Improved Pasture for Cattle Grazing Northern Montana Ranch

The Eli Place, as referred to by the owners, consists of 5,188+/- deeded acres, including 4,092+/- acres of Improved Pasture and 1,096+/- acres of Native Grass.  All acres on the Eli Place are under easement with the US Fish and Wildlife Service for the purpose of protecting and enhancing waterfowl habitat. Prior to the easement application in 2021 all farmable acres were planted to dryland crops. Now seeded back to grass, all previously farmed acres are considered Improved Pasture, providing feed at a rate of 5 acres per cow on a year with typical moisture.  All acres on the Eli Place previously classified as tillable acres are now considered grazing acres.

In recent years approximately 7 miles of interior and exterior fencing has been replaced on the northernmost part of the Robinson Ranch.  This grazing land has long been an integral part of the ranch’s rotational grazing plan. Water for livestock on the Eli Place is provided by 10 pits scattered across the rangeland. It is common for potholes throughout the prairie to fill with water in the spring, making this an attractive habit for upland bird species native to the region, such as Sage Grouse, Pheasant and Huns. Two wells on the property, each with a depth of around 400 feet, feed 6 water tanks by way of underground water line. 

Property Taxes on the Northern Tract of the Robinson Ranch are $3,291.71 for the 2023 tax year. 

Historic Ownership, a True Community Leader

Fred Lee Robinson is a name well known in Phillips County.  Born in Tennessee in 1889 and arriving in Malta in 1911 at the age of 22, Robinson was quick to begin his entrepreneurial life with a general store in Wagner before leaving to defend his country in World War 1. Robinson rose to the rank of sergeant before making his way back to Malta in 1919.  His desire for the betterment of the community was apparent, as noted by his role as the Mayor of Malta, his position on the Republic National Committee, and eventually in the role where he would make the most impact of his career, the Montana State Senate. He was the Vice President of the First State Bank and opened the Malta Auto Company in addition to operating a large scale farm and ranch, now known as the Robinson Ranch.  But his crowning achievement was undoubtably the construction of the Fred Robinson Bridge, a project taking over 30 years to complete and eventually, under Senator Robinson’s leadership, closing the gap between Central and Northeastern Montana in 1959.  7 steers from the Robinson Ranch were donated to feed the estimated 15,000 people who attended the dedication of the bridge.  Robinson told the crowd, “I’ve waited all my life for this, and have worked 30 years to achieve 2 projects for the citizens of Phillips County, a good hospital and a good road.”  And by the end of his career he had accomplished both. 

Robinson Ranch, an Investment in the Future of Montana Agriculture

The Robinson Ranch is a true Montana Legacy Ranch, accumulated over many years by a savvy businessman who understood well the value of agriculture and the lands’ potential for appreciation. Managed for over 100 years by excellent stewards of the land, cattle herds have thrived here and crops have provided a way of life for the families whose livelihoods rely on the productivity of the ground. Pride of ownership is apparent on the Robinson Ranch, a turn-key operation for the farmer or rancher looking to expand, or for the investor who sees the value, like Fred Robinson, of an investment in agriculture and owning a piece of Montana.

Hunting and Recreation in Phillips County

Phillips County, Montana is ideally situated for outdoor recreation.  The Milk River Valley is well known for its’ upland game habitat, as well as its’ whitetail and mule deer hunting. Ring-neck pheasant, sage grouse and sharp-tailed grouse make their homes and dancing grounds here.  The Robinson Fanch falls in Hunting Region 620.  Public access to hunting in Phillips County is outstanding, with the Malta BLM Field Office managing 1.1 Million acres of huntable land.  Nelson Reservoir, just 15 minutes east of Malta, is popular year-around for its’ Walleye and Northern Pike fishing. Phillips County is the ideal location for the outdoorsman. Conveniences such as shopping, dining, entertainment and a regional airport are located in Malta, MT. a rural town of approximately 2000 residents. 

Property Presented Exclusively by Northwest Realty & Auction

Tanner Anderson and Carly Bishop, Listing Agents

Tanner Anderson and Carly Bishop’s background in the farming and ranching lifestyle runs deep. They understand the value and importance of tillable acreage, how cattle stocking rates affect rangelands, the significance of water and good soils and the how agriculture and wildlife complement one another to create successful, sustainable operations. Their ability to gauge a property’s value, highlight its’ best assets and understand a buyer and seller’s needs are a large part of their success – the rest is a result of their personalized approach. Tanner and Carly are proud to represent the F.L. Robinson Ranch in it’s first time to the market and are honored to assist in the transition of this Legacy Property.