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Three Ways to Cook Icelandic Lamb A box of Icelandic lamb can become three very different meals: a slow, comforting braise; an elegant roasted rack; or a hearty shepherd’s pie made for feeding a family. The right recipe depends less on cooking experience than on the cut in front of you and the kind of meal you want to serve. These three recipes highlight the versatility of Icelandic lamb while keeping the ingredients familiar and the instructions easy for everyone. Start with the quick guide below, then move to the recipe that fits your cut. Choose the Right Lamb Recipe Recipe Best Cut Why Choose It Total Time Slow-Cooked Lamb with Red Wine Gravy Bone-in leg, shoulder roast, or shanks Deep flavor, fork-tender meat, and a complete gravy made from the braising broth About 3½–5½ hours Garlic and Herb-Crusted Rack Rack of lamb An impressive centerpiece with a short ingredient list and quick cooking time About 45 minutes Ground Lamb Shepherd’s Pie Ground lamb A practical, family-style meal that reheats well and stretches one package of lamb About 1 hour Slow-Cooked Icelandic Lamb With Red Wine Gravy A slow braise is one of the most delicious ways to prepare lamb. Gentle heat gives a bone-in leg, shoulder roast, or shanks time to become tender while the wine, broth, herbs, and vegetables build a rich sauce around the meat. This recipe is especially good for a relaxed Sunday dinner or a colder evening when you want the oven to do most of the work. It also uses the braising liquid twice: first to cook the lamb, then as the base of a savory red wine gravy for your meat, and over mashed potatoes. Recipe at a Glance Serves: 6–8 Preparation time: 25 minutes Cooking time: 3–5 hours Oven temperature: 300°F Best cookware: Large Dutch oven or covered roasting pan Choose Your Cut Use one of the following: One 3-4 pound bone-in leg of lamb One 2-3 pound bone-in lamb shoulder roast Three to four lamb shanks, approximately 2-4 pounds total Cook Time: Bone-in leg of lamb: about 45–60 minutes per pound, Shoulder roast: about 60–75 minutes per pound, Lamb shanks: generally 2½–3½ hours total, regardless of combined weight Shanks generally become tender first, followed by the shoulder. A larger leg may need the full cooking time. Let tenderness, not the clock, tell you when the lamb is ready. when the fork slides in and shreds the meat, you'll know. Ingredients For the Lamb 1 leg of lamb, shoulder roast, or package of lamb shanks 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons beef tallow, butter, or olive oil 1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped 3 carrots, cut into large pieces 5 garlic cloves, lightly crushed 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 cups dry red wine 2–3 cups beef or lamb broth 2 sprigs fresh rosemary 4 sprigs fresh thyme 2 bay leaves For the Gravy Ingredients 2 cups strained braising liquid 2 tablespoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons cold water 1 tablespoon butter or beef tallow Salt and pepper to taste Brown the Lamb Preheat the oven to 300°F. Pat the lamb dry and season it generously with salt and pepper. Heat the tallow, butter, or olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat on stovetop. Brown the seasoned lamb deeply on every side, working in batches if you are using shanks. This takes about 8–12 minutes and builds the foundation of the sauce. Transfer the lamb to a plate. Build the Braising Broth Reduce the heat to medium. Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the same pot and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute. Pour in the red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen the browned bits. Simmer for about five minutes, allowing the wine to reduce slightly. Return the lamb to the pot. Add enough broth to bring the liquid roughly halfway up the sides of the meat, then add the rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Slow Cook Until Tender Cover the pot tightly and transfer it to the oven. Begin checking shanks after 2½ hours and larger roasts after 3½ hours. Turn a large roast once during cooking if the liquid does not cover it evenly. The lamb is ready when a fork slides into the meat easily and the meat begins pulling away from the bone. Depending on the cut and its size, allow approximately: Lamb shanks: 2½–3½ hours Shoulder roast: 3½–4½ hours Leg of lamb: 3½–5 hours Transfer the finished lamb to a platter, tent it loosely with foil, and let it rest while you make the gravy. Turn the Broth Into Red Wine Gravy Strain the braising liquid and skim away any excess fat. If needed, simmer it uncovered until reduced to about 2 cups. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and cold water together until completely smooth. Bring the braising liquid to a gentle simmer, then slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Simmer for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter or tallow for a richer finish. Taste and season with salt and pepper before serving. Serve the Slow-Cooked Lamb Serve the lamb whole for a centerpiece meal or pull it into large pieces and spoon the gravy over the top. Mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, polenta, or crusty bread all work well with the rich broth. If you prefer not to cook with wine, replace it with an equal amount of broth and add one tablespoon of balsamic or red wine vinegar for acidity. Garlic and Herb-Crusted Rack of Icelandic Lamb A rack of lamb looks impressive on the table, but it is one of the simplest cuts to prepare. A quick sear creates a browned exterior, while garlic, mustard, lemon, and fresh herbs form a flavorful crust in the oven. This is the recipe to choose when you want a special-occasion meal without spending the entire day in the kitchen. Icelandic lamb is naturally mild and tender, so the straightforward seasoning complements the meat instead of covering it. Recipe at a Glance Serves: 2–4 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 20–30 minutes Oven temperature: 425°F Resting time: 10 minutes Ingredients 1 rack of lamb, approximately 1½–2 pounds 1½ teaspoons kosher salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon beef tallow, butter, or olive oil 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 3 garlic cloves, finely minced 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves ½ cup plain breadcrumbs, optional Zest of 1 lemon 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil Prepare the Rack Preheat the oven to 425°F. Pat the rack dry. If there is a thick layer of fat on top, lightly score it in a crosshatch pattern without cutting into the meat. Season the entire rack with salt and pepper. Mix the mustard, garlic, rosemary, parsley, thyme, lemon zest, and melted butter or olive oil in a small bowl. For a crispier crust, stir in the breadcrumbs. Sear and Roast Heat the tallow, butter, or olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (we prefer cast iron) over medium-high heat. Place the rack fat-side down and sear for 3–4 minutes, until deeply browned. Briefly sear the other side for 1–2 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat. Brush the herb mixture over the fat side and ends of the rack, pressing it gently onto the surface. Place the skillet in the oven with the rack fat-side up. Roast for approximately 18–25 minutes, or until desired internal temp. Check the temperature in the thickest portion without touching the bone. Rest and Serve the Rack Transfer the rack to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing between the bones. Arrange the chops on a warm platter and spoon any juices from the cutting board over the top. A squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving brightens the herbs. Serve with roasted or mashed potatoes, a simple green salad, glazed carrots, or seasonal vegetables. For a larger gathering, roast two racks side by side and be sure to use the internal temperature, not the clock, as your final guide. Ground Icelandic Lamb Shepherd’s Pie Shepherd’s pie was made for cold evenings, large gathering, and the kind of cooking that turns simple ingredients into a complete meal. Ground lamb, vegetables, and savory gravy are tucked beneath a golden layer of mashed potatoes. This recipe is a good choice when you want something filling, familiar, and easy to prepare ahead of time. The mild richness of Icelandic lamb gives the filling depth without overpowering the vegetables, herbs, or potatoes. Recipe at a glance Serves: 6 to 8 Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 35 minutes Oven temperature: 400°F Best dish: A 9 by 13 inch baking dish or deep 12 inch oven-safe skillet Ingredients For the mashed potato topping 2½ pounds Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks 4 tablespoons butter ½ to ¾ cup warm milk or cream 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for the cooking water Black pepper to taste 1 egg yolk, optional For the lamb filling 1½ pounds ground lamb 1 tablespoon beef tallow, butter, or olive oil, if needed 1 medium yellow onion, diced 2 carrots, diced 2 celery stalks, diced 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 cup dry red wine 1 cup beef or lamb broth 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Make the mashed potatoes Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until tender. Drain well and return the potatoes to the warm pot. Mash with the butter, then add enough warm milk or cream to make them smooth and spreadable. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the egg yolk, if using, once the potatoes have cooled slightly. Cook the lamb filling Preheat the oven to 400°F. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground lamb and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned, season with a salt, pepper, garlic based seasoning. Add a little tallow, butter, or olive oil if the lamb is very lean. If the pan contains more rendered fat than needed, carefully spoon off the excess. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute. Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, until the wine has reduced by about half. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the broth while stirring, then add the Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, and thyme. Simmer for 6 to 8 minutes, until the filling is rich and thick enough to hold its shape on a spoon, season to taste. Assemble and bake Spread the lamb filling evenly in a 9 by 13 inch baking dish, or leave it in the skillet if it is oven-safe. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top and spread them to the edges. Use a fork to make ridges across the surface so the potatoes brown well. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the filling bubbles around the edges. For a more deeply browned top, broil for 2 to 3 minutes while watching closely. Let the shepherd’s pie rest for 10 minutes before serving. Make the shepherd’s pie ahead Assemble the pie up to one day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When baking it directly from the refrigerator, allow approximately 10 to 15 additional minutes and confirm that the center is hot before serving. Leftovers can be refrigerated in a covered container and reheated until steaming hot. The flavors often become even better the next day. Safe Cooking Temperatures for Lamb Use a food thermometer rather than relying only on color or cooking time. Whole cuts of lamb, including racks and roasts, should reach at least 145°F in the thickest portion and rest for at least three minutes before carving. Ground lamb should reach 160°F. Slow-braised shoulder, leg, and shanks will normally reach a higher internal temperature before becoming fork-tender. Keep the thermometer tip away from the bone for the most accurate reading. From Our Ranch to Your Table Each of these recipes lets a different cut of lamb shine, from the slow-cooked tenderness of a shoulder or shank to the simple elegance of a rack and the comfort of a hearty ground lamb shepherd’s pie. Our Icelandic sheep are raised on the open pastures of Southwest Montana through rotational grazing. Their lamb is mild, tender, and well suited to straightforward recipes that let the quality of the meat speak for itself. Explore our Icelandic lamb boxes and bring a piece of our ranch to your table.

