While looking through articles about the beef industry I happened to read an article by a woman named Kacy Atkinson from Garrett, WY. Garrett is an unincorporated community in Northern Albany County along the North Laramie River. The article was about estate planning for ranchers. After reading the article I did a bit of a deep dive and found out that Kacy was a speaker, beef advocate and rancher in addition to running a blog called “10 Miles Past Nowhere”. Since then I have listened to multiple podcasts featuring her as a guest, I have also read countless articles both by Kacy and about her. Kacy is a very articulate and passionate advocate for the beef industry and for her fellow ranchers as well.

     In preparation for this story I called Kacy to coordinate a visit to the Atkinson Land and Livestock company, where I would spend the day with Kacy and her father, Jim Atkinson touring the ranch and interviewing them about their operation. On the phone Kacy told me “Head to Rock River, turn north on Fetterman road and drive until you find yourself in the middle of nowhere. Then, drive 10 miles past that and you’ll be at the ranch”. After a laugh, she went into a little more depth on the directions but she did warn me that if I missed the turnoff to the ranch there was no cell service and I could end up in Douglas. 

     Atkinson Land and Livestock runs 370 head of Angus cattle. The average elevation of the ranch is 7,500 ft. and at this elevation, cattle can be effected by pulmonary hypertension (commonly known as high-altitude disease) due to lower oxygen levels at these elevations. Pulmonary hypertension can result in right-sided heart failure and can be fatal. Atkinson’s combat this by buying bulls that have had their pulmonary arterial pressure tested (PAP test) and have a PAP score that identifies them as being able to thrive at higher elevations and pass on these genetics to their calves. PAP testing and scoring was developed by Dr. Tim Holt, a veterinarian and teacher at Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Holt is the leading expert on this condition. Atkinson's also choose bulls based on calving ease, moderate milk production based on the forage conditions of the ranch and docility.

     The Atkinson Ranch was originally homesteaded by Kacy’s great grandfather in 1895 and has stayed in the family since then. Jim and Catherine Atkinson, Kacy’s parents manage the ranch along with her. Kacy's brother, C.D. Atkinson came back in 2016 to manage the ranch with his father and unfortunately passed away shortly after. It was at this point that Kacy returned to the ranch.

     Although Kacy grew up on the ranch she had intended to have a career off the ranch. Kacy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Agribusiness from West Texas A&M and a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Communications/Journalism from the University of Wyoming. She also holds a Master’s in Communications from West Texas A&M as well as an Master of Business Administration from West Texas A&M. After graduating Kacy worked in Student Affairs for West Texas A&M for over seven years. She then spent four years as a county extension agent through Colorado State University and one year as the agriculture program manager for the Wyoming Business Council. 

     While working in Colorado Kacy was a certified Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) trainer and believes in the BQA program 100%. “I find that I can do things much faster with low-stress cattle handling. Even though it may look like it is taking longer, in the end it is smoother and faster, and no one gets hurt.” Although Kacy is now on the ranch full-time, she stays very involved in the beef industry. She served in the inaugural class of Trailblazers representing the Beef Checkoff and runs her own speaking business. In addition, in March of 2025 Kacy was appointed to a three-year-term as a Wyoming Director to the Federation of State Beef Councils.