Is it a Situation or a Problem? | | | |
Last week my phone rang, and it was Stan Hayes of Ramsted Ranch in Washington state. When Stan’s name pops up on my phone, I know it’s going to be a good conversation. He’s experienced, thoughtful, humble and wise, which is a rare combination.
Stan told me that he has been working on himself to be able to tell the difference between a situation and a problem.
A situation is something happening to you or around you: fuel prices, calf prices, inflation, whether it rained or didn’t. This is something that you have no direct control over.
A problem is something you can do something about: what you sell and what you keep, your stocking rate, the equipment you buy, your enterprise mix, who you hire and who you let go, who you hang around with, your attitude, and your planning (or lack of it).
I’m sure you’ve heard some version of this before. Stephen Covey called it the Circle of Concern versus the Circle of Influence. I have found that knowing the difference is easy, but living it is hard. We all know that worrying about things we can’t control wastes time and energy. So why do we keep doing it?
| | | Take a listen to Dave Pratt, CEO Emeritus of Ranch Management Consultants, as he revisits one of the most powerful frameworks from Stephen Covey's The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, the circle of influence and the circle of concern. | | |
October 16, 2026
Ranching for Profit Workshop
Tomah, WI
Dallas Mount, owner of Ranching for Profit, will lead this one day workshop focusing on the business of good grazing and the basics of economics, ecology, and management. Participants will discover key strategies to increase profits and identify the weak link while building a plan for growth. As well as exploring ecological processes and strategies to boost productivity, reduce workload, and increase profits. You will leave with a practical roadmap that strengthens both land health and financial performance in your operation.
Click here for more info or to register.
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October 17, 2026
Ranching for Profit Workshop
Fond du Lac, WI
Dallas Mount, owner of Ranching for Profit, will lead this one day workshop focusing on the business of good grazing and the basics of economics, ecology, and management. Participants will discover key strategies to increase profits and identify the weak link while building a plan for growth. As well as exploring ecological processes and strategies to boost productivity, reduce workload, and increase profits. You will leave with a practical roadmap that strengthens both land health and financial performance in your operation.
Click here for more info or to register.
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November 30 - December 4, 2026
Planning for Profit School
Perthshire, Scotland
Shanon Sims, Ranching for Profit Instructor and Sam Charlton founder of Planning for Profit will teach this five-day program designed to give you the space, thinking time and practical tools to make better decisions for your farm business. Adapted from the Ranching for Profit methodology.
Click here for more info or to register.
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February 3 - 5, 2027
Economics Intensive
Denver, CO
Jordan Steele, Ranching for Profit Instructor will lead this intensive. Over three days, you'll work to review your economic/ financial records, stress-test scenarios, and create an action plan to improve profitability. This is a focused, hands-on workshop for Ranching for Profit alumni and their families to dig deep into the numbers that drive their businesses.
Click here for more info or to register.
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Infrastructure and Equipment Manager
Upton, WY
Mayflower Cattle Company LLC is hiring a Infrastructure and Equipment Manager in Upton, Wyoming. Responsibilities include overseeing the maintenance of homes, sheds, barns, water storage systems, water troughs, pipelines, vehicles, equipment, roads, and livestock working facilities. This position also involves installing new stock water pipelines, constructing and maintaining fences, and building or improving livestock working facilities.
The manager will help supervise and manage interns and employees while maintaining a safe working environment and ensuring that projects are completed effectively. Additional responsibilities include general ranch maintenance and assisting with cattle as needed.
The starting annual salary for this position is $60,000. In addition to salary, compensation includes housing, beef, a cell phone line, health insurance, and opportunities for professional development both on and off the ranch.
For more information or to apply contact James Teichert at (307) 248-3653
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Job Announcement Guidelines
RMC will only post job announcements submitted by Ranching for Profit school alumni. Postings will appear in two consecutive ProfitTips. Job announcements must clearly describe the available position including contact information. Announcements may be edited for space and/or clarity. We reserve the right to refuse ads deemed inappropriate.
RMC will not act as an intermediary and does not endorse a particular individual, organization, or company.
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