Pre-Conference Workshop: Ranching for Profit Workshop
February 4, 2025  01:00PM-05:00PM

Jordan Steele is director of operations for RMC. Jordan grew up on a cow-calf operation near Aladdin, WY before completing his Master’s Degree in Agricultural Economics at the University of Wyoming. After college, Jordan worked for the Kansas Farm Management Association through Kansas State University for 7 ½ years where he specialized in agricultural business recordkeeping, financial analysis and interpretation, and income tax preparation for farmers and ranchers in 17 counties of NW Kansas. Being familiar with Ranching for Profit principles since college, Jordan attended his first full RFP school in 2017 and was instantly hooked on how well the program delivery ties together the people, money, and production areas of ranching.

Keynote: Healthy Plants are Readily Avoided by Plant-Eating Insects
February 5, 2025  09:15AM-10:30AM

Breakout Session: Pest Management and Soil Health: Open Discussion with Tom Dykstra
February 6, 2025  10:15AM-11:30AM

Dr. Thomas Dykstra is the Laboratory Director of his own lab, Dykstra Laboratories in Gainesville, Florida. For 27 years, he has studied bioelectromagnetics (how electromagnetic fields affect life), especially as it relates to insects. He holds entomology degrees from Cornell University as well as the University of Florida and has been awarded eight patents. Dr. Dykstra consults for farmers, agricultural companies, tech firms, attorneys, international governments, and insurance agencies. He has visited three continents and presents lectures on diverse topics covering entomology, olfactory physiology, biophysics, paramagnetism, neurobiology, and biological antennae. In terms of active research, Dr. Dykstra deciphered the insect olfactory code back in 2016 and characterizes chemoreceptors for various medical and agricultural insect pests. He teaches both farmers and agricultural consultants how to raise healthy crops for their families and for profit.

Keynote: Soil Health and Human Health: The Microbiome Connection
February 5, 2025  02:00PM-03:15PM

Breakout Session: You Are What Your Food Ate: Nutritional Differences Between Pasture-Raised and Conventionally Raised Animals
February 5, 2025  03:45PM-05:00PM

Sara Keough MS, CNS, LDN, is a board-certified nutritionist who began her career in conservation work in Colorado and has practiced for the last 10 years as a licensed nutritionist in Maryland. She is founder of her clinical practice, Eco-Nutrition, and utilizes advanced functional testing to support patients with a variety of health conditions including digestive issues, autoimmune diseases, heart disease, and metabolic disorders.Her background in ecological work and experience in healthcare led to her interest in soil health and it’s impact on human health and the vitally important microbiome connection between these two ecosystems.

Sara has been a featured speaker at various agricultural events across the country as she is passionate about connecting our farming communities with our healthcare communities. She believes that regenerative farmers & ranchers are healers of the planet and play a pivotal role in restoring human and ecological health.

Keynote: Growing Soil, Grazing, and Carbon
February 6, 2025  08:30AM-09:45PM

Breakout Session: Drone Seeding for Pastures and Cover Crops in Grain Farming
February 5, 2025  03:45PM-05:00PM

Steve Kenyon owns a custom grazing business in Alberta, Canada under the name of Greener Pastures Ranching Ltd. By using extended grazing techniques he is able to pasture cattle year round. This is done by using a combination of intensive cell grazing, dormant season grazing, swath grazing, crop residue grazing and bale grazing. Steve has been teaching sustainable grazing management for more than 20 years and has been a keynote speaker at many conferences and seminars throughout Canada and the U.S. and even into Europe.
He is a writer for the Stockman Grass Farmer magazine and also for the Canadian Cattleman Magazine. Steve has a very energetic personality, which compliments a very down to earth common-sense approach to farm business management. Yet he is still just a producer and presents in a very honest and straightforward style.
The Mission statement of Greener Pastures is “Economic and Environmental Sustainability for Generations.” It is important to provide an enjoyable, profitable and sustainable business for future generations.

