Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1513541
My sister and I not-so-jokingly refer to calving season as "Live in the Barn Time," and I'm sure countless Montana ranchers will agree. When the slightest bit of complacency could result in severe losses, vigilance is paramount. Unfortunately, this level of commitment can also be exhausting, especially for ranches without significant manpower. Some operations have incorporated surveillance technology into their monitoring process, allowing them to observe their barns and corrals from remote locations for a portion of their herd checks and reducing the number of trips they take out into the cold. For now, my sister and I will each work 14- to 16-hour shis every day to ensure 24-hour coverage of the herd. Our shis will overlap for four hours – enough time to help each other feed the cows and bed the barn. We will call each other out of bed to help pull calves, to make emergency trips to the vet, and treat minor animal illnesses. Some days, we will feel invincible. Some days, we will cry over things outside of our control. Some days, we might just sit on the fence to watch Old Red pampering her 26th baby. S MT SIGNATURE MONTANA | 27 Punching the Time Clock Holly Matkin is a native Montanan who lives with her husband at the foot of the Elkhorn Mountains. She covers a wide variety of topics as a freelance writer for multiple local and national publications, and especially enjoys writing travel, history, and human interest pieces. SERIOUS FUN! "Warning: For safety and training course information, see your dealer or call the SVIA at 1-800-852-5344. ATVs and UTVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety, always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Never operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Avoid excessive speed and stunt driving. Be extremely careful on difficult or unknown terrin. Utility Vehicles and ATVs are off-road vehicles only & they are not designed, equipped or manufactured for use on public raods or highways. Never ride on public roads or carry passengers. CFMOTO recommends that all off-road riders take a training course. CFMOTO ATVs recommended only for highly experienced riders 16 years & older." 4910 10th Avenue South Great Falls, Montana 406.761.3151 www.savagemotosports.com JOIN US AND BE A MOTO SAVAGE! Helmets • Gloves • Boots Clothing • Accessories 2023 HOEX ZFORCE 950 FBR FBR Fort Benton Realty, LLC Mark Pyrak • 406-788-9280 Roger Axtman • 406-899-4098 Shane Ophus • 406-788-6662 Valerie Morger • 406-750-2866 Dennis Franz • 406-788-1163 Katie Schuler-Richter • 406-788-8370 Fort Benton Realty, LLC oers the BEST of Montana's Big Sky Country! Specializing in Farm & Ranch, Lots & Land, Commercial & Residential properties, Real Estate Consulting, and Auctions. Fort Benton Realty, LLC oers the BEST of Montana's Big Sky Country! Specializing in Farm & Ranch, Lots & Land, Commercial & Residential properties, Real Estate Consulting, and Auctions. REALTOR ® EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY 1426 Front Street • Fort Benton, MT | (406) 622-3803 | www.fbrealty.com | fbrealty1@gmail.com