B Bar Gazette – October 2024
| B Bar Gazette |
| Issue #17 October 2024 |
| Hello friends, As the aspen leaves flutter in golden hues and the cool wind whispers of winter's approach, Tom Miner Basin finds itself in a moment of transition. The land breathes with the rhythm of change, a sacred dance between seasons that we're privileged to witness. |
| Jackson's flight over the basin revealed a tapestry of beige and brown, punctuated by the vibrant yellow of turning aspens and emerald oases of irrigated pastures. From 30,000 feet, the ranch appeared as a simple cluster of buildings, shimmering creeks, and still ponds. But appearances can be deceiving... |
| Later, as Jackson's 1979 Ford F350 Ranger rumbled up from Big Timber, a different story unfolded on the ground. The basin thrummed with energy: two new manufactured staff cabins arriving like puzzle pieces slotting into place, cattle trucks departing with our custom-grazed beeves, one retreat group leaving as another arrived - each carrying a piece of B Bar's magic with them. It's a reminder that there's always more to our sacred place than meets the eye. |
 One of the cabins split in half trucking around Point of Rocks on Tom Miner Creek Road. |
| High in the mountains, a tale of determination worthy of any Western epic has been unfolding. Mark Rose and his son Cayden, joined by our Big Timber Cattle and Grazing Coordinator, Shea Kennedy, embarked on a mission to retrieve nine wayward cattle spotted on Twin Peak. Imagine the scene: razor-sharp ridges, narrow game trails, sheer cliffs on either side. At 10,000 feet, where the air thins and the world opens up, our intrepid crew found themselves face-to-face with the wild heart of B Bar. The cattle, heavy from months of grazing on nutrient-rich mountain meadows, weren't ready to leave their high-country paradise. Among them, an Ancient White Park calf stood as a testament to the resilience of this heritage breed. As shadows lengthened and the Absaroka Mountains caught fire with the setting sun, our cowboys cut their losses, vowing to return. It's not just about the cattle - it's about stewardship, responsibility, and the deep connection between land and animal that defines B Bar Ranch. |
 Mark accompanied rides through sagebrush with Canary Bird in the background. |
| While some cattle play hide-and-seek in the mountains, others are making their way to dinner tables across the country. Ethan, the meat manager at the Community Food Co-Op in Bozeman, shared that fresh, never-frozen ribeyes are flying off the butcher counter. Each steak tells a story of lush grasses, careful management, and a commitment to quality that goes beyond organic - it's a taste of our mission, our land, and our dedication to your health and the planet's. |
| Down in Big Timber, life finds a way to surprise us. We're welcoming some unexpected new residents - about 50 "oopsie-babies" have arrived after a neighbor's bull got frisky with our heifer herd last spring. These surprise calves remind us of the unpredictable joy that comes with ranch life. Adding to the excitement, two new puppies, Ford and Fletcher, are bringing smiles and chaos in equal measure as they learn the ropes of ranch life. |
 Ford and Fletcher in a rare moment of calm while slurping water. |
| As snow dusts the mountaintops and frosty mornings become more frequent, we're gearing up for a winter season unlike any other at our Tom Miner Basin guest ranch. Beyond our usual retreat groups and daily cross-country skiing, we're expanding our offerings: ranch-to-table themed weekends in January, exclusive booking windows over the holidays, plans for an end-of-season celebration, and cross-country skiing fundraisers. Each event is a chance to experience the magic of B Bar in its winter splendor, to connect with the land and with each other in ways that modern life rarely allows. |
| As the day ends and the Milky Way stretches across our big Montana sky, we invite you to be part of our story. Whether it's through savoring our organic beef at your dinner table or joining us for a winter retreat, there's a piece of B Bar waiting for you. Remember, B Bar Ranch isn't just a place - it's a state of mind. It's where the land speaks, if only we listen. It's where each day brings new challenges and rewards. It's where we're writing a story of conservation, community, and connection, one day at a time. Will you join us in this next chapter? Our winter event spaces are filling up fast. Don't miss your chance to experience the magic of B Bar in its winter wonderland. Warmly,The B Bar Ranch Family |
| Our B Bar Family Maryanne Mott- General Manager and OwnerAmy Berndt- Administrative AssistantKenney Berndt- Maintenance Foreman Troy Lerwill- Maintenance Technician Mark Rose- Land & Livestock ManagerSharon Gilbert- Guest Operations Coordinator Kim Gilbert- Guest Services SupervisorEl Stone-BookkeeperWillie Stewart- Business OperationsJackson Stewart- Marketing & SalesMihail Kennedy- Production ManagerShea Kennedy- Cattle & Grazing CoordinatorRandy Mesce- Maintenance Technician |