John Onderdonk is a fourth-generation cattle rancher and the head of Northern Trust’s Agricultural Properties Group which manages farm, ranch and timber assets as trustee and executor for Northern Trust clients.

In our episode, John will discuss the growing popularity of ranches among wealthy families and the challenges and opportunities of owing (or inheriting) these assets.

(1:03) – How did John’s family get into cattle ranching?

(3:46) – What role did the ranch play in John’s early years?

(5:02) – How does John help ranch owners in his role at Northern Trust?

(8:29) – What’s driving the growth in ranch ownership?

(11:43) – What challenges should people look out for when they’re either inheriting or looking to buy a ranch?

(14:30) – What are some of the opportunities or innovations that could help ranch owners stay profitable?

(17:13) – How does John build credibility for himself among other ranch owners?

(19:21) – How similar is Yellowstone to the realities of running a ranch?

(21:01) – What does John love—and not love—about running his own ranch?

(23:07) – What is the ‘why’ that motivates John?

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