AS PHOTOGRAPHED FOR WESTERN RANCH BROKERS
WESTERN RANCH BROKERS
Western Ranch Brokers wishes to thank the photographers who captured the incredible images of Montana ranches in this book. Their photographs are more than just beautiful, they help tell the story of the land and the legacy of each unique property.
AS PHOTOGRAPHED FOR WESTERN RANCH BROKERS
WESTERN RANCH BROKERS
INTRODUCTION 9
THE LAST BEST LANDSCAPE 12
SCENES FROM THE RANCH 44
THE GREATEST OUTDOORS 87
WESTERN RANCH BROKERS 111
With more interest in Montana than ever before, Western Ranch Brokers has gathered some of our favorite images of ranches across the Big Sky state that we’ve been lucky enough to experience. Thank you to our clients for sharing their properties with us—and for trusting us with the legacy of their Montana ranch.
The only way to truly experience a Montana ranch is to set foot on one—explore the terrain, talk to the people who are the true stewards of the land, and take in the sights and sounds of everyday life around the ranch. But not all are so lucky to be invited through the gates, onto the land, and into the homes and barns of ranch owners. It’s often only through photography that the story of a property begins to unfold. From sweeping aerial images of thousands of acres to interior shots of equipment storage sheds, the photos commissioned by Western Ranch Brokers for each of our property listings demonstrate the incredible range of experiences and beauty you’ll find on a Montana ranch.
With more than 58.1 million acres of farm and ranch land, it’s no wonder Montana is often referred to as the “Last Best Place.” There is still space here—wild lands, rich with resources and full of natural beauty. The views you’ll find in Montana are diverse—imposing mountain ranges, thick groves of pine trees, and rolling grasslands. The scenery of a Montana ranch often varies, but never dissappoints.
BUY LAND. THEY AIN’T MAKING ANY MORE OF THE STUFF.
Will Rogers
Ranch life isn’t for everyone—but for those who dare to create their own Montana legacy, the rewards are endless. Days spent starting colts and rotating pairs to their next pasture lead to healthy animals and unforgettable bonds. Putting up hay before the sun rises makes the day a long one, but supports the herd throughout winter months. Maintaining the family homestead keeps the history and the heritage of the ranch strong for the next generation or new owners.
Like anything worth doing, life on the ranch involves hard work—but it comes with privileges too. Enough room to roam, the sounds of nature letting you know a new day has begun, and striking views in every direction. It’s a chance to experience the West as it was, and be part of the values and traditions that still remain. Montana is a one-of-a-kind place, and calling a ranch your home, whether every day or just once in a while, is the opportunity of a lifetime.
NO HOUR OF LIFE IS WASTED THAT IS SPENT IN THE SADDLE.
Winston Churchill
SOMETIMES YOU GET A SENSE OF A PLACE RIGHT AWAY—A FEELING OF HISTORY THAT HAPPENS WHEN A RANCH HAS BEEN IN THE SAME FAMILY FOR GENERATIONS.
FULL OF BIG PASTURES, EXTENSIVE WILDLIFE, AND GREAT GRASS.
IT TAKES AN ENDLESS AMOUNT OF HISTORY TO MAKE EVEN A LITTLE TRADITION.
Henry James
Pythagoras
RECREATION AT ITS BEST
For every responsibility that can come with a ranch—horses to feed, fields to water, and fences to mend, there are just as many opportunities to enjoy the very best of Montana’s great outdoors.
From world-class fly fishing and hunting to downhill skiing and snowmobiling, there are recreational activities for every season in Big Sky Country. Whether you prefer early morning mountain hikes or rather spend a lazy afternoon floating down the river, Montana offers endless opportunities to get outside, relax and have fun.
Across the open plains, through the dense timberlands and on the highest mountain peaks, this place is as scenic and wild as it comes. With nature often just outside your door, there are endless ways to take part in the natural beauty that is Montana.
NOT ALL THOSE WHO WANDER ARE LOST.
J.R.R. Tolkien
We have had lifetimes immersed in Montana. Our knowledge of ranch valuation and ability to treat every listing as unique—along with our look-you-in-the-eye integrity and our comfortable demeanor—means we know how to listen, what riding for the brand really means, and that a true legacy never ends.
Our experience working on countless deals means we understand your needs. Whether it’s a confidential and discreet transaction, catering to the unique intricacies of navigating family interests and dynamics, or finding the right buyer to carry on your legacy, we are committed to getting the deal done. And we get it done in a fashion that you want and deserve.
We work one on one with our clients—providing quality, personalized service directly from Jim Toth, Bill Boyce and Caleb Campbell. Our team of hard-working ranch experts might be small, but our tailored approach delivers proven results.
Find out how we can go to work for you.
For the last 40 years, Jim’s experiences in Montana ranch brokerage, ag businesses and outfitting have given him the opportunity to develop a diverse clientele from homestead ranch families to equity fund investors and passionate outdoorsmen to production-oriented ag operators. Jim’s ability to gauge a property’s value, highlight its best assets and understand a buyer’s interests are a large part of his success—the rest of his successes are the result of his personable approach.
Bill occupies a unique position in the ranch brokerage business. His passion for first-hand, boots-on-the-ground knowledge is as rooted as his Montana legacy while his experience means he understands the complexities of each transaction. Before, during, and after a ranch sale, Bill’s steady demeanor and willingness to share his lifetime’s worth of knowledge allows a ranch’s legacy to carry on under new ownership.
Caleb is a 4th generation Montanan from a family known for business integrity, land stewardship, and well-bred Quarter Horses. Caleb’s background pairs nicely with his modern world understanding and worldly experience— he’s traveled to six continents, studied abroad in Scotland, and worked on a New Zealand cattle station all before settling down to continue the family traditions in Montana.
EACH RANCH AND CLIENT IS UNIQUE. WE GET TO KNOW THE PLACE AND THE PEOPLE — OUR PERSONALIZED APPROACH IS THE DIFFERENCE AT WESTERN RANCH BROKERS.
True Montanans, Jim, Bill and Caleb are reliable, hard-working, and approachable.
The kind of people you can trust with something as important as the legacy of your ranch.
The kind of people you wouldn’t mind having a drink with either.
OF ALL THE MEMORABLE VIEWS, THE BEST HAVE BEEN FRAMED BY MONTANA WINDOWS.
William Hjortsberg
With more interest in Montana than ever before, Western Ranch Brokers has gathered some of our favorite images of authentic Montana ranches that we’ve been lucky enough to experience. Thank you to our clients for sharing their incredible properties with us—and for trusting us with something as important as the legacy of their Montana ranch.