In the third episode of Porch Sessions, Chet Vogt invites us into a story that stretches across generations—a story of grit, resilience, and a deep connection to the land.
It begins with Chet’s grandfather, who made a living as a horse trader. After surviving some of the toughest years in American history through the Great Depression, he became a respected horse trainer, setting a precedent of hard work and integrity.
Following in his footsteps, Chet’s father returned from serving as a Navy pilot in World War II with a dream of becoming a cowboy. But like many dreams, reality intervened—cowboys didn’t earn much. So he pivoted to a life of farming and ranching, and that’s the life Chet was born into.
Today, Chet runs Elk Creek Ranch, nearly 5,000 acres of rolling rangeland. But it’s not the untouched, wild frontier—it’s a carefully managed and deeply fragile ecosystem. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword here; it’s a way of life. “Some years are good, some are bad,” Chet says. “We have to build the land so it can sustain itself—and sustain the cattle.”
The land is divided into 30 pastures, and the cattle are moved every few days—about seven days a year per pasture—to allow the rest of the land to rest, regenerate, and build healthy soil. It’s a delicate dance between animal and earth, driven by tradition and foresight.
Now, a new generation is beginning to take root. Young members of the family have moved to the ranch, raising their children in the same wide-open spaces that shaped those who came before them. “The generational aspect is critical,” Chet says. “It’s how we preserve the lifestyle, the values, and the West.”
At Vogt, this connection to heritage and land is more than just a story—it’s the foundation for everything we create. Our latest collection, Forged From the Land, pays tribute to this legacy with hand-engraved sterling silver pieces that reflect the people, animals, and places that define ranch life.
Because as long as there are people and land, there will be those who live by it, care for it, and pass it on.