JUNE 2019
In this issue
M A G A Z I N E
Rodeo royalty, Monarch butterflies, Agritourism & more!
BitterrootEvents.net MUSIC ART SPORTS EDUCATION FOOD & DRINK GOVERNMENT YOUTH & SCHOOLS SPECIAL EVENTS
A partnership between the Ravalli Republic Newspaper and the Ravalli County Fairgrounds • visit bitterrootevents.net
IN THIS ISSUE Thoughts about the fair...........................5 Soremouth.................................................6 Rodeo Royalty...........................................8 Bringing the outside in...........................10 Pollinators................................................11 Victor’s Verdure pastures........................13 Sunscreen................................................14 Agritourism.............................................16 Agricultural Heritage Notebook...........18 Two Poppies............................................22
MAGAZINE How did you like this issue of Agriculture Magazine? Do you have any ideas you’d like to share with us for our next issue? Let us know. Send comments to: Ravalli Republic, 232 West Main, Hamilton, MT 59840 or editor@ravallirepublic.com Photos on this page provided by Samantha O’Byrne, ABC Acres, Wendy Beye & Josh Homer. Cover photo by Brian Herbel. Agriculture Magazine is published by the Ravalli Republic & Missoulian Newspapers, divisions of Lee Enterprises Jim Strauss, Publisher Perry Backus, Associate Editor Kathy Kelleher, Lauren Parsons & Jodi Wright, Sales Dara Saltzman, Production & Design Agriculture Magazine is copyright 2019, Ravalli Republic.
232 W Main, Hamilton, MT 59840 ravallirepublic.com
Page 4 - Agriculture Magazine, March 2019
PHOTO PROVIDED
1919: Ruth & Ruby Buck of the Upper Burnt Fork Club
Thoughts as we head off to the county fair
Agriculture Magazine, March 2019 - Page 5
BY JOY V. MCCLURE Superintendent of Beer & Wine and Canned & Preserved Foods
The following truisms were compiled by fair volunteers, staff, and superintendents from responses to a hand out at the 2007 Ravalli County Fair “Magical Memories.” It’s been 12 years so it might be time to revisit them again. • No one owes us a fair. Read and abide by the rules. If you missed a deadline or missed getting an entry on the entry form, that is a lesson learned, not cause for a tantrum. • Treat each other well. Treat others with respect, especially when they don’t seem to deserve it. • Enjoy the heat and the mud and the tension and the excitement and the fatigue and the chance to work with your neighbor on an event that is important to us all. • Don’t take yourself too seriously. • Remember that your children and your neighbor’s children learn to deal with anger, disappointment and accomplishment from you. At times, be mindful of the lessons you are teaching them. And you are teaching them when you’d rather they weren’t watching. • We each take part in the county fair for our own personal reasons. Your reasons for being there are not the same reasons that anyone else is there, nor should everyone be there for your reasons. • The 4H/FFA exhibits are about the growth of the child, not the growth of the parent’s ego. • The Fair t’ain’t always fair. Everyone wishes it could be, but no one has figured out how to make that happen. When things occur that “aren’t fair,” make notes, chalk it up to experience, and work to make changes for another year. Public crucifixion of intentional or unintentional wrongdoers diminishes us all. • If you will settle only for blue ribbons and nothing less, please contact the fair office in advance. We will mail you a blue ribbon and save you a trip to the fair.
PHOTOS COURTESY JOY MCCLURE
Displayed here is a collection of champion canned foods.
• The Fair is, after all, a celebration! It’s a chance to stop and enjoy our accomplishments and the accomplishments of others. • Team work makes the dream work. Celebrate!Congratulate! Applaud often! Looking forward to seeing each of you at the Ravalli County Fair!
