The Woman Fighting for RURAL AMERICA!

The paragraph discusses the negative impact wolves have had on cattle ranching, with the loss of over 3,000 head of cattle in 4 to 5 years due to predation. It highlights the emotional stress this causes for ranchers, contributing to a higher suicide rate in agriculture compared to other professions. The speaker emphasizes the importance of educating the public on the connection between ranching practices and the food on their plates and the pressures faced by the ranching community, including financial strain and the loss of other ranchers in the area due to the introduction of wolves.

This section of the script focuses on the critical relationship between wildlife organizations like Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and private landowners, as much wildlife habitat is on private lands. The speaker discusses the importance of maintaining good relationships for the sake of wildlife management and access to private lands for research and conservation efforts. The script also mentions the role of the Colorado Cattleman's Association in wildlife recovery and the current strained relationship between CPW, landowners, and ranchers.

The speaker talks about the use of technology on the ranch, specifically camera systems that allow for remote monitoring of cattle. These systems are crucial for managing herds spread out over large distances, enabling ranchers to check on their cattle via their phones and respond quickly if needed. The script also touches on the logistics of cattle management across different locations and the use of guard dogs to protect herds from predators.

The paragraph discusses the complexities of intergenerational ranching, emphasizing the importance of communication and planning for the future. The speaker shares their experience of encouraging their son to explore the world and gain diverse experiences before returning to the ranch, highlighting the value of making an informed decision about continuing the family business. It also addresses the challenges of older generations letting go of management control and adapting to new ways of doing things.

This section highlights the importance of education in agriculture, not just in terms of hands-on skills but also in developing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The speaker, who has a bachelor's degree, advocates for continuing education and the acquisition of 'soft skills' that are essential for being a successful rancher. The paragraph also touches on the speaker's background and their journey to becoming a rancher.

The speaker shares their personal journey of building a successful ranch from scratch, overcoming the challenges of not inheriting land or assets. They discuss the hard work and dedication involved in reaching their goal of owning a ranch, which included running a pizza restaurant and an automotive shop to fund their dream. The paragraph also touches on the importance of creativity and profitability in ranching.

This section of the script focuses on the local meat movement and the importance of direct sales to consumers. The speaker discusses their experience delivering beef directly to customers, emphasizing the value of knowing the source of one's food and the quality of the product. The paragraph also highlights the diverse clientele, from multi-million-dollar mansions to trailer parks, and the personal connections formed through these direct sales.

The speaker talks about the packaging and branding of their locally sourced beef, mentioning the transition to a new packaging system that features their ranch brand. The paragraph also discusses the speaker's experience with selling various cuts of meat, focusing on ground beef and tenderloins, and the importance of knowing the source of the meat for customers buying a half beef.

The paragraph discusses the role of agriculture in conservation efforts and community engagement. The speaker talks about their project that saved water and increased productivity, emphasizing the positive impact of cattle on wildlife and the environment. The script also touches on the speaker's efforts to counter misinformation about the negative effects of cows and to show the positive interactions between cattle and wildlife.

This section discusses the challenges and strategies for balancing agricultural activities with recreational opportunities and conservation efforts on the ranch. The speaker talks about their involvement in the Palisade Plunge trail project, emphasizing the importance of being part of the conversation and ensuring minimal impact on the ranch. The paragraph also highlights the economic contributions of livestock production and the need to educate the public about the benefits of grazing.

The speaker reflects on their experience as the president of the Cattleman's Association, fighting against the reintroduction of wolves in Colorado. The paragraph details the efforts to build coalitions, engage with policymakers, and raise awareness about the potential negative impacts of wolves on the livestock industry. The speaker acknowledges the difficulty of competing with well-funded opposition and the importance of producers being proactive and investing in such campaigns.

This section emphasizes the importance of advocacy in the agricultural and ranching industries. The speaker encourages ranchers to be vocal about their interests, engage with their communities, and participate in political processes. The paragraph discusses the need for ranchers to view their work as a business and to be proactive in shaping policies that affect their livelihoods, including getting involved in trade associations and local government.

The speaker discusses the importance of communication and building relationships with policymakers, voters, and the general public to address wolf issues. The paragraph highlights the need for citizens to understand the impact of wolves on ranching communities and to advocate for balanced solutions. The speaker also emphasizes the role of education and factual information in fostering understanding and finding ways to coexist with wolves.

The final paragraph of the script wraps up the discussion by emphasizing the broader impacts of ranching on society and the environment. The speaker stresses the importance of food production and the side benefits of conservation, land management, and maintaining scenic landscapes. The paragraph concludes with a call for continued conversations about food production, security, and the role of ranchers in benefiting society.