What does it take to run a ranch? This week, Haley is joined by Paul Bruchez of Reeder Creek Ranch for a deep look at what a full year of ranching really looks like in Colorado’s high country. From calving and irrigation to hay season, community collaboration, and conservation work, Paul shares how his family balances production with long-term stewardship—while embracing the beauty and rhythm of the West.

For six generations, the Bruchez family has cared for this landscape, testing drought-resilient forage, restoring fishery health on the Colorado River, and building partnerships that support both wildlife and working lands. This candid, thoughtful conversation shows that running a ranch is far more than a livelihood—it’s a legacy and a responsibility.

Topics

[0:00] Introduction: Welcome to Reeder Creek Ranch

[1:56] A Year on the Ranch: Season by Season

[6:23] Life in Grand County’s Ranching Community

[12:05] Drought-Resilience and Water Studies

[15:48] Success: More Than Just Output

[24:39] Conservation Successes Across the West

[26:45] Ranching as a Family Legacy

[33:04] Tales From the Ranch: Hunting and Fishing

[39:26] Closing Thoughts: Stewardship, Legacy, and the Future of Reeder Creek

Links

Reeder Creek Ranch

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 next installment of The Back Forty, Haley is joined by Willy Strazza to discuss the beauty and history of Carbondale, Colorado. They explore the region’s rich agricultural roots, its evolving identity as an outdoor and creative hub, and why the community stands apart from its glitzier neighbors. From the Fryingpan to enviable land management opportunities, Carbondale has a little something for everyone.

Chapters

(0:00) Welcome Back! Carbondale with Willie Strazza

(1:16) Getting to Know Carbondale

(2:07) History of Carbondale

(5:48) What Makes Carbondale Unique?

(7:34) Living in Carbondale

(13:12) A Special Community

(14:46) Carbondale’s Hidden Gems

(16:13) Wrap Up: The Best of Carbondale

Links

Visit Carbondale

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/

It’s never too early to prepare for wildfire season, but it can be too late. This week, Haley is joined by Bryce Gidney of Outlaw Forestry to talk about wildfire mitigation, forest health, and what it really means to care for your land. They discuss the numerous ways you can set up your land for success - everything from selective thinning to creating defensible space and improving wildlife habitat. Doing things right the first time not only protects your land, but also your legacy and peace of mind. Change the way you think about fire, first health and the future of your ranch and tune in today.

Chapters

[0:00] Welcome & Introduction

[4:50] What Effective Wildfire Mitigation Really Looks Like

[9:10] Walkthrough of Bryce’s On-Site Process

[13:20] Planning for the Long-Term: Land Legacy and Access

[17:30] Hunting Access & Habitat Enhancement

[21:15] Where to Start: First Steps for Landowners

[25:45] Rising Fire Risks and Longer Seasons

[29:15] Proactive vs. Reactive Land Management

[37:45] How Mastication Restores Burned Landscapes

[40:00] Final Thoughts: Start Now, Protect What Matters

Links

Outlaw Forestry

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/