Foundation Updates and 2025 DRA Convention Highlights
We gathered in Phoenix at the end of January for the 99th annual Dude Ranchers’ Association convention to celebrate the rich history of an incredible organization while keeping an eye toward the future.
It was inspiring to see such a diverse mix of attendees, from long-time ranchers to dedicated vendors and new industry faces—all coming together to share stories, ideas, and traditions that make this way of life unique. In the modern age of virtual meetings and electronic communication, I was reminded of the irreplaceable value of in-person connections.
Perhaps most exciting of all, we are on the cusp of a historic milestone—100 years of the DRA. This next year will be one of reflection, celebration, and innovation as we honor the legacy that brought us here. As we set our sights on the centennial milestone, I’m reminded of the timeless grit and pioneering spirit that define this industry and the individuals who make it thrive.
During the convention, I was elated to share some outstanding news: in 2024, we received a generous $50,000 gift from beloved, longtime ranchers. This donation has been a powerful reminder that our vision for maintaining and expanding our key initiatives is not just a dream—it’s within reach! Generosity can have a powerful ripple effect, and in early 2025, we received an extraordinary commitment of $250,000 from a beautiful and historic member ranch! In both cases, our gracious donors prefer to keep the spotlight on the Foundation, and we’re honored to respect their wishes.
This is about much more than nostalgia—it’s about ensuring our heritage remains alive and relatable, building awareness of our programs, and creating opportunities for deeper engagement. We’re shaping what the next century of dude ranching will look like.
With a renewed sense of energy and dedication, we’re doubling down on our goal of growing our endowment to $3 million. Reaching this milestone will allow us to become self-sustaining, covering our annual budget and reducing the need for frequent fundraising appeals. Every single dollar makes a difference, and we are endlessly grateful for your continued support.
NOW is the time to build on this momentum – Ride with Us!
Remember, your financial contribution isn’t just a gift—it’s an investment in a way of life. Together, we can ensure these traditional Western values and experiences thrive for generations to come.
As we head out on the open trail of a brand-new year, I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead. We’re just getting started! Let’s join hands—I’d love to hear your ideas. Above all, thank you for being part of this journey.
Warm regards,
Josie Hedderman
Executive Director
Dude Ranch Foundation
Celebrating Our Scholarship Recipients
Looking Ahead to 2025-2026
The Dude Ranch Foundation is proud to support the next generation of leaders in the ranching and hospitality industries. Congratulations to our 2024-2025 scholarship recipients!
🎓 Jymie Adamson – Weatherford College
🎓 Susan Davis – Purdue University
🎓 Victoria Forgan – Colorado Mesa University
🎓 Felicity Halmay – University of Wyoming
🎓 Christine Howe – Colorado College
🎓 Benjamin Mathis – University of Wyoming
🎓 Josie Meyring – Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
🎓 Taylor Peck – University of Montana Western
🎓 Abilene Yurich – Colorado Mesa University
We are excited to see where their education takes them and look forward to welcoming the next round of applicants who will shape the future of our industry.
📅 Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are due March 15, 2025! If you or someone you know is pursuing a career in ranching, hospitality, or a related field, we encourage you to apply.
🔗 Apply today: Scholarship Application
Strengthening Safety in the Saddle: The Horse Safety Program
The Dude Ranch Foundation’s Horse Safety Program is a comprehensive initiative designed to enhance safety and risk management for ranchers, riders, and horses. This program is delivered through expert-led seminars, such as the one we developed for convention attendees in Phoenix.
Our horse safety panel kicked off at 9 AM on Thursday, January 30, featuring industry leaders:
- Cheri Amos-Helmicki – Bar Lazy J
- Russell True – White Stallion Ranch
- Dan Beaudette – Totalis Programs
- Deborah Plum – BaseCamp for Veterans
- Will Ferguson – Eatons’ Ranch
The panel focused on critical safety elements, including:
✅ Horse handling & accident prevention
✅ Site safety & equipment checks
✅ Guest orientation & risk management
Ranches are encouraged to participate in these seminars at least once every three years, with certificates issued upon completion. In addition, we offer Wrangler Training courses to equip wranglers with essential skills in horsemanship, risk management, and emergency procedures.
