A New Team - Choosing Replacement Heifers and Rebuilding

Visit us @ www.ourwyominglife.com/
As we continue to make the ranch our own, its time to bring in new blood as we choose replacement heifers and a new class of steers!
Learn more about FBN:
FBN Livestock Pharmaceuticals use.fbn.com/pharmacy
FBN Livestock Feed use.fbn.com/livestock-feed
Order Jerky, Clothing, Whiskey Glasses & more:
ourwyominglife.com/shop/
Visit the Ranch Farm House, Antelope Hunt or Camp:
www.ourwyominglife.com
Book Our Wyoming Life to Speak or Attend your Next Event:
ourwyominglife.com/speaking/
Get Mike’s Favorite Tools or Erin’s Garden Necessities:
www.amazon.com/shop/ourwyomin...
Support Our Wyoming Life on Patreon:
/ ourwyominglife
Watch our Weekly Livestream on our Second Channel, Beyond the Ranch:
/ beyondtheranch
Send us mail:
PO Box 667
Gillette, WY 82717
Need even more Our Wyoming Life in your Life:
Visit our Website: www.ourwyominglife.com
Follow us on Instagram: / ourwyominglife
Follow us on Facebook: / ourwyominglife
Disclaimer: Some of the above links are Affiliate Links, meaning we will receive a small amount of money from your purchase.

[@jackiekemmerer2512]

Miss Rita I wish you nothing but HAPPINESS, GOOD HEALTH AND A LONG HAPPY RETIREMENT, thank you for allowing Mike & Erin the time to learn and decide if this is what they wanted to do with there lives,GOD BLESS AND BE WITH YOU

[@GroverParkGeorge]

I was so happy to hear your full-throated defense of your mother-in-law. Best of luck to you all.

[@hinglemccringleberry7786]

I’m liking your concept of cutting out the middle man. They’ve been laughing all the way to the bank for too long. Best of wishes

[@peggybennett2073]

I have never commented before but just wanted to say I truly respect you standing up for Rita. None of us have any right to judge. Good luck to Rita and to your family.

[@flyboy6876]

Cute pun Mike about which bathroom. Anyone who has said anything bad about Erin's mom has never owned anything, (especially a working ranch) at all. It's hard work mentally, not just physically; you get drained, and there comes a day as you get older that you say enough is enough. She is lucky to have a family to pass it off to. I have watched a lot of family ranches go the cooperation route after it was in the family for 150 years because the kids were not interested, it is a hard life, and the only ones who get rich are the banks. Now she can kick back and finally relax and not worry how she will make ends meet. You and Erin have a plan; God willing, it works the way you hope. Ranching was tough when I had mine in the '70s, but nowadays, well sun comes up and goes down just about as fast as the price of feed, medical, and cows, plus kids grow fast there needs to follow

[@JLC87420]

😂

[@jpmerrick8886]

Why say rude things about w great american family ?

[@billsouth3923]

How true the banks are the only one gets rich and the poor ranchers and farmers get poor I due to she deserves it

[@lilywelch-new4369]

I pray it all works out for all of you including Rita. 🙏 🙏🙏 I also pray your drought ends in the spring.

[@MTNavarette]

Being a owner of my own Real Estate Business and nearing retirement.. I can appreciate the challenges and decisions you all and Rita are having to make. It is amazing that Rita has a daughter and son-in-law that want to continue in the footsteps blazed by her and her deceased husband. Many children of business owners opt to take a different path, a different profession.

[@SuperSooner01]

Your mother in law has done an awesome job. This happens all across the farm and ranch land. I hope and pray she has a great adventure for the rest of her days, she deserves it. By looking at your wife and children we know how important of a role model she must have been. Keep up the great vlogs from a 4th gen farmer in iowa.

[@cityvibegirl]

Brother in law is 4th gen in Clinton Iowa

[@erictschumper5486]

Good call. It is your business and every negative person can go away. Keep on ranching!

[@donnakytle6595]

Keeping you and family in prayers.HAPPY RETIREMENT MRS. RITA! MIKE AND ERIN are 2 of the hardest working farmers!

