Working Ranch Magazine operates as a bi-monthly publication dedicated to the business and management practices of American ranching, published by Abundant Life Media. The magazine positions itself as a producer-written, producer-photographed resource that avoids political commentary and concentrates on cattle management, operational education, and western lifestyle features. The brand extends beyond print into digital sampling, weekly e-news, a bi-monthly Bull Sale Roundup during sale season, and an audio program distributed via Rural Radio and Sirius XM channel 146. Understanding how access is structured requires examining the publisher’s explicit subscription offer, the free digital sampling mechanism, the contact infrastructure, and the editorial leadership that shapes the content. The reference materials confirm a paid yearly subscription price point of $24, a free digital issue sign-up, and a circulation figure of 62,140 of the nation’s largest and most progressive beef cattle producers.
The publication’s identity is anchored in a founding year of 2006 and a self-described intimacy with ranch life. The editorial promise is that six bi-monthly issues are written, edited, and photographed by cattle producers for cattle producers. The magazine is described as thick, glossy, and filled with best photography from across North America. The audience segmentation is defined as cow/calf, stockers, backgrounders, feeders and everyone in between. The brand tagline “Your Ranch. Your Magazine!” reinforces the producer-first positioning. This positioning has real-world consequence for a rancher evaluating information sources, because the claim of unbiased, producer-authorship reduces perceived commercial filtration and increases perceived practical relevance for daily operational decisions.
Publication Identity and Ownership
Working Ranch Magazine is published by Abundant Life Media. The publisher’s corporate identity frames the magazine as a reader favorite and trusted source for all things Ranching since its inception in 2006. There is no other magazine on the market today that reflects such an intimate understanding of the life of an American rancher according to the publisher’s own description. The editorial policy is to steer clear of politics and instead focus on the business and management practices of ranching, showcasing the people who make it all happen.
The magazine’s physical description is thick, glossy, and filled with the best photography from across North America. The content mix includes educational and informative articles on cattle management and western lifestyle family features. The bi-monthly cadence delivers six issues per year. The production model emphasizes authenticity, with cattle producers writing, editing, and photographing the material, which the publisher presents as giving it an authenticity that is unbiased and unrivaled.
The impact of this identity for a prospective subscriber is that the publication markets itself as a complete read for multi-person households. Reader testimonials captured in the materials include “Because of the size of my operation, I get all the cattle magazines. But Working Ranch is the only one I read cover to cover.” Another testimonial states “Ranchers have been waiting a long time to get a magazine like this.” A third notes “Everyone in my household reads your magazine. And when we’re finished reading it, the ranch hands ask to read it.” These endorsements function as social proof of comprehensive utility within an operation.
Circulation and Audience Reach
The distribution footprint is quantified as 62,140 of the nation’s largest and most progressive beef cattle producers. This figure includes cow/calf, stockers, backgrounders, feeders and everyone in between. The number implies a targeted rather than mass-market circulation, focused on operations with scale and decision-making authority.
The circulation scale creates a direct advertising value proposition. Higher circulation numbers mean more ad revenue for a publication supported by advertising. The publisher invites readers to support advertisers, a standard trade for free or low-cost access in agricultural media. The circulation figure also contextualizes the $24 yearly subscription price as an attempt to maintain broad access while sustaining production costs.
Subscription Models and Pricing
The subscription offer is explicitly stated as pay only $24 for a yearly subscription. The call to action is presented after a digital issue preview: go ahead and click through the latest digital issue in this link. If you like what you see, click the Subscribe link below to pay only $24 for a yearly subscription. You’ll join the tens of thousands who look forward to getting each issue of Working Ranch.
The yearly subscription price point of $24 is positioned against the magazine’s bi-monthly schedule, yielding six issues per year. The price is presented as a direct invitation to join existing readers. The subscription inquiry channel is:
To Subscribe or inquire about your subscription: 866-323-9385 | [email protected] P.O. Box 91269 Henderson, NV 89009 Telephone: 702-566-1456
The physical mailing address for subscription matters is P.O. Box 91269, Henderson, NV 89009. The telephone for subscription matters is 866-323-9385 with email [email protected]. A general telephone number for the publisher is 702-566-1456.
The pricing structure distinguishes between a paid print subscription and a no-cost digital sampling program. The free digital issue is not presented as a free print subscription but as a digital sampling mechanism tied to e-news capture.
Free Digital Issue and E-News Offer
The publisher promotes a free digital issue sign-up alongside weekly e-news and a bi-monthly Bull Sale Roundup during sale season. The exact wording is: Stay informed. Stay ahead. Sign up to receive our FREE digital issue, weekly e-news the latest industry insights, plus our bi-monthly Bull Sale Roundup during sale season—delivered straight to your inbox.
This offer creates a zero-cost entry point to the brand. The impact for a rancher is immediate access to a representative issue without financial commitment, allowing evaluation of editorial quality, photography, and relevance before committing to the $24 yearly subscription. The weekly e-news provides ongoing industry insights, and the Bull Sale Roundup offers time-sensitive market information during sale season.