What Does Naturally Tanned Really Mean? “Natural” and “traditional” are words used often, but they do not explain how a product was made. For our Icelandic sheep hides, naturally tanned refers to the ingredients and process used to transform the raw sheep skin into preserved, usable leather. Every tanning method changes the structure of a hide. The difference lies in what is used to create that change. Natural Tanning vs. Conventional Tanning Most commercially produced leather is chrome tanned or tanned using synthetic chemicals. These processes use chemicals such as formaldehyde, in order to speed up production. Our hides are tanned with natural tannins derived from tanoak bark or mimosa. They are soaked in a tannin-rich solution until it penetrates the skin, then finished with organic egg yolk, and organic olive oil and groomed by hand. The ingredient list used on our hides is:  bark tannins, organic egg yolk and olive oil, non-GMO citric acid, salt and vinegar. This process takes more time and hands-on work than conventional tanning, but it produces a soft, washable hide without relying on chemicals common throughout the leather industry. An Extension of What We Believe Our commitment to natural, non-toxic products has shaped Rocky Mountain Traders from the beginning. It influences the ingredients we use, the producers we work with and the way we raise our Icelandic sheep here in Southwest Montana. Naturally tanning our hides is an extension of that commitment. It would not make sense to raise our animals the way we do and then finish their hides using a process that does not reflect those same priorities. We wanted the finished product to remain true to where it came from and to the standards behind everything we offer. Each hide also represents an opportunity to honor more of the animal by turning it into something lasting rather than allowing it to go to waste. We work with Traditional Tanners, a family-owned U.S. business that openly shares its ingredients and uses a natural, non-toxic tanning process. That transparency matters to us, as does supporting another family business committed to skilled work and thoughtful production. The result is a naturally tanned Icelandic sheep hide that retains its individual color, markings and character—a lasting piece of our flock and the land on which it was raised.

How to Care for Your Icelandic Sheep Hide Our Icelandic sheep hides bring natural warmth, texture and a piece of our Montana ranch into your home. Whether draped over the back of a chair or layered at the foot of a bed, a little thoughtful care will help preserve the beauty of your hide for years to come. Each hide is naturally tanned in Oregon by a family tannery, using a natural, non-toxic process that leaves it soft, washable and well suited for the home. Everyday Care Most hides will not need frequent washing. Taking yours outside for an occasional gentle shake will shed dust and help restore the wool. If the fleece becomes tangled or matted, carefully work through it with a medium-toothed pet comb or dog rake. A light mist of one part vinegar to three parts water can make the wool easier to comb while helping it stay soft and reducing frizz. When Your Hide Needs Washing Our naturally tanned sheepskins are washable, but they should be treated with the same care as any quality wool piece. Machine wash your hide on a cold gentle cycle using a small amount of wool-friendly soap. After washing, soak it for 10 minutes in a mixture of ½ cup vinegar to four gallons of water. This helps condition the wool and restore its softness. Allow the hide to air dry or tumble dry using no heat. An air-dried hide may feel a little stiff at first. Once dry, gently stretch and work the leather side by hand, or pull it back and forth over the rounded back of a chair until it softens again. Every Icelandic hide begins with its own natural color, texture and markings. As it is used and cared for, it will continue to develop character—the wool settling, the leather softening and the hide carrying subtle signs of the life lived around it. These changes are not something to hide, but part of what makes a natural piece increasingly distinct and entirely your own. Care for it well and let it become part of your home for years to come.

How It All Ties Together One thread runs through everything we do: support for ranchers, connection to the land that sustains us, and investment in a healthier future. At first glance, skincare, sheep hides, and lamb meat might seem like separate things. One belongs in the bathroom cabinet. One belongs over the back of a chair, beside a crib, or in front of the fire. One belongs in the freezer, waiting for a weeknight meal or a Sunday supper. But to us, they all come from the same belief. Healthy land, healthy communities, and healthy people That is the foundation of Rocky Mountain Traders. We believe people have become disconnected from the things they use every day, and in that disconnect, we have forgotten the value animal products can provide when they are raised, sourced, and used with stewardship. We have lost connection to what we eat, what we bring into our homes, and what we put on our bodies. Where it came from. Who made it. What it took to raise it. How that process impacted the land. From skincare, to food, to sheep hides, we want to play a small part in rebuilding that connection. Because at some point, we have to ask ourselves what kind of system we want to support? One that leaves us disconnected from the process, wondering how something made it to us, who raised it, how the land was treated, and whether our purchase supports who and what we believe in.  Or one that invests in a local system that stewards land, reduces waste, supports American families, and brings the story of what we use back home. Local, Traceable Ingredients Our skincare starts with ingredients sourced from Montana producers we shake hands with.  Grass-fed and finished Montana beef tallow. Montana beeswax and raw honey, ours and other Montana farms goat milk, and Montana emu oil.  Simple, timeless and effective ingredients chosen for a reason, and sourced from ranches and producers we trust, and made into products that support the skin without overwhelming it. To us, skincare does not need to be complicated to work. In fact it shouldn’t be. Because skin thrives when it’s supported, not overwhelmed.  In a world of deceptive marketing, It also needs to be honest. That means knowing where ingredients come from, keeping formulas simple, and making products in-house instead of handing that process off to someone else. A jar of balm is not just a jar of balm. It carries the work of ranchers, beekeepers, and small producers who are doing things the right way. We have built a supply chain, sourcing from local Montana ranchers, because they care the most about stewarding land, keeping it healthy and productive. That’s the kind of management we want to support. When you put it on your skin, you should know what’s in it, why it’s there, and where it came from.  Supporting Ranchers Support for ranchers and their families is at the core of our mission. We do that by sourcing directly from them; we know exactly what we’re getting, and putting money back into their pocket by creating a product with something that used to be wasted. The same belief carries into our Montana sheep hides. We source hides from other Montana ranches as well as our own, because ranchers work hard to raise animals, manage land, and keep a way of life alive that most people only see from the outside. We want to help create more value from the animal, and not waste such a precious and beautiful piece.  A sheep hide is useful, warm, durable, beautiful, and took a sheep’s lifetime to grow.  It should not be treated like waste, and using the whole animal is part of stewardship. It honors the life of the animal and supports the ranchers who raised it. Whether a hide comes from another Montana ranch or from our own Icelandic sheep, the idea is the same: make use of what has been given to us. Raising Our Own Icelandics Our Icelandic sheep are the part of this story we raise ourselves. They are hardy, efficient, and built for rough country. They fit our environment and the way we want to manage our land. We raise them on grass, rotate them through pasture, and let them do what sheep were designed to do: graze, move, fertilize the soil, and turn mountain pasture into nourishing food and useful goods. That gives us grass-fed and finished Icelandic lamb for the table and Icelandic sheep hides for the home. Delicious meat that feeds families and sparks conversation, beautiful hides that bring warmth and character, and an ecosystem that gets grazed, rested, and strengthened. Why we care At the end of the day, Rocky Mountain Traders is not just about the products we create. Its about bringing people closer to the land, animals and producers behind the products they use. It’s about local and traceable ingredients, using the whole animal instead of wasting what has value, and supporting ranchers, small producers, and the families who care about the land they steward.  It’s about making healthier products for families who want to know what they are putting on their skin, feeding their children, and bringing into their homes. It’s about investing into a system for a future that supports American families and keeps land producing for future generations.  The Common Thread A jar of tallow balm, a Montana sheep hide, and a box of Icelandic lamb all tell the same story. They come from ranching, land stewardship, and the belief that what we use every day should be simple, useful, traceable, and support American families. From ranches to jar, pasture to hide, mountain meadows to table, we create different products all with the same goal. Healthy land, healthy communities, and healthy people.

