Farm406

• 51 FARM 406 A panoramic photo of the beautiful Tongue River valley on the Tongue River Ranch. C.M. Coffee's son, Bill Coffee, is the CEO of Stockman Bank and his daughter, Caren Coffee, is Executive Vice President. The bank, which C.M.'s children run today, is as much woven into the history of the family as it is the ranch. William Nefsy purchased control of the Miles City Bank in 1953. He had the goal of creating a bank that served the needs of everyone in the area with a focus on the agricultural community and small businesses that were integral to the economy of Miles City. That goal led to the creation of Stockman Bank, which owes its name to the ranching industry and to the pioneers that settled this country so long ago. Today, Stockman Bank serves most communities and agricultural areas in the state. While one might think the world of banking is a far cry from the world of ranching, Bill says he frequents the Tongue River Ranch, a place that is seldom far from his thoughts. "I spend time on the ranch in the spring and the fall," Coffee said, but added, "I do more playing now than I did growing up on the ranch, and have a greater appreciation for its solitude and beauty." The Tongue River Ranch is a family operation that continues a tradition of ranching that runs deep throughout much of eastern Montana. While Bill spends his days running Stockman Bank and its 34 branches across Montana, Bill says his sister, Caren, and mother, Steeped in History, Tradition & Strong Family Values A pheasant hen walking through the lush green grass on the Tongue River Ranch. Many species of wildlife live on the Tongue River Ranch, including these pronghorn antelope.

• Cover