Breakout Session: Rejuvenating Crested Wheatgrass Stands Using Livestock
February 5, 2025  11:00AM-12:15PM

Dave Ollila manages Ollila Ranch Enterprises—Flying O Sheep in Newell, South Dakota, with a focus on enhancing livestock health and production through biodiversity. By integrating cattle and sheep grazing, the Ollila family mimics the natural diversity of the prairie, reminiscent of the ecosystems once sustained by antelope and buffalo. Dave believes that diversity in livestock is as crucial as diversity in the plant community, allowing their operation to withstand market fluctuations in both livestock and sheep. His innovative grassland management practices not only improve moisture retention but also optimize nutritional grazing, creating a sustainable model for resilience in challenging conditions. Through his work, Dave advocates for the importance of ecological balance in ranching and the significant benefits of diverse grazing strategies.

Breakout Session: Balancing Organic and Regenerative Practices
February 5, 2025  11:00AM-12:15PM

Michael Deakin operates his family farm in Ledger, Montana, where he navigates the challenges of organic certification while prioritizing regenerative practices. Michael and his wife, Emily, began their organic farming journey on leased land in Utah before purchasing an 1,800-acre farm in Pondera County in 2018. Their transition from conventional to organic farming has been a labor of love, marked by hard work and community support. Michael emphasizes the importance of building soil health while managing tillage within an organic system, utilizing techniques that minimize inputs and enhance sustainability. He actively engages with programs like NRCS’s Conservation Stewardship Program to diversify their cropping rotation and improve long-term soil health. Michael’s dedication to fostering a supportive environment for his family and his commitment to sharing insights with fellow farmers make him a valuable advocate for regenerative agriculture.

Breakout Session: Communicating Across Generations
February 5, 2025  11:00AM-12:15PM

Bryan and Kate Mannix manage Mannix Ranch in Montana, a family operation spanning three generations. The ranch, passed down from Darlene Mannix and her late husband Bert to their sons, has recently welcomed four members of the fifth generation, who are eager to contribute to its sustainable future. Bryan, the first of his generation to return full-time, oversees the Wineglass Ranch, focusing on irrigation, livestock management, and infrastructure development. His wife, Kate, joined the ranch through the Quivira Coalition in 2019 and has since become integral to their verified natural program, working closely with the cattle. Together, they strive to balance family dynamics with innovative regenerative grazing practices that enhance soil health and ensure the ranch’s economic viability. Outside of ranching, Kate enjoys using natural dyes to create unique wild rags.

Breakout Session: Direct Marketing and Regenerative Practices
February 5, 2025  11:00AM-12:15PM

John Bays, his wife Vanessa, and daughter Sadie Collins operate Highland Harmony Farm in the Shields River Valley of Wilsall, Montana, nestled in the Bridger Mountain Range. Committed to the principles of sustainable agriculture, the Bays grow and market a diverse array of products, including legumes, oats, grains, flowers, and honey from their bees. Their farm motto, “Healthy Soil and Happy Plants – Living in Harmony,” reflects their dedication to fostering a balanced ecosystem. By utilizing innovative practices such as a stripper header for harvesting, they enhance soil health and promote conservation. The Bays actively participate in local farmers markets, maintain a storefront on their farm, and run an online store, connecting with their community year-round. Through initiatives like the NRCS’s Rooting for Soil Health, they implement no-till farming, conservation crop rotation, and cover crops, contributing to improved moisture retention and soil vitality.

Breakout Session: Maximizing the Benefits of Cover Crops
February 5, 2025  03:45PM-05:00PM

Kate Vogel, a passionate advocate for regenerative agriculture, is the co-founder of North 40 Ag in Montana. Growing up in eastern Colorado, she developed a love for agriculture while helping with neighboring cattle. Kate studied dryland, no-till systems at Colorado State University, earning her Master’s degree before moving to Montana to join her husband Marcus in establishing North 40 Ag in 2011. The company aims to provide both seed and education to local farmers and ranchers, emphasizing the importance of community relationships. Kate believes that her work is not just about agriculture but also about building connections with clients and helping them achieve their soil health goals. At North 40 Ag, she assists farmers in implementing cover crops, no-till practices, and crop rotations, fostering a culture of regenerative farming in the region. Outside of work, Kate enjoys spending time outdoors with Marcus and their three children.