Raising Icelandic Lamb With Stewardship Over the last century, we’ve become disconnected from our food. Where it comes from, what it takes to raise it, and how that process affects the animal and the land those animals inhabit. We’ve decided that we want to play a small part in the resurgence of small farms and ranches reconnecting consumers back to the food they’re eating by raising our own lamb the best way we know how. Finding customers who value the taste, quality, and stewardship we pour into our animals and land. To that end, we wanted to showcase a few of the practices we implement, and the why behind them, so you can better understand where your lamb is coming from. Grass Fed & Finished Our Icelandic lamb is grass fed and grass finished, which means they spend their lives eating what sheep were designed to eat: grass. No grain to fatten quickly to maximize “efficiency” and no shortcuts. They graze native grass mountain pasture, abundant in diverse plants, moving across the land in a way that lets them harvest forage naturally while helping build the soil beneath them. To us, grass finished matters because the finishing stage is where so much of the flavor and quality develops. Lamb raised on pasture has a taste that reflects the land it came from: clean, rich, and full of flavor without being heavy. Diet also greatly affects the nutritional profile of the meat. Grass fed animals, particularly animals grazing a diverse array of nutrients such as forbes, wildflowers, and native grasses, produce the most nutrient dense meat. Icelandic lamb in particular is known for being tender, fine-grained, and mild, which makes it a great choice even for families who don’t think of themselves as “lamb people.” It cooks beautifully in everyday meals like burgers, meatballs, and shepherd’s pie, while providing special occasion cuts like racks, chops, roasts, and shanks. The Foundation: Rotational Grazing The foundation of our system is rotational grazing. We move pastures every 2-7 days for 8+ months out of the year. That gives the animals fresh forage on a regular basis while giving the pasture behind them time to rest, recover, and regrow for the next year. That rest period is one of the most important parts of what we do. Nitrogen and carbon from manure and trampled plants are introduced feeding the soil biology, creating a microbiome for more plants to grow. When grass is not grazed down over and over again, the roots have a chance to grow deeper, the soil stays covered which reduces erosion and compaction, and manure is distributed naturally across the pasture instead of being concentrated in one place. Healthier soil holds more water, supports more life beneath the surface, and helps the land stay more resilient through dry spells, and become more productive over time. Rotational grazing is not complicated, but it does require attention and work.  You have to watch the grass, the weather, the animals, and the season you are in. It is a way of ranching that demands you to work with the land instead of just taking from it. When it’s done right, the sheep get the variety of nutrients they love and need, the pasture gets the rest it needs, and the land has the opportunity to become stronger year after year. We didn’t come up with this, all we’re doing is mimicking the grazing patterns of the buffalo and the proof is in the pasture. Immediately after being grazed you can see the native snipes foraging through manure looking for bugs... more on that later. Years from now, the grass will be healthier, the soil will retain more water, and the land will be more productive. It’s a slow game, but it’s essential. No Hormones, Antibiotics, Or Vaccines We raise our lamb without added hormones, antibiotics, or vaccines. That decision comes from the same belief that shapes the rest of our operation: when animals are raised in a system that mimics nature, with room to move, fresh pasture, and good management, you are not constantly trying to solve problems created by the system itself. That does not mean ranching is hands-off. Quite the opposite. It means paying closer attention. Moving animals before a pasture is overused, keeping them on fresh ground, watching body condition, working with the seasons and conditions, and adapting as necessary. Earlier I referenced the native snipes coming in behind sheep after they move to a fresh pasture. That process mimics how birds would follow the buffalo as they naturally intensively grazed through the plains. But the birds will only return if there is biology to hold bugs. When hormones, vaccines, antibiotics and dewormers are relied upon, the biology dies, and with it, the natural cycle of birds breaking up manure to help fertilize the ground. The Sheep That Can Actually Do It A big reason this system works for us is the breed itself. We chose Icelandic sheep because they are hardy, efficient, are well suited to rough country, and thrive on an all grass diet. They are an ancient breed dating back to the vikings of Scandinavia in the 900s, and shaped by generations of living in tough northern climates. They have a natural ability to thrive on pasture without needing the kind of heavy input many more modern livestock and management systems require. That matters in southwest Montana. We can see temps pushing 100 in the summer, and well below zero in the winter. Our sheep need to handle changing weather, mountain ground, and a grass-based program. Icelandics are built for that. They are good mothers, strong foragers, and naturally suited to the kind of management we believe in. In other words, we are not forcing the animal into our ideal system. We chose a sheep that actually belongs in it. Why It Matters At the end of the day, this is about more than just delicious lamb. It's about land, animals, families, and the kind of food system we want to help create. We believe the land and animals are gifts from the Lord, and our job is to steward them faithfully. That means making choices that may take more time, work and effort. But lead to a better life for the animal and a better future for the land. It means caring about the soil under our boots, the grass coming back after grazing, and the families who will gather around the table to eat what we raised. When you buy our Icelandic lamb, you are not just buying meat. You are supporting a small ranch working to raise animals honestly, manage land intentionally, and raise food with a story behind it. Our whole lamb boxes include 25-30 pounds of grass fed-finished Icelandic lamb meat, and half lamb boxes include approximately 12–16 pounds of lamb. Both with the same variety of cuts such as rack of lamb, loin chops, ground lamb, half leg of lamb, shanks, riblets, and roast. It is a practical way to fill your freezer with local Montana lamb while knowing exactly where it came from and how it was raised. From our families' mountain pastures to your table, we hope you enjoy our delicious Icelandic lamb, and that it sparks a conversation of stewardship and brings the story of local food to your table.

The Family Behind Our Tallow Mannix Family Ranch, Helmville, Montana Between Missoula and Helena, in the small town of Helmville, Montana, sits Mannix Family Ranch. Located in the Blackfoot River Valley, this land has been in the Mannix family since 1882. What began as a homestead has carried through generations of ranching, stewardship, and hard work. When we had the opportunity to visit the ranch and learn more about the family, we came away with a deeper appreciation for the care behind every part of their operation. The Mannix ranch is still family owned and family run, with the fifth generation now carrying on the work. The same passion, tenacity, and grit that started the ranch are still alive in its descendants. They do not see themselves as “owners” of the land, but as caretakers. Their responsibility is to steward and improve the soil, streams, grass, timber, wildlife, and resources for the next generation. That belief shows in everything they do. Their cattle are moved with intention across the landscape, rotating through pastures so the grass has time to rest, recover, and grow stronger. This kind of grazing helps maintain ground cover, build soil health, improve forage distribution, and support stronger pastures over time. Mannix describes their approach as carefully managed holistic grazing, with cattle, grass, soil, and water all considered part of the same system.  Their grass-finished cattle follow the seasons. Calves begin grazing alongside their mothers, move onto irrigated pastures as yearlings, and finish on high-quality dryland pastures. Every two weeks, finished animals are hand selected for the butcher once they have reached maturity. The Mannix family also uses cover crops to support soil biology, increase soil carbon, improve soil structure, and help water move into the ground. Their larger conservation work includes watershed protection, stream restoration, biological weed control, predator-friendly practices, sustainable timber management, and conservation easements that help protect the land for the future. Their goal is not just to sustain the land as it is, or use it to make a quick buck. It is to keep learning, keep improving, and leave the land better than they found it. In Mannix’s own writing on regenerative agriculture, they describe this as a lifelong commitment to doing better as they learn more. Mannix beef is grass fed and grass finished. Through selective breeding and thoughtful management, they raise animals of exceptional quality and nutrient density. Their practices are built around health of cattle, grass, soil, all working towards a healthy future. They are doing more than raising more than beef. They are protecting a way of life. Tallow is a traditional skincare ingredient, and where it comes from is what makes it traditional. Cattle grazing grass on pastures, not in a confined feedlot. That is why we use Mannix tallow. Because thoughtful sourcing is the difference between mainstream skincare, and something crafted with intention, to support skin, that supports family ranching. When it comes from animals raised with this level of care, on land managed with this level of responsibility, it carries a deeper story. We are proud to use Mannix ranch tallow in our skincare because it reflects the same values we believe in: legacy, stewardship, hard work, and exceptional quality. It allows us to create nourishing, traditional skincare while supporting a Montana ranching family whose work deserves to be known.

