I’ve been in this business a long time—long enough to know that running a ranch isn’t just about cattle and crops; it’s about the land, the weather, and keeping everything running smoothly, year after year. And for decades, there’s been one thing I didn’t have to worry about: the books.
I had a “tax guy” who understood ranching, understood what I needed, and never once made me feel like I was out of my depth. The man had been helping me with everything from depreciation on tractors to how to handle cattle sales. He was a true pro, and I trusted him like family. But last summer, I got the news that he’d decided to retire. It was a big blow, and I didn’t quite know what to do next.
Now, I’m not a spring chicken. I’ve been running cattle out here east of Yuma for longer than I care to admit, and I’ve got a good head on my shoulders. But when it came to taxes and numbers, I’d always trusted my guy. After all, that’s what he was there for, and I didn’t have to stress about it.
So, when he told me he was hanging it up, I was a little lost. I didn’t know who to turn to. I could’ve just picked up the phone and called the first accountant I found in the yellow pages, but I wanted someone who understood ranching. I wanted someone who knew that a truck used for hauling hay isn’t just a car, or that repairs to an irrigation system should count as a legit expense. I didn’t want some office worker looking at my books like I was just another client on a spreadsheet.
So, I did what any rancher does when faced with a problem—I asked around.
I’m not one to take recommendations lightly, especially when it comes to someone handling my hard-earned money. But everywhere I turned, people in the area were talking about the same accounting practice in Greeley. I started hearing things like, “They know their stuff” and “They’ve worked with ranchers for years.” When you’re out here in rural Colorado, word of mouth is still the best way to find someone who’ll get the job done right.
I called them up, set up a meeting, and from the moment I walked in, I knew I was in the right place. These folks weren’t just accountants—they were farmers’ accountants.
They understood the nuances of ranching, and it wasn’t long before they’d sorted through all the paperwork I’d brought in, answered all my questions, and put together a plan that made sense. They didn’t just take over the books; they explained everything in a way that didn’t make me feel like I was out of my element. They showed me how to improve cash flow management, how to better track expenses, and they even pointed out a few things I’d missed over the years.
What really set them apart, though, was how much they cared about my business. They weren’t just looking at numbers on a page; they were looking at my operation and figuring out how they could help it grow.
With my new accounting team, I’ve got everything in order—payroll’s running smoothly, tax filings are done well in advance, and I’ve got a clear picture of where we stand financially every quarter. It’s a relief knowing that, come tax season, I don’t have to scramble like I used to. I can focus on the cattle, the land, and the other things that keep this place running.
I still check in with them every few months, but now it’s more of a partnership than a burden. If I need advice on a purchase or a new piece of equipment, I know they’ll have an answer for me. They’re not just keeping the books straight—they’re helping me make smarter decisions for the future of the ranch.
The best part? I no longer lose sleep over tax time. I know I’ve got a team that has my back, and I don’t have to worry about mistakes creeping up at the last minute. It’s like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.
Look, after all these years, I’m not about to let some slick accountant in an office building with no idea what a “cattle chute” is tell me how to run my business. But the folks in Greeley? They get it. They understand the ranching life, and they know that behind every number, there’s a real person working the land and trying to make a living.
If you’re a rancher—whether you’re here in Yuma or out in the middle of nowhere—don’t let the paperwork slow you down. You don’t have to do it all yourself. I learned that the hard way. Find someone who knows the ropes and let them handle the numbers so you can focus on what you do best: running your ranch.
