Big Sky Family Farming
Post by Clemson Montana Summer Program student Gillian Taylor
Prior to coming to Montana, I knew quite literally nothing about ranching and cattle farming. Working with cattle is a completely new concept for me, so when I heard the plan for the week I was excited and nervous all at the same time. Excited because I have a huge interest in family-based farming, nervous because I knew nothing prior and was scared it would go right over my head, but thankfully I kept up, and this week has been a real eyeopening experience for me.
Our first full day, we ventured to the Midlands Bull Testing Facility. We were given a run down and a tour by the head of the facility, along with the overseer of the bulls health. They first explained the GrowSafe system, a feed measuring system that measures the amount of feed and water using a tag on their ear that would register when the specific bull would go to feed. From there they would record data based upon the bull's intake such as the average daily growth, dry matter intake, and real feed intake, that would in turn be provided back to the owner of the bull. Steve, the owner and operator of the facility, emphasized the fact that they try to provide all possible data, holistically, free of interpretation back to the owners, so that the owners could make judgements for their herd based upon their desired traits. Reflecting on this, I wonder if they could also look for traits that could help reduce the environmental impact of cattle, in terms of methane production and other waste products.
Our next stop was Montana State University, but Dr. Scott took us on a scenic detour along the Beartooth highway and through the northern section of Yellowstone. The views were incredible. At about 10,000 feet above sea level, a thunderstorm rolled up, and we got to be among the clouds as the lightning flashed, and it alternated between rain, snow, and hail.
In Yellowstone we saw innumerable bison (buffalo being an incorrect term according to Kiefer) littering the fields that bordered the highway, like little brown polka dots. We were also lucky enough to see pronghorns, elk, a bald eagle, and I’m almost positive that I saw a black bear, but it was in passing, so I very well could be wrong.
The next morning we woke early, grabbed breakfast at MSU’s amazing cafeteria, and then we were given a tour of the animal agriculture facilities as well as a rundown of some of the research being done. Due to the low precipitation and early winters that comprise Montana’s climate, the growing season is short, limiting the amount of nutritious forage for the cattle. Consequently, cattle farmers have extended their grazing season and implemented the use of supplements to ensure proper nutrition in the winter time Sam, first introduced us to his research on the effect of supplement usage and winter grazing patterns on heifer production, specifically the influence of age and the environment on supplements and grazing behavior. They used a similar system to the GrowSafe system used at Midlands, called Smart Feed that measured the amount of supplement that the cattle would consume. What they found is that younger cows were eating more feed, more often when cold, and the older cattle were doing the inverse. Sam hypothesized that it was due to experience with the cold and lack thereof.
Next we were shown around the equine center as well as the Ferrier school. Housed near by were the steers that were used for further research, which once they reached their ideal weight, they were taken to slaughter and used in the cafeterias on campus. I’m really inspired by the idea of keeping farming in the hands of the people, in a cost effective manner, and I’m jealous of the experience that the MSU students get to have in following their projects to the ultimate end result. Not only that, the university doesn’t have spend money to bring in beef from a supplier, when their already spending the money to feed and house the steers that they use for research. Then we were given the opportunity to not only see the fistulated heifers, but to also get to go shoulder deep in the cannulas. Dr. Scott warned us of the smell, but honestly it wasn’t that bad at all. It was interesting to learn about the multitude of bacteria that inhabit the cows digestive system, which made me question the use of antibiotics in cattle.
After lunch, we were given a tour of the wool testing facility, one of two in the nation. I had no clue of the extent of the uses of wool as well as every factor that could affect those uses as well as the quality of the wool. We got to see it full circle by visiting the farm where they keep the rams, and occasionally the ewes, as well as doing research with them on organic farming as an alternative to the use of herbicides to combat weeds.
The following day, members of the MSU’s extension program came by to talk to us about their work in the area. One thing that has really stuck with me was their stressing of the importance of conservation resources to the ranchers. Misuse of natural resources, could send a rancher out of business, and take food off of their family's table, but just allowing everything to run free is just as detrimental. It’s a balancing act between conservation and management, and without either, the area wouldn’t be habitable and certainly not profitable. They mentioned the rise in corporate farms which really concerns me. These farmers have been doing this for generations, they not only know how to do it right, but it’s not right for them to have to face rising property values, taxes, and to lose their control of the market to corporations. Corporations which typically have little regard for the impact of their decisions with the exception of their bottom line. Farming and the market for their products, should be left in the hands of those who know it best.
