Cowboy Stories

Today I visited with Hayden Ballard and Chris Heaton. We discussed the issues that come along with trying to make a living running cattle on federal lands. We spent the majority of our time talking about why ranchers care about the policies associated with national monuments and how they directly affect them. We talked about the abuse of the Antiquities Act that the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Bears Ears National Monument, and the Grand Canyon National Monument were created under. Hayden and Chris were both great people to visit with about these issues. They are both 6th generation ranchers, they both have skin in the game, and they are both passionate about preserving the ranching and cowboy way of life. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

PeeWee Peebles grew up in Texas but currently works on a ranch in Arizona. Throughout this episode he talks about the importance of a good cow dog, the rough terrain and type of cattle he manages, and one of the worst wrecks he’s ever been in. He loves his family and he loves Christ. When speaking about his family he said, “I couldn’t do it without them.” When asked about the coolest places he’s ever been horseback he said, “I’m blown away by God’s creation.” He is also a talented bit and spur maker. You can check out his work by searching PEEBLE BITS AND SPURS on Facebook. We had a great visit and I’m excited to share this episode with you all. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

In part 2 of our conversation we talk about the longest place he ever stayed, learning how to AI cattle, a horse named Joe Lewis, and things he learned from Bill Howell at the Babbitts. If you like listening to his stories, you can purchase on directly from Skeet on Facebook. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Skeet Gould was born in Prescott, AZ but currently lives in Red Bluff, CA. In part 1 of our conversation, we talk about his childhood, classing cattle horseback, horsemanship, and family. When talking about eradicating screwworms he said, ““The best thing for cowmen. The worst thing for cowboys. It also affected the horses. A horse used to be taught to run to cattle….” He tells a lot of cool stories and if you want to hear more, he wrote a book called “Layin around the water hole” You can purchase one directly from him. Contact him on Facebook. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

In part 2 of my interview with Greg Snow we talk about the best part of living this lifestyle, the hardest place he’s ever left, and ranch horses. He also answers the question, “Are cowboys as good today as they were back in the day?” If you haven’t had a chance to listen to part 1, head over there first because we dive right in where we left off. Enjoy! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Greg Snow was raised in Twin Falls, ID. He grew up in sports; baseball, basketball, and football. He got a job at the stockyards and that was when he first became interested in cattle. He found out there were full time cowboy jobs from Kurt Marcus articles in the western horseman and he has had the “cowboy bug” ever since. After high school, he turned down a few football scholarships and instead bought a cheap used saddle, a rope and a snaffle bit. The rest is history. He’s worked on ranches in a few different states and is a well-known name in the ranching world. I had a lot of fun visiting with him and I hope you enjoy his story. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

In part two of our conversation, Steve talks about some of the best parts of living the kind of lifestyle he lives. One of which is having the opportunity to work day to day with your family. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Steve Layton has been ranching on the Arizona Strip his entire life,  his family bought the ranch and moved from Southern Arizona in 1949. His grandkids are now the 5th generation on the ranch. I hope you enjoy part 1 of his story. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Part 2 of my conversation with Johnny Hill. In this episode, we continue our conversation about good horses and he also gives his definition of a cowboy, “Somebody that can take a horse and go work a cow and do what he needs to do without stirrin a bunch of stuff up.” Enjoy! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Johnny Hill is from the pan handle of Texas and one of the pieces of advice that he offers the younger generation is to, “Keep your mouth shut, your eyes open and leave your phone in your pocket.” Enjoy! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Today we dive right in to Part 2 of my interview with Tyson Johnson. If you haven't had a chance to listen to Part 1, I recommend starting back there. In todays episode, Tyson shares a little bit more of his background, some of the things he enjoys about this lifestyle, his definition of what makes a good hand, and a few "cowboy stories." --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Jim Brinkman is a third generation rancher on the Pitzer Ranch (located in Ericson, NE). Throughout this episode we talk about how the Pitzer Ranch got its start, how Jim became involved, the great Two Eyed Jack, and their horse program. If you want more info on the Pitzer Ranch, click the following link. https://pitzerranch.net/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Ira Wines lives in Elko county Nevada and is currently the president of the Ellison Ranching Company. His family has been in Elko county since 1860 and his dad worked for the Ellisons when he was born. Throughout this episode he talks about his personal history and some of the day-to-day things on the ranch. If you want more information on the Ellison Ranching Company and it’s history, they just published a book and copies are available in Elko at the Cowboy Arts and Gear Museum, Western Folklife Center and Northeastern Nevada Museum or by contacting the Ellison Ranching Company offices at 775-753-8826. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Jimmy Riggs is 78 years old. He and his wife Janna live on their ranch near Wilcox, AZ. In Part 2, he talks about a Ranch tour that he and his wife do every year. They joined an organization called “Wings over Wilcox” as a service to the beef industry to help educate others on where their food comes from and what their operation is like. They had 250 people tour this year over a 3 day weekend. If you haven’t had a chance to listen to Part 1, I recommend starting there first. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Jimmy and his wife Janna live near Wilcox, AZ. They have a pretty neat family history that he shares at the beginning of this episode. He also talks about how the railroad changed the way investors thought about ranching, and the incredible way they were able to help eradicate screwworms. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

