GROWING UP MONTANA | Flying D West

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GROWING COWS / GROWING KIDS / GROWING JOY

a journey in agriculture

Growing Up Montana ThemeTim Davis, Cassidy Davis, Ron Robinson

00:00 / 00:34

Crossy is such a fun boy. It will be hard to see him sell. Come hang out at the @5c_arena_and_event_center this afternoon and check out some nice sale horses at the @montanaselecthorsesales or view and bid online.
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Sale is at 1pm MST!

Crossy is such a fun boy. It will be hard to see him sell. Come hang out at the @5c_arena_and_event_center this afternoon and check out some nice sale horses at the @montanaselecthorsesales or view and bid online.
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Sale is at 1pm MST!

Trying to get an accurate head count is t always easy.
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#ranching #dronevideo #montana #highlandcattle

Trying to get an accurate head count is t always easy.
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#ranching #dronevideo #montana #highlandcattle

Somewhere along the way, many of us were taught to sand down the parts that made us different. To be quieter. Easier. It’s like the world handed us 24 grit sandpaper over the years, and we complied.
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Maybe the things that make us different were never flaws to fix. Maybe they were fingerprints left by the Creator.
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So the wind, rain, sun, and the Maker can have their opportunity to weather this old gal, but the rest of the world doesn’t get a say.
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#ranchlife #womeninag #montanalife #homesteading

Somewhere along the way, many of us were taught to sand down the parts that made us different. To be quieter. Easier. It’s like the world handed us 24 grit sandpaper over the years, and we complied.
.
Maybe the things that make us different were never flaws to fix. Maybe they were fingerprints left by the Creator.
.
So the wind, rain, sun, and the Maker can have their opportunity to weather this old gal, but the rest of the world doesn’t get a say.
.
#ranchlife #womeninag #montanalife #homesteading

Adventure awaits! 🐄 💵
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#ranchlife #montana #homesteading #dairycow

Adventure awaits! 🐄 💵
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#ranchlife #montana #homesteading #dairycow

1. You measure wealth in the currency of friendship, time spent with God in a pasture desperately needing rain, and a good cow dog that trots quietly behind the mare you’re riding.
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2. Peace isn’t happenstance. It’s given opportunity in sunrise chores with frozen nose hairs, feeding family and friends where dishes wait patiently until conversation runs its course, and evenings on the porch where the bat swoops down and works the mosquito shift.

3. Your heart has been broken by animals, relationships, family, and the weight of the world…but just like the feed truck, it still fires up every morning and goes to work. Showing up. Sustaining life. Carrying more than anyone realizes on a flatbed of iron and wooden boards nearly as old as you.
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So yeah, I see you. Keep trucking, friend!
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#montana #womeninag #bitterrootvalley #ranchlife

1. You measure wealth in the currency of friendship, time spent with God in a pasture desperately needing rain, and a good cow dog that trots quietly behind the mare you’re riding.
.
2. Peace isn’t happenstance. It’s given opportunity in sunrise chores with frozen nose hairs, feeding family and friends where dishes wait patiently until conversation runs its course, and evenings on the porch where the bat swoops down and works the mosquito shift.

3. Your heart has been broken by animals, relationships, family, and the weight of the world…but just like the feed truck, it still fires up every morning and goes to work. Showing up. Sustaining life. Carrying more than anyone realizes on a flatbed of iron and wooden boards nearly as old as you.
.
So yeah, I see you. Keep trucking, friend!
.
#montana #womeninag #bitterrootvalley #ranchlife

How can I be expected to get ANYTHING done with these fluff balls in my field of view??
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#bitterrootvalley #highlandcattle #babyanimals #theflyingdranch #westernmontana

How can I be expected to get ANYTHING done with these fluff balls in my field of view??
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#bitterrootvalley #highlandcattle #babyanimals #theflyingdranch #westernmontana

