Locomotive Butte towers over the horizon along the northwest edge of this historical and versatile ranch. A meandering trail leads to the top of Locomotive Butte where it surrenders sweeping views of Rafter J Ranch at Big Coulee. The sandstone rimrocks pile up in astonishing landforms while the fields below sprawl out among 2,104 deeded acres. Located 19 miles south of Ryegate, Montana, Rafter J Ranch provides advantages surpassed by few. The luscious grazing acres, fertile and nutrient-rich soils, and remarkable mountain views offer an outstanding blend of recreational and rural ranch living. Embrace this opportunity to own a diverse and efficient property with renewable water, the source that ranchers and farmers aspire for. With the improvements in place, little to no overhead is needed. The fertile farm ground can be leased to neighbors or utilized to grow your own feed. Draw in desirable wildlife such as elk by planting sainfoin and enjoy your recreational paradise. The sainfoin can double as a nutritious feed source for cattle that can be bailed and stored for winter. The south central Montana ranch will support 130 pairs or 260+ yearlings seasonally with proper management and can support 100 pairs year-round. Rafter J Ranch boasts an Artesian well with geothermally heated water that gravity feeds every pasture. Concrete stock tanks are located in each of the five pastures. A perennial stream traverses the ranch in addition to the 2 seasonal springs. With native grasses encompassing the valley floor, an elk herd of 120 head frequently visit Rafter J Ranch. Other wildlife that utilizes life-giving waters and nutrient vegetation and can be seen wandering the landscape include mule deer, antelope, black bear, mountain lion, and bobcat. The windrows provide excellent cover for pheasants and game birds. Recreational opportunities to hunt are endless. The Montana ranch has a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom manufactured home well equipped as living quarters or a fabulous hunting base camp. The ranch is fully operational with working corrals, sorting pens, and numerous outbuildings. A well-maintained gravel road gives suitable access at two different points. The commute is an easy 80 miles to Billings, 46 miles to Harlowton, or 17 miles to Ryegate. Yellowstone National Park is 138 miles via the extraordinary Beartooth Highway, a nationally depicted highway. Trust your instincts and pounce on this productive and efficient ranch where recreational pastimes are available on a whim and a historical landmark forms a picturesque scene worthy of a postcard! Local Area Rapelje is a small farming community about twenty-five miles north of Columbus between Hailstone National Wildlife Refuge and Halfbreed National Wildlife Refuge. Both are a part of the Big Lake Complex and the most productive areas in central Montana for waterfowl and shorebirds. The refuge is a breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. Ryegate, Montana lies on Highway 12 where the Musselshell River flows among sandstone and rimrock cliffs. The community is immersed in farming and ranching and serves as the county seat for Golden Valley County. South of Ryegate is Hailstone National Wildlife Refuge where waterfowl, shorebirds, pronghorns, and prairie dogs live harmoniously. The surrounding area is diverse and offers multitudes of recreational opportunities. Harlowton, Montana is home to the largest wind farm in the state. Additionally, Harlowton is the county seat of Wheatland County and lies among the three mountain ranges of the Crazy, the Little Belt, and the Big Snowy Mountains. The area is part of the Lewis and Clark National Forest where hunting and fishing opportunities are abundant. Agriculture remains the predominant industry in the economy where the main products are wheat, barley, oats, hay, cattle, sheep, and honey. The Musselshell River flows through the town. Billings, Montana is 92 miles from Harlowton.
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