The free digital issue is the mechanism by which the publisher converts sampling readers into paid subscribers. The digital issue functions as both marketing asset and content delivery. The sign-up is likely tied to email capture, which supports the publisher’s advertising-supported model.
Contact and Advertising Personnel
The contact infrastructure is segmented by advertising category and editorial business. The publisher lists specific personnel for display advertising, livestock advertising, and buyer’s corral.
The contact table is as follows:
| Role | Name | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Publisher Contact | Tim O’Byrne | 702.566.1456 | [email protected] |
| Display Advertising | Annie Allen | 406.749.1611 | [email protected] |
| Display Advertising | Gina Bryson | 817.614.383 | [email protected] |
| Livestock Advertising | Emery | ||
| Livestock Advertising | Katie Lowhorn | 949-922-3417 | [email protected] |
| Buyer’s Corral / Display Advertising | Marjorie Triplett | 360.544.5758 | [email protected] |
| Subscription / Customer Service | 866-323-9385 | [email protected] | |
| General Telephone | 702-566-1456 |
The publisher’s main address is P.O. Box 91269, Henderson, NV 89009. The general telephone is 702-566-1456.
These contacts enable ranchers and advertisers to reach the correct department without routing through a general switchboard. For a rancher seeking subscription support, the dedicated subscription line and email provide a direct path. For an advertiser evaluating display opportunities, the segmentation by livestock advertising versus buyer’s corral allows tailored outreach.
Editorial Staff and Leadership
The editorial and circulation leadership is centered on two long-standing figures.
Drew Lawler is the founder and CEO of Working Ranch Magazine. He wasn't born into the cattle ranching community but as he likes to say, "I came just as quick as I could." Drew typically jumps into new initiatives that we roll out and then from time to time, picks up a screwdriver and tinkers a bit here and there. For the most part, Drew oversees our circulation. "We have a great team -- I think the best in the industry -- so my job is to keep out of their way!" Drew and his wife Linda own a ranch in Idaho's Sawtooth Valley, just south of Stanley.
Tim O’Byrne has been with Working Ranch under the tutelage of owner Drew Lawler since the very first issue in 2006. Prior to that he spent over 25 years working on large scale beef cattle operations (cow calf and feedyard) in British Columbia, Alberta and Nevada.
The leadership profile reinforces the producer-authorship claim. Drew Lawler’s oversight of circulation combined with his ranch ownership in Idaho’s Sawtooth Valley provides credibility with readers. Tim O’Byrne’s 25 years in large scale beef cattle operations across multiple provinces and states adds operational credibility to editorial direction.
The staff narrative matters for trust. Readers encountering content from a team led by individuals with hands-on feedyard and cow-calf experience perceive reduced risk of theoretical advice that does not translate to field conditions.
Content Cadence and Formats
The magazine publishes six bi-monthly issues per year. Each issue is written, edited, and photographed by cattle producers for cattle producers. The content mix spans cattle management education and western lifestyle family features.
The digital extension includes the Working Ranch Radio Show / Podcast. The show is a weekly program focused on the livestock segment of the agricultural industry. Host and rancher Justin Mills goes in depth on a topic in each program that is relevant to the livelihood and sustainability of the beef production industry across the country.
Meteorologist Don Day provides a look at the long-term weather outlook along with a unique twist of weather information useful to those in agriculture. The Captn’, Tim O’Byrne, publisher and editor of Working Ranch Magazine, offers thoughts in a special segment entitled “Tim’s 2 Cents”.
Distribution channels for audio are Rural Radio and channel 146 Sirius XM, with download availability on Apple Podcast.
The radio show extends the magazine’s brand into time-based learning. For a rancher, audio content provides on-the-go education during travel, feeding, or equipment operation. The inclusion of weather outlooks adds operational planning value. The “Tim’s 2 Cents” segment reinforces editorial continuity between print and audio.
Comparison with Other Free Farm Publications
The reference materials also reference a broader landscape of free print subscriptions to agriculture related magazines and newspapers. Many of these publications are free only to those who qualify. A brief questionnaire determines qualifications. Publishers reserve the right to offer free subscriptions only to those who qualify. However, many have no qualifications, and others are very low. Because they are free, they are supported by advertising only. Higher circulation numbers mean more ad revenue.
