Land  •  Livestock  •  Relationships

Connecting ranchers with the people, ideas, and opportunities that move agriculture forward.

Hosted by Derek Jackson, Zach Hopson, and Daniel Unruh, The Ranch Rolodex is built around honest conversations with the people shaping ranching, business, stewardship, and rural life.

New episodes every two weeks  ·  Premiering July 22, 2026

About Us

Success in agriculture is never built alone.

The Ranch Rolodex is built on a simple belief: the best operations grow through relationships, shared knowledge, and people willing to help each other get better. Meet the three ranchers behind the mic.

Derek Jackson

Co-host

Derek Jackson

Derek Jackson is a rancher and entrepreneur with a passion for the business of ranching and the long-term stewardship of the land. He is driven by finding innovative ways to make ranches more profitable, resilient, and sustainable while preserving the natural resources that make them possible.

Derek has a particular interest in the Flint Hills and the conservation of the tallgrass prairie, believing that sound economics and responsible stewardship should go hand in hand.

As the founder and co-host of The Ranch Rolodex, he is committed to exploring ideas, partnerships, and opportunities that strengthen both the business of ranching and the future of the prairie.

Zach Hopson

Co-host

Zach Hopson

Zach Hopson is a rancher, entrepreneur, and business owner from Nacogdoches, Texas. As the owner of T&K Fence and Hopson Cattle, he has built businesses by recognizing opportunities, solving problems, and creating value. From growing a commercial cow-calf operation to managing ranches across East Texas, Zach believes successful ranches are built on sound business principles just as much as good cattle and healthy grass.

A graduate of Ranching for Profit, Zach has a passion for cattle marketing, strategic sell-buy decisions, and helping producers think differently about profitability. His entrepreneurial mindset, extensive network throughout the ranching industry, and genuine ability to connect with people make him a trusted resource and natural collaborator.

As a co-host of The Ranch Rolodex, Zach brings curiosity, practical insight, and an energetic perspective to every conversation. Whether discussing ranching, business, or leadership, his goal is to connect listeners with people, ideas, and opportunities that help them build better ranches, stronger businesses, and more fulfilling lives.

As Zach likes to say, "If you're gonna be a bear, be a grizzly."

Daniel Unruh

Co-host

Daniel Unruh

Dan Unruh is passionate about helping ranches become more productive, profitable, and sustainable through sound grazing management, strategic cattle marketing, and practical cowboy skills. He has a talent for turning grass into pounds and solving problems with hard work, experience, and common sense.

Alongside his wife, Ellie, a veterinarian, Dan combines exceptional stockmanship with a deep understanding of animal health, making them a team that's prepared to handle just about any challenge a ranch can present.

As a co-host of The Ranch Rolodex, Dan is dedicated to sharing practical knowledge and connecting ranchers with the people, ideas, and opportunities that can strengthen both their operations and their way of life.

The Show

Latest episodes

New conversations every two weeks, beginning July 22, 2026. Subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss one.

01 Premiere

The Ranch Rolodex Origin Story

Meet Derek, Zach, and Dan — and learn the story behind why The Ranch Rolodex exists.

Show notes →
02 Guest

Building a Profitable Ranch: How RFP Transformed Our Operations & Our Lives

with Dallas Mount

The Ranching for Profit school is what first connected Derek, Zach, and Dan — a conversation with Dallas Mount.

Show notes →
03 Guest

There's No One Way to Ranch

with Toby Holsted

Toby Holsted on leaving the family farm, challenging old paradigms, and building a profitable ranching career on his own terms.

Show notes →
04 Roundtable

Struggles & Strategies: Women on the Ranch

with Kerri, Emilie, Nicky, Elli & Jill

The ranch women take over the podcast — an honest conversation about the invisible load, boundaries, and finding solidarity.

Show notes →
05 Guest

How Profitable Ranchers Think Differently

with John Haskell

Ranch Right's John Haskell on financials, leverage, and why optimizing beats maximizing.

Show notes →
06 Guest

Building More Than a Business: A Ripple Effect in Rural America

with Nicky Tiffany

How a rundown Main Street building became the Territory Ballroom — and what it takes to go first.

Show notes →
07 Roundtable

The Profit Is in the Buyback: Sell/Buy Marketing

with Daniel, Zach & Derek

The cattle square, intrinsic value, and why the real margin lives in what you buy back.

Show notes →
08 Guest

Know Exactly What You Want: How a Clear Vision Makes Every Ranch Decision Easier

with the Vision Flight team

Mission versus vision, and why knowing what you're building toward makes every ranch decision easier.

Show notes →
09 Roundtable

The Real Cost of Rebuilding the Cow Herd

with Zach, Dan & Derek

Heifer retention, the LRP program, and what it would actually take to give a rancher confidence to grow.

Show notes →
10 Guest

What 10 Years Away Taught a Fifth-Generation Rancher

with Logan Pribbeno

Ten years in Silicon Valley finance before he could come home — and how that shaped Wine Glass Ranch.

Show notes →
11 Roundtable

Owning Dirt vs. Building a Ranch: A Land Access Discussion

with Derek, Zach & Dan

Buy or lease, cash flow, and why controlling productive ground can matter more than owning it.

Show notes →

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Give Back

The Ranch Rolodex Scholarship Fund

Supporting continuing education, mentorship, and opportunity for the next generation of ranchers and agricultural leaders.

For applicants

Join the list to receive application announcements, deadlines, and future opportunities as they open.

Apply & get updates

For donors & sponsors

Pledge your support to fund agricultural education, leadership development, and hands-on learning for rising ranchers.

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Contact

Have a guest in mind? Want to connect?

Recommend a guest, ask about the scholarship fund, or just say hello — we'd love to hear from you.

theranchrolodex@gmail.com