In Montana’s Blackfoot Valley — a 1.5-million-acre watershed of rugged ranchland and wild country — ranchers live and work alongside grizzly bears, timber wolves, black bears and elk. This unique wildlife is part of what draws recreational visitors to the region, but it also brings daily challenges for those raising cattle, sheep and crops.
Bears are drawn to chicken coops, beehives and compost piles. Wolves prey on young calves and lambs. Elk raid hay stores and damage traditional barbed-wire fences. For ranchers, the cost of these encounters is real — in lost livestock, damaged property and peace of mind.
That’s where the Blackfoot Challenge comes in.
Community-led solutions with the Blackfoot Challenge
The Blackfoot Challenge, a local nonprofit, brings ranchers, conservationists and community members together to find practical ways for people and wildlife to thrive side by side.
“These ranchers and farmers are spending a lot of time and effort to find ways to get along and extend the life and patterns of wildlife,” explains Jim Stone, a local rancher. He emphasises this point by recalling the region’s unique history. Early expedition journals recorded the many animals found around the Blackfoot Valley, and Jim is proud to say that thanks to the ongoing commitment to conservation, every one of those species are still there today.
What has changed, however, is the technology used to manage boundaries in the region.
The switch from barbed wire to electric fencing
While barbed-wire fencing was once the standard, many ranchers in the Blackfoot Valley are turning to Datamars Livestock’s Speedrite and Patriot electric fencing systems. Today, around 30 ranches use electric fences to create effective, humane boundaries that protect livestock while teaching predators to avoid conflict.
Whether it’s electric fencing around calving grounds or drive-over mats at ranch entrances, these tools are designed to be reliable and practical. Electric fences work by creating a brief but memorable deterrent — a “passive adverse” response that quickly trains bears and other wildlife to steer clear.
Real-world impact for ranchers and visitors
For ranchers, the difference is significant.
“If there are fifteen grizzly bears grazing in the alfalfa field, there is peace of mind knowing they’re not in the yard eating chicken feed, dog food and garbage,” explains Wes Schroeder, Senior Territory Sales Manager for Datamars Livestock. “Electric fencing reduces daily chores and predator encounters, especially during late-night calving and lambing checks.”
The results are clear: fewer predator kills, safer livestock, and less stress for families working in the Valley.
Of course, the tourism industry wins as well. By protecting livestock and keeping predators in the wild where they belong, electric fences help preserve the beauty that visitors come to see. Their low-profile design maintains the Valley’s open views, ensuring tourists can experience its sweeping landscapes and wildlife in their natural setting.
Training, support and innovation
Datamars Livestock doesn’t stop at supplying equipment. Through its partnership with the Blackfoot Challenge, Wes and his team provide hands-on training and support. This spring, more than 50 ranchers attended fencing clinics, learning about bi-polar fencing, flood-gate control and remote monitoring solutions.
“These are knowledgeable producers who want practical, reliable tools,” says Wes. “The clinics were a chance to listen, learn and tailor our support to their real-world needs.”
The Blackfoot Valley shows how electric fencing technology can help protect livelihoods while working with — not against — the natural environment.