Regenerative Ranching, Rendered Down:  “Regenerative” is a term that gets thrown around a lot. In fact, it’s become more of a marketing term than a tangible principle. In this article we wanted to give you some concrete practices, share our thoughts on what regenerative means to us, how it affects the end product, and the ranches we work with that implement those practices. What Regenerative Ranching Actually Means Regenerative ranching is a set of practical decisions, careful management, and long term planning. It’s How animals move across pasture, how long the grass gets to rest, how streams are protected, how soil stays covered, and how wildlife habitat is considered. Regenerative practices require more work, careful planning, and a willingness to adapt, all for one aim… to leave the land better than it was found, and prioritize the health of the animals on that land. The Practice: Better Grazing, Longer Rest One concrete regenerative practice is managed, or rotational grazing. Instead of turning out animals on to one large piece of ground for the season, ranchers break up that large piece of ground into several smaller pastures. Grazing animals for a few days to a few weeks, then moving them. This system encourages animals eat all the forage equally, instead of repeatedly eating their favorite plants, killing them. It also makes the animals trample dead or unpalatable plants, feeding the soil with carbon, and depositing manure.  Then the most important part of the system… rest. After grazing this pasture, the animals are moved off, and won’t be back on for another year or even more. This system mimics the natural grazing patterns of the buffalo who once roamed these same areas. That rest period is vital because it’s where much of the rebuilding happens. Roots deepen. Grass regrows covering the soil, and the soil microbiome comes alive with microscopic organisms, all of which feed the soil, and then the plants. It starts a positive feedback loop that makes land more productive, and healthier over time.  Intentionally Sourced Tallow From Old Salt Co-Op The tallow we use is not an interchangeable ingredient to us. It is the foundation of what we make, so it has to come from a source we trust. That is why we’ve partnered with Old Salt Co-Op, a group of regenerative Montana ranches including Mannix Family Ranch and J Bar L Ranch. Their grass-fed and grass-finished suet tallow comes from animals raised within ranching systems built around land stewardship, and healthy animals. We created this supply chain intentionally because we want our products to support Montana ranching families regenerating the rangelands their cattle graze. Healthier land supports healthier animals—and that carries through to the quality of the tallow itself. For your skin, that means a rich, nourishing balm made with tallow that is naturally compatible with the skin’s own oils. It delivers deep moisture, lasting protection, and nourishment with simple ingredients your skin can recognize. For us, it means making skincare that reflects what we believe in: traceability, trust, quality, and respect for the people, animals, and land behind every jar. Our products are more than balm. They are the result of Montana ranch families, years of stewardship, and a system that values the whole animal. Healthy Land, Healthy Communities, Healthy People That’s our whole mission, whether it’s our own sheep and lamb operation, or partnering with old salt for our tallow skincare, our goal is to support healthy land, reinvest into local communities, and create products that support healthy people. 

How We Render Our Tallow: The Process, the Source, and the Reason It Matters Tallow quality starts with two things: the source of the fat, and the way it’s rendered. Ours begins in Montana grasslands, with suet fat sourced through Old Salt Co-op and rendered locally in Bozeman. That matters because rendering is not just a manufacturing step. It determines how the fat is handled, how much of its natural integrity is preserved, and what kind of ingredient it becomes by the time it reaches a jar. We’ve built this part of our supply chain the same way we’ve built the rest of the brand: Close to home, rooted in relationships, and centered on ingredient quality from the start. Our rendering process reflects the same Montana partners, real relationships, and emphasis on quality and transparency. Why the Rendering Process Matters Not all rendered tallow is the same. You can start with good fat, but if the rendering process is too aggressive, the final ingredient will reflect that. Heat, handling, additives, and purification all shape the quality of the finished tallow. That’s why we use a wet rendering process. Wet rendering uses water and low heat to separate the fat, rather than exposing it to unnecessarily high temperatures. This low heat method helps preserve the natural state of the tallow, along with the nutrients and beneficial fatty acids that make it valuable in the first place. When tallow is rendered this way, the result is stable, purified, and well suited for topical use. Since tallow is the base of our products, that process matters. The quality of the final balm starts with the quality of the rendered fat. It also means no additives, chemicals, bleaching or deodorizers.  Our Tallow Is Rendered in Bozeman, Montana We partner with a local company, V Bar, in Bozeman, Montana to render our tallow. Keeping that process in Montana matters to us for the same reason Montana sourcing matters to us everywhere else: it keeps the ingredient supply chain close, traceable, and connected to real people and real standards. We’re not interested in treating tallow like an interchangeable commodity ingredient. We want to know where it came from, who handled it, and how it was processed. Working with a local rendering partner allows that part of the process to stay visible and consistent. It keeps the transformation of the raw suet into finished tallow that is of the highest quality, and aligns with our standards. Why We Use Wet Rendered Tallow Wet rendering is a specific choice. By using water and lower temperatures, this method preserves more of the tallow’s natural integrity than rendering methods that rely on higher heat or chemical additives. For skincare, that matters because tallow is valuable for what it already contains: naturally occurring fatty acids and nutrients that support the skin. The idea is simple: tallow contains everything it needs. Our job is to render it into a pure ingredient allowing it to do its job for the skin.  The goal is to start with excellent fat and render it in a way that keeps it as close as possible to its natural state, while producing a clean, stable, finished tallow. That’s why wet rendering is such an important part of our process. It supports the quality of the ingredient without relying on high heat or chemicals to get there. The end result is a pure, minimally processed, nutrient preserved tallow. An important clarification point- wet rendering introduces water to remove impurities, but through the process the water is removed, leaving no water in the finished tallow.  Why We Choose Suet Tallow We use suet tallow specifically. Suet is the fat found around the kidneys and loins, and it’s considered the most pure and nutrient-dense form of tallow on the animal. That distinction matters because not all beef fat is the same. Trimming fat from other parts of the animal can also be rendered into tallow, but suet is more pure, nutrient dense, and fast absorbing. It produces a higher quality finished fat, which is exactly what we want as the base of our skincare products. This is one of the most important choices in our supply chain. Because when the starting material is more pure, the rendered tallow is more clean, more consistent, and better suited for skincare applications. If tallow is the foundation of the formula, then suet is the best place to begin. The Montana Source Behind Our Tallow Our suet fat comes through Old Salt Co-op in Montana. We're committed to not just Montana sourcing, but regenerative animal practice; Because tallow reflects the animal it came from, the land that animal was raised on, and the standards behind the ranching operation. Old Salt Co-op is comprised of regenerative Montana ranches who are producing beef with a strong emphasis on stewardship, transparency, and long term land health. That kind of sourcing gives us confidence in the raw material before rendering ever begins. It also keeps our ingredient supply chain rooted in the place we call home, and supports those who are invested in soil health, and maintaining the culture of Montana ranching. For us, Montana sourcing is not just a line on a label. It means the tallow in our products is tied to ranches, landscapes, and people we trust and want to support. It means the ingredient has a real point of origin and not a distributor. You can read more about the ranches behind Old Salt, and our suet sourcing here. Why Regenerative Sourcing Matters We care about regenerative tallow because ranching practices shape ingredient quality. Regenerative systems are built around stewardship of the land: supporting soil health, managing forage well, improving water retention, keeping grasslands productive over time, and caring for watersheds. These are long term practices, not short term extraction, and that thought process matters. Healthy pasture supports healthy animals, healthy land, and healthy humans. Healthy animals also produce better fat. When cattle are raised in systems that prioritize land health and grazing management, that's where quality of the tallow begins. For us, regenerative sourcing is part of ingredient quality, not something separate from it. It’s one of the reasons we’ve chosen to source through a Montana network that values how cattle are raised, how land is managed, and how those choices carry through to the finished product.  Why Grass-Finished Tallow Matters We use tallow from 100% grass-fed and grass-finished cattle. Grass-finished means the cattle are raised and finished on forage, in pastures, rather than being switched to grain, and confined to a feedlot. That forage-based diet produces a different kind of fat, that is measurably richer in all the things that makes tallow beneficial. And for us, it’s the kind of fat we want at the foundation of our skincare. Grass-finished tallow is naturally rich in beneficial fatty acids and nutrients that help make tallow such a useful ingredient for skin in the first place.  If the animal was raised well, on pasture, in a system built around healthy forage and sound grazing practices, the quality of the fat reflects that. The rendering process preserves that quality, but it can’t create it from nothing. It has to begin with the right source. A Supply Chain Built to Keep the Ingredient Intact Every step matters. The ranchers and their practices, the animals and the land they come from, and our rendering partner. None of those pieces are interchangeable to us. We don’t view tallow as a commodity, that arrives in a bucket. But as the accumulation of years of stewardship, planning, and care for the land. We view it as the foundation of the product, which means its purity, source, and rendering all matter. That’s why we’ve chosen Montana sourced suet from Old Salt Co-op, and why we partner with a local Montana company to have it rendered. Each of those decisions supports the same outcome: a clean, stable, nutrient-dense tallow that stays close to its natural state, making it the perfect base for our skincare. Keeping Montana in the Process We want Montana in the product, not as a marketing line. Our goal is to provide the highest quality tallow products, but it's about more than that. We also want to support Montana ranches investing into healthy land, strong communities and Montana ranching culture and heritage. That means sourcing our suet from Montana ranchers, regeneratively raising, grass-finished cattle. And it means partnering with a local company in Bozeman to wet render that tallow using a low heat process that preserves its natural state. That’s the system behind the ingredient. And that’s the reason we talk about this supply chain at all: because the process determines the quality.