In Part 2 of my interview with Wes O’Neal, he talks about the horse program he helped run, the coolest place he’s ever been on a horse, and his advice to the next generation. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Wes O’Neal is 89 years old and started his life off with very humble beginnings. He’s spent the majority of his life in Texas but has managed/worked cattle in multiple states across the U.S. When asked what a cowboy is, he responded, “A man who has spent his life riding other peoples horses, working other peoples cattle, living in other peoples houses, until he gets to where he can’t do it anymore and then they just mosey off to town and hopefully you’ve saved enough to live comfortably.” --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Luke was born in South Dakota where he grew up breaking horses with his dad. When he was 17 he rode a greyhound bus to California with his saddle and went to work on a ranch. He’s worked in South Dakota, California, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon and Arizona. His secret to success is the people he’s been able to work around and learn from. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Boots O’Neal is 90 years old and still works as a full-time cowboy. He’s spent the majority of his life on large ranches in Texas. Ranches such as the JAS Ranch, the Matador Ranch, the Waggoner Ranch (25 years), and the 6666 Ranch (34 years). --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Stan Mecham is from Tropic, UT and he is 85 years old. Throughout this episode, he talks to us about some of his best bronc rides, some wrecks he's been in and a lot about hunting lions. Enjoy part 1 of our conversation. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

In part 2 of my interview with Mike McLaughlin, he talks about the O R O Ranch and their horses. He also gives his definition of a cowboy, “A guy who is willing to get on any horse they hand him and go out and do his job the best he knows how to do it and if it needs to be roped then you rope it and if it needs to be put through a gate, you put it through the gate. But you don’t back off because your horses aren’t that good.” --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Part 1 of my interview with Mike McLaughlin. Speaking of his time at the Lida Ranch he talked about two of the best guys he’s ever rode with, “The biggest thing I learned from those guys is how to read cattle….If I was going to say one place educated me to the point of understanding cattle, it would have been that place. How to handle cattle, how to trail cattle someplace when they don’t want to go.” Mike has working on the following ranches (just to name a few) Lida Ranch, Diamond A, Russell Ranches (89)-48,000 mother cows, Diamond A-Rosewell Camp (Ed Ashurst wagon boss) 10,000 mother cows at the time, Rafter Diamond Ranch-Deeth, NV Sierra Bonita Ranch-Southern AZ Willow Springs Ranch-AZ Babbitt Ranch- S P Camp O R O Ranch 76 Ranch-AZ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Joe Dahl lives in Fallon, NV. He said he never had a desire to be a rancher per say. His interest was always towards being a horseman. Demar (his brother) would say, “You gotta remember why we have cows. It’s so we can make good horses.” Throughout this episode, we talk about his life with cattle and his life in the polo world. He’s lived a unique blend of two different cultures and I’m excited for you to listen. One of my favorite quotes from this episode comes from his school principal when he was in the 4th grade. I’ll let you listen to it and find out what he said. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Everett Ashurst lives and works on the Babbitt Ranch. He and his family are almost as deeply rooted in this ranch as the Babbitt family themselves. Everett shares a lot of quotes throughout this podcast episode that I want to remember. One of them is, “When I say cowboy, I am thinking about a person who can get on basically any kind of a horse and do what they want to with any kind of a cow.” --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Clay Rodgers - Part 2. In this episode, Clay tells us about some of the pretty places he's been, the kind of horses they prefer to use on the ranch, and he shares his definition of a cowboy; to name a few things. He shares some great stories in this episode that you don't want to miss out on. For more information about the ranch and about their annual colt sale, check out their website babbittranches.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Clay Rodgers, his wife Danielle, and their kids live on the Babbit Ranch. Meeting and visiting with this family was something I really enjoyed. In part 1 of my interview with Clay, he talks about a few different places he's worked, a little bit about their operation, and some history of the ranch. The Babbitt Ranch has been in operation since 1886 and they still run horned Hereford cattle. The history behind the ranch and the family's who have worked there for generations is really something to be proud of. You can find out more about their ranch and more about their annual colt sale by visiting their website... babbittranches.com  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