We lost a calf today.
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Setbacks are part of loving the land and the life that comes with it.
Some days break your heart a little, even after years of good fortune.
Tomorrow, we still get up and care for what remains.
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The boy sure is getting good capturing footage with his drone.
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#bitterrootvalley #theflyingdranch #calvingseason #babyanimals #montana

We lost a calf today.
.
Setbacks are part of loving the land and the life that comes with it.
Some days break your heart a little, even after years of good fortune.
Tomorrow, we still get up and care for what remains.
.
The boy sure is getting good capturing footage with his drone.
.
#bitterrootvalley #theflyingdranch #calvingseason #babyanimals #montana

This boy has captured our hearts…and every sock we own.
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#bitterrootvalley #bordercollie #bluemerle #montana #ranchdog

This boy has captured our hearts…and every sock we own.
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#bitterrootvalley #bordercollie #bluemerle #montana #ranchdog

Every year my “favorite” color changes. It was the blondes for awhile, then back to the traditional blacks, it’s been the lighter red heads most recently and NOW….it’s the white bull calf. He’s soooo beautiful!
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What about you? Which one would you invite for a snuggle??
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#theflyingdranch #bitterrootvalley #highlandcattle #westernmontana #ranchlife

Every year my “favorite” color changes. It was the blondes for awhile, then back to the traditional blacks, it’s been the lighter red heads most recently and NOW….it’s the white bull calf. He’s soooo beautiful!
.
What about you? Which one would you invite for a snuggle??
.
#theflyingdranch #bitterrootvalley #highlandcattle #westernmontana #ranchlife

It’s finally happening! Tomorrow — May 9, 10 AM–2 PM
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Yep, another farm store for you to find amazing local goodies, along with the beef we raise. I love that there is room for so many producers in this market. I am not a competitor… I am simply another way for you to connect with your food source and with local artisans.
.
This store has truly been a labor of love, but I must admit I cannot take much credit for it. The people who support me and this ranch humble me every day. Many, many thanks to @fullbushelfarm She is incredibly talented and truly was the heart and soul behind this project. Such a rockstar artist and an even better friend. I’m so excited to see the beautiful friendships this little store will cultivate.
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Tomorrow there will be all kinds of fresh goodies, plant starts, fresh-cut bouquets, hay and straw for your gardens (and SO much more). Also, calves have started to arrive 😍
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#farmstand #bitterrootvalley #farmtotable #ranching
.
Please come hang out!

It’s finally happening! Tomorrow — May 9, 10 AM–2 PM
.
Yep, another farm store for you to find amazing local goodies, along with the beef we raise. I love that there is room for so many producers in this market. I am not a competitor… I am simply another way for you to connect with your food source and with local artisans.
.
This store has truly been a labor of love, but I must admit I cannot take much credit for it. The people who support me and this ranch humble me every day. Many, many thanks to @fullbushelfarm She is incredibly talented and truly was the heart and soul behind this project. Such a rockstar artist and an even better friend. I’m so excited to see the beautiful friendships this little store will cultivate.
.
Tomorrow there will be all kinds of fresh goodies, plant starts, fresh-cut bouquets, hay and straw for your gardens (and SO much more). Also, calves have started to arrive 😍
.
#farmstand #bitterrootvalley #farmtotable #ranching
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Please come hang out!

✨Farm store opening✨
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SATURDAY MAY 9
10am-2pm
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We hope you’ll join us.
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#theflyingdranch #farmshop #bitterrootvalley

✨Farm store opening✨
.
SATURDAY MAY 9
10am-2pm
.
We hope you’ll join us.
.
#theflyingdranch #farmshop #bitterrootvalley

If you’re gonna be a sourdough starter around here you better be tough.
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#sourdougbread #homesteading #montana

If you’re gonna be a sourdough starter around here you better be tough.
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#sourdougbread #homesteading #montana

The mud ain’t messing around right now 😫
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#muddin #fordf250 #springtime

The mud ain’t messing around right now 😫
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#muddin #fordf250 #springtime

Just over here mingling with the wild animals.
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#ranchlife #montana #bitterrootvalley

Just over here mingling with the wild animals.
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#ranchlife #montana #bitterrootvalley

Highland skull available for purchase.
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This is an animal I raised from birth. In the ranch I aim to honor the cattle by using every part of them possible. From the meat, to rendered fat/tallow, freeze dried organs, the hides, and the bones.

