The Blog at Rock Creek

While Philipsburg, Montana is thousands of miles away from the runways of New York and London (and Spring/Summer ’16), the Mercantile welcomes you to a “private showing” of a recently released short film that celebrates fall fashion and this land and lifestyle we love. The Ranch – Fall 2015, is the fourth film in the Somerset Films Series of fashion shorts, and was shot on location at The Ranch at Rock Creek.

Every world traveler who visits The Ranch at Rock Creek falls in love with Big Sky Country. Even prior to their arrival, while planning their Ranch vacation activities, guests often comment on their enduring sense of wonder about the striking Rocky Mountain scenery and the history of ranching in the American West. Recently, a magical seasonal landscape image sparked an Instagram follower to ask: “Is this for real?” Someday, when she visits The Ranch, she will experience the magic. Read more…

Beyond the necessary business aspects of marking cattle, brandings are big springtime social events on Montana’s ranch lands. The valley snow has melted and green grass permeates the rolling hills of Big Sky Country. When neighbors live several miles apart, brandings are important social gatherings that reinforce valuable bonds. Hard work and helping hands shared among neighbors and friends have always been key to surviving in rural Montana communities.

These Instagram photos were taken by staff member HelloFromClaire

Depending on a ranch’s capabilities and weather considerations, most calves are born in late winter or early spring. By late April, most babies are ready to be branded. The morning of a branding, cattle are gathered and sorted. Calves are separated from their mothers and kept in a different pen.

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