Tuesday, 01 September 2009 02:29

St. Benedict’s Monastery, located in the Capital Creek Valley, is a peaceful and pristine 3,800 acre natural cathedral, where God’s presence is evident.  There is a saying, ”Hard work is good for a man’s soul”. This is the philosophical thread woven into the productive structure of the monk’s daily lives. To be self sustaining, the monastery Book store, public retreats, cookie making, and hay production are going concerns. As part of the ranch income, the monastery also leases pasture land to Rob Van pelt, agent for 375 head of mixed yearling cows, and Capital Peak Outfitters leases pasture & corral space for their day ride and overnight pack-trip business.
The 300 acres of magnificent irrigated hay meadows yield two cuttings of some of the best horse hay in the Roaring Fork Valley. Brother Raymond, Master of the Hay, oversees his crew of monks who grow, cut, turn, bale, and stack the hay in several hay sheds, which protect the “Holy Hay”.  This wet summer made “putting up hay” a challenge for all the ranchers. But Brother Raymond must have guidance from above, because the Monastery hay never had a drop of rain on it.
If anyone wishes to buy Monastery hay they can call the ranch office at 970-927-3312, and ask for Brother Raymond.

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