Reach out if you’re interested in a hide or skull. 2 hides available and 3 skulls.
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#montanalife #scottishhighlandcattle #ranch

Highland skull available for purchase.
.
This is an animal I raised from birth. In the ranch I aim to honor the cattle by using every part of them possible. From the meat, to rendered fat/tallow, freeze dried organs, the hides, and the bones.

Reach out if you’re interested in a hide or skull. 2 hides available and 3 skulls.
.
#montanalife #scottishhighlandcattle #ranch

No one ever told Goose it’s rude to stare (especially with such malicious intent)
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#bordercollie #donkey #montana

No one ever told Goose it’s rude to stare (especially with such malicious intent)
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#bordercollie #donkey #montana

This is me not complaining…I promise 🥶
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But really, I am so thankful we didn’t have any calves in the cold, wet snow. That would have been tough on a newborn (and this old gal).
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We’ve got another couple low overnights to get through before it starts to trend towards warm. Spring is no joke in Montana.
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I guess it’s a good time for a weather check in. What’s it like in your neck of the woods?
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#ranchlife #bitterrootvalley #montana

This is me not complaining…I promise 🥶
.
But really, I am so thankful we didn’t have any calves in the cold, wet snow. That would have been tough on a newborn (and this old gal).
.
We’ve got another couple low overnights to get through before it starts to trend towards warm. Spring is no joke in Montana.
.
I guess it’s a good time for a weather check in. What’s it like in your neck of the woods?
.
#ranchlife #bitterrootvalley #montana

He’s still figuring ranch life out. 🥰
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#westernmontana #bitterrootvalley #ranchdog

He’s still figuring ranch life out. 🥰
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#westernmontana #bitterrootvalley #ranchdog

I’m not bragging. I am just in awe. EVERY SINGLE DAY.
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I’m one of the lucky ones that live in Western Montana and I don’t take this blessing lightly.
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Can any fellow Bitterroters guess the stretch of river?
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#bitterrootvalley #westernmontana #theflyingdranch

I’m not bragging. I am just in awe. EVERY SINGLE DAY.
.
I’m one of the lucky ones that live in Western Montana and I don’t take this blessing lightly.
.
Can any fellow Bitterroters guess the stretch of river?
.
#bitterrootvalley #westernmontana #theflyingdranch

The donk-donks sure add flare around here.
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#ranchlife #blmburro #theflyingdranch

The donk-donks sure add flare around here.
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#ranchlife #blmburro #theflyingdranch

Pupdate
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It’s been awhile since the last “pupdate”. Scratch that…it’s taken me awhile to write this pupdate.
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In November we lost our sweet little Skippy to an accident. The heartache has been real and I am just now able to write about it. She was the sweetest little dog with the biggest adventurers spirit.
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I have decided to dedicate our tulips to her memory. These early flowers bring me joy much like Skippy did.
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Dogs hold special places in our hearts and lives…I was lucky to have her as a companion.
.
On that note…here is the latest PUPDATE: Welcome “Goose” (like as in Maverick and Goose from Top Gun). He is so so SO different from Skippy. An absolute nut! Very very affectionate, and very VERY much a cattle dog. He is intense in everything he does. We are working hard at obedience so that he can be helpful around here with the cattle.
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Can you tell what breed he is??
#theflyingdranch #ranchlife #pupdate

