Countless acres of grassland stretch across the American West where centuries ago, bison freely roamed. By the nineteenth century, herds of cattle grazed the same land. And over time, much of he original grassland was either plowed and planted or trampled to dust, causing topsoil to dry up and blow away. Author Cris Peterson visited these breath-taking ranges where Montana ranchers Bob Lee, Ray Marxer, and Tom Milesnick have won numerous awards for their innovative approaches to raising beef cattle and managing the western range. Photographer Alvis Upitis has captured the sheer beauty and magnificence of the open rangelands, the crystal-clear streams, and the mountains that tower over them. Together, this award-winning team presents a new approach to ranching and environmental conservation in the American West.
Cris Peterson is the author of ten books for children, including Century Farm: One Hundred Years on a Family Farm; Horsepower: The Wonder of Draft Horses; and Harvest Year. She has been honored by dairy and agricultural organizations across the country, both for her writing for children and her contribution to a clearer understanding of farming in the United States.