S7, E 45: In this episode, I sit down with Erin McKnight, a cattle producer from the Sandhills of Saskatchewan, Canada, to explore her journey and the creation of Ranch Academy.

Erin shares how Ranch Academy, her online program, equips hired hands with essential skills and knowledge—covering everything from equipment safety and cattle handling to water system troubleshooting. Originally developed to streamline her own training process, Ranch Academy has grown into a powerful tool that helps ranchers reduce training time, empower new employees, and prevent costly mistakes. This conversation is packed with insights for anyone involved in ranching or interested in the future of hands-on ranch management.

So, grab a coffee, tune in, and join us for another conversation that’s as real and rugged as ranch life itself.

Takeaways

• Training employees is crucial for effective ranch management.
• Ranch Academy provides practical solutions for common ranching challenges.
• Empowering employees leads to increased confidence and productivity.
• Customization of training materials is essential for different ranch operations.
• Clear communication is key to preventing misunderstandings and mistakes.
• Ranch Academy can benefit individuals of all ages, not just employees.
• The program includes troubleshooting for various ranching scenarios.
• Training can reduce the need for constant supervision of employees.
• Understanding the unique needs of each ranch is vital for effective training.
• Building trust through communication enhances team dynamics.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ranch Academy and Its Purpose
04:56 The Development of Ranch Academy
07:39 Content and Structure of Ranch Academy
10:24 Customization and Accessibility of Ranch Academy
13:47 The Importance of Communication in Ranching
15:40 Conclusion and Resources for Ranch Academy

Resources:

Westway Feeds - https://westwayfeed.com/ 

Ranch Academy - https://www.mcknightranch.ca/academy 

Move the Ranch Forward - https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ranchermind-events/p/move-the-ranch-forward-2025