147 Meins | Ryegate, MT

Locomotive Butte towers over the horizon along the northwest edge of this historical and versatile ranch. A meandering trail leads to the top of Locomotive Butte where it surrenders sweeping views of Rafter J Ranch at Big Coulee. The sandstone rimrocks pile up in astonishing landforms while the fields below sprawl out among 2,104 deeded acres. Located 19 miles south of Ryegate, Montana, Rafter J Ranch provides advantages surpassed by few. The luscious grazing acres, fertile and nutrient-rich soils, and remarkable mountain views offer an outstanding blend of recreational and rural ranch living. Embrace this opportunity to own a diverse and efficient property with renewable water, the source that ranchers and farmers aspire for. With the improvements in place, little to no overhead is needed. The fertile farm ground can be leased to neighbors or utilized to grow your own feed. Draw in desirable wildlife such as elk by planting sainfoin and enjoy your recreational paradise. The sainfoin can double as a nutritious feed source for cattle that can be bailed and stored for winter. The south-central Montana ranch will support 130 pairs or 260+ yearlings seasonally with proper management and can support 100 pairs year-round. Rafter J Ranch boasts an Artesian well with geothermally heated water that gravity feeds every pasture. Concrete stock tanks are located in each of the five pastures. A perennial stream traverses the ranch in addition to the 2 seasonal springs. With native grasses encompassing the valley floor, an elk herd of 120 head frequently visit Rafter J Ranch. Other wildlife that utilizes life-giving waters and nutrient vegetation and can be seen wandering the landscape include mule deer, antelope, black bear, mountain lion, and bobcat. The windrows provide excellent cover for pheasants and game birds. Recreational opportunities to hunt are endless. The Montana ranch has a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom manufactured home well equipped as living quarters or a fabulous hunting base camp. The ranch is fully operational with working corrals, sorting pens, and numerous outbuildings. A well-maintained gravel road gives suitable access at two different points. The commute is an easy 80 miles to Billings, 46 miles to Harlowton, or 17 miles to Ryegate. Yellowstone National Park is 138 miles via the extraordinary Beartooth Highway, a nationally depicted highway.

Listing courtesy of: Corder & Associates