Montana Ranchers Keep Western Traditions Alive

Run by the Kelsey family for 80 years, Montana’s Nine Quarter Circle Ranch offers guests a magnificent mountain-and-river landscape, traditional Western activities including horseback riding and fly fishing, and old-fashioned family-style meals that promote conversation and community. Many of the ranch’s original buildings are still in use, and the Kelseys continue to breed, raise, and train their own horses. “It’s a place where families can step away from daily routines, reconnect with nature, and experience authentic ranch life,” says Sally Kelsey, who runs the ranch with her husband, Kameron.

But behind the scenes, Sally and Kameron use digital tools to help attract customers. Data-powered digital ads help them reach people likely to be interested in Western outdoor experiences — without wasting time and money advertising to people who prefer less rugged vacations.

Sally recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to tell lawmakers how digital tools keep the ranch thriving — and advocate for policies that help small businesses access those tools. “Digital tools have helped our family business grow and evolve over the years,” she says. “Small-business owners need to speak up so policymakers understand how much these tools matter to family businesses.”

Learn more about Nine Quarter Circle Ranch at ninequartercircle.com.