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"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." Jason Wickens, his wife, Jackie, and children, Nash and Nellie, manage Wickens Ranch Beef headquarters in Bozeman, Mont. Matt Wickens and his wife, Jamie, and children, Wrett, Wyatt, and Kinzlee, manage their ranch north of Winifred, Mont. Shannon Ruckman has enjoyed writing about Montana agriculture and rural life for 16 years. She has an agricultural communications degree from Kansas State University. She and her family live in rural central Montana and are active in 4-H and FFA. S MT Eric's daughter, Maryn, and her horse, Red Dog. Photo by Green Door Photography Eric Wickens and his wife, Emma, and their children, Claire, Lindi, Maryn, Wade and Walker, work the family ranch south of Winifred. Photo by Green Door Photography Photo by Green Door Photography Photo by Green Door Photography 48 | SIGNATURE MONTANA

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