[@dougmgoblue2670]

I hope Rita gets to do some things in retirement that she’s always wanted to do!

[@Cat-qz9tu]

A good firm idea. I don't blame Rita In these times of all around change To retire sell to you downsize Is a very good idea. Rita needs to go for the best dollar now, and I'm sure she'll b by the family side. May it all go well for you😊💖👍🙏⛄

[@miriambertram2448]

Rita's choices mean she has her grandchildren near her. It will be great for all of them.

[@diesel7903]

I think even if she still owned the ranch she could do whatever she wants.

[@stephenward5681]

Miss Rita, I want to wish you all the happiest in the world. You have earned this time in your life. May God bless you and Mike and Erin.

[@clarencedalrymple2566]

Sorry to har abot the negative comments about mis Rita. they are totally uncalled for and have no place in this blog. My prayers for Mis Rita, you, and the entire family. God Bless.

[@PatricesProjects]

I'm kind of excited to watch the restructuring of the ranch. I sure hope you and Erin find a way of buying the ranch.

[@tinykirkwood5494]

Want to wish Erin's Mom a Happy retirement she's doing what is best for her. Also I wish the best for you and your family.

[@duckiegirl58]

Miss. Rita, we wish you so much happiness in your next step! You honored your late husband well! Thank you for all you've done behind the scenes!!

[@sugarbabe5678]

I haven’t watched a video in awhile, but I respect so much that your wife mom willing to keep the business in the family! That is creating generational wealth!!! Much love and respect RITA!!!! That’s what I call providing for your grandchildren!

[@RDale27]

You guys have a good head on your shoulders. You will be just fine. I don’t know Ms Rita but I hope her retirement years are happy ones. She’s earned the right to sit back and play with grandkids and watch them grow. Farmers are a tough crowd and built to handle whatever pops up on the farm.

[@gardenwalker7070]

"Negativity helps no one!" What a great lesson some of us still have to learn! I am thrilled that 1) you are sticking to your family decisions, and 2) You, your wife, children and Rita have new and surprising opportunities to take advantage of during this time in your lives. Although some will continue to tell you how to live, only you can make the choices and follow thru with what is best for you. Stick to your plans, adjust as needed and you will create a successful result. Thank you for taking us along.

[@Sean-fb7cy]

Best of luck with purchasing the ranch hopefully all will work out for all . Remember the Irish saying IF ITS FOR YOU IT WONT GO PAST YOU.. God bless and thanks for the hours of real life entertainment..

[@storiesinstones]

Thank you Rita for putting Mike & Erin in the drivers seat. Gilbert would be happy!

[@purplepetunia1494]

I need to go to your previous videos to remember what it was that Gilbert told you. “Mike, run it into the ground.” or something like that. I don’t know exactly what he meant. Maybe you do. Did he mean you do whatever works for you? I would say that’s what you’re doing. You have done an amazing job so far.

[@storiesinstones]

@@purplepetunia1494 I don’t remember exactly what Gilbert said but Mike said he would do everything in his power to keep the ranch going. It was a very emotional video on one of the anniversaries of Gilbert’s death.

[@mikedrefahl7037]

I went through the same situation on a dairy farm with my parents almost 20 years ago now it all works out in the end

[@terrimcdonald7105]

Very well said Mike! You invite us in to your life, your home it needs to be respected, same as every family member involved! Thank you so much for sharing. God bless bless you, Erin, Rita, Kenzie, Gracie, Link and your farm during this transition. This is Mike and Erin’s time for the farm, family grows and change happens. Take care.

[@nancytyndall3039]

I wish your mother in law the best and pray that she has many good years to enjoy her time with her family members. May you all be blessed.

[@kimkrise3867]

Amen to you Mike for standing up for your standing up for your mother-in-law. If you all wanted to keep the ranch within family that is your choice. i just hope that she will continue living on the ranch and watch her grandkids grow.

