Ranch History
Spring Brook Ranch comprises 1,000 acres near Kalispell, Montana, gateway to Glacier National Park. We raise Tibetan Yak, Plains Buffalo, and timber. The ranch also provides sanctuary to native wildlife in a rapidly developing area. The property is under a Montana Land Reliance conservation easement to assure that these qualities endure into the future.

Shortly before he passed away Sam Bibler put together a yak herd representing the best genetic traits available in North America. The Spring Brook Type Yak is being developed from this genetic reservoir guided by a systematic breeding management program.

Breeding Program
Spring Brook Ranch selectively breeds yak for specific traits. We prefer yak that are robust and stocky, never rangy or coarse. Since yak evolved in extreme climates characterized by long, cold winters, a quality yak should have thick wool and a full skirt. It should also have a pronounced forelock and well-developed chaps on the front quarters.

Yak cows should be robust but feminine in appearance, exhibiting good mothering ability, plenty of milk and ease of calving. We select bulls that are masculine but not coarse, that breed aggressively yet are gentle with their cows. Spring Brook Ranch performance tests all of our breeding class bulls.

Temperament is another important trait that we select for. We believe yak should be docile, and not aggressive toward humans. Our weanlings and yearlings spend time in proximity to people, where they become accustomed to human activity and learn respect without undue fear. We enjoy spending time with them and getting to know the unique character of each animal. Joy of ownership is very high with yak.

The success of Spring Brook Ranch's seedstock breeding program is reflected in the ribbons we win at the National Western Stock Show in Denver. For the past three years over half the ribbons won have gone to Spring Brook Ranch animals.

About Yak
Yak are bovines, in the same genus as cattle. They are native to the Himalayan Plateau, where they have been used for centuries as pack animals, a source of high quality meat, rich milk and for their warm, soft fiber. The harsh climate of their native land created a hardy species that easily tolerates cold temperatures and modest forage. In contrast to cattle, yak tend to be more agile, intelligent, protective of their young, and highly alert to predators.

These same qualities are gaining the attention of ranchers and small acreage owners in North America. Yak are as easy, or easier, to keep than cattle and their novelty makes them more interesting. They make strong, calm pack animals and can be broken to ride.

Yak fiber is warm, rich in color, and luxurious. Spring Brook Ranch collects hair from its yak, has it cleaned and de-haired, and sells the fiber to hand spinners who are delighted with its quality.

Yak meat is naturally lean and very delicious. At Spring Brook Ranch, yak that don't "make the grade" as breeding quality animals are butchered. We have consistently demonstrated that young, grass fed yak, finished for a short time on light grain (never corn), yield a tender meat that rivals the finest buffalo steaks with regard to flavor and leanness. Some yak producers cross their animals with cattle to produce meat that is in between beef and yak in terms of flavor and fat content.