MAHA Christmas Eve: The Hearth
In a fractured world, RanchMama Shanen rekindles the bonds of family, community, and belonging.
The Hearth as a Symbol of Family
“What does family even mean anymore?” June, who lost his mom around Christmas, asked recently. His voice was slightly shaking and carried the weight of the question. It’s not rhetorical, nor is it nostalgic. It’s a wake-up call.
The world has grown fragmented. The ties that once held families, communities, and even food systems together have frayed, leaving us isolated and untethered. The kitchen table—a symbol of shared meals, connection, and belonging—has too often become a relic. But not for RanchMama Shanen.
For Shanen Ebersole of Ebersole Cattle Co., the hearth is more than a metaphor. It’s a mission. She sees herself as the one who brings everyone—ranchers, consumers, families, and children—back to the table. It’s not just about beef; it’s about belonging. “We’ve taken on the challenge of rediscovering what family means,” she says.
Her kitchen table is both literal and symbolic—a place where hard conversations about CRP land, disconnected food systems, and family resilience turn into actionable ideas and meaningful connections.
RanchMama: The Heartbeat of a Movement
Shanen’s role in The Beef Initiative isn’t just strategic; it’s soulful. While Slim and June talk strategy, and Breeauna dives into policy, Shanen grounds the movement in what truly matters: relationships. “I get us all sat down at the table together,” she explains, “to talk about the same thing and figure out how we can move forward—together.”
This maternal energy isn’t soft or passive; it’s resolute. Raised in corn country as a first-generation rancher, Shanen’s experience is a testament to self-reliance. Everyone told her it couldn’t be done. “Get a stable town job,” they said. But Shanen ignored the naysayers. Instead, she built a ranch, a family, and a mission to connect consumers directly to their food. “I want to help ranchers and consumers find each other,” she says, “because that connection is where healing begins.”
Her storytelling draws people in. Whether it’s a whimsical tale about moving cows in Crocs or a heartfelt letter inviting neighbors to rebuild community after Hurricane Helene, Shanen has a gift for making people feel seen, valued, and welcome. It’s this voice—part educator, part neighbor—that resonates with families and fosters trust.
Building the Hearth Together
In today’s fractured society, we often focus on individual action. But the hearth reminds us of something deeper: the power of collective effort. Shanen believes that rediscovering family means understanding the roles we each play.“You’ve got the patriarch and the matriarch,” she says. “But what about the cousins, the kids, and the neighbors? How do we all sit at the table together and ensure that we’re not just surviving, but thriving?”
Through the Beef Initiative, Shanen is helping redefine what family means—not just in the traditional sense, but in how we relate to one another as a society. By creating direct connections between ranchers and consumers, the initiative isn’t just about selling beef; it’s about rebuilding trust. It’s about ensuring that families—whether nuclear, chosen, or virtual—have access to the resources and relationships that sustain them.
The Healthy.HAPPY.Beef Club is a perfect example of this philosophy. For busy families who might feel overwhelmed by meal prep or sourcing local food, Shanen offers an EASY button: simple, sustainable solutions that honor the whole animal while making life a little less chaotic. It’s not just beef; it’s peace of mind.
Lessons from RanchMama’s Table
As we gather this Christmas Eve, RanchMama reminds us of the lessons the hearth teaches us:
Self-Reliance: Like Shanen, who was told she couldn’t ranch, we must persevere in the face of doubt.
Connection: Food isn’t just sustenance; it’s a bridge. When we know our ranchers and their stories, we become part of something larger than ourselves.
Shared Responsibility: Rediscovering family means embracing our roles and leaning on one another. Whether you’re the rancher, the cook, or the neighbor helping with recovery efforts, we all have a seat at the table.
The Call of the Hearth
Shanen’s story is a wake-up call, a reminder that even in a fragmented world, we can rebuild—one relationship, one meal, one story at a time. She sees The Beef Initiative as more than a movement; it’s a family. And like any family, it needs a hearth—a place to gather, reflect, and grow.
This Christmas, as we sit down with our loved ones, let’s remember the lessons of the hearth. Let’s remember the power of simplicity, the strength of connection, and the warmth of belonging.
As Shanen says, “I want to help everyone become the best version of themselves. That’s what family does.”
From our hearth to yours, Merry Christmas.
Shake Your Rancher’s Hand this Christmas Season!
Reclaim the hearth in the heart of Colorado at Wrich Ranches Ranch House. Immerse yourself in rancher chic at this serene holiday retreat with sweeping views of the North Fork Valley, the West Elk Mountains, and the majestic Grand Mesa.
Experience life on a working ranch, savor regenerative beef, and reconnect with timeless traditions.
Book your stay today and enjoy a special brisket for Christmas dinner from Jason at Wrich Ranches!