This week reminded us how quickly things can change out here — and how much heart this ranch life really takes.

 

Get something to drink and sit a minute, you won't want to miss out on this week.

 

Life on the Ranch

 Meet Spitz — Our Calf in the Mud

 Early this week, we had a calf that nearly didn’t make it.
 

His mama was stuck in the mud near the dam. We don’t know how long she’d been there, but by the time we found her, she was worn out and so was the calf.

 

It took time, grit, and more than a little praying, but Al got her calf pulled safely into the world.  Got him up on the bank, breathing easier, and some colostrum into him.

 

His mother was still stuck however.  We were able to get her feet loosened up enough she could start moving forward and made it to the bank as well.
 

We named him Spitz, after the Olympic swimmer Mark Spitz, because of how much water and determination it took to get him here.

 

This is Spitz at 3 days old.

 

 A Golden Eagle, and a Dozen Unexpected Guests

 A day later, I found a Golden Eagle hunkered in the shade on the north side of one of our water tanks.

 

He couldn’t fly, so I called our Game Warden.  He called the Montana Raptor Society to come rescue him. By the time they arrived the next day, the eagle was gone. We searched high and low, but no sign — not dead, not alive. Just gone.  I'm still looking for him each day.
 

While I was out looking for him, I went by the Taj Mahal (where the heifers shelter in the winter)… and found a dozen deer standing in the shade. I guess everyone’s looking for a place to cool off.

 

 

The Bees are Back

 The bees are back for the summer, busy settling in among the alfalfa. Always amazing to watch the hum of that first arrival.

 

 The Cow-Made Nursery

Cows are smart. When they’re out grazing, they’ll often leave a couple of older cows to watch over the calves — kind of a makeshift daycare.
 

We call it the nursery — and I snapped a photo of today's setup. They keep all the babies bunched together in the middle mostly sleeping, while the mothers grazes nearby.

 

 Bobby’s Giveaway Beef (And His Review!)

You might remember Bobby, our last T Bar J Beef Giveaway winner.

 

He sent in this photo with his beef, honey, and hat — and a 5-star review:

Ground beef
One word, “fabulous”!

 

It’s always good to see our beef ending up in good hands — and even better to hear it’s making great meals.

 

Freezers Are Rolling Out

We started shipping freezers this week to families receiving their June beef shares, and it’s fun to see them getting set up. One customer sent in this photo of theirs, tucked in and ready to go.

 

Feels good to see where our beef — and our freezers — end up.

 

 Freezer Shares

We have a limited supply of beef shares available for July delivery, and every one comes with:
 

• Ranch-raised, all-natural beef

• A free chest freezer (on quarter, half, or whole shares)

• Ranch honey, a T Bar J hat, along with bonus organs, oxtail, osso bucco, and beef fat if you want it

• A satisfaction guarantee--or your money back

 
Not sure what size is right for your family? Our new Family Beef Planner can help you figure it out based on how many beef meals you eat in a week. Let us know — we’re always happy to walk you through the options.

 

We’d love to pack a share for your family next. Reserve your share and we’ll send your freezer ahead of your beef.

 From Our Family to Yours

Every week, we’re reminded how much we love this life — even when it’s muddy, unpredictable, and full of surprises.
 

From pulling calves in the water to shipping out freezers, we’re grateful for the trust you place in us to raise good beef and share our way of life.
 

Whether you’re a long-time friend or just found us through the giveaway, thank you for being here.

 

We mean it when we say: you’re part of the T Bar J Ranch family now.