Rocky Mountain Irrigated Farm

Description

Privately owned for nearly 50 years, the Rocky Mountain Irrigated Farm operates as a working cattle ranch with the robust Rocky Mountain Front towering in the background. The area is characterized by views of rugged mountain peaks and alpine rivers and streams soaking the fertile grass-covered land. The meticulously cared-for property displays sturdy fences and well-managed pastures. Pivots and wheel-lined irrigators deluge 271 acres of cropland rotated between alfalfa and barley hay. The acreage consists of creek bottoms and rolling hills with a covering of lush native grasses. Badger Creek and Piegan Canal flow through the property in addition to multiple natural springs supplying the crops and livestock with adequate water! Coveted water rights accompany this property. The sellers own majority shares in the Piegan Water Supply Company whom holds the water rights for the Piegan Canal. Ample hay is produced from sufficient water shares to supply feed for winter. Calves will pack on the pounds from the nutrient-dense grasses. This fantastic farm allows Montana's rich legacy of farming and ranching to thrive while being located in a diverse ecosystem. Natural and authentic, this Montana farm encompasses all lifestyles and traditions of Montana.Improvements on the farm are well-maintained and functional. There is a 2,240 square foot home that was built in 1964. The home has two bedrooms and a full unfinished basement. The property has three cattle barns, a 32' x 30' shop, two storage sheds, and a tack shed. The Rocky Mountain Front provides the ideal habitat for wildlife such as mule and white-tailed deer, antelope, beaver, grizzly bear, coyotes, and many different species of birds. Lake Frances is nearby for excellent fishing and water sports. The outdoor amenities of Montana are abundant. Hunt, fish, hike, camp, and adventure in the virtually untouched Bob Marshall Wilderness. The span of the acreage is located 106 miles from the nearest International Airport in Great Falls, Montana. Take a mere thirty-minute drive to experience one of the most beautiful places on earth, the "Crown of the Continent" Glacier National Park. Local AreaWhen the Montana Western Railroad Company brought the railroad through Valier, Montana, Peter Valier from LaCrosse, Wisconsin supervised the project. The town was thus named after Peter. This small farming community of Valier is located 14 miles west of I-15 in north-central Montana, an area known as the Golden Triangle. As part of Garfield County, Valier lies along Lake Frances that offers year-round recreation. The lake was at one time three small lakes before the dam was built and Lake Frances was created. Area AttractionsLake FrancesThis beautiful lake in Pondera County has spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains and is a mountain-fed lake. Lake Frances offers year-round recreation including fishing for Perch, Pike, and Walleye, camping, water skiing, jet skiing, swimming, and windsurfing. In the winter ice fishing, snowmobiling, ice skating, and tubing on the ice are popular. Snowmobile ice drags are popular as an annual sport. There is a pavilion that was built by the Valier firemen that serve as a wonderful space for dances, wedding receptions, and reunions. A landing strip lies adjacent to the lake for easy access from flying-in visitors. Fifty campsites allow for memorable campouts. There are two boat ramps. Hike or bike the trails and enjoy the scenic views of the Rocky Mountain Front. Bird watchers will delight in the shorebirds and waterbirds to watch. There is additionally a Great Blue Heron rookery on the nearby island. Rocky Mountain Front This portion of Montana has a greater diversity of fish and wildlife than any other state in the US. With protection from the altering contours of the land and ample food from the surrounding farm fields, wildlife and birds alike flourish making this area a coveted destination during the hunting and fishing seasons. The area provides year-long habitat for mule and white-tailed deer, elk, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, and antelope. In addition, other furbearers such as beaver, mink, muskrat, otter, weasel, badger, coyote, lynx, bobcat, and mountain lion can all be found within a 100-mile radius. White-tail and mule deer maintain a healthy population here as it is a wintering destination for the species. Mule deer are often open-country deer offering those with farm ground or acres such as these a treasure trove of delicious tasting, large, beautiful bucks. Mule deer are not as shy as whitetails and are content with little cover or sparse brush. They have distinctive large ears that stick out like a big V against a hillside. However, these big bucks, ones with a 30 inch inside antler spread, are quite challenging to track down. They prefer the rugged areas such as badlands and breaks. Glorious long walks through fields and up and down draws can reward you with a big mule deer buck. The open country can also provide the added challenge of bagging the swift antelope. These speed goats are all over the countryside, so the challenge is waiting for your acceptance. The property is in hunting district 406 and FWP Region 4. The drainages and foothills provide cover, coulees, and water for superb mule and white-tailed deer hunting. The area offers some of the most prime bow hunting for white-tailed hunting in the entire state. There are also plenty of pheasants, Hungarian Partridge, Rough Grouse, Blue Grouse, and Spruce Grouse. Bird watchers can revel in seeing Calliope, Rufus Hummingbird, Bluebird, Cassin Finch, Red Crossbill, Ferrungus Hawks, Pine Grosbeak, and Western Tanager. Glacier National ParkThe coveted area nicknamed the "Crown of the Continent" for obvious reasons offers gems and views of gold in the state of Montana. With over 700 miles of trails through pristine forests, alpine meadows sprinkled with bright lovely wildflowers, rugged and tenacious mountains, and spectacular sparkling lakes. Visit the historic chalets and lodges for a walk back in time or backpack, cycle, hike, or camp. While taking in the astounding sights of the glacier-carved peaks and valleys, set your binoculars on a diverse range of wildlife of bighorn sheep, mountain goats, deer, elk, ptarmigan, and both black and grizzly bear. This highway to heaven is a tough one to ever forget.