Region V
Helmville, MT
MONTANA FARM HONORED FOR OUTSTANDING ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
Mannix Brothers Ranch began in 1882 and now the fourth and fifth generations steward the land and livestock. Brothers David, Randy and Brent, along with their wives and children manage the diversified ranching business, which includes a cow-calf program, stocker program, timber entity, direct-to-consumer beef program as well as a restaurant. The brothers credit previous generations for the conservation ideals, work ethic and the continued desire to coexist with wildlife, land and people. The family is focused on improving soil health, and intensive rotational grazing resulted in using less irrigation water and little to no fertilizer, while increasing production on the ground. A band of sheep reduced invasive species such as knapweed and increased plant diversity. The family also partners with numerous resource organizations to complete projects that promote habitat improvements along with promoting agriculture and sustainable ranching practices.
“We’ve never thought of ourselves as the true ‘owners’ of this land,” said David Mannix of Mannix Brothers Ranch. “Instead, we are stewards of the soil, streams, grass, timber and wildlife that belong to this ecosystem. The land is the lifeblood of our community, and we strive to be worthy caretakers of those resources that fall under our management.”