Which Cleanser Is Right for You? A Simple Guide to Our Three Face Cleansers Choosing a cleanser isn’t about which one is “best”—it’s about finding the right match for your skin and your routine. Cleansing should work with your skin, leaving it comfortable, balanced, and ready for the next step (not tight and stripped).  This is a clear guide to choosing between: Anaconda Copper (Goat Milk & Tallow Bar)  Yellowstone (Goat Milk & Tallow Facial Cleanser) Oil Cleanser  The shared foundation: why we start with tallow Your skin barrier is built on lipids—especially fatty acids. Those fatty acids are part of what helps skin stay resilient, comfortable, and balanced, which is why we use grass fed & finished suet tallow as the foundation in our cleansers. A good cleanser should: lift away dirt, sunscreen, excess oil, and buildup leave your skin feeling clean but calm, and not stripped support a routine that keeps the barrier strong (especially in dry, windy conditions)  1) Anaconda Copper Goat Milk & Tallow Facial Cleanser Best for: a deeper, clarifying cleanse (great for face + body), without feeling harsh Ingredient benefits Suet tallow + goat milk (the nourishing base) Goat milk has long been valued for gentle cleansing and naturally occurring vitamins that support healthy-looking skin—especially when you want clean skin without that “squeaky” feel.  Activated charcoal + clays (the clarifying side) Activated charcoal is used in skincare for its ability to bind to oils and impurities, making it a solid choice when you want a more clarifying wash. (Health) Rhassoul clay is commonly used to help cleanse and reduce surface oil, while still feeling gentle. (Healthline) Cedarwood + frankincense essential oils (the finish) Included for a grounded, earthy cleanse experience. If you’re very sensitive, patch testing is always a smart move.  Where it fits in a routine PM: when you want a more thorough cleanse (especially after a day outdoors, sunscreen, sweat). Also a great “one bar” option if you want something that works for face + body.  All around cleanser that gently exfoliates and detoxifies. Best suited for Normal or dryer skin types, or anyone who likes a cleaner, more clarified finish Anyone who wants one hardworking bar for face + body  2) Yellowstone Goat Milk & Tallow Facial Cleanser Best for: a gentle daily facial cleanse that also targets pores + redness Ingredient benefits Suet tallow + goat milk (daily comfort + balance) This base is designed to cleanse while still leaving skin feeling supported, not stripped.  Willow bark (pore support) Willow bark contains salicin, often used as a gentler, plant-based way to support clearer-looking pores and smoother texture. (Byrdie) Turmeric (calm + visible redness support) Reviews of topical curcumin/turmeric discuss its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in skin-supportive use cases. (Karger Publishers) Lavender + rosemary + tea tree (clarity support + aromatic cleanse) These oils are commonly used in cleansing formulas aimed at clarity and balance; if your skin is reactive, patch test first. Where it fits in a routine PM: as your second cleanse after Oil Cleanser (classic double cleanse setup)   Best suited for Oily, acne prone, or combo skin that wants gentle daily cleansing Skin or pores that gets congested and wants targeted botanicals (willow bark) 3) Oil Cleanser Best for: the gentlest cleanse, makeup/sunscreen removal, and barrier-friendly cleansing Ingredient benefits Oil cleansing (why it works) “Oil attracts oil.” Oil cleansing is widely used to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum, and buildup—and this formula is designed to emulsify with water and rinse clean.  Rosehip oil (smooth + glow support) Rosehip is discussed in scientific literature for its vitamin content (including vitamin C) and its use in skin-focused formulations aimed at tone and texture support. (Frontiers) Pumpkin seed oil (barrier nourishment) Pumpkin seed oil is valued for being rich in fatty acids and antioxidants that support a soft, nourished feel. (Skincare Lab) Calendula oil (comfort + calm) Calendula is frequently described in research reviews for skin-soothing and wound-healing supportive properties in topical contexts. (ScienceDirect) Montana emu oil (deep nourishment) Emu oil is often used when skin needs extra comfort and nourishment—especially helpful when cleansing tends to leave you feeling dry. Where it fits in a routine PM first cleanse, or AM stand alone cleanse: best for removing sunscreen/makeup, dirt, grime and daily buildup Follow with Anaconda Copper (or Yellowstone) if you prefer a more clarifying/ thorough finish) for a complete double cleanse  Best suited for Dry/sensitive, or acne prone Anyone who wears sunscreen or makeup Anyone who wants the most barrier-friendly cleanse option  Most gentle cleanser, great for irritated or dry skin How to cleanse without overdoing it A theme from our routine guidance: clean doesn’t have to mean stripped. If your skin feels tight irritated after washing, it’s a sign to go gentler, simplify, or back off.  Use Oil Cleanser at night, or AM if desired Keep your bar cleanse gentle and consistent—especially in dry air If you’re double cleansing, you don’t need to scrub—let the formulas do the work  Choose your cleanser (30 seconds) 1) What’s your main goal? Gentlest cleanse + makeup/sunscreen, oily/dirt  removal → Oil Cleanser  Gentle and simple daily facial cleanse,  or body wash → Anaconda Copper More clarifying cleanse + pore/redness support,  → Yellowstone  2) How does your skin feel after cleansing? Tight/dry easily → start with Oil Cleanser (then Yellowstone if double cleansing)  Fine, but gets congested → Yellowstone or Anaconda Copper  3) Are you building a simple “2-step night routine”? Yes → Double Cleansing Kit (Oil Cleanser + Yellowstone)  No, I want one cleanser only → choose Anaconda Copper (daily gentle) or Yellowstone (more clarifying), Oil Cleanser (most gentle)

