Watch Last American Cowboy

Last American Cowboy was a reality show that aired on Animal Planet from 2010 to 2011. The show followed the lives of several ranching families in Montana as they worked to keep their traditional way of life alive in the face of modernizing forces. One of the central figures of the show was Bill Galt, a fourth-generation Montana rancher who was struggling to keep his family's 10,000-acre ranch afloat. He and his wife, Jann, had three children and were deeply committed to the land and the animals they raised. Bill was a stoic but caring man who took his responsibilities as a rancher very seriously. He was also a bit of a cowboy philosopher, prone to offering wise observations about the state of the world and the importance of hard work and self-reliance. Throughout the series, we saw Bill and Jann facing a variety of challenges. For one thing, they were struggling financially. The cost of feed, fuel, and equipment was going up, while the price of beef was staying low. To make matters worse, drought conditions were putting a strain on their water resources, and wildfires threatened to destroy their land and livestock. Bill and Jann had to work long hours, sometimes in extreme weather conditions, just to keep their animals fed, watered, and tended to. Another issue the family faced was generational. Their children, all teens or young adults, were growing up in a world that was very different from the one Bill had known as a youth. They were surrounded by technology and entertainment, and many of them were more interested in pursuing careers in the city than taking over the family ranch. Bill and Jann feared that their way of life was dying out, and they struggled to convince their kids to stay on the ranch and carry on the family legacy. In addition to Bill and Jann's story, the show also followed a number of other ranching families in Montana. We met the Wrights, another multi-generational ranching family, who had a reputation for producing award-winning rodeo bulls. We also got to know the Stewarts, who were trying to launch a new business selling wild game meat. And we saw the struggles of single mother Nicky Leach, who was trying to raise her son and keep her ranch running at the same time. Throughout the series, we saw these families facing a wide range of challenges, from livestock diseases to family disputes to natural disasters. But through it all, they remained committed to their way of life and their love for the land. The show was a fascinating exploration of the world of Montana ranching, and it offered a glimpse into the lives of people who were living on the edge of modern society. Overall, Last American Cowboy was a compelling and emotional show that highlighted the challenges and triumphs of ranching in Montana. Bill Galt was a memorable and admirable figure, and his story, along with those of the other families featured on the show, will stick with viewers long after the final credits roll.