From the Pasture with Hired Hand

In today’s episode, we sit down with Guy and Charlotte Cote of Cote Cattle Company in Granby, Massachusetts—and it’s a meaningful one, because their story isn’t just about starting a farm. It’s about bringing one back to life.

Charlotte’s family has owned the property since the 1940s, when her grandparents first established it. Over time, the land grew quiet—no barns, no animals, no daily rhythms of a working farm. But Guy and Charlotte decided to change that. They started small, rebuilt step by step, and turned the family place into the full-time operation it is today.

We talk about what it takes to revive a legacy, the challenges and wins along the way, and what it means to build something lasting—on ground that already carries generations of history.

Note: Audio is a bit rough in spots—thanks for bearing with us!

Cote Cattle Company: https://www.cotecattlecompany.com/

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In this sale preview episode, we’re headed to the Fort Worth Stockyards Longhorn Auction and visiting with Bill Hudson of Hudson Longhorns. Bill shares his journey into the Longhorn industry—getting started in 2003—and what it means to be in his 21st year hosting a Longhorn sale.

We break down the weekend schedule in Fort Worth: Friday, May 22 kicks off with the Heifer Sale, followed by the Cow Sale on Saturday, May 23. Bill talks about what he looks for in a program, how he approaches selecting cattle for sale day, and why the Stockyards atmosphere makes this event a standout for Longhorn breeders and fans alike.

Tune in for a quick, practical preview to help you plan, follow along, and get ready for a big Longhorn weekend in Fort Worth.

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From the Pasture with Hired Hand:
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Fresh off a great weekend in Murdo, South Dakota, we’re back with a quick Monday Mini recap of the Pride of the Prairie Futurity & Production Sale.

The weekend kicked off with the Futurity on Saturday morning, followed by awards, and then the Production Sale later that day—bringing Longhorn folks together for a full day of competition, conversation, and bidding.

In this mini episode, we’ll share a few highlights from the weekend, the atmosphere in Murdo, and a big thank-you to the breeders, bidders, and everyone who helped make Pride of the Prairie such a success—whether you were there in person or tuning in online

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In this episode, we sit down with Peter Sheppard and his daughter Heather Sheppard-Lunn of Sheppard Farm on Apple Hill in south-central Pennsylvania as they look ahead to a milestone 50th anniversary celebration. Peter shares how the fold began in 1976 with just six cows and one bull—and how decades of intentional breeding built a program centered on traditional Scottish Highland standards, calving ease, and foraging ability, resulting in 560+ registered animals in the National Herdbook.

Heather talks about launching their direct-to-customer grass-fed Highland beef sales in 2008, growing the herd to serve both beef buyers and brood cow clients, and preparing the next generation as her daughters get involved. Together, they discuss why they carefully screen buyers and what it means to bring home an Apple Hill Highland—clean genetics, classic conformation, and a long-term commitment to the breed.

Sheppard Farms on Apple Hill: http://www.sheppardfarmonapplehill.com/

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From the Pasture with Hired Hand:
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Founded in 2018, Montgomery Sky Farm is 50 acres of purpose, passion, and possibility in Western North Carolina—an expression of intentional living where regenerative farming and private dining experiences come together to honor the land and the community around it. In this episode, we sit down with owners Taylor and Fran Montgomery to talk about the vision behind the farm and what it looks like to build something rooted in sustainability, care, and long-term stewardship.

We also discuss their animal rehabilitation and rescue work through Final Run Rescue, and how second chances—whether for animals, people, or the soil beneath our feet—shape everything they do. Chef Taylor Montgomery, a James Beard Award Semifinalist (Best Chef: Southeast), shares how his culinary world connects back to the farm, and why they’re committed to pushing boundaries while staying grounded in purpose. As Taylor and Fran put it: you have to keep pushing, because the sky is limitless.