Which Balm Is Right for You? A Simple Guide to Our Three Balms Choosing one of our balms is not about which one is "best", it's about finding the right match for your skin, and your routine. Balms are about support: working with your skin, helping it stay comfortable, balanced, and nourished. This is a clear guide to choosing between: Tallow & Honey Balm Body Balm Glow Balm The shared foundation: why we start with tallow Our skin barrier is built on lipids—especially fatty acids. Those fatty acids are the building blocks of skin, which is why we use suet tallow as the base for our skincare. Tallow nourishes, and moisturizes skin with the nutrients it can recognize, and reinforces the skins natural barrier. It’s naturally rich in skin-conditioning lipids and is “skin-compatible” in a way that supports comfort, softness, and radiant skin. What a balm does  holds onto moisture, without feeling greasy  keep skin feeling comfortable and protected support and nourish the skin barrier so skin can settle down instead of staying tight or reactive-feeling 1) Tallow & Honey Balm Best for: daily face moisture + barrier support with honey’s skin-comfort benefits Core ingredients: suet tallow + raw honey (plus optional essential oil depending on version) Ingredient benefits (what they’re known for) Suet tallow Lipid-rich nourishment that gives a balm its “seal + soften” effect—helping skin feel less tight and more comfortable, especially after cleansing or in dry weather. Raw honey Honey is widely written about in skin research for supporting a healthy skin environment (commonly discussed for its skin-soothing and skin-supportive properties in stressed-skin contexts). In everyday use, many people love honey-forward formulas because they can feel calming and conditioning when skin is easily bothered. Where it fits in a routine After cleansing: apply a small amount to slightly damp skin, in the morning if your skin is particularly dry, or a daily moisturizer, suited for use throughout the day Best suited for Normal to dry, or acne prone skin Daily use when you want simple, steady support Skin that prefers short ingredient lists 2) Body Balm Best for: deeper moisture + recovery support (face + body) with a limited ingredient list Core ingredients: suet tallow + emu oil  Why it feels “deeper” than Tallow & Honey Balm Body Balm keeps the same minimalist approach, but swaps honey for emu oil—often translating to a more nourishing, recovery-focused feel, especially in winter, wind-worn, or aggravated skin. Ingredient benefits (what they’re known for) Suet tallow The same barrier-nourishing, biocompatible, and moisture-sealing foundation. Emu oil Research has explored emu oil in skin-repair contexts (including wound-healing and inflammation pathways). In real-life skincare terms, it’s commonly used when skin needs more comfort, more nourishment, and more recovery support—without adding a long ingredient list. Best suited for Very dry, or aggrivated facial skin (especially winter / low humidity) Wind-worn, outdoors-heavy week, or post travel Hands, elbows, legs—anywhere you want a true workhorse balm Anyone who wants deep moisture without a long ingredient list 3) Glow Balm Best for: hydration + antioxidant support + the look of brighter, smoother skin Core ingredients: suet tallow + emu oil + bakuchi oil + sea buckthorn oil + astaxanthin (+ essential oils of lavender & frankincense) Ingredient benefits (what they’re known for) Bakuchi oil (bakuchiol source) Bakuchiol is well-known in modern skincare as a “retinol alternative” ingredient and is studied for supporting the look of smoother texture and more even-looking tone. Sea buckthorn oil Naturally rich in fatty acids and antioxidant compounds—often used to support barrier comfort, softness, and a healthy-looking glow. Astaxanthin (from algae) A powerful antioxidant often used in skincare for supporting the look of skin vitality and “lit-from-within” radiance. Essential oils (lavender + frankincense) Targeted blend included for their skin loving properties (anti-aging, soothing etc.) Best suited for Skin that feels moisturized but looks dull Anyone wanting balm comfort plus tone/texture + antioxidant support People who want a more targeted formula PM use, after cleansing How to use balms so they don’t feel “too heavy” Apply on slightly damp skin Face: rice-grain to pea-size amount "more" isn't always better. Small amounts + consistency = support Choose your balm (30 seconds) 1) What’s your main goal? Daily comfort + simple hydration → Tallow & Honey Balm Deeper cushion + recovery support → Body Balm Glow + tone/texture support → Glow Balm 2) How dry does your face get? Mild–moderate → start with Tallow & Honey Balm Very dry /stressed → start with Body Balm 3) Are you keeping ingredients as minimal as possible? Yes → Tallow & Honey Balm or Body Balm No, I want targeted glow ingredients → Glow Balm Read our guide to picking your cleanser here.

Traditional ingredients, a little extra goat milk, and beef tallow from a ranch down the road...

J Bar L Ranch: Behind the Scenes on the Ground We’ve shared why we choose tallow—because when it’s sourced well, it becomes one of the most effective, uncomplicated ingredients in skincare. The key is the source: the animal’s diet, the land it’s raised on, and the standards held by the people managing it. Our suet tallow is 100% grass fed and grass finished, sourced through Old Salt Co-op in Montana. That supply chain matters to us because it’s built on transparency and relationships—ranches we can visit, practices we can see, and sourcing we can stand behind. One of those ranches is J Bar L—and we recently spent time there. What We Saw at J Bar L The first thing that stands out is how intentionally everything is managed. Pasture rotations and animal management are meticulously planned months, or years in advance.  They walked us through their stockpile grazing strategy: how they rest pasture at the right times so there’s standing feed available later in the season, allowing the pastures to rest, recover, and become more productive overtime. This planning has reduced their reliance on harvested feed, and the result is simple and impressive: they feed very little hay compared to many other operations. Even more notable: their cattle are on pasture year-round, grazing and consuming native grasses as the foundation of their diet. Why Stockpile Grazing Matters Seeing their stockpile system in person makes its value obvious. Instead of cutting, hauling, and feeding as a default, the goal is to keep cattle harvesting their own forage for as long as conditions allow. That approach supports the land and the operation at the same time: less equipment use and less disturbance nutrients returned directly to the pasture a higher quality forage-first diet for the herd healthier animals, and healthier land It’s easy to say "regenerative", it's another to be regenerative, especially in winter. How This Connects Back to Tallow (and Why We Source This Way) It’s easy to use labels. It’s harder to build a supply chain where the ranches, people and practices behind the ingredient are known—and where the work on the ground consistently improves land and animal health. That’s why we created our tallow supply chain with Old Salt Co-op. It priotizes Montana grasslands, Montana ranchers and healthy animals. That investment shows up directly in the tallow. Regeneratively raised, grass fed and finished tallow is different because the animals are raised differently. Staying on fresh ground and eating high-quality forage produces cleaner, more nutrient dense fat—something skin can feel.  "Montana Grown" is not a slogan for us, it's a core value, because sourcing from ranches like these supports working land, working families, and the highest-quality tallow we can source.

5 Changes That Helped Me Heal My Skin (After 7 Years of Acne) For years, I thought of acne like a surface level problem—something I could “fix” if I just found the right product, followed the right routine, or stayed strict enough. I tried a lot. I stayed consistent. And I still felt like my skin was stuck in the same cycle. What eventually helped wasn’t a miracle step or a complicated regimen. It was stepping back and treating acne like a whole-body signal, then making a few steady, repeatable changes that supported my skin instead of constantly pushing it. Below are the five shifts that made the biggest difference for me, plus what I learned to look for when choosing skincare going forward. Quick note: I’m sharing what worked for me, not giving medical advice. Acne can have a lot of causes (hormones, stress, diet, products, underlying conditions). This is just what worked for me after 7 years of struggling. 1) I simplified my diet (and got serious about ingredients) This was the first domino. I shifted toward a more animal-based, higher-fat, higher-protein way of eating and cut out the foods that tend to keep inflammation high and skin unpredictable. The three things I removed first: Processed sugar Soy Peanuts Here’s why: high-glycemic/added-sugar diets are consistently associated with worse acne, and studies consistently show that shifting to a low-glycemic-load diet can improve acne. Research also supports that high glycemic load can increase insulin/IGF-1 signaling, which is tied to acne pathways.  Soy and peanuts were next because they’re common allergenic/sensitizing foods. Food allergy reactions can show up on the skin (like hives and swelling), and for acne-prone skin, reducing frequent immune “hits” can make everything easier to calm down. If you want to test this (without overhauling everything): Pick 2–3 weeks and keep meals simple and repeatable. Prioritize whole foods (meat, eggs, fruit, root veggies, simple dairy if tolerated). Remove the big “unknowns” (snacks, sweet drinks, ultra-processed foods with long ingredient lists). Watch for changes in new inflamed breakouts, redness, and oiliness—those are usually the first signals. What I noticed: fewer angry flare-ups, less irritation, and steadier energy.  2) I reduced hormone-disrupting inputs (starting with fragrance) This one surprised me, mostly because it wasn’t just “skincare.” I started paying attention to fragrance—not only in my products, but in my home: laundry detergent, dryer sheets, candles, room sprays, plug-ins, and soaps. Here’s the simple version: “fragrance” is often a blend of chemicals, and some ingredients used in fragranced products (like phthalates) are widely discussed for their potential endocrine-disrupting effects. Hormone balance matters because it’s closely tied to oil production and inflammation—two things acne-prone skin is already battling. Separately, fragrance is also one of the most common triggers for skin irritation and allergy in personal care products, showing up as redness, itching, and sensitization. And it’s not just fragrance—some cosmetics can also include PFAS (used to affect feel, texture, or wear). If you’re trying to reduce overall “chemical load,” PFAS is another category worth being aware of. What I did: Switched to fragrance-free laundry detergent first (biggest exposure, all-day contact). Cut candles/plug-ins/room sprays. Swapped fragrance for essential oils in my personal care items. What I noticed: less redness, fewer “mystery” breakouts, and skin that feels calmer and less reactive overall. 3) I stopped fearing the sun I grew up in the era of “avoid the sun at all costs.” But I eventually realized I felt better—and my skin looked calmer—when I got regular outdoor time. This doesn’t mean burning or ignoring sun safety. It means: getting outside daily when possible aiming for consistent exposure using common sense: shade, hats, timing, and your own skin’s limits Try this: 10–20 minutes outside most days (morning or late afternoon is easiest to tolerate). Build slowly if you’re not used to it. If you prefer sunscreen, opt for mineral based rather than chemical. 4) I prioritized exercise  I began working out consistently—especially strength training—and I started sweating regularly (whether that was lifting, walking hills, or anything that got my heart rate up). Why it mattered for me: better stress tolerance improved sleep quality steadier mood sweat detox Try this: 3 strength sessions/week (even short ones) 2–4 “sweat days” (walks, hikes, intervals, sauna if you tolerate it) prioritize consistency, over intensity 5) I reset my skincare routine, and kept it intentionally basic This was the turning point: I realized my “acne routine” was actually irritating my skin barrier. I stopped everything—cold turkey. At first my skin felt good… and then I learned I still needed two basics: a gentle cleanser a simple moisturizer Here’s what I learned the hard way: when skin is already inflamed, more products rarely equal more progress. What I learned to look for in skincare  Here’s the checklist that took me years to create.  1) No added fragrance  fragrance-free, or essential oils used thoughtfully and sparingly (if I tolerate them) 2) Fewer ingredients, and ingredients I recognize A long label isn’t automatically bad—but if I can’t pronounce it or understand why it’s there, I pause. A simple question that helps:“What is this product mostly made of?”(Usually the first 3–5 ingredients tell the story.) 3) Pay attention to what your skin actually prefers I tried a lot of “natural” options. What I found personally is that my skin did better with animal-based ingredients (like tallow and emu oil) than with many common plant oils. After a season of simplifying everything and learning what my skin actually responded to, we started making our own basics at home—and that eventually became Rocky Mountain Traders. My simple “reset” routine  If you’re overwhelmed and want a starting point, here’s a simple framework: Evening Gentle cleanse (our facial cleansers were formulated specifically with this in mind) Moisturize (consider one of our limited ingredients balms) And alongside it: remove processed sugar, & common food allergens (soy, peanuts, etc.) switch laundry + home products to fragrance-free  add 20 minutes of exercise daily get outside! Final thought If you’ve tried everything and your skin still feels stuck, it might not be because you need more—it might be because your skin needs a break from constant input. Skincare is holistic. Your skin is responding to your food, stress, sleep, movement, environment, and what you put on it—together, as a system. That’s also how we view products: not as a “magic fix,” but as one supportive piece of healthier living—helping reinforce the barrier, calm irritation, and make a simple routine easier to maintain. Start simple. Give it time. Stay consistent. Calm is progress. -Skylee