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Valley sees increase in “soremouth” DR. LINDA KAUFFMAN Burnt Fork Vet Clinic
Recently in the Bitterroot Valley, there has been a significant increase in outbreaks of an especially contagious livestock disease known as “soremouth.” Most commonly found in sheep and goats, this hardy virus (also known as Orf, scabbymouth, thistle disease, contagious pustular dermatitis, infectious labial dermatitis, and ecthyma contagiosum) is “zoonotic,” meaning it can be passed to humans. It survives extremely well in the farm environment and spreads easily, making it especially troublesome for small ruminants and their owners. A parapoxvirus, soremouth manifests itself in thick, scabby sores, usually on the mouth and lips of the animal and within four to eight days after exposure. The lesions may appear on other areas of the body including the feet, scrotum, vulva, ears and udder. The virus remains viable on the skin for around thirty days after sores have healed and spreads not only through the sores but also the scabs that are eventually shed. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some breeds (Boers, for example) are particularly susceptible to soremouth, and symptoms are often more severe in these breeds. Because the disease is normally self-limiting and - if uncomplicated - will clear on its own within three to four weeks, antibiotics are generally not used to treat an infected animal, except in the case of a secondary infection. Deaths from soremouth are rare, but as it runs its course, this tenacious illness can cause a lot of problems. Because the lesions are painful – especially when they occur in sensitive areas like the lips and udder – they can cause lameness and make eating uncomfortable for the animal, leading to weight loss. Nursing kids and lambs can pass the virus to their dam’s udder. A doe or ewe with sores on her udder may refuse to allow nursing, risking mastitis and starvation of her offspring. While it’s tempting to “help things along” by cleaning the affected area, manual removal of the scabs can delay healing, spread the disease and encourage secondary infections, so it’s best to avoid touching the lesions. In severe cases, a softening ointment can be
applied (using gloves!), and offering the affected animal a softened diet will help keep her weight up. Milking dairy goats during an outbreak can also be an ordeal. Symptomatic does should be milked last, so the milking equipment can be disinfected before the next use. A goat who develops sores should be isolated from other animals until well after the scabs have disappeared, and bedding should be removed to a place inaccessible by other animals because the scabs that eventually fall off can contaminate the environment. Humans who pick up soremouth from their goats (usually through cuts or open sores on the hands) will develop ulcerative lesions, generally occurring on the fingers, hands, or forearms. While the lesions can also be painful in humans, they tend to heal without scarring. Humans may also experience other symptoms from the disease, including mild fever, fatigue and swelling of the lymph nodes, and the virus takes longer in humans (up to six weeks) to run its course. Because infection with soremouth does not create lasting immunity in people, a person can become infected many times throughout life, although subsequent outbreaks are often less severe. On the positive side, soremouth does generate a slightly more enduring immunity in livestock, and once a goat or sheep has recovered from the disease, re-infection is unlikely for at least a year. Subsequent infections are also apt to produce less severe symptoms and for shorter duration. There is a vaccine available, so if your herd is clean - and especially if you plan on showing your goats or sheep - you may want to discuss immunization with your veterinarian. Because the vaccine is a “live” preparation, however, it works by introducing the virus to the animal, and scabs commonly occur at the vaccination site. The injection is given in a hairless area (to allow monitoring of the reaction) and should be administered at least six weeks before showing the animal, to provide enough time for the scabs to disappear. The vaccine has not been shown to induce abortion and a vaccinated doe or ewe may pass colostral immunity to her offspring. However, since any vaccination process can be stressful to a pregnant animal – and because caution must be exerted with any live virus -
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it’s wise to consult your veterinarian first. The soremouth virus is a hardy survivor and it may be difficult to avoid an outbreak in your herd, especially if you are bringing in newly purchased animals or taking them out to shows or to be bred. There are precautions that you can take to increase the chance of keeping your herd clean. Always quarantine new animals - for 30 days, at least – well away from possible physical contact with your herd, and monitor them for the appearance of symptoms. Since the virus lives in the environment and most readily spreads through cuts and abrasions, keep your pens clean and your pens and pastures free of potential physical hazards. If you show your livestock, offer to be the one to open your animal’s mouth for the judges – and be sure you’ve washed your hands first! If you notice a suspicious lesion, isolate that animal as soon as possible and wash your hands before handling any of your other stock. Any direct contact between animals can spread the virus, and pastures, bedding, feed and feed troughs can become contaminated. An outbreak of soremouth in your goat or sheep
herd isn’t necessarily devastating, but it IS serious and warrants notifying your veterinarian. You’ll want to be sure you’re following the right protocol for dealing with the disease and to give the doctor a head’s up in case a secondary infection or other complications develop. As goat and sheep ownership increases in popularity in our valley, so does the potential for related biohazards. If you are a small ruminant owner – especially a new owner – familiarize yourself with their common health problems and spend the time to monitor your animals. Goats – especially - are fun, companionable and entertaining, and you’ll be well-rewarded for the attention you give them! References: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/controlling-sore-mouth-in-meat-goats https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/orf-virus/animals.html https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/orf-virus/people.html http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/goat/news/ dgg1208a2.htm
