As a teenager in high school, I told my mom I would marry a cowboy/football player. She laughed it off and told me good luck with that one since we lived in the booming city of St. George, Utah. Sure enough, to her surprise, Andrew and I met our sophomore year of high school. He was a football player — fullback and defensive tackle — and a cowboy through and through. As we continued dating, I discovered he was also a rancher’s son.

Andrew comes from a long line of ranchers, a family legacy that spans generations. Though they originally started as sheepherders, one of his grandfather’s grew tired of raising sheep and switched to cattle. What began as a Hereford herd has now evolved into a purebred Angus and Lim-Flex cross operation. I sure did find my forever cowboy, and together, we set our sights on carrying on the family tradition — becoming the next generation of the Blake Ranch.

Andrew is the fifth generation to run the ranch, and we have always dreamed of keeping it alive for our children and future generations. But as many in the ranching industry know, keeping a family operation going is no easy task. When the time came to figure out how to buy out Andrew’s uncle’s portion of the ranch, we quickly realized that the valuation was far beyond what Andrew and his brother, Brandon, could afford. The price was overwhelming, with the land, grazing permits, cattle, and equipment.


The Challenges of Keeping a Family Ranch Alive

Land values, rising operational costs, and increasing regulations make it harder than ever for young ranchers to take over family operations. In today’s agricultural landscape, many multi-generational ranches are being sold off or divided, simply because the next generation can’t afford the financial burden of keeping them going.

But Andrew and I were determined not to let the legacy die. We explored every possible option — loans, partnerships, leasing agreements — anything that would allow us to keep the ranch in the family. Through hard work, persistence, and a deep commitment to our way of life, we found a path forward.


Holding Onto Tradition While Embracing Change

While we remain true to the core values of ranching, we have also embraced new technologies and innovative strategies to make the operation more sustainable and efficient. From utilizing rotational grazing techniques to implementing precision agriculture and smart technology, we are working to ensure that the Blake Ranch remains viable for years to come.

More than anything, we want our children to grow up knowing the value of hard work, resilience, and the deep connection to the land that comes with ranching. This lifestyle isn’t just a job — it’s a calling, a responsibility, and a legacy worth fighting for.


A Message to the Next Generation

To those who dream of following in their family’s agricultural footsteps, don’t give up! The road will be challenging, and the obstacles may seem insurmountable, but with determination, creativity, and a willingness to adapt, it is possible to keep your legacy alive. Seek resources, lean on your community, and never be afraid to chase your dreams.

For us, the Blake Ranch is more than just a piece of land — it’s our heritage, passion, and future. And we won’t let the legacy die.