Pupdate
.
It’s been awhile since the last “pupdate”. Scratch that…it’s taken me awhile to write this pupdate.
.
In November we lost our sweet little Skippy to an accident. The heartache has been real and I am just now able to write about it. She was the sweetest little dog with the biggest adventurers spirit.
.
I have decided to dedicate our tulips to her memory. These early flowers bring me joy much like Skippy did.
.
Dogs hold special places in our hearts and lives…I was lucky to have her as a companion.
.
On that note…here is the latest PUPDATE: Welcome “Goose” (like as in Maverick and Goose from Top Gun). He is so so SO different from Skippy. An absolute nut! Very very affectionate, and very VERY much a cattle dog. He is intense in everything he does. We are working hard at obedience so that he can be helpful around here with the cattle.
.
Can you tell what breed he is??
#theflyingdranch #ranchlife #pupdate

Hi Merlynn 👋🏼
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It’s not just the shaggy cows over here… We welcome all cows!!
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Pure highlands are a smaller statured cow that’s takes a little longer to raise for beef. When crossed with a beef breed we get that tasty highland beef y’all love, and more of it!
.
Merlynn is an easy calver and super sweet. She’s a good mom and fits right in with our goofy herd!
.
If you’re looking for a steer to butcher, Merlyn’s angus calf from last spring is up for discussion. Holistically raised and grass fed.

Hi Merlynn 👋🏼
.
It’s not just the shaggy cows over here… We welcome all cows!!
.
Pure highlands are a smaller statured cow that’s takes a little longer to raise for beef. When crossed with a beef breed we get that tasty highland beef y’all love, and more of it!
.
Merlynn is an easy calver and super sweet. She’s a good mom and fits right in with our goofy herd!
.
If you’re looking for a steer to butcher, Merlyn’s angus calf from last spring is up for discussion. Holistically raised and grass fed.

Sunday is back from her vacation at the mechanics and looking gooooood with her new flat bed!
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Feeding just got a whole lot easier!
.
Thank you Steve and Beau!! She’s amazing and perfect and easy like Sunday morning 🤍

Sunday is back from her vacation at the mechanics and looking gooooood with her new flat bed!
.
Feeding just got a whole lot easier!
.
Thank you Steve and Beau!! She’s amazing and perfect and easy like Sunday morning 🤍

Feeding the next generation of beef.
.
Beef herds are at an all time low in the United States. Three major processing and packaging plants have or are slated to be closed in 2026.
.
Ranches like us are still out here raising cattle and selling beef in an ever changing economy. Because for us, it’s about feeding our community with high quality beef raised right here in the valley.
.
As local processing plants raise their prices, and the cost of hay continues to increase, we will be raising beef prices on March 1st. We’d love to be able to give you beef for free and feed you all… but at the end of the day, the feed truck needs fuel and the butcher needs to be paid too.
.
The freezers are full of grass fed and finished highland beef, grain finished highland, and even some grass fed and finished angus. Prices are comparable to Costco and often lower than the local grocery store.
.
The farm store is open Wednesdays and Sundays 11-2, or by appointment. Cuts available:
• Ground 1lb packages, bulk pricing available
• Roasts in 2-4lb weights, all types
• Steaks - ribeyes, rib steaks, New Yorks, sirloins
• Brisket + TriTip
• Kabob or Stew meat
• Soup bones + osso bucco
.
Pork and lamb available as well! All beef is USDA inspected. Farm store is licensed and inspected by the state of Montana. #theflyingdranch #bitterrootvalley #ranchlife #westernmontana #homesteading