Now with two locatioNs Deer Lodge Store 618 Main St Deer Lodge, MT 59722
Corvallis Store 1308 Eastlede Hwy Corvallis, MT 59828
406-846-9227
406-961-4917
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BURNING EMBER PHOTOGRAPHY
Rodeo royalty plays a vital role SANDY MCNAMARA Darby Rodeo Association
Rodeo is the only sport in America intrinsically rooted in agriculture and the heritage of the American West. Among its traditions are
the value of hard work personal, responsibility, integrity, love of God, family and country, and helping our neighbors have been handed down by ranchers and farmers from one generation to the next. These values remain at rodeo’s core
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and are heralded by its ambassadors. Rodeo is unique in that it is a family sport that is very individualistic, yet surprisingly interdependent, a poetic reflection of agri-life. You might liken it to a five-ring circus of many players who make up the collective heart of rodeo: • Contestants, whose passion (if not outright addiction) for competition and love of “chasing white lines” down the road to the next event, create purpose for all the rest. Contestants carry the torch of western tradition, passing it down to their children. • Stock Contractors, without whom contestants would have no stock on which to compete, work hard to provide quality stock and “even pens”. • Sponsors are critical to the sport. Without the generous donations of their hardearned dollars it would be impossible to provide payouts and prizes worthy of a contestant’s efforts. • Fans who fill the stands add tremendous heart to the sport. They fuel the event with energy that fires up the contestants, and they make the sponsor’s investment much more valuable. • Production Crew volunteers and personnel who, out of deep love of rodeo and community, faithfully work to string all the players together. Narrow your focus here to the production crew. Within this ring among the committee, announcer, secretary, chute boss, judges, (and so many others) we find one of the most visible and useful ambassadors of agriculture and rodeo. Here we find the rodeo royalty. The Queen, Princess, and an adorable Lil Miss are knowledgeable, skilled horsewomen who are leaders in and out of the arena and whose character reflects the values of our western way of life. Rodeo royalty’s most important role is to be trusted with the honor of presenting our nation’s flag during the rodeo’s Grand Entry (not as easy as it looks). For this reason, it is imperative that each young lady serving in this capacity be a
capable horsewoman. During the rodeo, at the stock contractor’s request, royalty will help keep the pace of the rodeo by “pushing” stock to the return alley after a contestant’s run. Outside the arena, rodeo royalty devote many hours to selling raffle tickets, serving at public events like parades and fundraisers, and visiting with kids to teach them about our western heritage, the importance of agriculture and the sport of rodeo. Rodeo royalty earn their titles through challenging but fun interview process in the form of a pageant which can include: • Prepared and impromptu public speaking • A personal interview that can last from 10 to 15 minutes with a panel of 3 or more interviewers • A written test of knowledge on current events, rodeo and horse health • A horsemanship skills test • Critical consideration of ability to present with professionalism and poise under pressure. All rodeo royalty pageants depend on sponsorships to provide prizes, so what a girl might win from one year to the next or one pageant to the next will vary. However, all contestants will always earn many lasting intangible gifts of great value. They all benefit from development of public speaking and leadership skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. Darby Rodeo Association’s rodeo royalty competition is held during Darby’s Elite Bull Connection event which is July 5-6 this year. This pageant is beginner-friendly for those who have never entered a pageant before and will provide ample information to make your experience a positive one! Information and registration can be found on the DRA website; visit www.darbyrodeoassociation.com, or look for Darby Rodeo Royalty on Facebook. We encourage all young horsewomen interested in growing as a leader and serving as an ambassador of the greatest sport on dirt to throw their hat in the ring and give it a try!
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Bringing the outside in BY KRISTINE KOMAR
I have always been an outdoor girl. By that I mean not so much an outdoor recreationist – although I am that, too – I mean that I just love being out of doors. In any weather and any place. Being outside calms and invigorates me with the sights and smells of a natural world where are the pieces fit together seamlessly. It will come as no surprise that since I love the outdoors, I also drag it indoors. I call doing that “outside in.” A garment turned inside out – unless it’s bespoke or very carefully made – is full of threads, raw seams, work not meant to be seen. Outside in, on the other hand, is the right face of something
lovely. Of course, at my house the windows are always open, even a little crack in during the coldest times of the year. Additionally, I bring in whatever I can from the outside world and place it throughout the house where I will come upon it and be reminded of all that I love in the outdoors. It’s easy to do outside in in spring and summer when flowers are in bloom, more difficult in the fall and winter although that can be the most productive of times to bring things in. They are dry and can last longer than a bloom which fades quickly. I love to bring in the things that others might think of as dead and dying or undesirable.