Montgomery Sky Farm: https://www.montgomeryskyfarm.com/

Final Run Rescue: https://www.finalrunrescue.org/

Chef Taylor Montgomery: https://www.instagram.com/keeppushingchef/

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On today’s Monday Mini, we’re recapping the Glendenning Fiesta Sale in Celina, Texas from this past weekend. We break down the sale stats—how in-person vs. online buyers showed up—plus which cattle were the most viewed online both before and after the sale. If you missed it, this is your quick, numbers-and-notes debrief from Fiesta weekend.

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From the Pasture with Hired Hand:
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The Glendenning Fiesta Sale is back for its 3rd Annual celebration in Celina, Texas, happening May 1st and 2nd—and this episode is your preview of the sale experience and the tradition behind it. Hosts Rex & Sherese Glendenning reflect on the legendary Fiesta Sale days at Red McCombs Ranch in the mid-’80s—complete with mariachi music, margaritas, and top breeders arriving in unforgettable fashion—and how those memories helped shape their love for the breed and the people who stand behind it.

Four decades later, Rex and Sherese are proud to carry that spirit forward with a sale that honors Red McCombs and the legacy he built. From the elite cattle brought by consignors who “dig deep,” to the fellowship that makes Longhorn weekends special, the Glendenning Fiesta Sale is more than a sale—it’s a gathering. Set along the historic Shawnee Trail, where Texas Longhorns once helped shape the American West, this weekend invites you to enjoy great cattle, warm community, and the chance to find that special heifer or cow to move your program forward—while making memories that last (and yes—the famous corny dogs will be there, too!).

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In this episode, we sit down with Mike Crawford of Red Peak Ranch—a cattleman with a marketer’s mind and a story that proves how fast one decision can change everything. Mike shares how two Texas Longhorns given as a birthday gift sparked a journey that grew into hundreds of head at its peak, a deep respect for the animals, and a lifestyle built around learning the breed from the ground up.

We also talk about the bigger vision Mike and Pam have built along the way, including their processing plant, Local Cuts Meat Co., and why they’re so passionate about Longhorn beef—from the quality of the meat to the importance of doing right by the cattle and the customer. Plus, Mike opens up about how he and Pam’s dedication to CrossFit—and the community it creates—mirrors the Longhorn world in all the best ways: grit, consistency, humility, and the kind of support system that keeps you showing up, learning, and getting better. This conversation is full of practical lessons on planning, adaptability, and staying steady when ranch life (and Longhorns) keep you “consistently inconsistent.”

Red Peak Ranch: http://www.texaslonghornbreeder.com/

Local Cuts Meat Co: https://www.localcuts.com/

EatHealthyBeef.com: https://www.texaswholesalebeef.com/

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From the Pasture with Hired Hand:
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On today’s Monday Mini, we’re recapping two big sale events from this past Saturday, April 18th—the Cherry Blossom Sale and the Spring B&C Sale. We break down the overall tone of each sale, what types of cattle drew the most attention, and the trends we noticed in bidding—from steady demand to the lots that clearly separated themselves in the ring.

We also close with the latest NLFR standings update, sharing what’s shifting, who’s gaining momentum, and what to watch as the season continues. If you were there, this is your quick post-sale debrief—and if you missed it, consider this your fast, no-fluff recap plus a current NLFR pulse check.

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From the Pasture with Hired Hand:
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In this sale preview episode, we’re headed to New Cambria, Missouri for the 48th B&C Show-Me Spring Longhorn Sale, happening April 18 at the New Cambria Livestock Market. We sit down with sale hosts Shawn and Alyson Sayre to talk through what to expect on sale day and what makes this event such a cornerstone of the Longhorn industry.

With 119 lots on offer and a reputation as the longest-running Longhorn sale, the Show-Me Spring Sale continues to deliver a deep, dependable lineup for breeders and Longhorn fans alike. Shawn and Alyson share the history behind the sale, what they’re most excited about this year, and why this market in New Cambria remains a must-stop each spring.

Tune in for the full preview—and get ready for a great day of Longhorns in Missouri.

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From the Pasture with Hired Hand:
Hired Hand Websites (@hiredhandwebsites): https://hiredhandsoftware.com
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Newsletter: https://www.hiredhandsoftware.com/resources/stay-informed