About
the Ranch
The Coulter Family Ranch (CFR) was homesteaded by the Coulter Family in 1914 and used to primarily be a farm, but was planted into perennials in 2016. We have a managed grazing system for the cattle and sheep, with daily moves some times of the year and up to two weeks at other times. We have drought plans, grazing plans, and natural disaster plans. An independent consultant has eight monitoring transects set up on the ranch to help measure land health. We continually strive to improve our grazing, animal husbandry, business skills, and interpersonal connections.
More Story
The main enterprise is a stocker operation that retains ownership in the finishing phase. We also have hair ewes and a lamb backgrounding enterprise. At times we raise poultry as well.
Lambs are sold in the commodity market. People, Planet, and Profit are the three drivers of the ranch’s goal and vision creation. Our goal is to be professional holistic land managers and profit managers, and to create opportunities for all people connected to CFR.
Regenerative Practices
This ranch used to be primarily a farm, but we have worked to restore the cropland back to native range and perennials. We have a managed grazing system for the cattle and sheep. During some times of the year will do daily moves, and other times up to 2 weeks. We have drought plans, grazing plans, fire/hail/hopper plans. We have hired an independent consultant to conduct ecological monitoring on the ranch and we have 8 monitoring transects to measure improvements in land health.
Tour
the Ranch
The Mentor
Casey & Lacey Coulter
Casey has operated the ranch for over a decade and is married to Lacey, a speech therapist. She helps with the ranch as much as possible and is involved in all ownership decisions. And they have three young children: Garrett, Poppy, and Daisy. Casey was raised 12 miles north of the current ranch location and his parents still operate a ranch there, and CFR is his grandparent’s operation. He attended Montana State University and graduated in 2004, and spent time ranching in Silver Star Montana and then working as an agricultural loan officer before moving back to the ranch. Lacey is from North Dakota and joined the operation in 2012. She attended Ft. Hays State in western Kansas and worked in Kansas until 2011.
The Duties Of
The Apprentice
What will an apprentice do?
What skills and traits are required?
- Valid Driver’s License
- Open minded with a willingness to learn and not afraid to share ideas
- Sense of Humor is a must
What skills will an apprentice acquire?
Our vision for an apprentice is to have them share a part of our vision, work side-by-side with us on the operation’s land and livestock management and be as involved as they feel comfortable on the business management. We want an apprentice who can grasp our overall vision and understands how the work outdoors is a part of that vision. More detailed skills desired would be horseback and/or ATV skills, general mechanic skills, and electric fence skills. The apprentice must have the ability to work alone at times.
Nuts & Bolts
More Details
Living on the Ranch
Town Information
Jordan, Montana is the closest town with a population of 350 people, with all of the basic amenities including places to eat and drink, a grocery store, hotels, a dental and health clinic and gas stations. Community events include high school sports and a local fair. Winnett is 75 miles away and is another small community with a group of young, like-minded people. Social activities include brandings, cattle workings, and trips to other ranches. Billings, the largest city in Montana, is 180 miles away and has the closest airport.
Housing
An updated 3 bedroom, 2 bath trailer home with sheets/cooking utensils/pots/pans etc.
Laundry
In apprentice housing.
Internet Service
In apprentice housing.
Cell Service
There is Verizon cell service at the house and at high spots around the ranch.
Visitors
Visitors are fine as long as their stay doesn’t negatively affect normal operations and pets are disclosed and do not chase livestock.
Food
Beef, lamb, pork, and chicken will be available to the apprentice.
Pets
Allowed, there are already 2-4 cats living around the trailer house, so dogs must be controlled so as to not chase or kill cats, chickens, or livestock. A gelding could also be negotiated.
Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol
All is allowed but smoking (both tobacco and cannabis) and drinking are not permitted during work hours and the apprentice must not be under the influence while at work.
Vehicle Info
Ranch Vehicles
Apprentice will drive ranch vehicles during work hours.
Personal Vehicles
While apprentices will not be asked to use a personal vehicle for work purposes, the apprentice will need the flexibility of his or her own vehicle on their days off in order to run personal errands such as purchasing groceries and for travel.