Circle L - Chevallier Ranch
A swirling cloud of dust causes the cowboys to cough and wipe away tears from dust-choked eyes. 400+ pairs of agitated cows and calves will do that. It is early May and branding day on the Circle L Ranch in Canyon Creek, MT, about 30 miles NW of Helena. A mix of cowboys and cowgirls work the herd, separating the pairs, while others rope and drag the calves to the branding stations. It is a chaotic, but choreographed dance, performed rather efficiently. Founded in 1890 by P.H. Chevallier the 16,000-acre (deeded) ranch started out as a sheep operation, switched to Hereford cattle, and has evolved into the home to more than 800 pairs of Black Angus cattle.
Serenely located adjacent to the Little Prickly Pear Creek and along the former Silver City-to-Wolf Creek stage coach route, about 85% of the ranch is grazeable and hay ground. Amber Chevallier (22) represents the fifth generation of the family that has been working the ranch since its inception.
Amber Chevallier of the Circle L Ranch
Luke rescuing a calf at the Circle L Ranch
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