March 2012
Adventures on the Ranch
The Berkshire Students
Last week we hosted a group of students from The Berkshire School in Sheffield, MA. I assumed they were there to see an authentic cattle ranch, but was extremely surprised when they told us they had already been to a cattle ranch in Montana.
They came to the J Bar L to see a different kind of Montana cattle ranch. They asked about holistic ranch management, about acting as stewards of the land, about the science behind grass fed beef and the long term benefits for our communities and environment. They stood in the cold wind asking questions and taking pictures, curious about processing beef and impressed by the age of some of our eldest ladies in the herd. Such a fun and inspiring group of young people!
I hope they enjoyed their visit half as much as we enjoyed having them! Maybe someday they'll find their way back to the J Bar L or better yet, into a future supporting sustainable agriculture and grass fed beef.
Meet the Team Monday
Hilary Zaranek
Where are you from? I was born in Michigan, but have spent the later half of my life in Montana, from Missoula down to Yellowstone.
Favorite Season? Late spring when the grass just starts turing green and the wildflowers begin to bloom.
Favorite Place? Montana's Tom Miner Basin.
Tea or Coffee? Coffee in the morning, tea the rest of the day.
Board games, card games, or video games? Well, I have actually never played a video game so I guess I would have to say board games...but mostly I would prefer to do anything outside versus anything inside.
My best hidden talent is...tracking and trapping wolves.
The best thing I ever ate is... Barry's J Bar L beef!
On the weekends I... work at the J Bar L and/or with Don Yerian in Tom Miner Basin learning to drive teams and bake.
The best thing about the J Bar L is... the Centennial Valley and the opportunity to truly live and raise our children in one of the last best, untouched places on earth.
Join our Team for Summer 2012
Want to spend a few months at the J Bar L? Hilary & Andrew are looking for a babysitter for the 2012 season. Details:
Job Description
- ranch babysitter needed Mid-May-mid Sept. ( +/- if available longer or not)
- for two children, ages 4 and 1
- remote ranch location in Centennial Valley
- work schedule variable, some weeks being 40+ hours, other weeks being 15 hours
- work is dependent on our ranch work schedule
- time off is flexible
Qualifications
- must be responsible, motivated, positive, flexible and enjoy working with and caring for small children
- our remote location requires creativity when caring for and entertaining children
- must be willing to engage in a lot of outdoor activities
- past experience caring for children, experience with pre-school activities, music and/or art skills are all pluses!!
Compensation
- living accommodations provided in camper trailer (shared bathroom and kitchen in main house)
- at least one meal provided each day
- horseback riding opportunities and/or lessons
- salary provided
If you or someone you know is interested, please email Hilary at hilary@jbarl.com.
Meet the Team Monday
Charlie Ulring
Age? 3 1/2 years old
My Mom & Dad are? Libby & Bryan
Any brothers or sisters? 1 little sister named Abigail
My favorite game or activity is... anything except what my parents want me to do!
Favorite animal at the ranch? Sparky [in photo] and the chickens
Favorite food? Popsicles
My favorite thing to do with my family when we're at the ranch is... go swimming in the river!
Meet the Team Monday
Hank the Cow Dog
Owner? Bryan
Age? 4 years old
Breed? Border Collie/ Australian Shepard mix
Favorite treat? All food and sleeping
Best trait? He's as loyal as the day is long
photo courtesy of Lynn Donaldson
Mrs. Chicken, Rifle, Fence Post, Gloria, Thelma, Cookie Dough, Ice Cream, Sunny and Sunny, Little Red, Rainbow, & Poop Butt
Owner? Andrew, Hilary, Andy, & Elle
Age? 1 to 5 years old
Breed? Mixed breeds of chickens
Favorite treat? Grass, bugs, and food scrapes
Best trait? They lay "all-natural, free range, mountain view" eggs!
Summer 2012
Saddle up and step back in time! We still have spots left for this summer's Working Ranch Vacations!
June 3rd- June 9th
June 17th- June 23rd
August 12th- August 18th
August 26th- September 1st
The Culinary Cowboy: A Pasture To Plate Experience with Grass Fed Beef
We're so excited to announce two new trips this summer!
Join the J Bar L Ranch for a beautiful week in the pristine Centennial Valley of Southwest Montana. You’ll ride the range with cowboys learning about managing landscapes holistically for the triple bottom line ($, ecology/wildlife, and community) and be Sous Chef to nationally celebrated Executive Chefs in the sustainable food movement, learning the various grassfed beef cuts and how best to prepare them for exquisite gourmet dining. There will be foraging hikes, birding expeditions, wildlife viewing and then back to the kitchen and ranch table for gourmet, family style dinners. Be a cowboy! Be a chef!
July 15th -July 21st with Chef Daniel Klein
July 30th- August 5th with Chef Brian Menges
Learn more by emailing us info@jbarl.com or calling the old fashioned way (406) 596-0600
Delicious photo courtesy of Lynn Donaldson
