Cheatgrass has quietly become one of the biggest threats to western rangelands,  crowding out native forage, increasing wildfire risk, and costing ranchers valuable time, grass, and money. But there’s reason for hope.

This week, Haley sits down with Jaycie Arndt of IMAGINE (Institute for Managing Annual Grasses Invading Natural Ecosystems) to unpack the good, the bad, and the ugly of this fast-spreading invasive. From its origins and aggressive growth habits to practical management strategies and emerging research, Jaycie shares real-world solutions landowners can put to work today.

If you care about protecting sagebrush country and the future of the American West, tune in for Part 1 of our cheatgrass deep dive, with Part 2 coming soon.

Topics

[0:00] Intro with Jaycie Arndt

[1:05] What cheatgrass is and how it got to the West

[6:40] How it spreads: livestock, equipment, disturbance, and fire

[9:05] Can grazing actually help control cheatgrass?

[14:00] Treatment costs + grants and agency funding options

[16:30] The biggest mistake landowners make

[19:00] Cheatgrass, wildfire cycles, and losing sagebrush country

[24:30] Workshops, webinars, and where to find resources

[27:10] Key takeaways + what landowners can do next

Links

IMAGINE

Cheatgrass Handbook

Need professional help finding, buying or selling a legacy ranch, contact us:

Mirr Ranch Group

901 Acoma Street

Denver, CO 80204

Phone: (303) 623-4545

https://www.MirrRanchGroup.com/

Wyoming’s ranch market is shifting - and opportunity is following close behind. 

This week, Haley is joined by Jared Souza, Mirr Broker and Wyoming expert, for a boots-on-the-ground look at what’s happening across the state. From drought pressure to limited land and a demand for legacy ranches, they break down who’s buying, what’s moving, and what you need to do to get ahead of the curve in 2026. 

Actively looking? Just curious? Doesn’t matter - this episode will give you some clear insights into just why Wyoming, might be a great place to invest. 

Topics

[0:00] Introduction - Welcome back, Jared!

[1:10] Current state of Wyoming Market

[6:55] Common questions from first-time buyers

[10:05] Early look at the 2026 market

[14:15] What’s looking hot in 2026

[18:20] Advice for buyers

[21:45] Closing thoughts: What a good broker does in a cooling market

Link

Connect with Jared

Need professional help finding, buying or selling a legacy ranch, contact us:

Mirr Ranch Group

901 Acoma Street

Denver, CO 80204

Phone: (303) 623-4545

https://www.MirrRanchGroup.com/

We're throwing it back to a conversation we had last year with two of our favorite brothers, Duke and Woody Beardsley! From their family’s five generation history in Colorado to their distinct career paths – Duke as a renowned western artist and Woody as a conservation-minded ranch broker (at Mirr!) – the Beardsley’s share their perspectives on preserving the legacy of the West. They discuss how ranching, land stewardship, and contemporary western art continue to shape the region’s identity offering insights for new and seasoned landowners alike. 

Topics

[0:58] Meet the Beardsley Brothers: A Family Legacy in Colorado
[3:30] Ranching Roots: The Beardsleys’ Historic Ties to the Land
[5:21] Childhood Influences: How the West Shaped Their Careers
[9:39] The Meaning of Legacy in Art, Land, and Culture
[18:30] The Evolution of Western Art: Tradition Meets Modernity
[22:22] Ranching Today: Land Use, Conservation & Ownership Trends
[25:32] Storytelling Through Art and the Growing Popularity of Western Aesthetics
[31:45] What’s Next for Duke & Woody Beardsley
[33:47] Closing Thoughts & Final Reflections

Need professional help finding, buying or selling a legacy ranch, contact us:

Mirr Ranch Group

901 Acoma Street

Denver, CO 80204

Phone: (303) 623-4545

https://www.MirrRanchGroup.com/

We hope you’re hungry this week as Haley sits down with Cole Mannix, co-founder of Old Salt Co-op, to dig into the intersection of ranching, food systems, and community in the modern West. Raised in a multi-generation ranching family, Cole shares how Old Salt emerged as a response to a broken food system and the widening gap between producers and consumers.

From producer-owned food models to the unexpected benefits of vertical integration, Haley and Cole break down what it really takes to support working lands today. They touch on meat processing, market access, policy barriers, and the Old Salt Festival all while exploring where opportunity still exists for landowners and what the future of working lands could look like.