[@vickiegurganus8146]

God bless your family 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@brianastephens2494]

People have no idea what you guys are going g through or having to do. Haters will be haters and if someone wants to retire they should. I love your guys' idea with going straight to the consumer. I wish I could find someone where I live so I could get a whole cow and whole hog to stock my deep freezer, definitely with the price of meat going up.

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

@VICKY🦋 So, what are you trying to convey here?

[@tammyarison4922]

Wishing Miss Rita a long and very happy retirement. Go enjoy the life you worked so hard for. Mike and Erin I have no doubts about your ability to make this work. May God continue to bless you all.

[@gmar4454]

"negativity helps no one". AMEN. THANKS Mike. My parents helped me in many ways to start farming. I really appreciate that but I also very much appreciate that they've backed out to let me and my family move forward 👍🏾

[@august3777]

Man. I have to tell you that I've been waiting all week for this video. For some reason I thought it would be soon, but still happy to finally get to see you all again. Its great to see you all move forward, and I'm so exciting to see how things work out for you all moving forward.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you very much!!

[@stevensaxon8888]

@@OurWyomingLife Mike you have prayers for georgia coming your. hopefully you can buy the ranch

[@utenunes9572]

🇨🇦 I don't know much about farming or ranching but I do know integrity when I see it and it is something you have a lot of. Wishing you and your family all the best in your new endeavors and happy retirement Rita.

[@kathysilverberg1234]

Good luck to mother in law and good luck to the entire ranch and your family!!!!!!

[@sarastephenson2147]

Very courageous of you all as a family to share the journey of family succession on the farm. Rita is a very special lady to have her sights on trying to sustain a family succession - hope for all of you the plans come to fruit for you all. Please keep your courage and strength as you take the day by day the steps through this restructure process. Your journey helps us all learn, thank you for sharing what you can with us.

[@judieszydlowski4608]

All the cattle look so healthy...their coats are so long and pretty (thanks to the cold I would guess). You've got a good herd to start your next chapter with!

[@48Pammie]

So happy seeing new videos. Missed your vlogs. I agree no room for rude or nasty comments. People change and situations change. Bless you Rita and happy retirement!!

[@streetrodder2846]

Rita's retirement only means a transition must be made. It's not a catastrophe. Wishing Rita a long awaited and happy retirement. I've been retired for over 25 years. 🙏 Blessings to all of you!

[@twyllafettis6631]

I'm with you on your decision to block some from commenting. I pray blessings and success to All your family! Speedy recovery, Mike. Congratulations Rita!

[@4LineRanch]

I run my operation the same way- direct to consumer beef and pork. 🙂 There are many of us going that route. When the consumer is paying more at the store, and beef producers are making less than ever, it’s the middle man making all the money. I’m rooting for you guys! ❤️

[@kentariola3375]

Ms Rita, congrats on your retirement. What a great opportunity for growth for Mike and Erin. Don’t listen to those negative people.

[@barbarabrand190]

Historically, nothing last forever except change. I appreciate your kind words in support of your mother in law. I assumed that in an effort to support her husband and thier family, she had been tied down to the ranch most if not all of her adult life. As a widow myself, sometimes your need to turn a new leaf. My best wishes to and for Rita. I also assume that after a decade of internship, you and Erin have shown great promise and insight into taking the reins of the ranch as it heads into the future. As you have said in many of the past videos, the only way to survive the current weather, economic, and what ill refere to as social changes, is change itself. Im personally excited to see how you and Erin institute and build these changes that will allow the ranch to thrive and grow in these new directions, enabling you to keep the ranch in the family. Best of luck and thanks for keeping us viewers in the loop!

[@212bag]

Love your channel; best of luck to you and your mother in law. Anyone who doesn't support her decision is unimportant...

[@mags102755]

Gracious goodness why wouldl people say terrible things about Rita, whom they don't even know? People make me crazy sometimes. Mike, it seems to me you're making your choices, and it's great to be able to hang out with you all.

[@SLCFarms]

What a beautiful corral system. That’s what a cow farmers / ranchers dreams are. I admire it every time I watch you work cattle.