Breakout Session: Managing Healthy Soil and a Healthy Marriage
February 5, 2025  03:45PM-05:00PM

Indreland Ranch is holistically managed and operated to produce healthy nutrition and environment for people, livestock and wildlife. This is accomplished by resilience to economic and environmental factors and by providing opportunities and profit to all involved. It is managed and operated by a team of motivated, goal oriented and open-minded individuals that work together in a respectful manner.

Roger grew up on the home ranch and started his herd of Registered Angus Cattle in 1977 as a sophomore in high school. He attended Montana State University and graduated with a degree in Farm & Ranch Management. Betsy grew up in the Big Timber area, but not on a ranch. She attended University of Montana then Montana State University where she graduated with a degree in Business with a Marketing emphasis. She joined the agricultural world when she and Roger were wed in 1986. They returned to the ranch full time in the late 1990s.

Breakout Session: Navigating Carbon Credits Through Regenerative Practices in Eastern Montana
February 6, 2025  10:15AM-11:30AM

Bryan and Chelsea Phipps operate Phipps Livestock, Inc. on the family homestead near Jordan, Montana, established in 1905. Together with their two children, they manage a diversified cow/calf, yearling, and custom grazing operation. Their commitment to sustainable ranching was strengthened through programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, which facilitated the installation of a livestock watering system in 2009, expanding their grazing capabilities significantly.

With support from NRCS, the Phipps have adopted planned grazing practices, rotating their cattle through 25 pastures to enhance native range health. They monitor soil and pasture conditions through transects, ensuring each area receives ample recovery time. Their goals focus on improving soil health and fostering a profitable, regenerative ranching model that attracts the next generation to continue their legacy.

Breakout Session: Leveraging Partnerships for Responsible Land Stewardship
February 6, 2025  10:15AM-11:30AM

Craig and Conni French operate a cow/calf and custom grazing business south of Malta, MT. They’ve been ranching together since 1991, starting out working with Craig’s parents on the family ranch. For years the “crew” were parents Bill & Corky, Craig, Conni and their 3 kids. In 2018 the crew became just Craig and Conni as they stepped away from Craig’s family’s ranch and the kids grew up.
After an eye-opening and convicting intensive grazing workshop in 2013, their paradigms began to shift. Since then, they’ve been working to learn as much as possible to better care for the land they steward. This has meant lots of schools, workshops, seminars, tours, reading and listening. An unexpected and welcome result of the time spent learning has been the incredible relationships and partnerships that have been built.

Breakout Session: Around the Globe to Montana: A Journey in Sustainable Grain Production
February 6, 2025  10:15AM-11:30AM

Franck Groeneweg, co-owner of Living Sky Grains in Three Forks, Montana, brings a rich heritage of agriculture from his family’s wheat farm near Paris, France. After migrating to America at 19, he honed his skills through diverse agricultural experiences before settling in Saskatchewan, where he and his wife, Kari, established a successful regenerative farm. Recognized as Saskatchewan’s Outstanding Young Farmers in 2011, they produced commodity wheat while yearning for deeper community connections and a scenic landscape.

In 2019, the Groenewegs found their dream farm in Montana, taking over 15,000 acres previously owned by the Folkvord family, committed to keeping the land family-run and conservation-focused. With a vision to enhance the farm through direct-to-consumer sales of nutritious grain products, they renamed their venture Living Sky Grains, reflecting their philosophy that the earth is a living whole. Today, they prioritize regenerative practices that honor both their legacy and the land.