Meet Richelle Barrett | Writer, Photographer, & Rancher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Richelle Barrett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Richelle, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born and raised on a cattle ranch in North-Central Montana. I come from a pretty small family, and since the ranch I grew up on (and still live on) was a part of my dad’s family, we spent a lot of time together working and playing with my dad’s family. I learned from a very young age that it takes each of us to get the work done, and that there is something for each of us to do. From feeding bottle calves, to eventually learning how to milk cows, break colts, and take care of my own 4-H animals, work ethic and responsibility were a huge part of my every day life.

After I went to college and got married, I worked in town full time for several years. I always found myself in a position where dealing with customers and the general public was my responsibility, and it definitely changed the way I looked at others and changed my perspective on a lot of things.

As I have gotten older and had children, and became a writer, I have found that speaking up for ranching and the rural lifestyle is incredibly important, while also being aware of the fact that my heritage and my family’s legacy isn’t the only one out there. I appreciate parents who taught me to work hard for everything, and to chase my goals even when the going gets hard.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been writing for fun since I was very young. In 2014, I started writing and sharing stories about motherhood, ranch life, and more online and on Facebook, which has morphed into being published in several publications, and using my platform to advocate for ranching and women in agriculture.

While I never imagined that my writing would matter to anyone besides me and maybe my mom, it ended up changing my life. The relationships I have made through my writing have helped push me outside of my comfort zone, and given me the strength and courage to continue to speak up for our industry. I have been given opportunities I never could have imagined, including being interviewed on podcasts, and landing a monthly column in a cattle publication that reaches across a multi-state area. My style of writing is a mix of poetry, verse, prose, lyrics, with a little journalism thrown in. It has taken several years to find my voice, and with every day and every experience I live through, it changes and gets stronger and wiser.

I have made many mistakes along the way, and have learned to pause, read, and pause again before posting or sharing my words. I have learned that words have truly have the power to heal if we choose to use them that way.

My writing may be a reflection of what is happening in my own little world, but they are common to many women and families in the agriculture community. If my writing helps bridge the gap between consumers and producers, and helps people realize that they aren’t alone in their struggles or successes, then that is where I find success.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Montana 4-H, because without that program, I don’t know that I would pursued college or been as interested in coming back home to the ranch. Also, I would like to give a shout out to Andrea Branger of AnnieO Photos- she has become a mentor, along with a great friend, and has inspired me to believe in myself and to get out of my comfort zone.

Website: https://www.prairie-crocus.com/

Facebook: @theprairiecrocus