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PHOTO BY SAMANTHA O’BYRNE
Pollinators: Monarchs are an iconic species nonprofit organization that protects wildlife through the conservation of invertebrates As we’re all learning from a variety of popu- and their habitats. The society coordinates an annual Thanksgiving Monarch Count on lar media, pollinators are important to life on California wintering grounds. earth. During the recent 2018 count, the numbers Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) are amounted to 0.6% of historic size. The cause an iconic species that pollinates many types of wildflowers and inspiring youth, gardeners, of decline is associated with loss of habitat, artists, and scientists through their beauty and breeding grounds, and host nectar plant populations. unique life cycle. Studied by entomologists Monarch butterflies are “obligate” feeders, and citizen scientists alike, they are the most this means that the caterpillars rely upon only well known of the migratory butterflies in the world. Scientists have been tracking the num- one genus of plant for their food, Milkweed (Asclepias species). Females will lay eggs on ber of wintering populations for many years, milkweed and only milkweed. Montana has and during the past several years, data has eight native species of milkweed, and much become troubling. of milkweed found in Western Montana is Monarchs are divided into two population located in roadside habitat. You’ve probably groups: western and eastern. These populaseen it along the roadsides or perhaps have tion groups are separated by the continental divide of the United States. The eastern popu- some in your garden or fields. Maybe you’ve also noticed its decline. lation migrates to Mexico and the western During the past three years, the O’Hara population migrates to a multitude of sites of Commons & Sustainability Center (OCSC) coastal California, overwintering upon arrival. The monarchs of Western Montana are part of has nurtured a volunteer stand of milkweed on our grounds and have incorporated the the western migrating population. The Xerces Society is a science-based raising and release of Monarch butterflies in BY SAMANTHA O’BYRNE O’Hara Commons & Sustainability Center
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our youth programs. This spring our grounds were certified by Monarch Watch as an official ‘Monarch Waystation’ and we’ve now decided – with the encouragement of the Bitterroot Audubon Society, local civic groups, and individuals in the community – to offer classes for adults. Go to our web site to sign up for classes as part of Monarch Project ’19. The O’Hara Commons has established a program called “Rescue, Raise and Release” to identify milkweed stands in Ravalli County. This spring, a group of volunteers attended training so that they can help with this effort. They will be locating and collecting GPS coordinates of milkweed stands in Ravalli County. The collected data will be provided to William Thompson, an environmental consultant and Board member of O’Hara Commons with GPS experience, so that he can begin building a map of Ravalli County milkweed populations.
So, if you see somebody on a county roadside, wearing a long sleeved shirt and floppy sun hat there is a good chance it is a volunteer who is out counting milkweed stems, collecting coordinates, and looking for a Monarch egg or caterpillar to rescue, raise, and release. Stop and say hello, maybe bring them a cool drink. Most likely we can show you what the milkweed looks like and maybe even a Monarch egg or caterpillar. Montana hosts several generations of Monarchs during the summer months with the last generation hatching out in August/ September. These are the migrating Monarchs, preparing to fly thousands of miles to their wintering grounds. We hope to help boost those numbers through our work! Samantha O’Byrne is executive Director of O’Hara Commons & Sustainability Center, Hamilton. www.theohararcommons.org.
’
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PHOTO BY BRIAN HERBEL
Introducing Victor’s Verdure Pastures BY BRIAN HEBEL Verdure Pastures
We came here a couple years ago for some elbowroom, to work some land, to grow things for ourselves to eat. Good food is good. Good ingredients are good. We got pigs, delicious ones, goats, too. Eggs daily, an orchard was here to provide fruit. We planted grapes. We grew food to feed our son, Clancy, who was born last year. We thought Verdure Pastures was a nice name for our land, delicious grass for our animals, flowers for our bees. We have lived in Montana for years, me originally from Wyoming, Jen from rural New York. We have learned things the hard way, trials by fire, repetition of tasks that get easier and better each time. Or not. We move the water, we notice the grasses, who eats what and where. Baby goats, baby pigs, baby plants. We grow things to share, with our neighbors, colleagues, friends, and family. We hunt, we forage, and we pursue things that are good to and for us. We vote. We will likely be here a long time, as were the people who were here on this land before us. We
will strive for diversity, niches that need filling in our farm community, and hope to be good stewards of this piece of land we live on. We bring what we know to our table, we look to learn from our land, the people around us, this place. There was the time all the goats escaped, all the pigs escaped, all the plants died, but they all flourish now. We have relied on the kindness of our neighbors, offered ours in return. We know the driver of the road grader, the ditch rider, the mailman, and the guy up the road who found our goats when they got out. There is a pace to this type of being busy that is more satisfying than what made us busy before Verdure Pastures. Our son eats the dirt and the food that comes from it. He watches us and learns as we do, maybe he will not repeat the same mistakes, maybe he will. We are happy here, we look forward to sharing what do and what we grow. Brian Herbel, Jennifer Lucco, and their son Clancy own and operate Verdure Pastures southwest of Victor. You can find them on Middle Bear Creek Road or at www.verdurepastures.com
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Slip, slop, slap and wrap for complete sun protection BY KATELYN ANDERSEN MSU Extension Agent
Summer has been coming to the Bitterroot in tiny bursts of beautiful sunshine. If you were like me on those warm days, you went outside and later regretfully realized you should have protected yourself more from the sun’s rays. It’s pretty hard to conceal raccoon eyes and burnt necks. From now on, just remember the mantra slip, slop, slap, wrap. As the Australian health campaign encourages, “Slip on a shirt, slop on the sunscreen, slap on a hat, wrap on some sunglasses.” The skin is the body’s largest organ and helps the body protect and regulate the body. Just like other organs, the skin needs to be kept healthy.
