Cole Mannix: Sustainable Ranching and The Old Salt Festival

Cole is part of an extended family that has ranched together in Montana’s Blackfoot valley since 1882. He completed undergrad degrees in biology and philosophy at Helena's Carroll College and a masters in theology at Boston College. Cole began working for a startup beef cooperative in 2012 and was Director of Operations from '14 - '16. Later, as Associate Director at Western Landowners Alliance he worked on wildlife and natural resource conservation before leaving in 2020 to begin recruiting ranchers, butchers and chefs to form Old Salt Co-op. Old Salt is a meat company designed to bring Montanans together around good food in support of land stewardship. He lives in Helena with his spouse, Eileen Brennan, and sons Finn and Charlie.

You can hear more about Old Salt on so many podcast. Cole has put his time in explaining how his vision started what it entails. Below are a few episodes where he explains in detail.

Sustainable Dish with Dianna Rogers

Stories for Action with Lara Tomov

In this episode, I wanted to jump right in and talk about what Cole is working on right now and how Montana can show up for Old Salt and our local food systems. Please listen in. Rating and reviewing this podcast helps me get the word out.