DIY NETWORK HEADS TO MONTANA IN "BUILDING OFF THE GRID: BIG SKY RANCH"

New York [For Immediate Release - April 21, 2016] 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).