Examples listed include:
Farm Industry News Description: Provides midwest farmers with new product news and industry leading technology information and articles. 12 issues a year. Website: http://farmindustrynews.com Subscribe Link: https://circulation.farmprogress.com/FarmIndustryNews.aspx
Drovers Description: “America's beef business source, is a monthly magazine for ranchers and feedyard operators. As the nation's oldest livestock publication, Drovers provides useful business management and marketing information for all segments of the beef industry. Editorial content includes profit tips, analysis of industry economics and features on business management, marketing and important current issues.” Website: http://drovers.com Subscribe Link: http://www.omeda.com/cgi-win/vdrj.cgi?main
Iowa Farm & Ranch Description: Iowa Farm & Ranch: Heartland Express is a monthly newspaper style publication focusing on agriculture news and issues in Iowa and the nation. Special Note: Iowa Farm & Ranch is a FREE publication. However, their website does not allow free subscription requests, but rather an online version only. You must call them to request a free subscription. They will simply take down your name and address. Email may also work, but I did not receive a response via email. Calling is best. Website: http://iowafarmandranch.com Subscribe Email: [email protected] Subscribe Phone: (800) 657-5889
SimTalk Description: SimTalk reaches over 40,000 unique readers that include “Active members, non-member buyers, cattle buyers, extension personnel, industry professionals and new inquiries”
The comparison table highlights structural differences:
| Publication | Frequency | Cost Model | Access Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Working Ranch Magazine | Six bi-monthly issues per year | $24 yearly subscription; FREE digital issue sampling | Online sign-up for digital issue; phone/email for subscription |
| Farm Industry News | 12 issues a year | Free to qualified | Subscribe link via Farm Progress circulation |
| Drovers | Monthly | Free to qualified | Omeda subscription form |
| Iowa Farm & Ranch | Monthly newspaper style | FREE publication; call to request | Phone (800) 657-5889; email [email protected] |
| SimTalk | Not specified | Free to qualified | Not specified |
This landscape shows that Working Ranch Magazine is not listed as a free print publication in the free farm magazines compendium. Instead, Working Ranch uses a low-cost subscription plus free digital sampling. The contrast is important for a rancher seeking no-cost print: Working Ranch requires payment for print, while Iowa Farm & Ranch and others may offer free print to qualified readers.
How to Request Access
A prospective reader evaluating Working Ranch Magazine can follow a sequence that mirrors the publisher’s own funnel.
The first step is to request the free digital issue and e-news bundle. Sign up to receive the FREE digital issue, weekly e-news the latest industry insights, plus bi-monthly Bull Sale Roundup during sale season.
The second step is to review the latest digital issue. If the content aligns with operational needs, proceed to subscription.
The third step is to subscribe for $24 yearly. Contact the subscription team at 866-323-9385 or [email protected]. Mailing address for correspondence is P.O. Box 91269, Henderson, NV 89009.
For advertising inquiries, contact the relevant advertising representative based on category: display advertising via Annie Allen or Gina Bryson, livestock advertising via Katie Lowhorn, buyer’s corral via Marjorie Triplett.
For editorial or publisher matters, contact Tim O’Byrne at 702.566.1456 or [email protected].
The audio extension can be accessed via Rural Radio, channel 146 Sirius XM, or Apple Podcast download.
Practical Implications for Ranchers
The $24 yearly price point lowers the barrier to entry for print access relative to many trade publications. The free digital issue allows risk-free evaluation. The weekly e-news and Bull Sale Roundup add ongoing value beyond the printed pages.
The circulation figure of 62,140 indicates a concentrated audience of large and progressive producers, which increases advertising relevance for suppliers of equipment, genetics, feed, and veterinary services. For a rancher, this means the advertising encountered is likely targeted to operations of similar scale.
The producer-authorship model reduces the likelihood of generic advice. The staff bios confirm hands-on experience. The radio show adds a timely layer for weather and market commentary.
The contact infrastructure is segmented, which reduces friction for both subscribers and advertisers. The physical mailing address in Henderson, NV anchors the publisher in the western United States, consistent with the ranching focus.
Conclusion
Working Ranch Magazine maintains a hybrid access model that pairs a low-cost paid print subscription with a no-cost digital sampling funnel. The publisher does not offer a free print subscription in the reference materials; instead it offers a FREE digital issue, weekly e-news, and a bi-monthly Bull Sale Roundup as the free entry point. The yearly subscription price is $24 with direct contact through 866-323-9385 and [email protected]. The magazine reaches 62,140 of the nation’s largest and most progressive beef cattle producers with six bi-monthly issues written by cattle producers for cattle producers since 2006.
The editorial leadership of Drew Lawler and Tim O’Byrne, combined with a producer-authorship model and an audio extension via Rural Radio and Sirius XM channel 146, creates a multi-format ecosystem around ranch management education. Advertising contacts are clearly segmented by display, livestock, and buyer’s corral categories.
For readers seeking a completely free print agricultural publication, the reference compendium of free farm magazines lists alternatives such as Iowa Farm & Ranch, which is a free publication requiring a phone call to request, and Drovers and Farm Industry News, which offer free qualified subscriptions. Working Ranch Magazine’s value proposition is not free print but affordable print plus free digital sampling, producer credibility, and integrated audio content.
The practical path for a rancher is to sample the free digital issue, evaluate relevance to operation scale and management style, and then commit to the $24 yearly subscription if the content delivers actionable business and management practices. The contact infrastructure supports both subscription and advertising inquiries with dedicated personnel and direct phone and email channels.