LOCATION & ACCESS

IMPROVEMENTS

The ranch has 2 homes on the property, both with high speed internet availability and garage space. The first home is quaint and practical with 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, plus a shop and barn close by. Built in 1997, the second home is in very good condition with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms with an attached 2 car garage. Close by sits a 40 ft x 70 ft heated shop and 44 ft x 88 ft barn. 

As for livestock improvements, there are 3 separate cattle facilities suitable for calving or for use as a feeding facility. There are pipe working corrals utilized for working livestock, while the majority of the perimeter and interior fences are barbed wire. There are 3 wells that are used for livestock water and 2 wells for residence use.

WATER/MINERAL RIGHTS

All water rights owned by the Seller will convey to the Buyer at closing, and all required filings with the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) will transfer the current water rights as they exist – with no warranty of future viability. Water rights in the State of Montana are subject to re-adjudication by the DNRC and may be determined by the court to be modified in validity, amount, priority, date, and place of use. All mineral rights owned by the Seller for the subject property will convey to the Buyer at closing.

Utilizing the Harlem Irrigation District water rights, 456± acres can be irrigated, while 36± acres are irrigated through the Zurich Irrigation District. The total annual association fees amount to roughly $15,000. These water rights are dependable, ample, and the key to this property’s productivity.

INCLUDED EQUIPMENT

• 25 HP Turbin Pump, 2010
• 25 HP Turbin Pump, 2013

GENERAL OPERATIONS

The ranch currently utilizes flood irrigation to maximize the current production outputs of the property. All of the irrigated fields throughout the 492± irrigated acres have been laser-leveled, and there are two reliable turbine pumps, one of which is a 25-horsepower pump that produces 3,000 gallons per minute and is only 12 years old. This pump irrigates 236± acres, all of which is connected to 12-inch and 10-inch gated pipe and is connected to a pipeline with risers at each field. The second pump is 10 horsepower, producing 2,200 gallons per minute and is just 10 years old. Water is supplied from a 15-inch buried pipeline and irrigates 60± acres all through a 12-inch gated pipe. The remaining acres are irrigated with open ditches with 4-inch to 6-inch siphon tubes. Utilizing the Harlem Irrigation District water rights, 456± acres can be irrigated, while 36± acres are irrigated through the Zurich Irrigation District. The total annual association fees amount to roughly $15,000.

Historically, the 698± acres has been a combination of farm ground, improvements, and summer pasture. In a typical year, 80± acres are planted into corn silage, 100-120± acres into oats and triticale while the balance of the acreage is an alfalfa and grass hay mixture. Two cuttings are harvested annually and produce roughly 4-5 tons per acre on average. The current owner typically takes in 325 head of calves on average and feeds them through the winter months (approximately 6 months) with the corn silage crop. Additionally, approximately 200 steer calves are fed hay for approximately 90 days in the fall before being shipped around the first of each year. Also,  200 of the owner’s cows were wintered and fed on the property, and any excess hay was sold and fed to 600 neighboring cattle for the winter.

RECREATION

HUNTING 

Situated in hunting district 690, the ranch offers excellent hunting opportunities for pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, geese and ducks, plus there are healthy white-tailed and mule deer populations. Surrounding areas offer superior big game hunting opportunities with the notable Missouri River Breaks only 60 miles away where trophy elk can be found during archery and rifle season.  .  

FISHING

Milk River Ranch offers walleye and northern pike fishing plus there are additional fishing reservoirs near the ranch’s headquarters. Nelson Reservoir is just just 50 miles east, and Fort Peck Reservoir is further east, which is Montana’s largest body of water and is home to more than 50 fish species.

OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS

For the outdoor enthusiasts, the diverse landscape and water sources provide endless and close access to camping areas, boating, hiking, and wildlife observation. Beaver Creek State Park also is a notable attraction for camping fanatics.