The divide between rural America and the glitz of Hollywood is often as wide as the Great Plains themselves. For Bryce Lindskov, a dedicated South Dakota rancher, that gap was on full display when actor Joaquin Phoenix used an awards speech to criticize the cattle industry. Lindskov, like many in his line of work, took issue with the portrayal of ranchers as villains. But instead of firing back with words alone, he extended a challenge: come work on a ranch for two days and see what it’s really like.
Life on the Ranch: Grit, Snowdrifts, and 6,000 Cows
Lindskov’s ranch isn’t a quaint, picturesque operation; it’s a full-scale enterprise spread across the Cheyenne and Standing Rock Reservations. Each winter, Lindskov and his team oversee the calving of 6,000 cows and 1,000 first-time heifers. The job? Grueling. The conditions? Brutal.
“We’re out there in subzero temperatures, sometimes with wind chills hitting 50 below,” Lindskov shared. “It’s not just about keeping the cows alive—it’s about thriving as a team, no matter what Mother Nature throws at us.”
To ensure newborn calves survive the harsh conditions, Lindskov’s team works around the clock, transferring calves to maternity pens as soon as they can stand and nurse. Snowdrifts can reach up to 30 feet, so the team lays fresh straw and hay in the barns to create a warm, safe environment.
“I have a crew of 10 full-time hands, and they’re like family. We stock the break room with pizzas, soda, and a beer or two because after 24-hour shifts, they’ve earned it,” Lindskov said.
The High-Tech Side of Ranching
Forget the image of a rancher riding a horse all day with nothing but a lasso. Lindskov’s operation integrates modern technology to ensure efficiency and safety. Cameras monitor the maternity pens, and massive flat-screen displays help the team keep tabs on the animals, especially the heifers, which are young cows giving birth for the first time.
“We see about 20% of heifers needing assistance during calving,” Lindskov explained. “A few years back, we had a marathon 24-hour stretch where we birthed 191 calves without losing a single one. That’s not luck—that’s preparation, skill, and a whole lot of sweat.”
The Disconnect Between Hollywood and Ranch Life
While Lindskov admits he doesn’t have much time to watch movies, he was floored when he heard Joaquin Phoenix’s comments at the Academy Awards. Phoenix accused the dairy industry of separating calves from their mothers, an image Lindskov found misleading.
“The only cries we hear are calves hungry for milk, and they stay with their moms until we wean them in the fall,” Lindskov clarified. “If we didn’t manage the herd, cattle populations would overrun the planet. What’s Mr. Phoenix going to do when they trample his flower garden?”
A Challenge, Not a Fight
Rather than simply dismissing Phoenix’s claims, Lindskov offered a challenge: come to South Dakota and experience ranching firsthand.
“If he’s serious about understanding our way of life, we’ll pay him for his efforts. He can stay in the bunkhouse, but he’ll have to manage without vegan meals. Ranching isn’t for everyone, and I’m not sure he’s cut out for it,” Lindskov quipped with a smile.
Bridging the Gap
Lindskov’s challenge highlights a larger issue: the need for dialogue between urban and rural America. While Hollywood often paints ranchers as outdated or harmful, people like Lindskov showcase the dedication, innovation, and care that define the industry.
Will Joaquin Phoenix take him up on the offer? Whether or not the actor trades the red carpet for muddy boots, Lindskov’s message is clear: ranchers are more than caricatures—they’re stewards of the land, working tirelessly to feed the world.