3-Part Series, Spring 2025

Virtual Ranch Management

April 30th May 7th May 14th

12PM-1:00PM MST

Platform: Zoom

Comprehensive Farm + Ranch Succession Planning

Preparing for the Future

Join us for a three-part virtual series designed to help ranchers and farmers navigate the challenging process of succession planning. Whether you're actively managing your operation, preparing to take over, or planning for the future, these sessions will help provide practical tools and guidance to secure your agricultural legacy.

In this series, you'll develop personalized succession strategies while benefiting from shared experiences and expert guidance. Each session blends individual learning with group discussions, covering key topics like legal considerations, management transfer strategies, and effective communication in family business dynamics.

By incorporating a workbook throughout the process, you'll begin naming the stages you're presently in and identifying the steps to move forward in your succession planning journey. We encourage participants to ask questions and share vulnerably in a group setting - an anonymous questions board will be available for those who prefer to submit their inquiries privately.

What to Expect

We recognize that succession planning involves sensitive personal and financial information. All discussions will remain confidential, and participants can choose their level of engagement during interactive portions.

This workshop series is designed to help you self-start the succession planning process and identify when professional assistance may be needed. While it will not replace professional legal or financial advice, it will empower you with the confidence, courage, and practical tools to take those first crucial steps.

Meet your facilitator

Cat Kelly

Cat Kelly is an attorney and rancher dedicated to the land, its people, and the future of sustainable agriculture. With a deep passion for food sovereignty and wildlife protection, she works alongside Native nations, ranching families, and agricultural communities to preserve and protect the natural world for future generations. 

Currently, she manages The Nature Conservancy’s groundbreaking grassbank – a community ranching program – in Montana. Marrying into a generational Nebraska ranching family, Cat is deeply committed to the traditions and values of ranching while also bringing a modern understanding of land use management and sustainable agricultural systems. A graduate of a top-tier law school, Cat uses her legal expertise to guide ranchers in succession planning, helping ensure that the legacy of family operations endures for years to come. 


We are committed to building power through equity, and we’re excited to offer this programming in an accessible virtual format and at no cost.

While registration is free, a one-time donation of $30 or any amount you choose helps us sustain and expand our offerings.

Thank you for your support!

Support Our Mission

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When you register, you'll receive access to all three live interactive sessions with Caitlyn Kelly, a comprehensive workbook, and opportunities to connect with other individuals facing similar challenges. You'll also have the option to submit questions anonymously during the sessions specific to your operation. All materials and Zoom links will be emailed to you before the series.

  • This workshop series is designed specifically for those who are currently managing or planning to manage agricultural operations and are interested in securing their legacy for the next generation. This includes current farm and ranch owners/operators, family members preparing to take over operations, beginning ranchers and farmers, and anyone facing challenging conversations about succession with family or business partners. The content addresses the unique challenges women face in agricultural succession planning, but all are welcome to attend.

  • Yes! Registration remains open throughout the series. If you miss earlier sessions, we'll provide you with recordings and workbook materials so you can catch up before joining the live workshops. Each session builds on previous content but also delivers value as a standalone workshop. There is no price difference for late registration – the workshop series remains free with optional donations appreciated.

  • The Virtual Ranch Management Series is offered free of charge. However, if you wish to support our mission and help fund future programming, we encourage a one-time donation of $30 or any amount you choose.

  • All sessions will be conducted virtually via Zoom. You will receive access to all recordings and workbook both during and after the series concludes.

  • The Ranch Management Series is Women in Ranching's comprehensive educational initiative designed specifically for women in agriculture. The series offers both in-person weekend workshops and virtual sessions throughout the year, addressing key aspects of sustainable and successful agricultural operations. The programming includes seasonally relevant topics such as "Forage Forward: Taking the Guesswork out of Grazing" in spring 2025 and producer/budget management in fall 2025, as well as specialized workshops like "Preparing for the Future: Comprehensive Farm and Ranch Succession Planning" focusing on preserving agricultural legacies.

    These educational offerings recognize that ranch management encompasses diverse skill sets including people management, livestock care, land stewardship, and financial planning. Led by expert facilitators like Caroline Wild of Wild Ranch Solutions and Caitlyn Kelly of Ranch Legacy, each workshop series provides practical tools, interactive learning experiences, and supportive community connections. Whether you're actively managing agricultural property, preparing to take over operations, or simply deepening your knowledge, the Ranch Management Series offers accessible, women-centered education designed to enhance both immediate practices and long-term sustainability of your agricultural enterprise.

  • The information collected during registration and in the post-event survey helps us enhance your event experience, improve future events, and secure proper funding. We use this data for event logistics, tailoring content to meet your needs, gathering feedback for continuous improvement, and fulfilling grant reporting requirements. Rest assured, your privacy is important to us, and all information is handled with confidentiality.

Join Us Virtually

About Ranch Management Weekends

The idea for our Ranch Management Weekends, a program of Women In Ranching (WIR), emerged from requests for more connection with women ranch hosts and managers, as well as for skill and experience sharing with those who own and/or manage land.

In response to our community’s call for more accessible events, we are excited to introduce this first-ever virtual series.

These sessions have been made possible by generous donations from the Plank Stewardship Initiative!

Are you interested in hosting a session or know if there is somewhere specific you want to go? Let us know here.

Interested in other upcoming programs?