Montana Ranching Legacy Continues with Stark Family
In the heart of east-central Montana, the Stark family embodies the spirit and tradition of ranching, weaving together personal commitment and agricultural innovation. Tristan Stark, a fourth-generation rancher, and his wife Shaylyn, who relocated to the area during her high school years, illustrate the intertwined narratives of love, community, and agriculture.
Their story begins in their formative years as high school sweethearts. After high school graduation, Tristan pursued studies in Arizona while Shaylyn advanced her education in Wyoming. However, their roots called them back to Montana, where Tristan returned to the family ranch in July 2016, coinciding with his grandfather’s retirement from ranching.
Taking initiative, Tristan began managing one of his grandfather’s land leases and acquired bred heifers from his parents, laying the groundwork for what would soon become S Bar K Cattle and Hay, officially established in 2017. Following her graduation, Shaylyn returned to Baker, Montana, and the couple solidified their partnership through marriage in September 2021.
The Stark family’s ranch is strategically located near the intersections of North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming, positioning it in a unique agricultural zone characterized by vast plains. While snowfall is typically moderate in this region, the harsh winter cold can complicate cattle management, posing challenges that require careful planning and resilience from ranchers.
In addition to their extensive cow-calf operation, the Starks have successfully developed a hay production business. This facet of their ranching operation not only supports their cattle needs but also provides hay to multiple neighboring ranches, fostering strong community ties.
The Starks’ dedication to sustainable ranching practices, coupled with their commitment to advancing their agricultural legacy, has gained recognition. They are one of two families featured in DTN’s “View From the Range” series, which highlights the realities of modern ranching through family stories. Through this platform, the Stark family aims to share insights into managing their cattle herd, implementing improvements on the ranch, and planning for the future of agriculture in Montana.
As the landscape of ranching continues to evolve, the Starks are committed to nurturing their family heritage while adapting to the challenges of contemporary agriculture. Their journey serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of ranching in Montana and the importance of community connections in sustaining agricultural practices.
For further information or inquiries, Jennifer Carrico can be reached at jennifer.carrico@dtn.com. Follow her on platform X @JennCattleGal for updates on agricultural insights and family ranching stories.