📅 Stay tuned for 2025 Wrangler Training sessions at a ranch near you!
Thank you to NFP, Outdoor Insurance, and Glencar Insurance Company for your essential sponsorship!
Lariat Legacy, the Magazine Volume 4
Lariat Legacy, The Magazine, Volume 3
We are working on Lariat Legacy, The Magazine, Volume 4. If you would like to be a featured business, limited full-page ads are available, contact Josie Hedderman at info@duderanchfoundation.org for details and pricing.
Celebrating a Century of Dude Ranching – A Legacy in Print!
As we look forward to a once-in-a-lifetime centennial milestone for the DRA, we eagerly anticipate the release of a stunning hardcover book:
100 Years of Dude Ranching: Celebrating the Centennial of the Dude Ranchers’ Association.
This coffee table book showcases breathtaking photography from twenty-six legacy ranches that have been welcoming guests since at least 1926. Renowned photographer Scott Baxter captured nearly 150,000 images during an eighty-day road trip, and the results speak for themselves. The centennial book project has been spearheaded by the Ranch Preservation Foundation, and the Dude Ranch Foundation has been named a beneficiary. We fully endorse this remarkable effort.
A listing of all current DRA member ranches will be included, while each centennial ranch will receive a dedicated feature with modern photography, historic images, and a written history. Additionally, the book will include a history of dude ranching written by historian and Foundation board member Lynn Downey.
Centennial Ranch Contributors Will Receive:
✔ Use of photography for promotional purposes
✔ Twenty complimentary copies & 50% off unlimited pre-orders
✔ Personalized Centennial Ranch Plaque
✔ A featured spot in the traveling Photo Exhibition scheduled for 2026
Participation is optional, but after covering expenses, every dollar raised goes directly to the Dude Ranch Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving the Western way of life. Your support helps fund scholarships, promote horse safety, protect ranching history, and expand efforts in wildfire mitigation and ranchland preservation.
For more information, contact Jaye Wells of the Ranch Preservation Foundation: jayehwells@gmail.com.
Strengthening Conservation: A New Partnership for Dude Ranch Lands
The Association of Consulting Foresters (ACF) and the Dude Ranch Foundation have outlined a partnership to enhance sustainability and resilience of dude ranch lands. Skilled ACF forestry consultants offer services like wildfire mitigation and habitat management, while both parties promote mutual resources for the benefit of the ranching and forestry communities. DRF Executive Director, Josie Hedderman, will speak on “Opportunities for Collaboration in Conservation” at the ACF Western Regional Conference on February 24 in Sacramento, California.
ACF and Dude Ranchers Virtual Networking Event
ACF and Dude Ranchers Virtual Networking Event. Click to see the full PDF.
Join us for a free virtual networking event on March 13th at 7 PM Mountain Time! This is a unique opportunity for ranch owners to connect with ACF Consulting Foresters and explore how they can support your ranch’s goals. ACF members are the gold standard of forest consultants, offering expertise in conservation management, timber sale preparation, wildlife habitat enhancement, and wildfire mitigation. Whether you need grant acquisition assistance or a comprehensive management plan, this event is your chance to engage with experienced professionals.
Register now at ACF-foresters.org!
Please Give through Bing
There are many ways to support the Dude Ranch Foundation, and Giving with Bing is one that rewards everyone! Find great search results while helping to create real impact for the foundation.
Give with Bing is a feature of Microsoft Rewards that allows you to support a cause you care about—just by searching on Bing. Here’s how it works:
✅ Sign up for Microsoft Rewards – their free loyalty program
✅ Select the Dude Ranch Foundation as your chosen cause
✅ Search on Bing – points earned from your searches are automatically donated
💡 It costs you nothing, but every search helps fund the Dude Ranch Foundation!
Give with Bing is currently available in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
👉 Join now at Give.bing.com and start making a difference today!
Alliance Partners
Thank you to the Alliance Partners that support the Dude Ranch Foundation mission.
