In 1990, a generous donor willed the University of Montana a 3,500-acre cattle ranch northwest of Ovando, Montana. The surroundings represent the interface between human managed landscapes and unmanaged wild lands. For too long this compelling space has been underutilized, even neglected. Now is the time to envision a new future that integrates Bandy Ranch into our teaching and research efforts. 

With support from donors, we will create a progressive, sustainable ranching learning center that dovetails with UM’s commitment to campus-wide sustainability efforts.

Highly interdisciplinary, the ranch will help enlighten students on sustainable ranch management and grass-fed operations. There will also be opportunities for them to explore the interface of grazing with forest management, wetland and stream restoration, and plant community and restoration studies.

Donor investment will help us purchase our initial herd of cattle, hire a program coordinator and provide internship stipends for students to work and learn on the property. We hope you will join us in making Bandy Ranch into a key educational center for UM students.

Giving Opportunities

Cattle 

Strategic investments in cow-calf pairs will allow us to jumpstart the new agricultural operation at Bandy Ranch.

Infrastructure and Operations 

As with any working ranch, ongoing maintenance and improvements to the property are crucial. These include things like, fencing, equipment, seed and weed mitigation. 

Support for Students 

Private funding will support graduate students, fellows, interns and instructors, increasing the program’s capacity to educate students and expand research opportunities.

Bunkhouse 

A new or renovated structure at the ranch will house students, visiting scholars and researchers as they work to advance the  mission of Bandy Ranch on site. 

For more information, contact Melinda Booth, FCFC Director of Development at melinda.booth@supportum.org or (406) 635-4632.

Visit the UM Foundation.