Make sure to drink enough water, about half a gallon for adults every day to keep your skin hydrated. Also, protect skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays with sun prevention measures. Protecting your skin from the UV rays can help prevent premature aging effects and other skin damage, cataracts and other eye problems, immune suppression, and skin cancer. Slopping on sunscreen is the most important and easiest way to protect your skin. Sunscreen should be applied to the skin every day regardless of skin type or color. Even if your skin does not burn, UV exposure still damages skin. Damage from sun exposure is cumulative throughout your life, which means that you will not necessarily see
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the effects of sun damage immediately. Skin damage can still occur later in life even though you never sunburn. Even though it may seem too late to start a sun protection habit in adulthood, it’s never too late to help reverse some of the damage, as skin can sometimes repair itself. Protecting your skin. If you plan to spend 20 minutes outdoors, apply sunscreen no matter the time of year. In the winter months, even the UV rays reflecting off the snow is damaging. Make sure to use about one ounce per application at least every 2 hours spent in the sun, experts recommend a nickel-size amount for the face and a golf-ball-size amount for the body. Use sunscreen liberally, uniformly and thickly to cover all exposed areas; apply lip balm with SPF 15 or higher to avoid damage to the lips. There are sunscreen sticks that are ideal for the tips of ears, under eyes and down the part in your hair. Sunscreen does have an expiration date of about three years but, with proper use, you will use up your sunscreen before it loses its effectiveness. Parents should also note that they should not use sunscreen on children under 6 months of age. Sunscreen can irritate the infant’s skin. When outside, keep children under 6 months of age in the shade, and out of direct sunlight. While sunscreen sprays are convenient, it is recommended to spray evenly and rub in sunscreen to ensure proper coverage. Checking the SPF. The term “SPF” is visible on every sunscreen bottle and stands for Sun Protective Factor. Sunscreens are classified by the strength of SPF; minimal (2-11 SPF), moderate (12-29 SPF), and high (30+ SPF). Consumers must remember that sunscreen does not give you total protection; nothing completely blocks the sun’s rays. SPF represents the degree to which a sunscreen can protect the skin from sunburn. The higher the number, the better the protection. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF, which blocks about
97% of the sun’s UVB rays. Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours, which is standard for any level of SPF strength. Stay prepared. Keep sunscreen, sunglasses and a widebrimmed hat at the office for walking breaks or a walk-and-talk with co-workers. There are brush-on powders with SPF protection for those who worry about looking polished. Find a handy place at home to help remind family members to apply protection prior to going outdoors. Other protective factors. Even though sunscreen provides protection from the sun, it needs to be combined with slipping on a shirt, slapping on a hat and wrapping on sunglasses. People should avoid the sun or seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s UV rays are strongest. Clouds do not offer protection; in fact, up to 80% of the UV rays get through. Wear a hat that has a 3-inch brim to protect your head. As for your shirt, tightly woven fabrics work the best to block out the sun. Darker colored fabrics absorb UV rays and provide better protection than white or light-colored fabrics. Purchase sunglasses with at least 99-100% UV protection for your eyes. The basics of skin protection are pretty simple and can prevent painful sunburns. Although you may not have that summertime glow, your skin will thank you later in life. Remember to slip, slop, slap and wrap! For more sunscreen tips, visit the American Academy of Dermatology’s website. Information referenced from the Texas Extension: Sunscreen Use and FDA: Sun Safety and American Academy of Dermatology: Sunscreen FAQs. Katelyn Andersen, M.S., is an Associate Professor for Montana State University Extension. She serves as the 4-H/Youth Development and Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent for Ravalli County.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC ACRES
Agritourism: Farm Revenue from Lodging & Tours TIM SOUTHWELL ABC acres
In the agriculture world, it is about selling hay tonnage, heads of cattle, goat cheese, dozens of eggs, and a myriad of other from-the-land products in an effort to bring in enough money to pay the bills and put a little away for a rainy day. Funny thing is, I did none of these things today, but I still pocketed $450 in farm revenue. What’s my secret? Agri-tourism… and you can do it too! At ABC acres, we are building a revenue model in line with the growing trend of folks seeking a nature connect. A model built around charging fees for performing every day actions. Over the last three years, we have seen earnings from on-the-farm agri-tourism activities grow from $3500 to upwards of $7500 annually. Here are just a few examples of ABC acre’s on-the-farm activity offerings: • Each and every day, twice a day, we are tending to livestock. Feeding the pigs and goats, rotating the cattle to a new daily paddock, collecting eggs from the mobile coop. Coined ‘Livestock Feeding’, a tourist favorite, we collect $75 per group to tag along. We answer questions while guests pet the goats, collect the eggs, and take pictures with our majestic Scottish Highland cattle.
