Meet an Idaho Rancher: Hannah Malson
Hi, my name is Hannah Malson, and I’m one of Idaho’s beef producers! I am originally from southern Oregon; but after a year in the Midwest, Parma, Idaho became my home in 2013.
I grew up on a 1200-acre hay farm, but my mom, brother and I have our small herd of show calves that we sell to 4-H and FFA kids. My husband ranches with his family raising registered Angus and Herefords as seedstock. My career in agriculture started at a young age helping out on our family farm, but I was always drawn to the animal side of agriculture. I worked for local cattle companies, helping them exhibit their cattle at shows throughout high school and college. With a college degree in hand, I moved to Iowa to fulfill my dream of living in the Midwest. During my time there, I was working for Tyson Fresh Meats as a Carcass Merchandiser. Once engaged to my now-husband, it was time to move to Idaho & I started working in procurement for Agri Beef. When an opportunity came to work closer to home, I jumped on it and now am employed at Boise Valley Feeders. Here, we currently feed about 20,000 head of Wagyu & conventional cattle. I have been fortunate enough to have been employed in different aspects of the industry and in different parts of the country. From going through the pastures to scope out the new calves in Oregon to watching the cattle grow in the feedlot in Idaho to walking through the coolers in a plant in Nebraska, seeing the process beginning to end still leaves me in awe. Every segment works a little differently, but ultimately they are all working towards the same end goal—providing consumers with tasty BEEF!
What is your favorite part of the beef industry?
It’s got to be the people and work ethic gained from this industry. I know firsthand I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for that strong agricultural foundation I was raised on. The life lessons in the ag world are second to none, and I am continually thankful for those (even if I did have to learn some of them the HARD way).
Why are you passionate about the beef industry?
We feed and fuel the world. Not only do we provide a safe, reliable, nutritious product for all to consume, but the list of byproducts the cattle industry provides is downright mind blowing. It’s amazing that 99 percent of a beef animal can be used between the meat and byproducts we use every day. Also, farmers and ranchers are the salt of the earth. The passion they exude for the land and their animals is nothing short of inspiring.
What’s your favorite beef meal to cook (or favorite beef recipe)?
I tend to leave the grilling to my husband, but it is hard to beat a perfect Prime Rib cooked medium rare, with a side of fresh horseradish.
When you’re not busy ranching, what do you like to do to “unwind”?
A summer evening cruise with the windows rolled down, the smell of fresh cut hay in the air and a good tune coming through the speakers does my soul good. Also, I believe surrounding yourself with good people is number one, so I love to spend quality time with my family, friends, fur baby, Cinch, and of course, shopping! Ag is my number one passion, but fashion isn’t far behind.
What is your favorite part about Idaho?
The sky. Whether it’s a sunrise or sunset or if I am at home, the ranch, feedlot or on the road, I am in constant awe. They are absolutely breathtaking and serves as a great reminder to give yourself a second in this hectic world to take it all in.