Participation and Partnerships

Just over three years ago, Sun West Ranch was the first ranch in the Upper Madison Valley to join the Madison Valley Ranchlands Group effort to “protect the ranching way-of-life and the biologically healthy open spaces on which ranching depends.” By bringing together local ranchers raising conservation beef with private ranches that have an abundance of good grazing pasture land, MVRG is working toward the common goal of protecting the open spaces of the Madison Valley.

As part of our work with the Range Research and Extension Technician at Montana State University and the Ranchlands Group, Sun West Ranch should soon be certified in the Undaunted Land Steward Certification program. Undaunted Stewardship is a statewide partnership between Montana's agricultural and conservation organizations. Led by Montana State University (MSU), the Montana Stockgrowers Association, and the Bureau of Land Management, this public/private partnership works “to preserve Montana's history, scenic beauty, environmental quality, and rural economy by encouraging sustainable land stewardship on private agricultural lands.” Our participation with the Madison Valley Ranchlands Group and Undaunted Stewardship helps provide Sun West Ranch with the tools and expertise necessary to provide wildlife enhancement, pasture and grazing land management, and to protect the elk herd migration paths that have crossed through the ranch for thousands of years.