A native of Montana, Bill Schwarz has a lifetime of practical, hands-on ranch management experience. Bill grew up horseback, working on a ranch in north-central Montana, and studied animal science and range management at Montana State University in Bozeman. He has successfully managed ranches in the intermountain regions of Montana, Washington and Wyoming, where the challenges for sustainable livestock production can be unique, and require a stockman with a good knowledge of the area to recognize and steer clear of the pitfalls along the way. Making a living on a working ranch has provided Bill with the extensive practical experience in crop and livestock production that most consultants lack, simply because they have never done the actual day-to-day work.  Patti, Bill's wife of 27 years, is also a ranch-raised Montana native, and has worked right alongside him, while rearing their children, Laura and Ben. She is computer-literate, an experienced bookkeeper, and has many other attributes, which are required of ranch wives and 4-H moms. Bill and Patti have worked extensively in the guest ranch business since 1983, and come with a working knowledge of what it takes to get started,  sales and marketing, staffing, and the day-to-day management. Bill has a good repoire with people from all walks of life, and is an excellent judge of character, which makes him invaluable when it comes to dealing with management, employees and the neighbors. We can work effectively with folks who are already in the agriculture business, and those who are just getting started.