[@mamisjr]

Mike and Erin, my wife and I truly enjoy your videos and wish you and Rita a very bright and happy future. I went to your website because I wanted to send you an email directly but my phone wouldn’t allow me to. Anyhow, thank you so much for all of the great tips, tricks, and educational quips that you provide. Your videos have not only provided hours of entertainment, but have also given a wealth of information that has helped us in our journey raising our small herd. Again, we truly appreciate all that you do. CH in Indiana

[@NWtoSFO]

I appreciate that you guys are going through an uncertain time on the ranch. I also appreciate that you’re being as positive as you can be under a stressful situation. No time like the present to think outside the box and make things happen. I realize our words do little more than give you emotional support, but, from what I’ve seen, you and Erin are more than capable of implementing whatever plan y’all come up with. Wife and I are thinking of you guys.

[@lindavanderhider8497]

Rita enjoy your retirement, so very happy for you, good to know the kids have a chance to run the ranch, keeping it in the family is best. Love ya all.

[@rickwestbrook2315]

I love your attitude Mike.

[@brianspurrell3348]

Hi family. I would like to say I was surprised to here that you received negative comments directed at Rita but sadly it is a fact of life. That being said you did the right thing by calling those people out early on and with extreme predgidous, good on you. I am sure at one point in Rita's life she was faced with choice to continue or let every thing go. Rita took the tough road and continued on and should be given a medal not criticism. I am sure the ranch will be in good hands. Happy retirement Rita, enjoy what you earned and deserve. T's &P's to you all Gods Speed. Your Canadian Friend / Fan.

[@rebeccaschooley2628]

God bless you all

[@Navet63]

All I can say Mike is, AMEN. Negativity will not be tolerated. Keep on doing what you're doing. In today's economical climate, you have to do whatever is necessary to stay afloat. "Don't lose faith".

[@tammycox9789]

Mike, Erin if anyone can make the ranch run you both can. Love you guys and love the videos you post. Happy retirement to Rita. Wish you both the best. You can do this.

[@AmaTXLori]

I am happy that Rita has y’all to be a part of her supportive family so she can enjoy retirement. The decisions y’all have made as a family is so important for all. I see success for everyone in this endeavor and looking forward to the process of progression.

[@dennishuntley7688]

I am proud you stood up to the Negativity towards Rita and the Ranch. I wish nothing but the best of her retirement, and a prosperous future for you guys and the ranch. Love what you do, how you do and why you do as you explain it. Keep up the good fight. ✌

[@sandy-001]

Happy Retirement Rita!! Mike and Erin, you got this!!

[@gordonhoffman8003]

We support your efforts your future your decision that my take. I love your videos and the idea you are moving forward with.

[@tedwazonek7956]

God Bless you Rita, wishing you all the best…a special thank you should also go out to you and your family Mike for doing what is best for all! One gate closes another one opens. Family is family. Tough times make for stronger family ties! 🚜 👍🏻✌🏼🙏🏼

[@beverlycurtis6707]

You are a good son-in-law I love to hear your tell these stinkers what is what.

[@robchelgren2745]

I pray for you, Erin and your mother in law every nite plus all the other farmers and ranchers in this country

[@martinbeirne7621]

Mike Erin Rita do what you need to do for you and your family. Don’t let the negative people weigh on you. God bless and do what’s best for you guys

[@jimpantherdrivervickers5439]

I few whiskey shots and that cold will go away really fast...lol. I went across WY on Monday, delivered a Cessna engine to Rock Springs regional airport.

[@boomboo8866]

The right man in the right place. The Optimism makes life easy and surrounded it by happiness.

[@grantboucher2696]

Best Wishes to the WHOLE family

[@earlsmithson4749]

Mike, What’s that old saying. When things get tuff, the tuff get going. Congratulations on your attitude and willingness to make it work for you and your family. America was built by men who accepted the challenge of adversity and overcome.

