AoR 182: Allen Miller on Fire, Fence, and Family - 140 Years of Stewardship at Tower Rock Ranch

AoR 182: Allen Miller on Fire, Fence, and Family - 140 Years of Stewardship at Tower Rock Ranch

Author: Tip Hudson May 14, 2026 Duration: 1:11:28
Allen Miller of Tower Rock Ranch in Mansfield, Washington was the 2023 NCBA Environmental Stewardship Award regional winner. His family has run cattle on the same Douglas County ground since 1883. Allen joins Tip to talk about blending the art and science of range management on a 15,000-acre operation reshaped by five major wildfires in just 14 years. Allen shares hard-earned lessons on rotational grazing, post-fire rest and deferment, the payoff of 125 miles of new fence, and how Sage Grouse Initiative water infrastructure and remote tank monitors have transformed cattle distribution across rocky, water-scarce country. The conversation closes with candid thoughts on riparian fencing, CRP's unintended consequences, the promise of virtual fence and GPS ear tags, and Allen's advice to the next generation of agency professionals: come in humbly, listen first, and learn alongside the ranchers you're trying to help. Music by Lewis Roise. Support for The Art of Range comes from RanchBot and the Western Extension Risk Management Education Center. Visit the episode page at artofrange.com for the transcript and links to resources mentioned in this interview.

Hosted by Tip Hudson, The Art of Range digs into the complex and often overlooked world of rangelands. This isn't a theoretical discussion for a distant audience; it's a practical resource built for the people who are directly responsible for the stewardship of these vast landscapes. Each episode unfolds as a conversation, bringing together knowledge from science, lived experience, and on-the-ground management. You'll hear discussions that tackle real challenges, explore ecological principles, and consider the balance required for both productivity and conservation. The aim is always to inform and to foster a deeper understanding, moving beyond simple answers to the nuanced realities of managing land. By focusing on dialogue, this podcast creates a space where ideas can be exchanged and different perspectives can meet. Tune in for thoughtful explorations that connect the science of rangeland ecology with the daily decisions of those who care for it. If you're looking for a genuine and insightful take on land management, this is the podcast for you.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Art of Range Podcast
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