CARBON COUNTY, MT – This past month, I was invited to attend my very first branding just outside of Fromberg—and to be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Branding isn’t typically the kind of event where newcomers are handed a front-row seat to learn the ropes—literally. It’s fast-paced, physically demanding, and steeped in tradition. But thanks to the hospitality of Jese Stetson, Carbon County producer and owner of Clark’s Fork Land and Cattle, I was welcomed as a guest to the tradition, but—most importantly—as an active helping hand.
The event was more than educational, it was transformational. In a space where efficiency often outweighs instruction, making room for a newbie like me was an act of generosity. It wasn’t just about roping or wrestling calves; it was about showing up, asking questions, getting dirt under the fingernails, and understanding why this work still matters today.
The morning kicked off with a lot of instruction. Starting off with a roping lesson from Custer cattle rancher, Casey Mott, teaching the rhythm of the rope, safe handling, and the importance of situational awareness. Mott explained that roping, as it turns out, is as much about partnership with your horse as it is about the calf at the end of the line. The rope is just a tool. The real skill lies in reading your animal, your surroundings, and staying sharp in the moment. He continued, “It’s about safety, teamwork, and trust. Because at the end of the day, everyone wants to get the job done right—make it to the after-party, share a beer and a few good stories.”
Local veterinarian Dr. Katie Rein and her husband Jason joined in on the class instruction as well, offering insight into Beef Quality Assurance (BQA), a national program designed to ensure cattle are raised responsibly and humanely, while giving consumers confidence in product quality. Through their guidance, each task that we would face later in the morning, whether branding, vaccinating, or castrating—was to be grounded in purpose and care, and part of a broader commitment to the livestock and land we depend on. As a beef consumer myself this made sense to me and I appreciated the chance to understand why it mattered when it came time to vaccinate.
Attendees from all over Montana, including neighbors from the Bridger and Fromberg areas came out as well, making the day feel even more like an authentic community gathering. But what stood out most wasn’t just the work—it was the mix of those who showed up. The branding was hosted by Stetson Forge in partnership with Jerimiah Wilber, founder of War Party Movement and co-founder of War Party Ranch. Organizations focused on creating opportunities for women and girls to build life skills that foster independence and self-confidence.
At War Party Ranch, they live by the motto: “Less thunder in the mouth, more lightning in the hand.” It’s not just a catchy phrase—it’s a way of life. Their mission is to provide top-tier instruction in horsemanship, agriculture, health + wellness, self-defense, hunting, firearms skills, and more. Through high-quality training and hands-on experiences, War Party aims to foster independence and resilience that women can carry into every aspect of life—from relationships to careers to everyday challenges. Jeremiah and his team seemed to be a perfect addition to the crew that was baptized in the smoke and dust of the afternoon.
I appreciated Jese’s desire to bring such a diverse group of people to the family operation. It takes intentional leadership to create a space where tradition and teaching go hand-in-hand—and that’s exactly how his vision played out. What I’ll carry with me most is the reminder that agriculture will continue to thrive as it welcomes new hands with open minds. Experiences like this help bridge the gap of past traditions to how they are being preserved for tomorrow. I’m grateful for those who lead with generosity, teach with patience, and intentionally create space for others to step in, learn, and ignite the desire in others to tell the story from their perspective.
The afternoon came fast and before we knew it about fifty calves had been vaccinated, branded and castrated if needed. First branding in the books for this rookie crew —And I’ll admit, I was unsure of how the events of the day would play out. With dust on my boots, new skills in my pocket, and a real sense of belonging, the working part of the day ended. I was left with the understanding that branding, at its core, isn’t just about managing the herd, it’s about neighbors coming together to keep a rich tradition alive. It’s about learning, pushing each other to try something you didn’t think you could do, and preserving a way of life that still has so much to teach us all. After the work was done, we all gathered in the barn for a hearty lunch, swapping stories and talking about the day. By the time dessert was shared, we were already looking forward to next year.
At the end of the day, as the last of the calves were branded, it made me think of how the hot iron wasn’t just a mark of pride and future —but the stamp of promise. Promise of strength, tradition, and symbol of legacy to which others recognize and respect. We were all a little more resilient by the end of the day—walking taller, carrying a bit more confidence, and sharing a connection rooted in community and tradition.
Bernadete Jensen is a Billings native and a member of the Sales and Marketing team at Northern Broadcasting. She’s not afraid to buck the trend and blaze her own trail—especially when it leads to community, tradition, and the kind of grit you earn by showing up, pitching in, and sticking around.
