In the spirit of care and connection, it feels deeply important to acknowledge the turbulence and violence communities across the United States are facing right now. If you’re feeling anxious, angry, alone, or scared, you’re not the only one. This community exists because women in ranching have always shown up for one another with grit, honesty, and heart. We’re here, we’re listening, and we remain committed to creating a brave and welcoming space.
We believe in human dignity and the inherent worth of every person. If you’ve been feeling the collective tightness and imbalance, we invite you to take a moment to come back to your body. Step outside. Get out on the land, and remind your system that you’re here, and we are all—humans, animals and land—connected.
However you’re arriving this month, you’re welcome here.
-Women In Ranching Team
In recognition of Black History Month,
we’re sharing a few stories rooted in land, legacy, and stewardship. These stories remind us how history lives on through the people and places that continue to shape our communities. From historic innovations to contemporary leadership in farming and ranching, Black Americans have shaped and continue to transform our relationship with land and agriculture.
‘2026 Native Women In Agriculture & Natural Resources Symposium'
March 23rd–25th from 9:30am-12:30pm MT
This three-day symposium will bring in Native women from across Indian country that are doing work in natural resources and agriculture sectors to discuss topics such as workplace wellness, salary negotiation, women empowerment, leadership skills building, healthy relationship building, and safety. Covering such topics can help provide American Indian/Alaskan Native women the tools and support system to aid in their career journeys, build community and sustain representation within the fields.
Over the next 20 years, it's estimated that one-third of all farmland in the lower 48 states will change hands. Aging farmer demographics, rising land values and farm stress are creating a challenging environment for the successful transfer of farms and ranches to the next generation. Behind these challenges, lay a wellspring of stories that do not often surface in conventional planning discussions.
Season four unearths the stories beneath the logistics. From Valier to Ekalaka, Chester to Winnett and Malta, we’ll hear how five Montana farm and ranch families are making tough choices about legacy, livelihood and love of their land.
How are Farmers and Ranchers Handling Winter Heatwave? Record-breaking warmth across December and January in Montana has left farmers and ranchers cautiously navigating a season that feels more like early spring than mid-winter.
Formerly The Roundup, The Hitching Post is a new print newspaper showcasing queer country dance lifestyles and cultures from across the US (and beyond)! Each issue includes essays, articles, art, photography, cowpoke horoscopes, puzzles and more!
Monday, March 16th, 2026, 8am-5pm in Miles City, Montana
WIR Co-Executive Director Amber Smith will be speaking at this Quivara Coalition event, sharing her experience related to succession planning. The workshop will dive into the legal side of succession as well as the lesser-discussed interpersonal dynamics that can make the process so challenging.
Akiptan is a Native American Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that provides loans and technical assistance to agriculture producers across Indian country.
Akiptan offers a whole suite of services that include financing youth, start ups, operating costs and ownership. Our CDFI takes it a step further and works with the client to assist with technical support as well as provide financial literacy training to help create a knowledgeable borrower.
