What should ranch workers really be paid, and why is nobody talking about it?

Wages in agriculture can feel like a taboo subject, but avoiding the conversation is not helping anyone.

In this episode of the Ranch Workforce Project, host Haylie Shipp sits down with Dr. Rachel Frost and McKenzie Rojas of Arrow M Cattle Company to break down what compensation actually looks like in today’s ranching world.

McKenzie has built a strong following by saying the quiet part out loud. She tackles tough topics like pay, expectations, turnover, and transparency in ag. Drawing from her experience on both sides of the fence, she offers a candid look at how employers and employees can better understand each other and build more sustainable working relationships.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why ranch wages are more than just a paycheck
• Real world pay ranges for entry level to experienced workers
• How housing, food, horses, and benefits factor into compensation
• The importance of honesty and transparency in hiring
• Common disconnects between employers and employees
• What today’s workforce expects and why it matters for the future of ag

🔗 Resources and Links

Dan Scott Ranch Management Program
https://animalrange.montana.edu/danscott/

Arrow M Cattle Company
https://www.facebook.com/ArrowMPH/

🎙️ About the Show

The Ranch Workforce Project is part of the Ranch Stewards initiative and the Dan Scott Ranch Management Program at Montana State University. The show focuses on supporting the people behind agriculture.

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The Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA) is a rancher-led, grassroots organization, dedicated to improving the quality of life for rural communities throughout the Northern Great Plains. Through collaborative conservation projects, rancher education events, and local community outreach, RSA works to strengthen our rural community, economy, and culture for generations to come.

For more on the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance, head to www.RanchStewards.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Your feedback is always welcome. Email info@ranchstewards.org. Want to support our mission? Visit www.ranchstewards.org/support.