The kind of Montana sunset that reminds you why you do it — long days, dusty boots, and all. As fall fades and winter nears, there’s beauty in every ending.
It’s been a very busy fall so far at the Kimmel Ranch. With the turning of the season from summer to autumn, there’s “no rest for the weary,” as they say. Our crew has been trailing herds to new pastures ahead of weaning day in an attempt to utilize the new flush of fresh green grass that resulted from some highly unusual fall precipitation.
The first hard freeze last week halted forage growth and signaled the birds and wildlife to start their moves as well before winter hits. Rightfully so, as the weatherman is predicting snow in a few days, just in time for our once-a-year payday at the ranch when calves move on to their next home.
The change in the air spurs us to once again count our blessings. As stressful as ranch life can be, we feel fortunate to be chosen to steward God’s creation for another year.
A swirl of dust and sunlight as the crew sorts calves. It’s the season of long days and big payoffs on the ranchWhen the day’s work finally slows down, there’s no better feeling than resting in the prairie grass—dog, cowboy, and all. Fall work has a way of humbling even the toughest hands.The horse, the dog, and the hand—each with their own job to do, each with a bond built on trust and miles.Fresh grass, cool mornings, and cattle on the move. The kind of fall day that makes all the hard work worth iExperience, patience, and good stockmanship at work. Every gather tells a story of connection between man, horse, and cowThe calm before the day’s work begins. Cool air, soft light, and a loyal dog waiting for the next cue—just another morning on the prairieSlow and steady—one by one through the gate. Each cow accounted for, each day bringing us closer to winter
6/7/2023 by Tricia Kimmel It’s been a hot minute since we’ve talked, but how things have changed since our last post! Springtime in Montana is always a combination of blessed respite from winter and mad chaos as everyone tries to get fences fixed, cattle moved, crops seeded, calves branded, gardens planted, yards cleaned up, and…
It’s been a bit since we’ve reached out, but that means we have lots going on to share with you! Here is a super SHORT synopsis of it all. The last few weeks have been hopping with hauling cattle to the processor; arranging cutting instructions; planning beef delivery runs (did you see our new “Beef…
By Tricia Kimmel Kimmel Ranch and a neighboring operation, the Louie Petrie Ranch, were recently asked by Ranchers Stewardship Alliance based at Malta, Montana to host an on-site tour showcasing some of the changes and practices we implement here on the prairies of the Big Flat. We were blown away by the interest and attendance…
We’ve lived in Montana long enough to know that Nature is a fickle creature, so while we’re not confident we’ve seen the last of winter, it sure has been nice around here lately! We could use a little (actually, a LOT) more moisture, but the grass is starting to green up a touch and the…
Hello, Friends! We’re guessing you might be ready for a little respite from summer’s chaos, depending on where you live and the kind of career and lifestyle you enjoy. Many in agriculture are certainly ready for a bit of a breather right now. In our region of the US, our farmer neighbors are wrapping up…
by Tricia Kimmel, March 22, 2021 Welcome! I’ve been agonizing for days now about what to include in this first post. I knew it was supposed to elaborate on “Who We Are”, but how do you condense decades of living into one snapshot that appears on the footprint of the web, and is probably fairly…