EPISODE
42
Celebrating a Centennial - The Dude Rancher's Association with Bryce Albright
EPISODE LINKS.
SHOW NOTES.
In this episode of McFarland Minutes, host Natalie interviews Bryce Albright, the executive director of the Dude Ranchers Association (DRA), who celebrates a milestone year as the organization hits its 100th anniversary. Bryce shares her personal connection with dude ranching, detailing her family’s ranching history and her rapid ascent to becoming the executive director at just 22 years old. They discuss the DRA’s journey, its significant events, and challenges, including surviving economic downturns and thriving during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bryce also highlights the extensive plans for the centennial celebration, including a major convention in Billings, Montana, documentary premieres, and special events throughout the year. Various insights into the association’s operations, its partnerships, and the impact of Western culture on the industry are also discussed. For more information, listeners are encouraged to visit the DRA’s website and consider a dude ranch experience.
00:00 Welcome to McFarland Minutes
01:14 Bryce Albright: A Legacy in Dude Ranching
04:11 Challenges and Triumphs as a Young Executive Director
07:12 Mentorship and Support in the Dude Ranching Community
10:03 The Centennial Convention: A Historic Celebration
14:16 Planning and Partnerships for the Centennial Year
20:12 Looking Ahead: Future Plans for the DRA
21:56 Introduction to the Book
22:11 The Making of the Book
22:52 Launch and Purpose of the Book
23:13 Challenges and Achievements in Print
23:32 Magazine Creation and Katie Schrock’s Influence
24:29 Upcoming Events and National Dude Ranch Week
26:30 Celebrating 100 Years of Dude Ranching
27:22 Resilience and Historical Significance
29:12 The Eaton Brothers and the First Dude Ranch
30:02 Dude Ranches Thriving Through Adversity
33:22 Promoting Dude Ranch Vacations
36:03 Dude Ranch Association Resources
38:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
ABOUT THIS EPISODE.
As we embark on a new year, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation and celebration in the air for the Dude Ranchers Association (DRA). This formidable association is not just turning the page on another year; it’s turning the page on a century. As the DRA celebrates its 100th anniversary, we sat down with Bryce Albright, the Executive Director of the DRA, to delve into the preparations, history, and what the future holds for this remarkable organization.
A Brief History of Resilience and Innovation
Since its inception in 1926, the Dude Ranchers Association has stood as a testament to innovation and resilience. It was during the roaring twenties, while the world buzzed with change, that this association first took root in Bozeman, Montana. The DRA was established by visionaries who understood the allure and potential of dude ranches long before the tourism boom. Partnering with railway companies like Northern Pacific, these pioneers cleverly marketed the cowboy lifestyle, offering an intriguing escape from urban life.
The ethos of community and support continues to be a defining aspect of the DRA. While the landscape of the industry has shifted over time, weathering economic downturns, wars, and even a global pandemic, the spirit of resilience has remained unshakeable. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, highlighted the unique appeal of dude ranches as they became sanctuaries for those seeking solace and adventure in the great outdoors.
The Centennial Convention in Billings, Montana
The centennial celebrations will be officially kicked off with the DRA’s largest convention ever, set to take place from January 26th to 30th in Billings, Montana. With over 300 attendees expected, including 59 member ranches and sponsors, the event promises to be a vibrant gathering of industry professionals and enthusiasts.
The convention isn’t just a celebration; it’s a reflection of how much the DRA has evolved over a century. From the unveiling of special projects like Durango boots and Montana Silversmith creations to the premiere of the documentary “Call of the West”, co-produced with Wyoming PBS, this event is designed to honor every facet of the industry, past and present.
Planning for A Century and Beyond
Bryce Albright shares that planning for the centennial has been both exhilarating and challenging. With over three years dedicated to meticulous preparation, pulling this event together involved collaboration with various partners and merging a multitude of ideas. The creation of a centennial logo by McFarland Productions is one such accomplishment that Albright describes as a “staple piece” for the celebration.