[@CowGirlKat8691]

Here’s to a happy retirement for Ms. Rita & a booming business for you & Erin from now on. May God bless your going out and your coming in and prosper your business mightily 💕🙏🏼

[@jessicapabon2105]

Rita I don't know you personally but I'm so very thankful you gave them the opportunity to buy the ranch from you. It's a beautiful property and it's a family business and its memories and it's a future... What a wonderful opportunity. I'm sure they will be able to purchase the Ranch from you given the opportunity. I enjoy watching the videos very much. I do not own cows nor do I have a ranch but I look forward to watching all the videos that are put into play and have learned so much. It's not only educational but it is truly heartfelt and beautiful to see how a family operation works and the hard work that has been put into it and the positivity that is going to come out of it and continues to come out of it. Rita enjoy your retirement. Thank you again for allowing them to purchase the ranch from you. God bless your family! Take care from Texas... When you say direct to the consumer does that mean you will sell cattle directly to the consumer or are you just talking about selling the meat from those cows to the consumer? I'm not a farmer so I really don't know what that means but if you can clarify that I'd appreciate it. I know my sister and bro-in-law have property up north and they buy meat directly from a farmer

[@williamalexander7588]

Im fairly new to your channel, but I have to sat I love what you and your family have to offer. Not only does it give inspiration to me as a small farmer just restarting the family farm. But also the messages that whether on purpose or not, you all bring to those who watch you. Congrats to everything you accomplish and a look towards the future for you and your family.

[@schm2918]

One thing that might challenge the way you've learned to raise cattle is the staggered butcher dates. I've always wanted a whole herd of uniform sized steers, but when you butcher a few each month year round it has at least in my experience worked as an advantage to have a bit of a variance in weights. Otherwise the first ones you butcher may hang at 690 pounds and the last ones at 960. Just food for thought!

[@juanitatorres9347]

I am so glad that you took that stance Mike, to put people on notice that are being negative about your personal family decisions and your mother-in-law‘s retirement. I have been a Paul at the keyboard warriors that think they know everything about your lives, and can make judgments on your family decisions. God bless you, Erin, your children, and Rita.❤️🙏

[@tetonscot8028]

Rita....thank you for support Our Wy Life for as long as you could ..mine have benefitted from the effort of all of you, thanks for sharing.

[@michaelsailors7794]

Prayers for yall, hope yall can make it work to keep the ranch. I hate that there has been bad comments towards her. God will see yall thru. See yall next time

[@JanesDough855]

There's a real science to what you trying to implement. Lots of thought and planning. I have every confidence you will be successful. Only a person who has been thru many changes can deal with more challenges. Makes for a strong backbone. Can't wait to see how this all works out for you! Side comment - Happy Retirement to you, Rita! I will be there very soon and can't wait!

[@jodoran533]

They bavblll than

[@amyalexander8993]

As someone who is trying to grow their own business, I found this video very informative. I wish Rita all the happiness in the world.

[@jeffkizer6666]

Prayers to you all !! Hope RITTA HAS A GREAT RETIREMENT !! I'm sure she has worked very hard to get to where she is . And for her to make a decision like this , she has to be one strong lady !! Prayers !!

[@Bill_N_ATX]

While I empathize with the process your are going through, I did want to say one more thing about the Arrowquip system you have. Its hard to imagine a better system especially for a single man operation. A whole lot easier than the old corral system we used in my youth. That took several hands to manage even a small herd. And yes, I hear you about lots of changes in life. I worked in the radio world for years and had to bail out after consolidation took a vibrant industry and shrunk it to a fraction of its former size. I got into IT and hope to be able to ride it out for the next decade till I too make the difficult decision to retire. At least I hope it’s my decision. You never know these days. Bless you and your family.

[@traderjoes8725]

Some people don't understand or simply don't know that in agriculture the value of the farm or ranch is also for retirement savings. Farmers are entrepreneurs. Every single penny has been invested to increase the value of the farm over decades. To be honest, a farm auction where the entire farm is liquidated is not uncommon. Farm-to-table is the right thing to do! I really wish you the best!

[@roberttharp3650]

I am behind you and your family all the way

[@mattpeacock5208]

I never met you Rita, but I love you! Do your thing, you've paid your dues!!!! The haters need to sit down, shut up and watch because grown-ups are running the show!

