Verland King is a fifth generation rancher. He and his wife, Terri currently live in Bicknell, UT. Together they ranch and run their veterinary practice. Throughout this episode he shares his family's history of running sheep and eventually cattle. He talks about all the aspects of ranching and veterinary work and I'm excited for you all to listen to it.
Freddy Prather is 80 years old and lives in Paduka, TX. He didn't grow up with a ranching background but he knew it was what he wanted to do and he stuck with it. His first job as a cowboy paid him $140/month and he had to make that work to support his young family. He's worked on places like the 6666's, Triangles, Moorhouses and a few others. In 1985 he won reserve world champion in the NCHA on a horse called Fifth Jubilee. You'll hear all about that story and a bunch of others as you listen to this episode.
Sam Dove and his wife Catherine live in Alpine, TX. His family ranched in central TX and he grew up admiring his grandfather. Ranching runs in his blood on both sides of the family. He went to college for a short time and received a degree in range animal science with a minor in chemistry. Throughout this episode, he talks about being involved in some of the last times the big ranches pulled the chuckwagon, he talks about a cowboys purpose, how to get through a drought, everything a cowboy does with no recognition, and the differences in working as a cowboy vs. being in a ranch management position. At 67 years old, he still loves the cowboy way of life as much as he did as a kid. I admire his humility and I hope you all enjoy listening to his story as much as I did.
Clint Jones grew up as a carpenter's son in Ropesville, TX. He got a taste for being a cowpuncher at a young age and never looked back. He has worked in multiple states, but currently works at the Pitchfork Ranch. We had a great conversation and I hope you all enjoy.
Shawn Jack is from Blanding, UT and has always had a desire to be a rancher. In 2000 he got his foot in the door and from there he has been able to be successful in the industry. Shawn and his family run their cattle in some of the neatest country and if you haven't already, you need to check out their YouTube channel. It's called 1880 Drifters. Throughout this episode you'll understand how much he loves his family, loves ranching and enjoys being out in God's creation.
Rod Devoll is from Alpine, TX and when he was growing up, he always wanted to be a cowboy. He day-worked for a lot of different outfits before ending up on the '06 ranch where he stayed for 30 years. Now, at 68 years old, he helps out the local rodeo team. My favorite quote from our conversation is, "Everybody can teach somebody something. And I believe that if you ever get too old to quit learnin' you might as well give up."
Mike Capron is an 80 year old Texan who is a well-known artist and cowboy. He says he's always been fascinated by three things; ridin', ropin ', and paintin'. Throughout this episode you'll hear stories about his time in Vietnam, his relationship with God, his courtship with his wife, and some cowboy stories. My favorite quote from our conversation was, "If you can't live it baby, you can't paint it." If you want to learn more about Mike or if you'd like to see some of his work, head over to his website www.mwcapron.com
Today we talk about Shad's history in agriculture and the reason he became so heavily involved in the politics that surround the beef industry. Shad is a 5th generation rancher who grew up in Colorado but currently lives in Texas. He's a HUGE advocate for liberty, freedom, and the beef industry. He says, "Where there is beef, there is freedom." As you listen to his episode, you'll understand what he means by that statement.
Brad Good spent most of his childhood in New Mexico but currently lives in Texas and works on the Waggoner Ranch. Throughout our visit, you could tell he has a lot of respect for the people that he has been influenced by; especially his dad and uncles. When I asked him what the best part about living this kind of lifestyle was he said, "Getting to be in the middle of God's creation." He also shares his definition of a cowboy and it might be one of my favorite definitions to date. Hope you all enjoy!
In part 2 of my conversation with Ray, he talks about a couple more places he worked at before he ended up in South Dakota. He tells us about his time in South Dakota and how he has helped with the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup. Another notable thing about Ray is he is 62 years old and this year he entered the ranch bronc riding for his team at the Murdo Ranch Rodeo. That is the picture that you'll see attached to this episode.
Ray Chanley grew up in California but currently lives in South Dakota. In Part 1 of our conversation, Ray talks about working at a sale barn while he was in school and how that led him to live the kind of life he lives. He also talks about his cross country pack trip that started on a beach in California and ended in New Mexico. That trip allowed him to have some cool experiences working for different people along the way. Hope you enjoy Part 1.
In this episode with Skeet Gould he talks about family, his time in California, and the differences he noticed in California versus Arizona. If you've listened to Part 1 and Part 2, you know that he has also written a book. If you'd like to read more about his life and hear more stories, you can contact Skeet directly via Facebook to get a copy. Look up Skeet Gould on Facebook and send him a message.