Topics

[0:00] Welcome to the Land Bulletin, Cole Mannix!

[5:00] Rethinking food systems

[10:05] Regenerative systems vs. regenerative products

[16:20] Can local systems influence national policy?

[20:00] The importance of vertical integration in the meat industry

[24:55] Old Salt’s distribution model

[32:30] The future of racing and middle-market infrastructure

[39:05] Advice for new and aspiring ranchers

[43:30] Old Salt Festival - how to join

Links

Old Salt Co-Op

Old Salt Festival

Need professional help finding, buying or selling a legacy ranch, contact us:

Mirr Ranch Group

901 Acoma Street

Denver, CO 80204

Phone: (303) 623-4545

https://www.MirrRanchGroup.com/

In our first Back 40 of the year, we’re heading to southern Colorado with Mirr Ranch Group broker Jeff Hubbard for a closer look at Trinidad and the region that surrounds it. With ranching roots older than the country itself, the Trinidad area was practically made for cattle production, wildlife habitat, and large-scale ranch ownership. Jeff also offers a helpful history lesson on the region, from its pivotal role along the Santa Fe Trail and its boom years as a mining town to its current resurgence as a destination shaped by recreation, open land, and enduring Western character.

Topics

[0:00] Exploring Trinidad, Colorado with Jeff Hubbard

[1:15] Getting to know Trinidad

[4:50] The Legacy of Coal City

[6:05] What Makes Trinidad Different

[9:29] Ranching in Trinidad

[11:42] Spanish Land Grants

[17:20] Trinidad Lore and Legends

[20:35] Trinidad Hidden Gems

[22:40] See You in Trinidad!

Links

Visit Trinidad, Colorado

Uncover Colorado

Jeff Hubbard

Need professional help finding, buying or selling a legacy ranch, contact us:

Mirr Ranch Group

901 Acoma Street

Denver, CO 80204

Phone: (303) 623-4545

https://www.MirrRanchGroup.com/

Skijoring may be one of the most visually striking winter sports in the West, but beyond the speed and spectacle lies a powerful story of community, tradition, and small-town resilience.

This week, we're exploring skijoring through the lens of three Colorado towns, Silverton, Ridgway, and Estes Park, each offering their own distinct take on the sport. Through conversations with event organizers and longtime participants, Haley breaks down what skijoring is, how it works, and why it has become such an important winter tradition across the state.

From historic mining streets and volunteer-run nonprofits to high-energy productions and spectator-friendly venues, tune in for a sneak peak into what could be the highligt of your winter season out west. We dig into how skijoring supports local economies, connects ranching and recreation, and keeps Western towns thriving during the winter months.

Whether you’re discovering skijoring for the first time or already planning your winter race calendar, take a listen to this skijoring round-up to see how Colorado winter communities stick together to create unforgettable events. 

Topics
[0:00] Introduction to Skijoring
[1:45] What Skijoring Is and How It Works
[3:20] Why Skijoring Matters to Western Mountain Towns
[4:30] Silverton: History, Setting, and Community Roots
[7:30] Ridgway: Course Design, Competition, and Safety
[13:45] Estes Park: Accessibility and Spectator Experience
[22:30] The Future of Skijoring in Colorado
[25:45] Closing - Happy Skijoring Season

Links

Silverton Skijoring

San Juan Skijoring

Estes Park Skijoring

More information on Skijoring

Need professional help finding, buying or selling a legacy ranch, contact us:

Mirr Ranch Group

901 Acoma Street

Denver, CO 80204

Phone: (303) 623-4545

https://www.MirrRanchGroup.com/

Happy Holidays from our team to your table. To celebrate the holiday season, we're resharing an oldie but a goodie - how to prepare wild game. We sat down with Mirr Ranch Group brokers to talk about one of our favorite Western traditions of the season. From tried-and-true recipes to personal twists passed down through the years, this episode is a celebration of what they bring to the table, and some of the wild and wonderful stories that come with it.

Topics

[0:00] Happy Holidays from the Land Bulletin Podcast

[1:11] Woody Beardsley's Favorite Duck Recipe

[6:00] Erik Anderson on Cleaning and Prepping Elk

[11:16] Jared Souza Cures Meats

[15:19] Willy Strazza's Big Catch

[18:03] Harry Woodward's Simple Trout and Duck Recipe

[20:28] Outro - We Hope You're Hungry!