[@thetxfarmkid]

Happy retirement Rita, can’t wait to see what y’all do next!

[@georgedavidson1221]

Long term you need to get a business plan together that focuses on direct marketing As you have stated Need to look at costs to ship and processing Mike. Look at distillers grain and food waste from grocery stores

[@wheelsmcdealsace]

good luck with it all no matter which way the wind blows.

[@stevearrico3448]

Some people just won’t be there for their fellow humans. God Bless you all and from our family to yours, you have our best. Enjoy your retirement.

[@michaelbuxton9368]

Congratulations to the entire family as each of you enter this phase of life. I am confident Erin and you will succeed. I wish you the best!!

[@dalenoack3929]

Mike & Erin: It's unbelievable how insensitive some people can be! I wish you all the success in whatever plans and course of action you take. With your determination and hard work, I'm confident you will make it work.

[@rancancookcanoy9768]

I enjoyed this video. Sorry Rita had to see and read some of the bad comments rude people posted. If they can’t say anything nice, then they should not be posting or they truly feel that way then need to not watch this channel. I look forward to when you have been for sale. Happy for you and the family that cattle ranching will be continuing. Thank you.

[@mdgan1]

Hey Ms. Rita, we here at Circle G in Dade City, FL wish you ALL OUR BEST during your retirement.. We love watching Mike, Erin and the kids working your ranch and thank you for it.. Best Regards!!!

[@wheelsmcdealsace]

that Arrowquip looks like one nice tool to have considering how useful it is.

[@monsterboymom]

Your doin a great job Mike! Feel better soon!

[@jimpolk]

I hope Rita a wonderful, long and enjoyable retirement. God bless her and your whole family. Mike I hope you get well and feel better very soon. I know it all has to get done regardless but it's easier if you feel good. 😊

[@BDNADLER]

Mike, whatever your decision, whatever path you take all the best to you and your family. Though we never met, you were almost like a friend. You know what is best for you. I hope your direct to consumer business is a massive success.

[@paulafutrell6000]

I for one am happy Rita gets to retire and your given the opportunity to buy! I hope she gets to do all the fun things she's always wanted to do. Congratulations Rita! ❤

[@jerryrobson9309]

Awesome videos. Hope Rita has a great retirement. You are doing a great job

[@dx5018]

When I was young I was helping on a big French farm. For them handing down the land in it's enormous worth also is something that keeps them up in the night. I hope everything goes smoothly and I wish you success in your endeavors.

[@marionward5958]

Rita. Take no notice of the nasty ones. Here is one to try and make it better. . Have a long, happy and comfortable retirement.Thank you for supporting the ranch

[@Freedom-nu7he]

I am really hoping the best for you and the family and love watching you guys!! I hope Rita has a great retirement and you guys work all of this out. I can only imagine the stress you guys are going thru right now and I truely hope the best for you guys and your family in general.

[@gordonhoffman8003]

I support you completely

[@brandongustafson7497]

I wish Rita a very happy and healthy retirement and congratulations to her!! I am happy that you talked more about the fact that it was a family decision and I am very happy that she is letting everything move at a slower pace so you can take on the ranch!

[@paf950]

I think everything will work out fine....get rid of that cold though!

[@teddymullins3706]

Great job mike on going straight to the consumer This is a good decision I was worried about the health of the ranch I know what it's like to raise a family and wonder where your next paycheck is coming from I hope Rita Enjoys her retirement as much as I am

[@pinky2502]

Best of luck to you all Mike, we're rooting for you!

[@FillingPassports]

I'm always amazed by the trolls, haters and know-it-alls who feel the need to inject themselves into a conversation that doesn't affect them but such is the dark side of the internet. Thank you for giving the world a view of Wyoming ranching and best wishes for your new business model. Hope you're getting enough moisture up north there this year.

[@brucelowe5116]

Wishing the best for ALL of the family miss Rita certainly has earned her retirement and deserves her some me time