4R JournalA publication of 4R FarmPEOPLE · STORIES · CREATIVE WORK
The people, makers and organizations whose knowledge, care and creative work shape the Winter Edit.
THE WINTER EDIT · ISSUE NO. 001
This inaugural issue brings together writers, makers, farms, ranches and community organizations whose work gives winter in our corner of Montana its character.
01 · Home + Gathering
Founder · Willie’s Distillery
An Army Ranger, Special Forces medic, Hotshot wildland firefighter and smokejumper, Willie founded the Ennis distillery with Robin Blazer in 2012. Their small-batch spirits carry the character of Montana grain, weather and skilled hands.
02 · Home + Gathering
Range Market
Cassi and Lindsey connect independent American farmers and ranchers with families seeking farm-direct food. Their work brings together agriculture, motherhood, thoughtful gifting and a marketplace built around real producer relationships.
03 · Land + Winter
Madison County CattleWomen
Through agricultural education, beef advocacy and rural community work, Rebekah and the Madison County CattleWomen share the knowledge and traditions behind ranch life in southwest Montana.
04 · Care + Healing
Wildflower Massage + Wellness
Alexys is the founder of Wildflower Massage + Wellness, serving clients in Ennis and Whitehall. Her restorative approach helps people slow down, reconnect with their bodies and make meaningful space for rest.
05 · Care + Healing
Founder · The Pink Tent
After her own breast cancer diagnosis, Beth created a place centered on support, dignity and practical care. She is a BOC-certified fitter, and The Pink Tent is an accredited durable medical equipment provider in Bozeman.
06 · Arts + Reflection
Writer + Poet
A published author and Animal Science M.S. student at Montana State University, Rebekah brings together writing, agriculture and life in rural Montana.
07 · Arts + Reflection
Essayist
Haley writes about motherhood, growing food, self-sufficiency and the quiet rhythms of rural Montana. Her days are shaped by family, animals and the work of stewarding the land.
08 · Land + Winter
Stratford Tree Service
Simon and Karre are ISA Certified Arborists whose combined experience spans tree surgery, forestry, soil health and landscape design. Stratford Tree provides sustainable care, diagnostics and restoration across the Madison Valley.
09 · Home + Gathering
Keller Williams Montana Realty
Jaime serves buyers and sellers across Madison, Jefferson, Broadwater and Gallatin Counties. She is known for straight answers, practical advice and helping people find a place that fits the way they actually live.
10 · Arts + Culture
Sapphire Dance Theatre
Heidi leads a private Ennis studio offering ballet and jazz for dancers from age three through adult, with seasonal performances and rotating Floor-Barre and Silver Swans classes.
11 · Maker Profile
Bacci Roots
From the Tobacco Root Mountains, Barbara creates expressive leather and fur pieces with distinctive stitching, beads, stones, antler findings and other elements drawn from nature—each handmade to gather character with use.
12 · Care + Healing
Our Cancer Stories
Polya contributes to Our Cancer Stories, a research project sharing evidence and real-life experiences to help people understand cancer, navigate difficult seasons and find meaningful support.
Prefer a text-based reading experience? The accessible contributor pages present the Winter Edit’s contributor profiles, credits and published links outside the page-turn reader.
Open the accessible contributor pages4R Journal welcomes essays, stories, photography and poems from across southwest Montana—work that features makers, local history, stories of community, faith and stewardship. We are regrettably unable to offer compensation for contributed stories at this time.