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?
I love the show. My hope’s are to eventually to do something similar mixed with a tiny home. This kind of show speaks to me. I love it! Keep it up!
Loved the show but want to know what kind of amazingly cute dog that is? The one that locked the keys in the truck haha…(the other two are cute too but THAT one is adorable)
It looks like an Australian Shepherd to me, but Etta did say in an episode that it was a ‘Snow Dog’ from somewhere, but can’t remember where.
Jon and Etta Smith are like a romance novel come to life. American military hunk and gorgeous long legged Amazon meet, fall in love, marry have a cute baby girl, and built a fantastic off the grid home. They are an amazing couple living life like most people would love to. All that hard work and they look amazing and sexy doing it!!!
I love the show Etta is amazing I just love them can’t wait to see more !
I love this show, it reminds us how difficult our forebears lived. They had to be very hearty. it will be interesting to see how the ranch progresses. use boomers probably wish we could have done this. Please keep them coming.
Absolutely loved the show! I am living vicariously through Etta & Jon. Just found it and taped all the shows. Just did a marathon of watching all 6 episodes. Keep them coming!!!
Loved the show! Found it totally by accident, as well! Hope that there is more to come & also hope that all is well with Jon and Etta! I can only imagine how taxing this lifestyle could be.
I loved this show loved this young couple super family
The bison company is “Flathead Bison Company” web site, Jon is mentioned on it.
loved the show..such an inspiration to young couples.
Love the show!! Love the puppy, Snow! Where did they get him?? Breeder??
Yes I liked show, trouble finding it agin.
Very interesting series, but it was fairly clear in the end that the family isn’t doing well. Everyone looked pinched and unhappy. On the bison meat website, Jon’s bio talks about living with his daughter, but Etta isn’t mentioned at all. I suppose that’s the danger of reality TV: the endings aren’t always happy. I wish them both luck.
Flat Head Bison Company web site.
I luv the show! I could watch this all day. Great hard working young couple.
Love the show it is great!!!