Our Tallow: The Ranches, the Relationships, the Reason It Matters Beef tallow is a time tested staple for skincare. It's simple, and packed with bio available nutrients. But that's only true when the source is solid, because tallow holds the story of the animal and the land it came from. We've developed a supply chain for our tallow that is 100% grass fed and grass finished, and sourced through the Montana based, Old Salt Co-op. The Ranches Behind Our Tallow Our tallow comes through Old Salt Co-op, comprised of Mannix Ranch and J Bar L Ranch. Two Montana operations connected by the same bigger aim: keep land healthy, keep animals thriving, and keep ranching viable without cutting corners. Mannix Ranch (Helmville, Montana — Blackfoot Valley) Mannix Ranch is family-owned, established in 1882, and on its 5th generation. It shows in the way the land is talked about and managed, like something to be cared for and stewarded, not exploited. The Mannix family has been in the Blackfoot Valley for generations. That kind of continuity changes the way decisions get made. You don’t manage for the next quarter when you’re thinking about your kids—and their kids—stewarding the same ground. You make decisions with the intention to leave it better than you found it. The Mannix ranch is known for intentional grazing management and for working alongside conservation partners in the Blackfoot watershed. They're practices have even gained national notoriety, with the ranch being featured on the television program, 60 minutes.  It’s the unglamorous, long-term work of fences, water, timing, recovery, and planning years in advance. The result is a landscape that can keep producing grass, habitat, building soil, and land that improves with time.   J Bar L Ranch (Centennial Valley, Montana) J Bar L is family-run, the day-to-day operations are managed by Andrew and Hillary Anderson, in the Centennial Valley—wide, weather-shaped country in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Located in SW Montana, the centennial valley is a high country desert posing a unique set of challenges. With its delicate native grasses, and frequent droughts, ranching here takes planning and an astute steward to leave things better than they found them.  These two ranches make up the bulk of our beef tallow supply chain. We also source grass fed & finished suet tallow from other regenerative Montana ranches who meet our sourcing standards to supplement our supply.  A Supply Chain Built On Transparency Old Salt Co-op is built around something that’s gotten rare: producers staying connected to what they produce, and customers being able to trace a product back to real places and real people. The co-op relationship is what makes this possible. Montana ranchers working together around shared regenerative practices and standards, to produce a reliably quality product, on a greater scale and with greater impact than anyone could on their own.  This model values the whole animal, which is why we've chosen Old Salt as the supplier of our tallow, making for a clean, nourishing fat that makes an incredibly effective, no-frills moisturizer and lets skincare stay simple. Supporting this kind of sourcing reinforces regenerative stewardship, working ranches, and a resilient supply chain. Why “Partnership” Is the Point It’s easy to say “local” or “Montana-made.” It’s another to build a supply chain built on relationships, where the people and places behind the ingredient are known, and their practices are tangibly improving the quality of the land and animals they steward. That’s what this is. Old Salt Co-op makes it possible to source with integrity because it’s not anonymous. This is ranchers working together, building something that is good for ranchers, the land, the animals, and the consumer. Nobody can do it all on their own. From raising the animals, caring for the land, having them processed, selling the beef, making the skincare, it's a lot of work for just one outfit.  We believe that working with those who share our values for how land is managed and animals are cared for, allows everyone to do what they're best at, and keep the mission moving forward.  What That Means for the Tallow Itself Grass fed and finished tallow is different because the animals are raised differently. Staying on fresh ground and consuming the highest quality forage creates the highest quality fat, that makes for a difference the skin can feel.  When the starting point is this clean and this intentional, the formulas don’t need to be complicated. The base ingredient is already doing what it’s supposed to do: support skin, with bioavailable nutrients. We've also intentionally chosen suet, for our tallow. The pure fat around the kidneys of the animal; Suet fat is more nutrient dense, and pure than trimming tallow (the fat trimmed from muscle tissue). Suet also absorbs quicker, not leaving behind a greasy residue. Although both can be called "tallow" it's an important distinction, and one that we've intentionally chosen. Keeping Montana in the Product We don't treat our supply chain as "interchangeable" we view it as an integral part of our product.  Because when tallow comes from ranches like these—connected through a co-op that prioritizes stewardship—it’s more than an ingredient. It’s a way to support working land, working families, and the result is the highest quality tallow.  

The how, why, and when guide to double cleansing. 