For this episode, I wanted to get the perspective of ranch life from a ranch wife. Jamie Howell was kind enough to agree to visit with me and I really admire her story. In this episode, Jamie talks about how she got introduced to this way of life and how her and her late husband, Vic Howell, were able to raise their children on the Babbitt Ranch. I also wanted to let you know about the annual colt sale that they do on the Babbitt Ranch. Check out their website for more information on their colt sale. https://www.babbittranches.com/colt-sale  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

In part 2, Tabor talks about how fun it is to sort cattle when you’re both on the same page. He says, “It feels good when you can silently go through a herd of cattle like that and you don’t have to have any discussion. I’d watch his eye. I’d see what he had his eye on or what he was bringing out. And it just feels like you’re doing something right when you’re like that with your crew. I’ve been blessed to work with some really good hands. If the work itself isn’t rewarding to you, then it’s just not going to work out for you very long to do it. I don’t think God put me on this earth to work at something that I don’t enjoy.” --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Jacob Carter is a fifth generation rancher from Lund, NV. His family helped settle Lund in 1898. Before the Carter’s moved to the Lund area, they ran cattle on Pine Valley by St George, UT. In this episode, Jacob talks about his family’s ranching history and how that carried over to the style he adapted to run the ranch. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Part 2 of my interview with Dick and Becky Pace. If you haven’t listened to part 1 already, check it out! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

In part 2 of my interview with Boone and Marjie, he talks about how the greatest reward for him has been watching his girls grow up in this lifestyle and “get handy at it.” Marjie talks about the “tie to the land” that ranchers have and how there’s a connection there that people won’t ever be able to understand. They both have a lot of good things to say throughout this episode and I’m glad I was able to visit with them. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Boone Taylor is from Wayne County, UT. He and his wife, Marjie, and their three girls run a cow/calf operation. In part 1 of this episode he talks about running cattle on his different allotments. One of which he was “grandfathered” into (He explains that term). My favorite quote from this episode is, “…running cows in this country, you’ve gotta have a cow that will work for you somewhat….” Isn’t that the truth. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

In Part 2 of my interview with Dwight, he talks about trailing cattle through Ticaboo canyon in the moonlight, sheep herders making $30/month or a $1/day, and an old dredge located between Bullfrog and Halls Creek. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Dwight Williams was born in 1928 in Teasdale, UT. In Part 1 of my interview with him and his son Jeff, he shares some pretty cool stories. He talks about looking up to his older brothers, the reason why people started switching from running sheep to running cattle, and some history from the area around the old Halls Creek Ranch. Dwight said he prefers the Hereford cattle, but now their operation consists mostly of Angus. I hope you enjoy listening to Dwight as much as I enjoyed talking to him. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Part 2 of my interview with Glen is full of more stories which include a description of what he calls the 8th wonder of the world. He also talks about the the sheep following the mules up the steep Burr Trail before they made a road out of it. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Glen Dee Taft is from Bicknell, UT. He knows a lot of the history from the Halls Creek Ranch. For those of you who aren't familiar with that ranch, it was located near the Colorado River in the southern part of Utah. When they built Glen Canyon Dam (which formed Lake Powell) the water backed up and covered the southern part of the ranch. It was great talking to him and learning more about the history of this place before it was covered in water. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Richard Bagley is a retired veterinarian from Cedar City, UT. In this episode, he talks a little bit about his background, the importance of staying up to date on your cattle vaccinations, and the role vitamins and minerals play in herd health. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Part 2 of my interview with Roger Gardner. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Roger Gardner is from Washington, UT. He’s worked on ranches in Nevada, Arizona and Utah. Now, in his older days, he’s a saddle maker and author. He was nominated for this podcast by Cole Jacobs. To find his book online, click on the following link https://www.amazon.com/Angelina-Roger-Gardner-ebook/dp/B07PZF73F1 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

