Episode 188: Lani Cran-Petrie — Kapapala Ranch, Hawai'i

Episode 188: Lani Cran-Petrie — Kapapala Ranch, Hawai'i

Author: Tip Hudson August 28, 2026 Duration: 2:03:35
Lani Cran-Petrie runs Kapapala Ranch on the south flank of the Big Island of Hawai'i with her husband, Bill. This episode with Lani begins a series on ranching in Hawai'i. Lani describes the improbable history of cattle in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, from a king's gift of livestock to the hide-and-tallow trade through the sugar plantations that shaped which lands ranches kept, the collapse of in-state slaughter in 1992, the shipping containers and airplane crates that now move Hawaiian calves to mainland grass, and a long relationship with Ellensburg, Washington. She also tells the personal story of ranching for 17 years on thirty-day permits on state land, thirteen years of fighting at the state capitol to keep the ranch, ten million gallons of water storage built on faith, and the herd-breaking of "inexperienced" cattle with dogs, exclosures, and an air horn.

The Art of Range is supported by RanchBot Monitoring Solutions.

Host: Tip Hudson

Music by Lewis Roise

Producer: Matt Ziegler, WSU College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resources Communications

Visit the episode page at artofrange.com for the transcript of this interview and links to other resources mentioned in this episode.


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: 50

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