How To Start A Successful Montana Ranching Or Farming Operation

1. Ask Questions

Starting out, Nate knew successful people in Dillon that he trusted. He wasn’t afraid to ask them for help. 

“That was the biggest thing I did. I wasn’t too proud to ask for help,” Nate said. “They were kind enough to be honest and open. They gave me good advice.”

This includes talking to the ranch’s previous owners. You don’t need to do things the way the previous owners did them, but there’s no doubt that they will be able to provide you with some valuable information.

As a buyer, it may be intimidating to walk up to someone and ask for help when searching for farm property for sale. But remember, everyone had to start somewhere. Asking questions and getting help early on can prevent potential mistakes, possibly save money and maybe even establish a long-term bond. One of the people Nate asked advice from early on was David. Today, they are friends and partners at 18 Land Co.

2. Learn the Area

This is important whether you are new to ranching and farming or just moving to a new area.

Coming from the Midwest, David stresses understanding the importance of water. His biggest challenge moving from the Midwest to Montana was understanding how irrigation worked, including water rights and irrigation equipment. The most important thing on any ranch is water, according to David.

Other factors to consider when buying a farm or ranch in the Mountain West are the weather and elevation. With only about 60 to 70 frost-free days, there are a lot of crops that do not grow here.

Another way to learn the area is to talk to other ranchers. This goes back to our first point, but a lot can be learned about a particular area by talking to people. David suggests looking around to see who is the most successful farmer or rancher in the area to ask for help. Looking at a land management or farming operation in Montana can give you a lot of insight into its success. Especially if you don’t already have in-person connections, take a look around to see who is doing it right, then introduce yourself and ask some questions.

3. Run the Ranch Like a Business

Because so much of farming and ranching deals in a commodity market, you won’t have much control over the prices you receive for your products. What you do control are your input costs. Therefore, to create profitability you must try to drive your costs down.

Having a background in business isn’t necessary, but it is helpful to treat your farming or ranching operation like the business that it is.