Questions about ranching in MT? (Big Timber: broker, live, deal)

[Solion]

Hi Folks
Well after 30 years in AZ the city folks are crowding me so I'm thinking about heading north but raising cows up there has to be a lot different than down here. We're looking in the area of Sweet Grass County but that's just a place to start looking. I don't want to be near any recreational or developing areas. Approx. how many AU's do you get per section in a given area? Are cow calf operations more popular than stockers and how long of a grazing season do you get? What's the downside of raising cows in MT? Who is a reputable ranch broker to deal with? Thanks

[seven of nine]

Hello, and welcome
I can not help you with your question but I did find a link that might help you.
Extension Service — Animal & Range Sciences
Good luck and let us know how it is going, I hear that there are at times moose in that area.

[Reziac]

That's probably a good area for graze, maybe a bit harder winter than some parts of MT but the forage may make up the difference. Not likely to get too wild development-wise in the near future. If you get there and need a good livestock vet, look up Bob Sager in Big Timber.

The biggest downside is probably winter -- hauling hay and water every day, and early spring calving can be pure misery. But there are lots of knowledgeable ranchers who can help you adjust.