The upcoming convention is more than an occasion. It’s a springboard for future initiatives and events designed to keep the legacy alive throughout 2026. These plans include nationwide screenings of the centennial documentary and unique events set throughout the year. Moreover, a new museum exhibit in Cody, Wyoming, will feature portraits of century-old dude ranches, bringing further historical depth to the milestone.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Cowboy Way
While the centennial marks a moment of reflection, it also presents an opportunity to look forward. New initiatives such as the National Dude Ranch Week are in the pipeline. Scheduled from March 1st to 7th, 2026, this event will offer special pricing on 2026 stays, further inviting new generations to experience the unique charm of dude ranch vacations.
The association is also working tirelessly to ensure the legacy extends beyond this milestone year. As Bryce Albright notes, dude ranches are becoming an integral part of American tourism, attracting those drawn to the allure of the American West and a simpler, more connected way of living.
In closing, the 100th anniversary of the Dude Ranchers Association is more than a celebration; it’s a recognition of the enduring spirit of the cowboy way. From its humble beginnings to its expansive reach today, the DRA continues to thrive, fostering connections between its members, and providing unforgettable experiences for all who embrace the dude ranch lifestyle.
For more information about the Dude Ranchers Association, its centennial, or how you can take part, visit their website at dude ranch.org. As the DRA embarks on its second century, we’re excited to witness where their trail leads next.
IN THIS EPISODE.
Bryce Albright
Executive Director, Dude Ranchers Association
DRA's website: https://duderanch.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DudeRanchers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duderanchvacations/
Coffee Table Book: https://www.ranchpreservationfoundation.org/100-years-of-dude-ranching
The dude ranch industry has been a large part of my life for many years, my whole life really. Having the opportunity to have been raised and work on a DRA dude ranch instilled in me a great love and appreciation for dude ranching, preserving Western heritage, and protecting this way of life we are fortunate enough to be a part of. I currently reside in Wyoming with my husband Casey and two daughters raising a growing cattle herd, quarter horses, and working for some of the best people in the Western industry – dude ranchers. I love this industry, everything that it stands for, and the people that are involved.
ABOUT YOUR HOSTS.
NATALIE MCFARLAND
PRESIDENT, FOUNDER
MCFARLAND PRODUCTIONS
After freelancing her way through college, Natalie established McFarland Productions in 2014, which has continued to grow rapidly over the last few years. Her passion and focus have always remained the same; capturing, understanding, preserving and promoting Ranching, Farming, Western Lifestyle and AgriBusiness. She has always had a love for the western culture and even at a young age it was unmistakably clear she would someday find a career serving the industry.
Natalie grew up on a small ranch, rodeoed, showed horses in a variety of disciplines, showed livestock, and participated in 4H and Oregon High School Equestrian Teams. She has trained herding dogs and started colts, worked with sheep and cattle and has had the experience of racing to finish up a hayfield before a rainstorm hit. She understands the joys, sorrows, wins, losses and hard work of ranchers and farmers. That’s why McFarland Productions can produce authentic marketing campaigns for the businesses, organizations, events, and brands of the western and agriculture industry – it’s who she is.
With a passion for building community surrounding brands, Natalie focuses on building real connections between companies/brands and the people that make up their community. Telling the stories of your customers and making them apart of the brand’s story is her main focus. Creating real, human, meaningful connections and strengthening community within the western and agriculture industry through strategic marketing services.
SCOUT FOSTER
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC STORYTELLING
MCFARLAND PRODUCTIONS
Scout’s faithfulness to the agriculture and western sports industry is rooted in tradition. Growing up in Central Florida, she stood by her family as they supported different sectors of the industry, including raising beef cattle, bucking bulls for local rodeos, and spending weekends with her grandparents who lived on Disney’s Wilderness Preserve.
Moving away from The Mouse, Scout graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Nation’s top agricultural communications college at Texas Tech University in 2022.
Now residing in Crockett, she and her husband, Lane, keep busy raising beef cattle and bucking bulls with her family. Scout also loves gardening, raising chickens, reading, and her two dogs: Rue and Dill.
