Montana Rancher Q and A: Tyrel Obrecht

Montana Rancher Q and A: Tyrel Obrecht

Many of us in Montana got to know Tyrel Obrecht pretty well while he was interning for the Montana Stockgrowers Association two summers ago. But today, we learn more about his family’s ranching background, some of the obstacles faced on a Montana ranch, and his advice for other young ranchers. Read today’s Q&A feature:

Tyrel Obrecht of Turner, Montana.

How long has your family been involved in ranching? 

My great-great Grandpa, George Petrie, got off the train in 1901 in Harlem, MT. From there, he headed north, and ran sheep on the ranch that is ours today. Today, my dad (Sam), and grandpa (Sonny) run cows. The ranch headquarters are exactly where they were when the ranch started

What was your favorite part about growing up on the ranch?

It’s something different everyday. The type of work changes with the seasons, and you are able to be your own boss and be outdoors whenever you want.  I’m also very fortunate the ranch was located in Turner, MT.  Small communities are like one big family. Neighbors always come help, and we return the favor.

Haying in full swing during the summer of 2014.

Tell us about your ranch today.

We run Black Angus cattle.  I’m proud that the operation has been in my family for as long as it has and has been able to succeed through hard times.

What have been some of the trials you’ve had to overcome?

Weather is a big issue for cattle ranchers in Montana.  In the late early 2000s, the summers were dry and we spent a lot of time pulling black plastic pipe across our pasture to pump water for our cattle.  This also led to low hay production, so that added more stress to look for hay to purchase. There have also been a few harsh winters that require a lot of work to feed the cattle, break ice so they can drink, and plow snow.  Montana is certainly a land of extremes, and ranchers are exposed to every one of them.

What is one thing you wish more people knew about life on the ranch?

The time that ranchers put in to care for the animals.  There is a lot of negative media out there about animal cruelty, and agriculture seems to be in the spotlight for it.  What people don’t see is the rancher who is outside saving a calf when it’s cold in the spring or taking extra time at branding to examine an animal who appears sick.  These animals are how Montana ranchers make their living, so it is the rancher’s best interest to take the best care of them they can.

Tyrel and his father, Sam.

What does it mean to you to be able to work with your family every day? 

Working with family can be very hard, but it’s also a great learning experience.  By working along side another generation, you are able to learn what worked for them, and what didn’t.  Nobody knows more about an operation than the owner themselves, so being able to work alongside them is a great learning experience.

Tell us about your job now and how you keep connected to the ranch.

Being involved with Ag-lending with Wells Fargo has enabled me to meet producers from different areas and see what they do differently, as well as what they do the same as my family.  Majority of the bankers I work with came from an agricultural background, so everyone has similar roots, interests, and knowledge base.  Through building a network in banking, I’m able to continually share ideas with my dad.  Living in a place centrally located like Billings has also made it easy for me to come home on weekends from time to time and help.

Tyrel participated in the NCBA internship program during the Cattle Industry Convention.

After spending a summer as the MSGA intern, what did you learn from that experience? About Montana cattle ranching?

Just like my experience at Wells Fargo, working with MSGA enabled me to meet cattle ranchers from all over in Montana and learn about their success and trials.  The MSGA staff really showed me the importance of networking, and being able to meet as many people as you can.  That has really helped me so far in banking.  Knowing as many people as I can expands my knowledge base, which enables me to assist customers as efficiently as possible.

Do you have any advice for fellow young Montana ranchers about the beef cattle business?

Get to know as many people as possible, and treat people properly.  You never know obstacles you might meet in the future, and knowing as many people as possible could help make those obstacles much easier to overcome.  Also, when doing business or working with someone, treat them properly.  If they had a good experience working with you, chances are they’ll call back again.

What’s your favorite beef dish?

All beef dishes are good!  But barbequed t-bone steak is my favorite.

 To participate in a future Q&A or to recommend someone from the Montana ranching community, please contact [email protected].