Just about a year ago, my wife and I moved out of the suburbs and into the country, where we purchased a small farm at the foot of the Bridgers in the hopes of quartering a few horses and perhaps sundry forms of livestock:   chickens, a goat or two, plenty of bird dogs—and cats. Purchasing our farm was the realization of a dream. Along with that realization, however, came the parallel realization that we we’re both somewhat ignorant of how to take care of a farm in Montana—even one that is only 5 acres!

Thankfully for us and for others who are in need of some farming and ranching edification, Big Valley Productions is hosting The Montana Farm and Ranch Show, and it’s coming to The Gallatin County Fairgrounds this spring:   April 27th—29th. The show will focus upon all aspects of farming and ranching—past, present, and future, and promises to offer something for all comers. There will be a wide variety of activities and vendors as well as expert-hosted seminars and presentations in everything from ferrier work to weed control, canning to greenhouse gardening, four-wheeler safety to shearing your own sheep.

While the show shouldn’t be missed by anyone with a small farm or lovingly cultivated backyard garden, organizer Patty Boyd says the original inspiration for the show was to provide an opportunity for ranchers and farmers—people whose very lifeblood lies in livestock raising and agriculture—to come together with professionals related to the field who are just as committed to serving the ranching and farming community as ranchers and farmers are in bringing us the fruits of their relationship with land and livestock. Therefore, the show will feature informative presentations and Q&A’s with a host representatives from both the public and private sector related to farming and ranching: The Department of Livestock will have an agent on hand to discuss brand inspection; large acreage GPS tractor systems specialists will be available to explain the newest developments in navigation technology, and a unique presentation will be given by Darrel Stevenson, the enterprising rancher who has recently started a herd of cattle in Russia.

Ever wonder how fast you can move a ½ ton of hay? Are you an ace horseshoe thrower? Does grandma have a pie recipe that can’t be beat? If you answer yes to any one of these questions then you may wish to check out the competitive element of The Montana Farm and Ranch Show. There will be multiple events put on by MSU Ag Department students as they seek to have fun and inspire interest in their programs.

Vendors at the show will offer more than just cold beverages and cheeseburgers. Expect to see artist’s booths, small animal fencing professionals, barn building and restoration specialists, animal nutrition experts, seed professionals, and more.

After the sun goes down, there will be a barn dance on Friday night and a consignment auction Saturday night. For families, however, that have bedtime to concern themselves with, kids can expect the opportunity to make butter, grind flour, and do a little corn popping, as well as draw pictures with farm and ranch related themes during the daylight hours. Especially exciting for the smaller folks will be a “needle-in-the-haystack” game that provides eager kids with the opportunity to find “lost” coins inside of hay bales. Maybe you won’t have to cough up extra money for home-baked cookies after all.

Getting tired yet? Better go get some coffee, because The Montana Farm and Ranch Show is just getting started. In the arena you’ll likely find a tractor course, Forest Service pack mules, barrel races, horse trainers, and even “Stampede Riders.” The horse trainer chosen for the event is Scott Daily, hailing from Kansas.

For those of you who would prefer things to be a bit more static, the farm and ranch show will also offer an assortment of displays, including agriculture-related antiques, restored tractors, and hay-hauling trucks. Most importantly, a vital element of the show is a historical component related to the farming and ranching community. Two presentations will be given by the Montana Historical Society: an examination of brand history from 1843 to the present and a look at the MHS’s “Centennial Farm and Ranch Program.” Additionally, The Pioneer Museum in Bozeman will present a slide show on the local agricultural history around the Gallatin Valley.

Adding to the excitement and anticipation, is the fact that The Montana Farm and Ranch Show is “Big Valley Productions” first project, and founder/organizer Patty Boyd is dedicated to making the show a success. Boyd says the mission of BVP is to “bring hard working and talented people together to reach out to the same in specific areas of interests.” She is absolutely passionate about everything related to farming and ranching—its history, current practices, people, recreation related to the field, education, and future—and The Farm and Ranch Show reflects her interests. “All things related to farming and ranching is everything I personally want to be thinking about, learning about, and doing,” she says. “The lifestyle is one I deeply value, respect, and admire.”

The Gallatin County Fairgrounds is the production company’s first venue, and Boyd has plans to include other venues around the state in 2013.

The show is still in the developmental process and so much more will likely be added before it begins on April 27th. Did I mention there are already plans to include history booths where you can have an expert decipher your relic, quilting lessons, and even people who can teach you how to sell goat’s milk? As the owner of a small farm, I may now have a vested interest in attending the show; but, I can honestly say that after having learned all that I have about the show, my family and I would be heading to the fairgrounds the last weekend in April to share in the festivities regardless—come rain, snow, or shine.

Be sure to keep up with schedule updates and learn more about what aspects of the show interest you the most at montanafarmandranchshow.com

Jimmy Lewis is a freelance writer and English teacher who makes his home with his family on a small farm outside of Bozeman. When not in the classroom or writing, you will likely find him wondering the countryside with a beloved bird dog nearby.