The Barthelmess family ranch in Malta, Mont., has been selected as the winner of Region V, which includes six Rocky Mountain and Northwestern states. Leo Sr. and Mary Emily Barthelmess and their sons Chris and Leo Jr. have established a partnership that makes up Barthelmess Ranch Corp. They were nominated by the Montana Stockgrower’s Association.

Barthelmess Ranch Corp. is located on the glacial plains of Montana and consists of 12,000 acres of private property, 11,000 acres of federal land and 1,700 acres of state leases, which are home to 600 head of commercial cows and 350 sheep. Additional enterprises include forage production for the livestock, native grass seed production and a custom combining business.

Through the implementation of effective rotational grazing methods, the family has seen a large improvement in native range, contributing to increased forage and vegetative cover for wildlife. Rangeland is also chiseled to increase water infiltration and to control such invasive and harmful plant species as club moss. Additionally, practices have been put into place to conserve both energy and water resources on the ranch. The results of the combined stewardship practices have shown to dramatically increase both big game habitat and upland bird and waterfowl habitat, while also improving range conditions.

The Barthelmess ranch was one of the first to complete the Undaunted Stewardship Land Certification Program, which serves to recognize ranches that sustain the long-term productivity of Montana’s grazing lands. In an effort to demonstrate to other producers the importance of environmental stewardship, they have also hosted several range tours on the ranch.

“We always make time to explain what we are doing and invite people to come and see for themselves,” Leo Jr. says. “The more we communicate our progress, the more interest the ranch creates, which serves to benefit everyone.”

In the process of achieving their stewardship goals, the Barthelmess ranch has worked extensively with many groups.