Last updated on February 25th, 2026 at 09:40 pm
There’s a hum in the air this fall that ranchers haven’t heard for a while — a good hum. The markets are strong. Calf prices are solid. And it’s about time. As Trevor put it, “Ranchers deserve it. There’s been some tough times in years gone by.”
But with those good times comes a quiet challenge. What can we do now, while things are good, to set ourselves up for when the tide turns again? Because it always does. The wise ones among us aren’t resting in the moment — they’re investing in the future.
“We wanna ride the wave, if you like,” Trevor says. “We wanna capitalize on it for a more resilient future.”
There’s Only So Many Levers to Pull
Ranching’s not a business of quick wins. Profitability comes from pulling a few big levers — conception rates, weaning weights, reducing input costs. That’s about it.
And the best part? Some of those levers can be fine-tuned with the right kind of investment. “Riomax does all of those,” Trevor says simply. “Rhyzogreen is another example — we see an increase of tonnage. Ten to thirty percent. And we’ve got an old saying: get more out of what you’ve already got.”
That’s the heartbeat of good ranch management. Not flashy. Just steady, regenerative, and wise.
Thinking Past the Calf Check
Now, a lot of folks are thinking about Uncle Sam right about now. Those calf checks are rolling in, and so is the tax man. Trevor says, “We’re not tax advisors, but we know it’s common practice that guys would look at ways to reduce the amount that you give away to Uncle Sam.”
That means finding ways to invest that money in things that keep giving — things that don’t just make this year look good, but strengthen the place for the long haul.
“If it’s something that can be a return on investment, it’s far more sound,” Duane explains. “Because that keeps giving through those tougher times.”
Maybe that’s improving genetics, upgrading equipment, or investing in nutrition and soil health — things that make a difference year after year.
Running Lean and Mean
Trevor shared a story from a grower in Kansas who used Rhyzogreen. “They changed the structure of their soil so that they have better water infiltration,” he said. “They’re able to get by with less time irrigating — running the diesel pumps less. That’s running lean and mean without hurting production.”
That’s what we’re all after, right? Working smarter, not harder. Investing in what will hold up — through the dry years, through the cold winters, through the markets that don’t always smile so kindly.
Investing Back Into the Ranching Future
At the end of the day, it’s not about getting rich. It’s about keeping this life alive and thriving for the next generation.
“Our purpose,” Trevor says, “is driving profitability back to rural North America. That is who we are. That’s what we eat, sleep, and breathe.”
He pauses for a moment. “We want the agricultural community to thrive. We want ranchers to thrive. We want the youth to get a leg up.”
That’s what this year’s good times are really about — a chance to invest in the future, to make decisions that bring resilience back to the ranch, the soil, and the families who work it.
So maybe before that calf check burns a hole in your pocket, take a breath. Look at what’ll give back. Whether it’s Riomax tubs or Rhyzogreen soil stimulant, the right investment this year could be the one that keeps your operation thriving long after the wave settles.