Feeding the next generation of beef.
.
Beef herds are at an all time low in the United States. Three major processing and packaging plants have or are slated to be closed in 2026.
.
Ranches like us are still out here raising cattle and selling beef in an ever changing economy. Because for us, it’s about feeding our community with high quality beef raised right here in the valley.
.
As local processing plants raise their prices, and the cost of hay continues to increase, we will be raising beef prices on March 1st. We’d love to be able to give you beef for free and feed you all… but at the end of the day, the feed truck needs fuel and the butcher needs to be paid too.
.
The freezers are full of grass fed and finished highland beef, grain finished highland, and even some grass fed and finished angus. Prices are comparable to Costco and often lower than the local grocery store.
.
The farm store is open Wednesdays and Sundays 11-2, or by appointment. Cuts available:
• Ground 1lb packages, bulk pricing available
• Roasts in 2-4lb weights, all types
• Steaks - ribeyes, rib steaks, New Yorks, sirloins
• Brisket + TriTip
• Kabob or Stew meat
• Soup bones + osso bucco
.
Pork and lamb available as well! All beef is USDA inspected. Farm store is licensed and inspected by the state of Montana. #theflyingdranch #bitterrootvalley #ranchlife #westernmontana #homesteading

❤️‍🔥 Happy Valentine’s Day ❤️‍🔥

If you’re looking to grab a steak today, @fullbushelfarm has a couple in the freezer at her farm store!!

❤️‍🔥 Happy Valentine’s Day ❤️‍🔥

If you’re looking to grab a steak today, @fullbushelfarm has a couple in the freezer at her farm store!!

Hi Boone 👋🏼
.
This big guy is our very first bull! He knows what his job is here, and he’s successfully sired some beautiful heifers and delicious steers.
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He’s been so successful at his job that’s we’ve had to hire another bull to service Boone’s daughters 😉
.
Boone’s next batch of calves will be arriving late April & Early May.

Hi Boone 👋🏼
.
This big guy is our very first bull! He knows what his job is here, and he’s successfully sired some beautiful heifers and delicious steers.
.
He’s been so successful at his job that’s we’ve had to hire another bull to service Boone’s daughters 😉
.
Boone’s next batch of calves will be arriving late April & Early May.

Chips + Salsa 🌶️ 💃🏼
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Training the donk donks is going… well , its going 😂
.
Currently looking for someone (or a couple someones) with kids (young to teens) and/or a stroller that wants to come visit the donkeroos and get them used to kids being kids.
.
We saw a stroller on our walk yesterday and it was very scary for little donkeys!! Can you help these guys? Message @fullbushelfarm if you want to bring the kids to the farm and feed the donkeys some treats!

Chips + Salsa 🌶️ 💃🏼
.
Training the donk donks is going… well , its going 😂
.
Currently looking for someone (or a couple someones) with kids (young to teens) and/or a stroller that wants to come visit the donkeroos and get them used to kids being kids.
.
We saw a stroller on our walk yesterday and it was very scary for little donkeys!! Can you help these guys? Message @fullbushelfarm if you want to bring the kids to the farm and feed the donkeys some treats!

Can you name the critters caught on the spy cam?
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Can you name the critters caught on the spy cam?
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This highland skull just came back from the processors and is ready to be hung.
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32.5” tip to tip
.
Want it at your home? Send me a message!

This highland skull just came back from the processors and is ready to be hung.
.
32.5” tip to tip
.
Want it at your home? Send me a message!

Meet Oakley 👋🏼
.
She’s the cutest teddy bear in the field!! Oakley really likes coming up to the feed truck as we sweep it out at the end of the line to see if she can get some pets in.
.
She’s full highland and calved a super cute little red highland heifer this past spring!! She is bred to Boone and will be calving in May this year.

Meet Oakley 👋🏼
.
She’s the cutest teddy bear in the field!! Oakley really likes coming up to the feed truck as we sweep it out at the end of the line to see if she can get some pets in.
.
She’s full highland and calved a super cute little red highland heifer this past spring!! She is bred to Boone and will be calving in May this year.

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FINDING JOY IN

THE MESS

LIFE IS MESSY, RANCHING IS MESSY - BUT THERE IS SO MUCH JOY TO BE FOUND IN THE JOURNEY!

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