It’s calving season in the Bitterroot, and nothing feels as magical as welcoming new life on the ranch! From the first newborn calf of the year to the quiet work behind every healthy herd, join Kelly Whitmoyer in celebrating spring, ranch life, and the dedication it takes to make it all possible.

The weather has warmed up, baby calves are racing through the fields with their tails straight up in the air, and the mama cows’ hormones have finally settled (which means they’re not quite as determined to kill you every time you so much as glance in their calves’ direction). Branding season is officially upon us!

Like harvest and hunting seasons, “Felt Hat Season” arrives with the chill of fall. It's the time of year when you swap out your straw hat for the warmth and weight of a good beaver-fur felt.

I was recently reminded of the cultural shift taking place in the Bitterroot Valley when, in a recent conversation with some newer residents, the term "Bitterrooter" was unrecognized. Its use was received with a quizzical look and the question, "Bitterrooter? What's that?" Good question, one that will likely lead to a series of articles, but let's try to unpack it in just this one for now, shall we?

As autumn settles across Montana, cattle shipping season brings a familiar rhythm to ranch country. From sorting and loading calves to gathering neighbors and friends, this annual tradition reflects the hard work, heritage, and enduring culture that define life in the Bitterroot Valley and across Montana ranchland.

As a kid I loved to drive the truck while my dad bucked bales and stacked the hay in our barn. He always made sure there were steps for us girls to climb onto the stack and a pile of loose hay to jump into. I remember my Grandpa Corky and how he taught me the perfect way to stack small squares.

There are many wonderful things that set life in Montana apart from other states and spring is one of them. It is my favorite time of year. Just the word 'spring' itself is happy, momentarily summoning to mind soft images of sunshine on green grass, daffodils, bunnies and baby chicks, and spring calving season. Then I look outside and reality sets in. Spring in Montana brings very harsh, wet weather. So, what makes this season so great you might ask? New life, of course, pa