring and experiencing four seasons worth of weather each day. As a person from the southeast I’m blown away at the scale of this place. Being involved in the day to day operation of a multigenerational ranch is an honor and a privilege. I have been here just over two weeks now and I already know I’m exactly where I want to be. Having a chance to grow my skillset alongside these folks feels like a dream come true.
Where I am today is a direct result of the love and encouragement from my blue ridge friends and neighbors. There’s a gentleness to the hills and the folks of North Carolina that I hope to carry with me wherever I go. Some folks back east thought I was wild for heading west and I very well may be! But even if I am it’s a wonderful feeling.