Some aspects of sheep ranching have remained little-changed for decades, even as genetics and textile science have modernized the business.  On Labor Day weekend we celebrate the workers who continue this American tradition.  Arthur Rothstein’s 1936 photograph captured a scene that one could find on the Helle family ranch that’s still active in southwestern Montana. In the 1930s, western ranches often hired Basque sheepherders from Spain. Today, the Helle ranch recruits skilled herders from Peru.

For several generations Helle family members have saddled-up in early summer. Together with their herders and several dozen tireless canines, they drive their large flock 40 miles from winter pasture into four summer grazing allotments in alpine meadows of the Gravelly Range. As summer ends, the family assembles again to drive their flock back to the valleys. The Helle’s have bred their Rambouillet sheep to yield soft, top-quality Marino wool that’s used in the finely engineered garments of the family’s own Duckworth brand of clothing made entirely in the USA.