Spring Sustainability Ranching Workshop and Field Trip to be Held March 25 and 26

March 13, 2025

Ranchers, land managers, and community members are invited to attend “Increasing Ranch Profitability”, a two-day workshop and field trip focused on sustainable ranching in Southwest Montana. The event will take place March 25 and 26 at the Beaverhead County 4-H Building in Dillon, Montana.

Hosted by the University of Montana Western, Montana State University Extension, Southwest Montana Sagebrush Partnership, Montana Rangeland Resources Committee, Beaverhead Conservation District, and The Nature Conservancy, the event will feature expert speakers, discussions on regenerative agriculture, and a hands-on field trip.

March 25 – Workshop (8:30 AM – 5:00 PM)

The workshop will explore strategies to improve ranch profitability and sustainability through grazing management, soil health, and market opportunities. Sessions include:

• 8:30 – 9:00 AM | Welcome & Sustainable Grazing Project Update
• 9:00 – 12:00 PM | Expert speakers, including Dr. Fred Provenza, Dr. Jeff Mosley, and Donnie Engelhardt, will discuss reducing costs and increasing vegetative production and nutrition.
• 12:00 – 1:00 PM | Lunch Provided (Taco Bar)
• 1:00 – 5:00 PM | Sessions on carbon markets, enhancing ecosystem services through ranch success, and regenerative agriculture, featuring Kris Hulvey (Working Lands Conservation), Lora Soderquist (Impact Ag Partners), and Ford Smith (Kateri Carbon).

March 26 – Field Trip (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

• Visit Open A Ranch north of Dillon
• Learn about winter grazing, soil health, cost savings, production increase and other benefits from Race King and Rob Van Deren.
• Carpooling available from the fairgrounds

Registration for this event is free and can be completed online or by contacting Pat Fosse at 406-660-2386.