The Cattlemen's Wife: A Tribute to Babe Goggins 

September 3, 2024

The documentary "The Cattlemen's Wife," centered around the life and legacy of Babe Goggins, offers a unique glimpse into the vital role she played in her family's success and the larger agricultural community. Bryan Anderson, husband of Babe's granddaughter Becky Anderson, shares insights from the project, highlighting the challenges and triumphs encountered during its creation.

“The project took over a year to complete,” Anderson explained, “Despite some challenges, the documentary evolved into something even more profound than initially envisioned.”

Anderson aimed to shed light on Babe's contributions alongside her husband, Pat Goggins. “While Pat's achievements have often been the focus,” he said, “this film was designed to highlight Babe's perspective and her integral role in building their life together.”

The film captures Babe not just as a partner in business but as a cornerstone of her family—a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and community pillar. “Initially, we intended to focus on her support in building ranches, stockyards, and the family newspaper,” Anderson shared, “but the narrative naturally shifted towards celebrating Babe's role as the family's matriarch.” He reflected on how the story took on a life of its own, emphasizing the deep impact Babe has had on her family and community.

A central theme that emerged during the making of the documentary was the significance of family and faith. Anderson recounted, “Every interview eventually circled back to these core values, underscoring their importance in maintaining the family's unity and success over the years.” The documentary could have easily extended to an hour, given the wealth of material gathered, but the team chose to focus on delivering a concise yet powerful narrative that honors Babe's legacy.

Throughout the process, Anderson was struck by how Babe and Pat raised their family with strong values, fostering an environment where they work, dine, and live together harmoniously. “This,” he believes, “is the key to the family's enduring bond and success.” The documentary also serves as a reminder not to wait when it comes to capturing family history, a sentiment Anderson expresses passionately, especially in today's digital age where recording memories has never been easier. “I would say personally, don’t wait,” Anderson advised. “Start asking questions, ask good questions, ask hard questions, and find out the history and the background of where our grandparents or great-grandparents came from, and the path that they all took to get where we're at today.”

WATCH The Documentary Here: 

The premiere of the documentary at the Babcock Theater, though not sold out, was a significant event, bringing the Goggins family together to celebrate their matriarch. Anderson is particularly proud of how the film captures Babe's reactions, making the experience real and emotional for viewers. “I think putting it on a big screen made it come to life a little bit more, capturing Babe’s response in her reactions to some of the highs and the lows,” he remarked.

In closing, Anderson praised Babe Goggins as “an unreal woman that has put together and has helped build a pretty amazing thing.” He hopes the documentary will not only shed light on her legacy but also inspire others to recognize the vital roles played by women in agriculture and family life. “I've watched it probably 100 times, and I love it every time. I think it sheds light on Babe Goggins, the Vermilion Family, and the entire Goggins family.”

A special mention goes to LandFilm, the production team based in Bozeman, who took Anderson's ideas and turned them into a beautifully crafted film that does justice to Babe Goggins' story. "The Cattlemen's Wife" is more than just a documentary; it's a heartfelt tribute to a woman who helped build an amazing legacy, one that continues to thrive today.

Source: Western Ag Network, Documentary: LANDFILM