Image via Scripps Network.
Jon and Etta Smith set off to build a self-sustaining “off-the-grid” farm house and bison ranch in the new Building Off the Grid: Big Sky Ranch TV series. The show premieres Thursday, May 5, at 10:00pm ET/PT on DIY.
The six-episode first season of Building Off the Grid: Big Sky Ranch features the married couple as they build their ranch from the ground up, before winter.
Here is more from DIY:
NEW YORK — In a remote and picturesque corner of northwestern Montana, Jon and Etta Smith are set to construct a self-sustaining “off-the-grid” farm house and bison ranch in DIY Network’s Building Off the Grid: Big Sky Ranch. Premiering Thursday, May 5, at 10 p.m. ET/PT, the six-episode arc follows the husband-and-wife duo as they build their rustic-style ranch from the ground up before winter arrives.
“It’s been my dream since I was a kid to be a rancher and now it’s our dream to tackle this build together,” said Jon.
The series follows the couple as they build a 2,200-square foot house, a corral and feeding system for the bison and an edible garden that allows them to live freely and comfortably on the open range. Jon and Etta, along with help from local construction and ranching experts, dig an artisanal well for fresh water and install a windmill and propane tanks for power. In addition to the challenges of living out in the wilderness—such as chasing off bears and rattle snakes—the family learns how to live off the land and barter with neighbors who live miles away.
“Trading out here is the way of life,” said Etta. “I trade a lot more than money exchanges hands and I like it that way.”
ABOUT DIY NETWORK
DIY Network, from the creators of HGTV and Food Network, is the go-to destination for rip-up, knock-out home improvement television. Currently in more than 58 million homes, DIY Network’s programming covers a broad range of categories, including home improvement and landscaping. The network’s award-winning website, DIYNetwork.com, consistently ranks among America’s top home and garden Internet destinations for entertaining videos, home improvement advice, step-by-step instructions, message boards, blogs, an interactive program guide and more. Viewers can also become fans of DIY Network and interact with other home improvement enthusiasts and do-it-yourselfers through Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., DIY Network is owned by Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (SNI).
What do you think? How do you like the sound of the Building Off the Grid: Big Sky Ranch TV show? Do you plan to watch the first season on DIY?
Etta should be walking the runways of Paris and Milan, not fence line in god-forsaken Montana.
Man, they don’t make women like Etta anymore, super model looks, ballsy frontier attitude, horsewoman, carpenter, mason, mother….she’s the complete package. She ought to be in LA making millions.
Loved the show, but why in the end was Etta not there to decorate and “finish” house? She returned with barely a hug from John and when we went into the house she really didn’t seem to be that thrilled with the staging. Trouble in paradise, perhaps? And, btw, with all the effort and top quality they put into that home, why in the world would they have put vinyl flooring throughout! I thought that was odd. I could have even pictured Pergo as a better choice, but of course hardwood floors being top choice.
Budget constraints. It will be upgraded later.
Why do we no longer see Snow, that awesome Aussie, or Etta? They were so important to the build!
Can’t wait want more really loved the show
Please film more..loved every episode
we love this show
I found this show completely by accident, having never heard of it. I LIVE IT! Jon and Etna are very down to Earth characters and I am hooked!! Please give us more episodes!
Loved the show. Want more!
We stumbled across it and LOVED it. Wish there was more.
Stumbled upon the marathon of episodes last night. I really enjoyed it. I always wanted to live much the same, especially the off-grid aspect. I hope to find more programming like this on DIY.
Loving the show. My husband and I are in the process of designing a timber frame and “sip” paneled home that will be “raised” in northern Colorado. We have 80 acres that we purchased about a year ago and want a ranch house and metal building. We had planned on raising a few head of beef cattle (unless bison works better after watching this show). We like the simple, hard working life! Recorded this and will watch over and over again. THANK YOU!!!!
Bison are harder to contain, its more of a fenced suggestion for them. But they are much much better to look at and more resilient.
Very good!
Great show ,will watch the entire series.
A great series, I intend to watch it to last series. I did like the prefab house, where did they purchase it in Idaho.
I plan on watching the entire series, if fact what company in Idaho did they purchase the prefab home.