The Mantle Ranch is an amazingly diverse ranch consisting of sprinkler irrigated acreage, riparian acreage, flood/sub-irrigated acreage and native range ground. The Mantle boasts incredible production, but its mild climate is what really sets it apart. Located in what locals call the banana belt, it lies in a protected valley where windy days have a reduced effect on livestock and temperatures are less extreme. A warm water spring runs through the west end of the ranch and flows the length of the property, offering an excellent source of livestock water all year long. Several species of big game, waterfowl and upland birds reside on the ranch, and the potential to enhance these populations is endless.

AGRICULTURE:

Because of its low cost and efficient operation, the Mantle Ranch is one of the best agricultural properties to hit the market in years. Seven pivots run on 543+/- acres of deeded ground with an additional 65+/- acres of State of Montana lease ground combine with the 168+/- wheel line acres to provide an excellent farming component. Birch Creek, which runs top to bottom through the ranch and offers over 850 acres in riparian and flood/sub-irrigated land, produces the majority of water irrigating the property. All sprinkler irrigation water is supplied by a large buried pipeline that brings water from the headgate to the ranch using a unique gravity system that saves on pumping costs. The rest of the property consists of native range ground. The mild climate, numerous pivots and warm spring water make the Mantle the perfect winter cattle operation. The ability to winter a large number of cattle without the need to feed hay and a warm water spring offer the buyer a cost effective and less stressful environment to winter and calve cattle.

RECREATION:

The Mantle Ranch is home to several big game species that have put Montana on the map for destination hunting. The Mantle boasts a large number of whitetail deer with some animals taken in the 150 Boone and Crockett classification. The pivots provide endless feed and the riparian area is an excellent cover and bedding area. Mule deer, antelope and waterfowl are in abundance. Hungarian partridge and pheasant are on site with endless potential to enhance. A shooting preserve allows the land owner to plant pheasants throughout the fall and a portion of the spring, allowing the land owner to boost numbers and manage populations. The Mantle Ranch is centrally located in Southwest Montanas fly fishing mecca, just a stones throw from the Big Hole River. This beautiful fishery flows just below the ranch and the Glen Fishing Access is a four-minute drive. A 20-minute drive will find you on the Beaverhead River, one of the most sought after tail water fisheries in the northwest. The surrounding mountain ranges contain thousands of public acres packed with mountain lakes and streams as well as large numbers of Rocky Mountain elk.

AREA:

The Mantle Ranch lies 15+/- miles north of Dillon, a historically significant town in Southwest Montana along the banks of the Beaverhead River. Roughly 5,000 people reside in Dillon. The town offers updated amenities, including a new hospital with a state-of-the-art medical facility and a top notch trauma center. The University of Montana Western brings a diverse and vibrant feel to the community. The Dillon airport is a paved runway long enough to handle most private aircraft and offers a full FBO. Commercial air service is available in nearby Idaho Falls, ID, Bozeman, MT and Butte, MT. Dillon is home to grocery stores, restaurants, a brewery, several bank chains, a Patagonia clothing store, coffee shops, excellent public schools and many other ranches and businesses that make it an active and engaged community. The area is rich with history. A trip through Bannack and the Grasshopper Valley, to Jackson and Wisdom in the Big Hole Valley, over to Wise River and Divide gives you a good look at what Lewis and Clark saw all those years ago. One can get a feel for the plight of the Nez Perce people at the Big Hole Battlefield monument. Dont forget the Henry Plummer Gang and the Gold Rush in Bannack. There are plenty of sites to see and history to experience!