Land & Legacy Vol. III

Welcome to another inspiring segment of our "Land & Legacy" series, where we delve into the lives of those shaping the future of American agriculture. This month, we talked with Ciardullo Ranch- Josh and his family stand as a beacon of grit, growth, and unwavering values. This first-generation ranch is the culmination of Joshua Ciardullo's transition from firefighter to full-time rancher, alongside his wife who brings her teaching background into the ranching world. Their dedication to ranching, homesteading, and authentic storytelling not only preserves Western traditions but also inspires a new generation to embrace the land with respect and resilience.

Heidi Yeager

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1st Generation Ranchers

Ciardullo Ranch is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the pioneering spirit of first-generation ranchers Joshua Ciardullo and his wife & son. Their journey into full-time ranching began in 2019 when Joshua retired from the fire department, trading in his turnout gear for a cowboy hat and a commitment to stewarding the land. With a focus on cattle ranching and a growing side business in homesteading products, and sharing the western lifestyle; the Ciardullos have built a life centered around resilience, sustainability, and a deep-rooted respect for this way of life.

What do you love about ranching?

One of the most rewarding aspects of ranching for the Ciardullos is the intimate connection it fosters with the natural world. Being in tune with the seasons, the rhythms of calving cycles, and the ever-changing landscape is a way of life that modern conveniences often overshadow.

Josh mentioned his love of being connected with nature and how this keeps him in the present, which is a rarity in such a hustling world. Their days are dictated by the needs of their livestock, from tending to cattle, fixing fences of pastures to rotational grazing and daily care of goats and chickens at home. Whether on horseback or a side-by-side, every task reinforces their commitment to ranching and responsible land stewardship.

Other Ventures

While cattle ranching is the backbone of Ciardullo Ranch, their operation extends far beyond livestock. Erica Ciardullo comes from a teaching background which she uses to provide insightful education to the public and has built a successful homesteading business; offering products like whipped body tallow, sourdough starter kits, honey, and coffee. And of course grass fed and finished beef. Click here to shop and support-head on over to their beautiful website!

In an era where authenticity is prized, Joshua Ciardullo has turned his everyday ranching lifestyle into a thriving content creation business. Sharing the lifestyle and educating those who may not live it everyday through genuine western and outdoor storytelling. By capturing raw, unfiltered ranch life Josh provides an invaluable perspective that resonates with audiences beyond the agricultural world. Through photo and videography he highlights the rugged beauty and work ethic behind the ranching lifestyle.

Challenges of the industry

Joshua Ciardullo’s journey from firefighter to rancher and homesteader is one of self-reliance, resourcefulness, and lifelong learning. With no formal background in agriculture, he relied on books, magazines, blogs, and YouTube videos to develop the skills necessary for running a successful ranch. Over time, his dedication and willingness to adapt have turned a small hobby farm into a thriving, multifaceted operation. His success in content creation happened organically, with brands recognizing the authenticity of his ranching lifestyle and reaching out for collaborations.

Ranch life is often romanticized, but Josh shares some insight into the daily grind and sacrifice it takes to run a ranch. A typical day on Ciardullo Ranch is dictated by the demands of the land and livestock. During calving season, early mornings and late nights are the norm, ensuring the health and safety of newborn calves. Outside of that, rotational grazing, fence maintenance, and daily feeding routines keep them constantly engaged. The homestead side of the operation requires equal attention—tending to goats, chickens, and other livestock while fulfilling orders for their growing product line. It’s a lifestyle rooted in hard work, but also in deep satisfaction—one where every effort directly contributes to their self-sufficiency and legacy. The Ciardullo's resourcefulness and work ethic have brought them far and served them well. In tough economic times they have diversified, adapted and continue to put in the work everyday to keep living their American dream.

What are your long term goals for your operations?

Josh says "hold the line and keep the lights on". Despite all the challenges of ranching that the modern world complicates further with fluxing prices on beef and ever increasing operation costs, their commitment to the lifestyle remains steady. For the Ciardullo family, ranching isn’t a job—it’s a way of life, a calling, and a commitment to something bigger than themselves. Their strong faith, stewardship to the land and unrelenting grit keeps them fighting the good fight. Josh shared his convictions about keeping tradition alive, taking pride in their craft of ranching, cowboying, and animal husbandry. He expressed his desire to maintain the integrity of their practices, keeping the "old cowboy" spirit alive wearing a pearl snap and high quality denim. As the Ciardullos continue to expand their cattle operation, refine their homesteading business, and create compelling content, one thing is certain: their story is one to watch. And through their dedication to the land, their animals, and their values, they are ensuring that the Western way of life remains strong for generations to come.