After someone goes off on a unrelated tangent, you focus them back to the conversation at hand. Usually, the tangent is from someone not originally involved in the initial conversation and spews forth unwanted or pointless information. Based on old TV shows, like Bonanza.
Beth: What do you think about the presidential canidates, Sheila?
GIRL 2: OMG, did you see Justin today? He is so totally hot. His eyelashes go on forever. Do you think I should dye my hair? My roots are totally showing and I was thinking about going more red this time.
Sheila: (Pause) Yeah. So, meanwhile, back at the ranch... I think Kerry is kind of creepy, but Bush is totally f**cking everything up. Maybe I should go Nader.
by Cymbre May 4, 2004
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In a story, it means,"Meanwhile, in another part of the story,"and has nothing to do with ranches.
Timmy put the finishing touches on his painting. Meanwhile, back at the ranch , Lolita was finishing her cake.
by Newbia May 4, 2004
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Used to make fun of the topic just discussed or change it entirely.

Probably derived from Dukes of Hazzard during a scene change.
Person 1:Speaking of dildoes, I just found my mom's stash the other day!
Person 2:Whoa! Meanwhile, back at the ranch...
by CheezyDee May 5, 2004
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