• Part of maintaining a farm is all about observation… the gate to rehang, the fencing to mend, the orchard trees to protect, and on and on. This observation is accomplished by walking to the corners of the property and making notes. Coined our ‘Nature Observation Walk’, we collect $100 per group for an hour walk around the farm. Sure, we are taking note of all the tasks that need attention, but along the way, we are speaking to the history of the valley and our particular piece of ground, pointing out different species of trees and birds, and marveling at the beauty all around. • Weekly chores require attention to irrigation, production gardens, greenhouses, livestock paddocks, etc. -- you know the drill. These ‘Project Specific Tours’ command a $100 group fee for an hour-long deep dive into the particular system. A time when we might be seeding trays, weeding gardens, or planting an orchard, we speak to the operation, what our goals are, and the seasonality of maintaining its productivity. All of these offerings are part of our day to day, week to week. No extra energy or capital is required, nor is productivity lost in the process. We continue with our specific demands while earning a healthy revenue stream along the way. Going a step further, we have chosen to incorporate
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overnight lodgings, aka ‘Farm Stays’, on the farm. At first glance, this might seem near to impossible for some, but looking at the financial model in comparison with market analytics, and the possibility takes shape. Montana visitors are already paying $150-plus per night to stay at the local hotels, so we created a model to work in line with this fact that has proven profitable year after year. A typical hotel room is no bigger than 400 square foot, so we designed a rental cabin at 500 square foot that incorporates two bedrooms, bathroom, kitchenette, dining, and outdoor deck. At $115 per square foot to build, with additional funds for infrastructure/furnishing, we developed a model to have a cabin built for approx. $75,000 that would be rental ready. In carrying a loan on 60% of this cost ($45k over 30 years at 4% interest), we figured an annual P&I payment of $3k. ABC acres currently averages 115-130 bedroom nights a year, so based on 130 nights at $150 per night, you can expect a rental revenue of $20k annually. Once you figure in your annual loan payments, increased property/bed tax, utilities, and general upkeep, we realize an annual profit of $13k. Depending on your individual situation, and the structure of the loan, you could take this annual profit, and over three years put it all to the loan principal and be free and clear on the rental starting year 4. A scenario that has $16k in income added to your bottom line, and we haven’t begun to discuss increasing rental rates for the shear fact that a Farm Stay in a cabin connected to the outdoors is a heck of a lot more enjoyable than the claustrophobic confines of a drab hotel room. Now take this model and multiply it by five to ten rental units and all of sudden you start to see the opportunity for a whole property offering. Before long, the stress associated with obtaining a third hay cutting doesn’t seem so important. Adding to both the on-farm activities and Farm Stay rentals, we have a direct to consumer connection for selling our farm goods. Eggs, steaks, t-shirts, etc., and as a result we see an uptick in the sales of our farm-totable products at a premium price. These nature seekers are immersed in the happenings of the farm and the surrounding landscape. They better understand the effort and care that goes into stewarding the land and livestock to provide the consumer a healthy product for their dinner table. They are more than happy to support the operation with disposable dollars; we are more than happy to provide.