Need professional help finding, buying or selling a legacy ranch, contact us:

Mirr Ranch Group

901 Acoma Street

Denver, CO 80204

Phone: (303) 623-4545

https://www.MirrRanchGroup.com/

As we wrap up 2025 and Mirr Ranch Group’s 20th year, Haley is joined by MRG founder Ken Mirr for a wide-ranging conversation on where the market stands today, and where it’s headed next.

With two decades of experience in the rearview mirror, they break down the trends shaping ranch real estate across the West, from who’s buying and what’s driving deals to why costs continue to rise. Ken shares insight into how wealth, stewardship, and land use intersect, why the ranch real estate market remains resilient, and where opportunity may emerge in 2026 and beyond.

Join us for a special interview as we look back at the lessons learned over the last 20 years, reflect on 2025, and look ahead. We'll explore the future of land ownership and how to navigate the increasingly complex world of ranch real estate. 

And most importantly, from all of us at Mirr Ranch Group,  happy holidays!

Topics

[0:00] Intro: A Year in Review 2025 Ranch Real Estate

[4:10] Buyer Evolution & What Still Drives Demand

[10:30] Traditional Ranchers and Shifting Operations

[17:20] Conservation & New Income Streams

[20:50] Why Expertise Matters

[23:00] Looking Back: Lessons from 20 Years in Ranch Real Estate 

[29:10] Valuation Realities & Pricing Ranches Correctly

[34:30] Market Stability, Listings & What the Numbers Say

[38:15] Opportunities Ahead in Ranching

[42:10] Stewardship, Legacy & The Next Generation

[47:45] Closing Thoughts: Looking to 2026 & Beyond

Need professional help finding, buying or selling a legacy ranch, contact us:

Mirr Ranch Group

901 Acoma Street

Denver, CO 80204

Phone: (303) 623-4545

https://www.MirrRanchGroup.com/

We’re walking in a winter wonderland through one of the most sought-after luxury markets in the world — Aspen, Colorado — and it’s not slowing down. This week, Haley welcomes back Michael Latousek of Douglas Elliman for a fresh look at what’s changed since 2024 and what’s ahead this ski season.

From record-setting sales to the rise of “quiet luxury,” they dig into tight inventory, construction pressures, privacy trends, and why winter remains prime time for buyers in the Roaring Fork Valley. Whether you’re exploring an investment in Aspen or simply love a peek at world-class alpine living, tune in for a little mountain magic and big-time market insight.

Topics

[0:00] Welcome back, Michael Latousek!

[2:50] What’s new in the Aspen market 2025

[6:50] Tight markets and even tighter building restrictions

[13:45] Advice for buyers entering the Aspen market

[19:00] What’s selling now?

[25:45] Why people can’t get enough of Aspen

[34:40] Privacy, security, and the rise of gated communities

[38:30] Pros and cons of off-market deals

[42:20] Closing thoughts and where to find Michael

Links

Douglas Elliman - Michael Latousek

Michael's Listings

Need professional help finding, buying or selling a legacy ranch, contact us:

Mirr Ranch Group

901 Acoma Street

Denver, CO 80204

Phone: (303) 623-4545

https://www.MirrRanchGroup.com/

Fresh off Thanksgiving, Haley gives you a solo-sode this week featuring another way you can give thanks this year: Colorado Gives Day. This year, we’re highlighting four nonprofits that play an important role in the future of Colorado’s land, culture, and communities. From statewide conservation to urban green spaces, Western art, education, and research, we revisit some of our past conversations and partners to showcase why these organizations matter, and what you can do to show your support.

Colorado Gives Day is happening this year on December 9th. If you’re passionate about working lands, Western heritage, or just simply conservation across the state, this episode can serve as your guide to meaningful giving in Colorado.

Topics

[0:00] Intro: What is Colorado Gives Day?

[1:53] Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT)

[12:10] Denver Botanic Gardens

[17:26] Coors Western Art Show & Young Guns

[22:43] High Line Canal Conservancy

[25:35] How to Give on CGD

Links

Colorado Gives Day 

Growing Conservation in Colorado with Denver Botanic Gardens

Protecting Colorado's Legacy: A Conversation with CCALT's Erik Glenn

From Cattle to Canvas - The Art of GL Richardson

The Picturesque Narrative of the West Through Art

Need professional help finding, buying or selling a legacy ranch, contact us:

Mirr Ranch Group

901 Acoma Street

Denver, CO 80204

Phone: (303) 623-4545

https://www.MirrRanchGroup.com/