In Part 2 of my interview with Stanton, he talks about some of the best horses he's had, his cattle allotment on Robbers Roost, and some fun deer hunting stories. Hope you enjoy. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Part 2 of my interview with Clyde is very informative. Talking about cattle in the west he says, “You’re producing something off of something that can’t be harvested in any other way.” He also talks about how many products come from cattle and if you’re interested in a short list of those products, click the link below. https://www.extension.iastate.edu/sites/www.extension.iastate.edu/files/allamakee/Lesson1Activity4Dairy_By_Products.pdf --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Clyde Magnuson is from Emery County Utah. He and his wife Darlene have been very involved in a lot of different aspects of the cattle industry. In part 1 of my interview with him, he talks about how he got started and a little about his childhood. He also mentions that buying a Brahman bull in 1976 was what put him in the cow business. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Part 2 of my interview with Arthur Lyman. He has ranched in Utah, Oregon and now currently lives in Arizona. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

In part 1 of my interview with Arthur Lyman, we talk a lot about the Escalante River and we learn the history of why people no longer run cattle down there. We learn about cabins being burned, cattle being shot, and an overall history of the area. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Part 2 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Walt and Francie Meyer run Hereford cattle in South Eastern Arizona. They, along with their daughters (Katie & Jenny) and some of their grandchildren, run the day to day operations. Enjoy part 1 of my interview with this great family. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Part 2 of this interview involves some stories about monkeys, horses, tough uncles, and more details about David’s life. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

In this episode, David Johnson talks about his life in Moccassin, AZ and the surrounding areas. He talks about making his first horse trade around the age 6, some close calls he has had, and some other stories you don’t want to miss. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

In this episode, I start things off a little different. We talk about what it’s like to run cattle on public lands, improvements that ranchers do on public land, and how much of their own money they have invested in the land. I thought Dan Button (from Kanab, UT) would be a good one to talk to for this episode because he not only runs his own cattle, but he has a business doing improvements for people including water lines, corrals, fencing, etc. Hope you enjoy. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Part 2 of my interview with Linc Bundy. This episode includes some great stories from his time spent on a wagon, the respect he has for his wife, and the craziest thing he’s ever tried to rope. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Today I had the chance to visit with Linc Bundy. He’s worked on places like the Diamond A, the O ROs, and other places in a few different states. He knows what it takes to be a good cowboy. Growing up, cowboys were his hero and I can’t wait for you to hear his story. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

In part 2 of the interview with J. R and Justun Jones, you’ll hear a lot of cool stories about what it takes to be a good cowboy. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Part 1 In this episode, you’ll hear from J. R and Justun Jones. They run cattle in Northern Arizona on the Kane and 2 Mile ranch. J. R has been there for over 40 years. Part 1 covers a little about his childhood and one of his best horses. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

In this episode, I visit with Shawn Williams. Some of you may know him from his YouTube channel or Facebook page, PEARL SNAP FEVER. I wanted to do something a little different for a Christmas episode, so I thought it would be fun to have Shawn on the show to do a little poetry for us. He has a great Christmas poem titled, "A Cowpuncher's Night Before Christmas." You'll hear that poem, a poem he wrote from his time on the O RO's in Arizona, and a few stories. He has a funny sense of humor that he starts us off with, so I can't wait for you all to listen. MERRY CHRISTMAS --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Tune in to this episode to hear Klynt Heaton talk about how he got his start, what traits he looks for when looking at cattle, and the difference he has noticed in his calf crop from using artificial insemination. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Starting from a young age, Ralph Chynoweth understands what it takes to be a good cowboy. He’s got some great stories. You’re not going to want to miss this one. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Through this episode, Todd talks about how he got started in the cattle industry and the events that led up to where he is today. We talked about the lessons he’s learned, who he looks up to, and a little bit about his operation. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Today I sat down with DeLane and Quinn Griffin. We spent most of our time talking about their time running cattle on the 50 mile mountain, the cabin they built up there, and some of their favorite memories. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

In today’s episode, we talk about Pratt’s life and the memories he has of running cattle in the Escalante area, some of his best horses, and how he got started in ranching. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support

Tune in to this introduction episode to find out what you’ll be hearing throughout the rest of the show. I also explain my purpose in starting this podcast. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cowboy-stories/support