Why We Built Rocky Mountain Traders People ask a fair question: why start a tallow company when there are already so many? For us, it was never about "pushing a product". It was about building a standard rooted in Montana ranch life, made with integrity, and crafted the way we believe it should be. The belief behind everything Rocky Mountain Traders was built on a simple belief: Skin thrives when it is supported, not overwhelmed. We don’t believe skincare needs to be complicated to be effective. We believe it needs to be intentional—designed to support the skin’s natural function over time. Takeaway: If your routine feels like a constant experiment, and skin is agitated, the most helpful shift is often fewer products, simple ingredients and constituency.  Before it was a business Skylee spent years navigating persistent acne and feeling what it's like when skin and body is constantly disrupted. Before Rocky Mountain Traders was ever a business, we were already making and using products at home with traditional ingredients like goat milk and beef tallow. We eliminated all other products, and only used what we made.Over time, her skin began to find balance in a way that was lasting and genuinely good for it. When we realized these formulas were worth sharing, the vision wasn’t just “start a skincare company.” It was to build a business rooted in local sourcing, traceability, and Montana ranch relationships. Takeaway: When skin is reactive, steady, gentle and nourishing, usually beats fast and intense, and active ingredients... Calm is progress. Quality begins at the origin Montana-sourced ingredients are the base for everything we do—beef tallow, beeswax, raw honey, and emu oil. Not chosen for novelty, but for their compatibility with skin and long history of use. Tallow is foundational for us because it closely mirrors the skin’s natural lipid structure, allowing it to nourish deeply without disruption when paired thoughtfully with other supportive ingredients. Takeaway: When you’re reading a label, the first 5 ingredients tell you what the product really is. That’s the base. From ranches to jar We’ve been intentional about building a local supply chain from Montana ranches to our jars. A standard rooted in relationships, quality, and traceability. It’s also a commitment to building local community and keeping ranchers ranching. Takeaway: Don’t just look at ingredients, look for clarity around sourcing. If a brand can’t explain where its primary ingredients come from, quality is harder to verify. Formulation, plainly At the heart of Rocky Mountain Traders is intentional formulation. Every ingredient we use serves a clear purpose. Nothing is added based on trends or to reduce cost. We don’t use fillers, additives, or over-formulation, because skin doesn’t need more, it needs better. Our non-negotiables:No fillers. No diluted formulas. No decisions made on cost over integrity. Takeaway: “More active ingredients” isn’t always better. If your skin barrier is compromised, simpler, biocompatible formulas are often the fastest path back to balance. Small batch, made in-house We keep our products small batch on purpose. If we don’t make it ourselves, we can’t promise the details stay intact. So our skincare is made in-house, start to finish.No outsourcing. No white labeling. Takeaway: If consistency, and quality matters to you, ask one question: is it made in-house or outsourced? It’s one of the clearest signals of process control. Stewardship as responsibility Our commitment to stewardship extends beyond formulation and into how our ingredients are raised. We are building a regenerative Icelandic sheep ranch in southwest Montana, and we partner with regenerative Montana ranches that share our values. By prioritizing whole-animal utilization, we honor the animal, reduce waste, and support land stewards who care deeply for their animals, ecosystems and communities. It is a slower way of doing business, but it is non-negotiable. Takeaway: “Sustainable” has become a marketing term. Look for specifics—how animals are raised, how land is managed, and whether a brand can describe its sourcing in real terms. The commitment We do not chase trends.We do not compromise on quality. Our commitment is clear: regenerative ingredient sourcing, purposeful formulations, support for Montana ranch partners, and products designed for long-term skin support. Takeaway: Good skincare isn't just about products, it's about process. A good skincare routine should feel repeatable, and it's ingredients should be traceable.  How it gets there is just as important as what it is.

There’s something about becoming a parent that makes you read every label twice. You start paying attention to what goes in your body… and what touches your baby’s skin. And even if you were already intentional about what you used, that care becomes magnified when you’re caring for someone so small and new. Pregnancy and newborn life can also make skin feel like it has a mind of its own. One day everything feels normal—and the next, skin is suddenly tight, dry, itchy, or extra sensitive. We didn’t want to put mystery chemicals on our skin, or our baby’s. We wanted something simple, clean, and trustworthy—something natural, and something that truly worked. That’s where tallow and emu oil come in: a time-tested way to support skin through every stage of change, with the kind of nourishment our bodies can use. The problem: skin in a season of change During pregnancy, your skin stretches quickly, and hormones change. The belly, hips, thighs, and chest are all going through a lot. Even with good hydration, it can still feel uncomfortably dry or itchy. After baby arrives, many moms notice their skin feels more reactive, more sensitive, or harder to keep moisturized. And babies? Their skin is brand new—thin, delicate, and easily affected by dryness, weather, and irritation. There’s nothing wrong with their skin (or yours)—sometimes it just needs extra support. The ingredient solution: tallow + emu oil Two ingredients we love for families are tallow and emu oil—because they’re time-tested, and completely natural, and free of chemicals that can disrupt hormones, or irritate skin. Beef tallow is rich in skin-friendly fats and fat-soluble vitamins that help nourish and support the skin barrier. It’s known for deep, lasting moisture—especially when skin needs extra support. Emu oil is lightweight, deeply penetrating, fast-absorbing, and naturally rich in essential fatty acids. It’s often used to help soften and soothe dry, irritated skin and support a smoother, more comfortable feel. Together, they create a simple formula that helps skin feel:soft, hydrated, and protected—without feeling greasy. We combined them into one creamy formula, Body Balm A real pregnancy story from our founder When we formulated Body Balm over a year ago, it was for dry, cracked skin from out on the ranch. Sure, it could be used anywhere, but we hadn’t fathomed just how important it would become during pregnancy. Skylee’s been using this tallow + emu oil blend consistently throughout pregnancy—focused on steady, everyday skin support. Now at 36 weeks pregnant, she’s been amazed to see:no stretch marks, no cracks, irritation, or itchiness. It’s nothing fancy, just simple ingredients and a routine that’s helped her skin stay nourished through every stage of change. Everyone’s skin changes differently during pregnancy and postpartum. Body Balm is made to moisturize and soothe dry, tight-feeling skin—but it isn’t a medical treatment and isn't intended to prevent or treat stretch marks or other skin conditions. A message we’ll never forget We also gave Body Balm to a friend to try on her baby’s skin who was experiencing some dryness and irritation, and then we received this message: “There’s already noticeable improvement in my baby’s skin. The NEXT day!” That kind of message means everything to us. Because when a family chooses something for their baby’s skin, it’s personal—and it takes trust. Knowing our balm is truly helping bring comfort and improvement makes us so happy to offer these formulas. It's exactly why we do what we do. If you’re looking for an easy way to bring these ingredients into your routine, Body Balm is made with Montana-grown, grass-finished beef tallow and Montana emu oil for deep, gentle moisture the whole family can use. A little goes a long way, and it works beautifully for: growing bellies postpartum skin baby dry patches hardworking hands and weathered skin skin needing extra support Our takeaway The perfect formula doesn’t have to be complicated. When skin is changing—for mothers, fathers, and babies—simple nourishment goes a long way. Tallow + emu oil is one of those combinations that just made sense to us. Because supported skin is healthy skin.

Anaconda, Montana was built by copper. Long before highways and power lines crossed the state, the hills of western Montana were already shaping the future. In the late 1800s, prospectors, miners, and railroad workers pushed into the Deer Lodge Valley chasing copper buried deep in the ground. What followed was a classic Old West boomtown—raw, fast-growing, and built almost entirely on hard labor. As mines expanded, so did the town. Saloons, boarding houses, rail yards, and supply shops rose alongside the smelter, serving a workforce drawn from across the country and around the world. The copper processed here was vital for the developing United States. It helped electrify cities, power industry, and connect a growing nation. At the center of it all stood the Anaconda Smelter Stack. Still standing today, it became a landmark of the town’s identity—visible for miles and symbolic of the long days, dangerous work, and determination it took to earn a living here. Growing up in Montana, we drove past that stack countless times. It was a constant reminder of the grit and natural resources that built this town. Life in Anaconda wasn’t easy. Mining demanded toughness and sacrifice, but it also created pride, strong communities, and a respect for things made the right way. That mindset—honest work, appreciation for quality tools, and reverence for what the land provides—is a big part of Montana’s character. Like many mining towns, the boom was a flash and today Anaconda is a remnant of what it once was. But the character and pride of the town built off copper is still palpable.  The Inspiration Behind Anaconda Copper Over two years ago, we made our first bar of soap. We wanted it to pay homage to this piece of Montana history. That’s where the idea for Anaconda Copper was born. Our values guide us to the past. Not out of nostalgia, but because many of the old ways still make sense, prioritizing real benefits, over profit or shelf life.  We wanted this bar to reflect the same straightforward, hardworking values that defined Anaconda—using Montana-grown, natural ingredients and traditional methods that focus on function over flash. Goat milk has long been valued for its gentle cleansing properties and natural vitamins that help support healthy skin. Tallow, a traditional ingredient used for generations, closely resembles the skin’s natural oils and helps leave it feeling nourished and balanced rather than dry or stripped. Together, they create a rich, creamy lather that cleans effectively while treating the skin with care—especially after long days spent outdoors or working with your hands. We didn’t know it at the time, but Anaconda Copper would become the soap we’re best known for. Honoring Montana Heritage Anaconda Copper is more than a bar of soap. It’s a nod to a town intertwined in Montana's history, shaped by the earth and the people who worked it. It reflects our belief that everyday essentials should be simple, honest, and made with intention. Inspired by Anaconda, Montana. Crafted with respect for the land. Made for those who still value tradition, quality, and a job done right.

The holiday season can be hard on skin. Cold air, stress, disrupted routines, and seasonal foods all impact the body — and skin often reflects those internal shifts. This post shares practical, holistic ways to support skin through the holidays, from daily habits to gentle skincare choices that nourish and protect the skin barrier rather than overwhelm it.