In this personal and heartfelt episode, host Haylie Shipp shares how a major health crisis in her family in 2024 changed the way she views wellness on the ranch. Ranchers plan for drought, markets, and succession, but rarely for themselves. Preventative healthcare is another kind of ranch insurance. It protects the most important asset on any operation: the people who keep it running.

Haylie visits with Dr. Kevin Ross of Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital, a critical access hospital serving northeastern Montana, and rancher and registered nurse Carmen Salveson. Together, they discuss what preventative care looks like in rural communities, how access to healthcare is evolving, and why taking care of yourself is one of the smartest investments you can make in your ranch’s future.

In This Episode:

• Why preventative care is essential ranch insurance
• How Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital supports rural health as a critical access facility
• The importance of early detection and regular screenings
• Addressing the stigma surrounding mental health in rural communities
• Building a culture of care that sustains families and operations
• If you're going to do the bare minimum, what are a doctor's suggestions?

Resources Mentioned:

• Depression Self-Assessment (Mayo Clinic): https://anxietycoach.mayoclinic.org/depression-coach/depression-self-assessment/
• Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital, Glasgow, Montana
• Aaniih Nakoda College “Grow Our Own” nursing program

The Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA) is a rancher-led, grassroots organization, dedicated to improving the quality of life for rural communities throughout the Northern Great Plains. Through collaborative conservation projects, rancher education events, and local community outreach, RSA works to strengthen our rural community, economy, and culture for generations to come.

For more on the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance, head to www.RanchStewards.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Your feedback is always welcome. Email info@ranchstewards.org. Want to support our mission? Visit https://ranchstewards.charityproud.org/Donate.