Randy Bates talks about early life on the Bates Ranch and the raising cattle & horse operations, cutting fence posts, and provided dairy to Cochrane. He graduated from the Cochrane High School, and during this time he was also the designated School Bus Driver and was only 16-years of age. Once he graduated and stayed to help maintain the Ranch alongside his father. After his father passed away, the Ranch primarily was for raising horses; Quarter Horses, Paints, and Percheron. He also served served as an MD of Bighorn Councillor for 2-terms between 1991-1996.
Randy Bates, 2015
The Bar J Ranch
Elkana Summer Camp was established around 1957 north of Cochrane, which was partly funded Bates Family. When the Elkana Summer Camp was moved to Bragg Creek, the Bates purchased the lands and established which is now the Bar J Ranch in the MD of Bighorn.
Highlights
Municipal District of Bighorn Interview highlights of Randy Bates - March 15, 2017.