Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A • S U M M E R 2 0 1 6 70 BETTING ON THE FARM By SUSAN DUNCAN Every day we balance our lives on three floating lily pads — biology/climate, economics, and social/political forces. These forces create uncontrollable and unpredictable income risks. Daily, hands-on involve- ment creates awareness of changing conditions and changing options. Survival depends on constant adaptation and innovation in production techniques, products, and markets — some tiny tweaks, some major restructuring. Opportunity is created on the farm by re-arranging assets, using them differently, then adding in new assets/ technologies where appropriate. Opportunity does not come from outside or through technology alone. Farmers and ranchers are fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants high stakes entrepreneurs. They actually bet the farm every year to continue. Farming and ranching requires all your time and money, all of your mind, body, and soul — and demands — even more. The personal stress of decision-making is high. The risk of burn-out it high. A new crop of farmers and ranchers will find the capital requirements daunting. They will seek out ways to farm on smaller acreages, on rooftops, and without soil (hydroponic greenhouses) — in urban and suburban environments. Large scale agriculture may face competition for Montana's land and water with foreign govern- ments (Saudi Arabia and China) and land trusts. Meanwhile, urban development is claiming some of the best soils and water rights in the state. Today, consumers want more than product. Stung by recalls, they want to know the people and processes behind the product. They want assurance that the land and lifeforms that produce food are well cared for. Farmers and ranchers have to communicate with their consumers and build trust — or they won't be allowed to farm. Susan Duncan and her husband, Richard, built a 76-acre irrigated farm from a fallow grain field in the Gallatin Valley since 1979. After 25 years of infrastructure building, they have a self-contained grass fed beef operation based on Irish Dexter cattle. Dexter cattle are a half sized, heritage breed used for meat, milk, and draft animals in Ireland. Raised from conception to consumption, they sell live steers for locker beef in a size small families can afford to buy and have room to store. Susan's ag writing has appeared in the Bozeman Chronicle, Rocky Mountain Gardening (Zone 4) and New West.net. TUBA-saline breast implants inserted through the navel leave no visible scars. Also available are Transaxillary-gel implants that leave light scarring hidden in the armpit. L I V E , R E F R E S H E D bozemanhealthsynergymedicalspa.com 4 0 6 - 414 - 514 0 Cosmetic Surgery + Synergy Medical Spa FARMERS AND RANCHERS ARE FLY-BY-THE-SEAT- OF-YOUR-PANTS HIGH STAKES ENTREPRENEURS.

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