No matter the property, whether farm, ranch, vineyard, or a cabin tucked in the forest, folks from all walks of life are being drawn to the benefits of connecting with nature. It is innate to our being. Something lost on most, while subconsciously calling to them for a reconnect. Your piece of ground offers this awe-in-time moment. A chance for healing and reprioritizing the things that are important in their lives. So next time you feed the livestock, mend the corner fence, or chase the deer off the fruit trees, think about how an agri-tourism offering could improve the bottom line for all involved. Next time we will explore the marketing effort behind these agri-tourism endeavors. Where best to spend our marketing dollar to alert travel seekers of our offerings, how social media plays a part in telling the story, and which online booking platform to partner with best represents our mission. Until then, happy growing! Part II of a series, you will find Part 1 in the March 2019 Ag Mag (https://ravallirepublic.com/special-section/) and look forward to seeing Part III in the September edition. Visit ABC acres at www.ABCacres.com
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Agriculture Heritage Notebook The Bitter Root Cultural Heritage Trust
interpretation and affirm cultural values.
works in partnership with families,
The Heritage Trust provides an article for
neighborhoods and communities to restore
each edition of Agricultural Magazine,
historic structures, bring back traditional
highlighting the Bitterroot Valley’s
events and celebrations, encourage
agricultural history and heritage.
Story WENDY BEYE photos courtesy of the RENNAKER FAMILY
I had driven by the barn hundreds of times over the years, and yet never noticed it, tucked away in the cottonwoods and aspens beside Plummers Slough. Kris Komar, President of the Board of Directors of Bitter Root Cultural Heritage Trust, fielded a
phone call from Murray Elliott, who said that he and his wife were interested in learning more about the history of the old barn on their property in the Bitterroot Valley. Kris forwarded the contact information to me, and I eventually called Mr. Elliott’s number asking for ownership information,
Agriculture Magazine, March 2019 - Page 19
Plummers Slough barn lichen on log.
as I’d been unable to find any records online. Mrs. Elliott called me back to say the barn is on property that was previously owned by her mother, Marjorie Atchison, and is now listed under Bonnie Ford. I thought her name sounded familiar, and after a few minutes’ conversation, I realized that she was the widow of Jim Ford, a fellow pilot I knew years ago. That also explained why I had never noticed the barn -when I drove by their place on the highway, I was always looking at the airplane hangar located next to their airstrip. Bonnie and Murray agreed to a visit near the end of May. It is pouring rain in Hamilton, and I fear my photo shoot will be a soggy disaster. When I arrive at the barn, puffy white clouds dot a blue sky, and shafts of sunlight are highlighting spring green leaves on the trees along Plummers Slough. Murray is my able tour guide because Bonnie is not feeling well. The barn is obviously very old, with handcut logs crusted in orange lichen. The cedar shingles on the roof are curling and doing a marginal job of keeping rain out of the loft. Some missing shingles on the west side allow snow to accumulate along an interior wall, and the logs are beginning to rot. It’s a small barn, with only two stalls that appear to have been used for draft horses. A lean-to tacked on the west side is of more recent vintage. The loft is accessed from each end by large doors. Since the barn stands only about 10 feet high from the ground to the loft floor, there is no hay trolley equipment present. Hay could simply be pitched off a wagon into the loft. There hasn’t been any livestock in
Plummers Slough barn interesting old machinery.
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Page 20 - Agriculture Magazine, March 2019
the barn for many years, but small animals have been using it for shelter. We pause to admire the placid north end of Plummers Slough that lies to the east of the barn. Murray explains that it used to be a narrower body of water, but Bonnie obtained a permit for mining gravel, dredged the slough, and built up several islands that are home to nesting waterfowl in the spring. Beavers and fat fish inhabit the waters of the slough, while a variety of songbirds flit through the trees and brush around it. A tall power
A view of Plummers Slough.
