Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1467639
"We have to be able to control the finishing phase to be able to provide a consistent product," he explains. "We have determined that 100 days on peas and barley produces a consistent, good tasting product." e Wickens brothers explain these practices and their passion for Montana agriculture to their customers through social media, the Website, Bozemanbeef.com, and the Bozeman farmers market. "e farmers market is a great place to speak face-to-face with our customers," says Eric. "We get to answer questions, explain how we farm and raise beef, and the benefits of why we do it." Recently Wickens Ranch Beef was featured in a cross- marketing online promotion with OBoz Footwear. "Brand collaboration is always a good thing," says Jason, who oversees social media and marketing. "It's always beneficial to reach across the aisle - when you start talking with people, you may realize you have more in common than not. e Oboz Footwear believes in land conservation, and that's what we do in agriculture." e cross-marketing effort created educational marketing videos about Wickens Ranch, which were posted on Instagram and YouTube. "It's communication that connects people back to the ranch," says Jason. Wickens Ranch Beef 's Web site, which provides ordering capabilities, also connects back to the ranch with a page dedicated to answering many ranching and beef questions commonly asked by customers. "Creating the website wasn't a new concept, but it was fairly complex," says Jason. "It's been critical for us to get the business out there and create even more awareness and opportunity for growth as more people are moving into Montana." e Wickens brothers are optimistic about the future of Wickens Ranch Beef. "We will push forward and figure it out as we go," says Eric. "We are excited and optimistic about the future of local beef and locally produced food." The Wickens raise primarily black Angus cattle in northern Fergus County. While they use both ATVs and horses on their ranches, they prefer horses when working cattle, says Eric Wickens. "When we are on ATVs it's too easy to force the animals to do what you want, so we aren't getting better at handling cattle," he explains. Photo by Matt McCormick Photography 31 farm406