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.

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