The final day was spent at the Little Big Horn Battlefield and Pompey’s Pillar. I could not fathom the arrogance of General Custer, but admire the faithfulness of his army. Pompey’s Pillar had breathtaking views of the Yellowstone river as well as the farmland that it overlooked.
Overall from this section of the trip, I’ve developed a more well rounded view of what it means to be a cattle rancher in this area. It’s a balance; opposition isn’t an option, and the locals know that, and have nothing but my utmost respect for not only living, but thriving, in what has the potential to be a harsh and deadly environment.
Our first full day, we ventured to the Midlands Bull Testing Facility. We were given a run down and a tour by the head of the facility, along with the overseer of the bulls health. They first explained the GrowSafe system, a feed measuring system that measures the amount of feed and water using a tag on their ear that would register when the specific bull would go to feed. From there they would record data based upon the bull's intake such as the average daily growth, dry matter intake, and real feed intake, that would in turn be provided back to the owner of the bull. Steve, the owner and operator of the facility, emphasized the fact that they try to provide all possible data, holistically, free of interpretation back to the owners, so that the owners could make judgements for their herd based upon their desired traits. Reflecting on this, I wonder if they could also look for traits that could help reduce the environmental impact of cattle, in terms of methane production and other waste products.Our next stop was Montana State University, but Dr. Scott took us on a scenic detour along the Beartooth highway and through the northern section of Yellowstone. The views were incredible. At about 10,000 feet above sea level, a thunderstorm rolled up, and we got to be among the clouds as the lightning flashed, and it alternated between rain, snow, and hail.
In Yellowstone we saw innumerable bison (buffalo being an incorrect term according to Kiefer) littering the fields that bordered the highway, like little brown polka dots. We were also lucky enough to see pronghorns, elk, a bald eagle, and I’m almost positive that I saw a black bear, but it was in passing, so I very well could be wrong.The next morning we woke early, grabbed breakfast at MSU’s amazing cafeteria, and then we were given a tour of the animal agriculture facilities as well as a rundown of some of the research being done. Due to the low precipitation and early winters that comprise Montana’s climate, the growing season is short, limiting the amount of nutritious forage for the cattle. Consequently, cattle farmers have extended their grazing season and implemented the use of supplements to ensure proper nutrition in the winter time Sam, first introduced us to his research on the effect of supplement usage and winter grazing patterns on heifer production, specifically the influence of age and the environment on supplements and grazing behavior. They used a similar system to the GrowSafe system used at Midlands, called Smart Feed that measured the amount of supplement that the cattle would consume. What they found is that younger cows were eating more feed, more often when cold, and the older cattle were doing the inverse. Sam hypothesized that it was due to experience with the cold and lack thereof.
After lunch, we were given a tour of the wool testing facility, one of two in the nation. I had no clue of the extent of the uses of wool as well as every factor that could affect those uses as well as the quality of the wool. We got to see it full circle by visiting the farm where they keep the rams, and occasionally the ewes, as well as doing research with them on organic farming as an alternative to the use of herbicides to combat weeds.
The following day, members of the MSU’s extension program came by to talk to us about their work in the area. One thing that has really stuck with me was their stressing of the importance of conservation resources to the ranchers. Misuse of natural resources, could send a rancher out of business, and take food off of their family's table, but just allowing everything to run free is just as detrimental. It’s a balancing act between conservation and management, and without either, the area wouldn’t be habitable and certainly not profitable. They mentioned the rise in corporate farms which really concerns me. These farmers have been doing this for generations, they not only know how to do it right, but it’s not right for them to have to face rising property values, taxes, and to lose their control of the market to corporations. Corporations which typically have little regard for the impact of their decisions with the exception of their bottom line. Farming and the market for their products, should be left in the hands of those who know it best.
The final day was spent at the Little Big Horn Battlefield and Pompey’s Pillar. I could not fathom the arrogance of General Custer, but admire the faithfulness of his army. Pompey’s Pillar had breathtaking views of the Yellowstone river as well as the farmland that it overlooked.
Overall from this section of the trip, I’ve developed a more well rounded view of what it means to be a cattle rancher in this area. It’s a balance; opposition isn’t an option, and the locals know that, and have nothing but my utmost respect for not only living, but thriving, in what has the potential to be a harsh and deadly environment.
