We hope you’re hungry this week as Haley sits down with Cole Mannix, co-founder of Old Salt Co-op, to dig into the intersection of ranching, food systems, and community in the modern West. Raised in a multi-generation ranching family, Cole shares how Old Salt emerged as a response to a broken food system and the widening gap between producers and consumers.

From producer-owned food models to the unexpected benefits of vertical integration, Haley and Cole break down what it really takes to support working lands today. They touch on meat processing, market access, policy barriers, and the Old Salt Festival all while exploring where opportunity still exists for landowners and what the future of working lands could look like.

Topics

[0:00] Welcome to the Land Bulletin, Cole Mannix!

[5:00] Rethinking food systems

[10:05] Regenerative systems vs. regenerative products

[16:20] Can local systems influence national policy?

[20:00] The importance of vertical integration in the meat industry

[24:55] Old Salt’s distribution model

[32:30] The future of racing and middle-market infrastructure

[39:05] Advice for new and aspiring ranchers

[43:30] Old Salt Festival - how to join

Links

Old Salt Co-Op

Old Salt Festival

Need professional help finding, buying or selling a legacy ranch, contact us:

Mirr Ranch Group

901 Acoma Street

Denver, CO 80204

Phone: (303) 623-4545

https://www.MirrRanchGroup.com/

In our first Back 40 of the year, we’re heading to southern Colorado with Mirr Ranch Group broker Jeff Hubbard for a closer look at Trinidad and the region that surrounds it. With ranching roots older than the country itself, the Trinidad area was practically made for cattle production, wildlife habitat, and large-scale ranch ownership. Jeff also offers a helpful history lesson on the region, from its pivotal role along the Santa Fe Trail and its boom years as a mining town to its current resurgence as a destination shaped by recreation, open land, and enduring Western character.

Topics

[0:00] Exploring Trinidad, Colorado with Jeff Hubbard

[1:15] Getting to know Trinidad

[4:50] The Legacy of Coal City

[6:05] What Makes Trinidad Different

[9:29] Ranching in Trinidad

[11:42] Spanish Land Grants

[17:20] Trinidad Lore and Legends

[20:35] Trinidad Hidden Gems

[22:40] See You in Trinidad!

Links

Visit Trinidad, Colorado

Uncover Colorado

Jeff Hubbard

Need professional help finding, buying or selling a legacy ranch, contact us:

Mirr Ranch Group

901 Acoma Street

Denver, CO 80204

Phone: (303) 623-4545

https://www.MirrRanchGroup.com/

Skijoring may be one of the most visually striking winter sports in the West, but beyond the speed and spectacle lies a powerful story of community, tradition, and small-town resilience.

This week, we're exploring skijoring through the lens of three Colorado towns, Silverton, Ridgway, and Estes Park, each offering their own distinct take on the sport. Through conversations with event organizers and longtime participants, Haley breaks down what skijoring is, how it works, and why it has become such an important winter tradition across the state.

From historic mining streets and volunteer-run nonprofits to high-energy productions and spectator-friendly venues, tune in for a sneak peak into what could be the highligt of your winter season out west. We dig into how skijoring supports local economies, connects ranching and recreation, and keeps Western towns thriving during the winter months.

Whether you’re discovering skijoring for the first time or already planning your winter race calendar, take a listen to this skijoring round-up to see how Colorado winter communities stick together to create unforgettable events.

Topics
[0:00] Introduction to Skijoring
[1:45] What Skijoring Is and How It Works
[3:20] Why Skijoring Matters to Western Mountain Towns
[4:30] Silverton: History, Setting, and Community Roots
[7:30] Ridgway: Course Design, Competition, and Safety
[13:45] Estes Park: Accessibility and Spectator Experience
[22:30] The Future of Skijoring in Colorado
[25:45] Closing - Happy Skijoring Season

Links

Silverton Skijoring

San Juan Skijoring

Estes Park Skijoring

More information on Skijoring

Need professional help finding, buying or selling a legacy ranch, contact us:

Mirr Ranch Group

901 Acoma Street

Denver, CO 80204

Phone: (303) 623-4545

https://www.MirrRanchGroup.com/