Billings MLS# 343635

+/- 2,006.56 total acres located approximately 26 miles north of Billings, along MT HWY 3, just minutes north of Broadview, MT. +/- 1,739 Deeded Acres. Potential to serve as a supplemental add-on unit to existing operations, or stand alone with a starter operation. Proximity to Broadview could provide Rural Residential opportunity to potential investors/owners.

Rolling sage covered coulees feed the ponds and reservoirs that dot the property. The Butler Ranch has been the go to summer grass source for both of the previous two owners. Historically capacity sits between 90-110 cow calf pairs. The two reservoirs and three tanks fed by well and pipeline. A new solar well was added last year to the westernmost parcel to secure consistent water for livestock. The ranch contains a passthrough over the railroad to allow the rotation of stock throughout the ranch. The bench south of the Big Seep boasts some quality dry hayland recently out of CRP. 

History

Broadview, located in south-central Montana, is a charming small town situated just northeast of Billings. Despite its modest population of fewer than 200 residents, the town has a rich history dating back to 1908, when the post office was established during the construction of the Great Northern Railway’s Billings and Northern line.

As one of the railroad towns established in the northern part of Yellowstone County, Broadview played a significant role in the region’s growth during the turn of the 20th century. Today, it remains the largest of those rail towns formed in the county north of Billings, with its well-preserved Great Northern passenger depot serving as a testament to the railroad’s impact on the area.

In 1917, Broadview was officially incorporated, and its townscape showcases the typical traits of the region’s industry and environment. From the iconic train depot to the unmistakable grain elevators that help form the town’s layout, visitors can catch a glimpse of Broadview’s unique heritage from Highway 3, which leads into the community.

Just the Facts

  • Unimproved, summer grass unit w/dry hay feed base acres
  • Estimated +/-100 mother cow year round capacity
  • 3 HWY Access points; Permanent Access Easement through neighbors to Butler Ranch West parcel
  • HD 515 (Elk/Deer)
  • Views: Little/Big Snowy Mountain Ranges
  • Less than 30 min. north of Billings, MT
  • Deer, Antelope, Upland Birds
  • Taxes: +/- $1,037.50
  • +/- 2,059 total acres
    • +/-1,739 deeded acres
    • +/-320 acres leased from the State of Montana for grazing (#4611)

Overview

Broadview has long been a railroad town of old. The BNSF railway runs through the property and as such, the interior cross fencing that divides the two main pastures is in great current condition. The farm has multiple wells attached to a pipeline that stretches the length of the pasture east of the railroad feeding multiple tanks. Ask for the water operation document, for a more in depth understanding of this ranches water systems. Multiple small reservoirs and ponds dot this ranch for seasonal water storage. These ponds, located throughout the property, allow for additional stock water resources. This area has good populations of deer, antelope and some upland game birds that frequent the area.

Alternative Energy in the area: Just over 30 miles to the northwest lies The Judith Gap Wind Energy Center. Built in 2005 between Harlowton and Judith Gap. 90 towers rise 262 feet above the prairie, supporting General Electric turbines which are powered by three 126-foot blades. Each turbine is capable of producing 1,500 kilowatts of power. Expected annual output is 450,000,000 KW hours. All power is sold to Northwestern Energy under long-term contract. These turbines provide an excellent source of long term income for farms in the area. This property is not currently party to any alternative energy programs or contracts. Contact broker for more information if interested.

Location & Access
Location: Broadview, MT

In 1917, Broadview was officially incorporated, and its townscape showcases the typical traits of the region’s industry and environment. From the iconic train depot to the unmistakable grain elevators that help form the town’s layout, visitors can catch a glimpse of Broadview’s unique heritage from Highway 3, which leads into the community.

Access: MT HWY 3

The Butler Ranch is accessed via State HWY 3. An all-season paved highway. Billings is approximately 25 miles to the south and provides direct access to the Interstate system, which connect you to the rest of the state.

General Operations

The Butler Ranch is ideal for area producers looking to expand operations or any prospective landowner/producer with an eye for development. The mild winters, reliable water sources, and hard grass make this property a good starter ranch or supplemental summer grass unit. The strip of frontage land between Broadview and the ranches north end offer the ability with development to accomodate rural residential living conveniently located near the states largest city.

The ranch has only had two owners in the last 40 years, and the property has been maintained in keeping with ranching and farming traditions. Currently, the ranch is run as a cattle operation, year-rounding about 100 mother cows. Fence lines throughout the property have been well kept and are in good condition.

Leases

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT: None 

STATE OF MONTANA: Lease #4611

Disclaimer: All water rights and mineral rights owned by the Seller will convey to the Buyer at closing and all required filings with the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) will transfer the current water rights as they exist – with no warranty of future viability. Water rights in the State of Montana are subject to re-adjudication by the DNRC and may be determined by the court to be modified in validity, amount, priority, date, and place of use.

Recreation
Hunting

Huntable species in Montana include black bears, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn antelope, elk, Shiras moose, mountain goats, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, turkeys, wolves, and bison. There is also excellent hunting for upland birds and waterfowl in most of the state.

Montana’s wildlife is well managed, with excellent trophies of nearly every big-game species being taken in the state every year. Some of the largest bighorn sheep in the world come from Montana, especially the Missouri Breaks region; however, drawing odds are extremely low.

The retreat offers the potential for passing big game and birds along the creek. The additional available acreage could provide great opportunities to hunt trophy deer and antelope.

Fishing

From cold water to warm water, big prairie rivers to high mountain lakes and fly-fishing to trolling, Montana offers angling opportunities for all to enjoy. Whether you’re seeking solitude, fish for the supper table or the trophy of a lifetime, you can find it here.

Many of these opportunities can be attributed to the quality of the fisheries habitat in Montana. Still, there are numerous challenges facing Montana’s fisheries including climate change, habitat alteration and dewatering of streams. FWP is tasked with managing the state’s fishery resources and addressing these challenges.

Outdoor

Skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling are all less than an hour away. The resorts of Red Lodge, Bridger, and Big Sky are home to some of the best winter sports destinations Montana has to offer.

Hailstone National Wildlife Refuge
This smaller refuge forms part of the larger Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, with this satellite facility being established for the wetlands’ protection and use for breeding purposes by migratory birds and waterfowl, as well as other wildlife. The refuge’s land is located within a bigger area known as the Big Lake Complex, a well-known and productive region for waterfowl in Montana between Broadview and Rapelje. There is nothing here along the lines of developed or maintained recreation facilities, and this adds to its appeal for the many hunters, hikers, and birders who head to this area.

Conservation

The Butler Ranch West does not have a conservation easement in place. Options abound for prospective owners to mold this property into one that meets their goals.

Downloadable Resources:

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Charlie Powers | Powers Land Brokerage
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Bethany Toews | Warren Land & Livestock
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E. H. Guptill | Client Testimony
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Hurley Family | Client Testimony
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Andy Rahn | Montana Land Source
“They are professional, communicative, efficient and deliver thorough and comprehensive appraisals.”

Tina Hamm & Scott Moran | Hall and Hall
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C. Killebrew | Client Testimony
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Darla Larson | Farm Credit of Western Arkansas