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Agriculture Magazine, March 2019 - Page 21
pole stands in the yard, topped with a platform possibly during the Parson/Forbes tenure. Forbes and an upset mother osprey warning us away from and his wife were frequently named on the society her nest. She fishes in the slough for her chicks pages of the Daily Missoulian, and Forbes served every year. as Secretary of the Western Montana Poultry Research on the Missoula County records webAssociation. One of the outbuildings near the site uncovers a long list of title holders, beginning barn is a chicken coop. in December, 1889, when the Northern Pacific The partners held the land until 1927, selling Railway sold 80 acres to Lysander Davis for $200. to Tony Zens, who then sold to Charles and Olive The railroad reserved the Plummer in March 1936. mineral rights for possible The Plummers stayed for mining of “coal or iron” only 12 years, but gave as well as a 100-foot righttheir name to the slough of-way easement for its which shows on maps of Missoula and Bitter Root the era as running from Valley Railroad. Davis sold about a quarter mile north the property to James of the property line toward Higgins Mills for the same the south into what is now $200 in June, 1894, apparthe town of Lolo. Four ently after some wrangling more owners occupied between the men went on the land until Marjorie over other parcels in the Atchison purchased it in area. Mills died in March 1980. of 1897, leaving quite a A graduate student large inheritance of land from the University of and cash to his widow, Montana, Brace Hayden, Catherine, and their five did his master’s thesis on surviving children. The property in the Lolo area Mills family was apparently in 1975. He studied how held in high esteem in the subdivisions affect wildlife Plummers Slough barn north door. area, as a number of their populations, and mentions outings and vacations Plummers Slough as a were described in the place where many wild Helena Independent, the creatures were thriving in Daily Missoulian, and the spite of its proximity to the Ravalli Republican. highway and residential One news story said areas to the south. in August, 1890, that As life bustles by on Catherine and James Highway 93, an old log Mills, along with son barn quietly and slowly Gilbert (who later became sinks into the soil next a doctor) “went up the to the placid waters of LoLo Hot Springs to stay Plummers Slough. Osprey, for a short time. Mr. Mock Plummers Slough barn north. ducks, geese, songbirds, Ho, of China, accompanied beavers, bears, foxes, and the party in the character of chef.” Indeed. fish continue to go about the business of raising Catherine owned the land until July 1914, sellfamilies as they have in this place for thousands of ing to W.B. Parsons and Edward Forbes. The barn years, to the delight of Murray and Bonnie. was likely built sometime during her ownership, or
Page 22 - Agriculture Magazine, March 2019
Local apothecary works to reduce footprints HILLARY SARGENT Two Poppies Apothecary
Have you ever questioned the habits of humanity and wonder how on earth can we begin to save the planet? A good place to start‌tiny footprints in our own community. Get brilliantly local, start small, start here, and start with what surrounds you. When I began my apothecary business, my husband and I were meat and herb farmers in Kentucky. Since that time, we have moved to
vastly different areas of the country, testing my ability for keeping my footprint small, as a business and as a human. The one main way I kept it real and approachable, was to find much of what I really needed for nourishment and my apothecary, locally. In my practice, I coach clients to eat what is around them: trips to the farmers markets, becoming members of a CSA, asking the right questions when shopping at the markets and growing what they can or have the time to, all make a difference.
Agriculture Magazine, March 2019 - Page 23
As an herbalist and nutritionist, I focus what I make on herbs and plants that can mostly be gathered from the land in a short walk and also what grow well in the ground where I live. This keeps the footprint of my business small and keeps the health of the folks around me locally centered. Harvesting foods and herbs at their peak ensures the highest of nutrients. This can really only happen on a local scale, eating things that grow well where we reside. When I dreamed up a tiny shop, I immediately went towards smaller footprints. Items that reduce waste with containers and that last forever and are made in America. Apothecary items that are liquid or dry can be refilled at a discounted price. We also stock non-toxic cleaning products in bulk in refillable containers. I am forever trying to make both my business as easy as possible as well as making it easy for the community around me. Some of my favorite things to make a smaller footprint: • Bring bags to the grocery (other stores, too) OR ask for paper and reuse or away for winter
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if you have a wood stove. • Shop the Farmers Markets on Tuesday (Darby), Wednesdays (Hamilton), Saturdays (Hamilton, Stevensville) • Refill or make your own household cleaners As for local harvesting of herbs, this spring brings a bounty! Nettles, alfalfa, cleavers, spruce tips, and violets are all growing in abundance and can easily be made into fresh teas and pack a punch of local nutrients that your body just may be craving this season. If this path of smaller footprints excites you, or even if you have long walked this way, pop on into the shop and have a look at what may be available to make things easy. From products, to information through a gentle conversation, and workshops beginning soon; I am positive you will learn a thing or two that can keep your life a little more local, supporting the planet and also our community. Hillary Sargent is Community Herbalist and Nutritionist at Two Poppies Apothecary in Hamilton. https://twopoppiesapothecary.com
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& rockin’ rc rodeo Ravalli County Fair Hamilton, MT August 28th - 31st
the best faMilY fair in the west! Don’t miss out on all the fun!
Sudsy’s Barn ★ Michael Mezmer Coming Soon! Freddie Prez ★ Milord High Divers ★ Monte eXhibitor’s Pioneer Carriage Rides ★ Juggler handbook Balloon Animals ★ Rodeo EvERy NigHt & More! Look for it in June in the Bitterroot Star and several locations throughout Ravalli County open class entries due august 2nd 4h/ffa due august 9th