OUR STORY:

We began building our herd in the mid-1990s.  Starting with a few short-term cows and keeping heifers to grow the herd, we’ve adjusted and tried to improve the herd with each generation. Growing our family as we grew the herd, we added two daughters who have helped with all the chores and animals since they were tiny.  Both fifth-generation Montanans, we wanted to carry on the ranching traditions, sharing them with our daughters.  Tons of hay was fed out of the back of the truck with Doug giving whichever girl was standing at the steering wheel directions while they putted around the field.  By the time they could reach the pedals they were already good drivers.  Always connected to all the animals, they loved every opportunity to bring one in the house or truck for warming up or giving a bottle to supplement a twin, those that were heifers invariably were named and stayed in the herd. The girls began building their own herds leading to fun 4-H projects and activities.  Not only do they help with all aspects of the ranchwork but they enjoy the other aspects of the business as well, in particular quality testing the product, especially on burger or steak night! Our family and friends have really supported us and we appreciate their ongoing support as our business has grown.

We began with leased ground, eventually being able to buy some acreage for summer pasture and winter feeding, to spread out the animals in the summer and give pasture options for winter.  After growing the herd for more than 25 years we’ve shifted from a cow-calf focus to a cow-calf and feeder program to diversify our options.  We’ve always raised commercial black Angus cattle, breeding or AI-ing to registered bulls but have crossed red Angus and Hereford sires in on occasion to add some new bloodlines and crossbreeding heterosis.  In trying to expand the ways we could sell beef, we knew that we couldn’t rely on selling via the auctions because the prices were unpredictable and often weren’t covering our costs. We began exploring how to sell beef cuts or products, not just half or whole. Starting by working on expanding the meat business and our “meat depot” so we could sell smaller amounts directly to individuals!  

We began feeding KettleHouseⓇ brewer’s grains to the cattle more than five years ago.  It is a great addition to our feeding program, the critters love it and we think it adds moisture and flavor to the meat. Not only do we have standard meat cuts, Lolo Locker does all the processing; we have some excellent snack products that seem to disappear as fast as we have them made!

For those that are interested in “keeping it local” our whole process is local!