Region V MANNIX BROTHERS RANCH

Helmville, Montana

Stewardship of the land means seamlessly collaborating with Mother Nature to leave the land better than when it was found. This is the idea that drives the Mannix brothers’ efforts as they raise cattle and tend the environment.

“We’ve never thought of ourselves as the true ‘owners’ of this land,” said David Mannix of Mannix Brothers Ranch. “Instead, we are stewards of the soil, streams, grass, timber and wildlife that belong to this ecosystem. The land is the lifeblood of our community, and we strive to be worthy caretakers of those resources that fall under our management.”

Mannix Brothers Ranch began in 1882, and now the fourth and fifth generations steward the land and livestock. Brothers David, Randy and Brent, along with their wives and children manage the diversified ranching business, which includes a cow-calf program, stocker program, timber entity, direct-to-consumer beef program as well as a restaurant. The brothers credit previous generations for the conservation ideals, work ethic and the continued desire to coexist with wildlife, land and people. The family is focused on improving soil health, and intensive rotational grazing resulted in using less irrigation water and little to no fertilizer, while increasing production on the ground. A band of sheep reduced invasive species such as knapweed and increased plant diversity. The family also partners with numerous resource organizations to complete projects that promote habitat improvements along with promoting agriculture and sustainable ranching practices.

The diversification of their business scope and entities is the result of the brothers’ encouragement of the next generation to participate and bring ideas to grow the ranch. Conversations about the “bigger picture” and future of the ranch are common for Mannix Brothers Ranch. Each generation takes pride in knowing that the following generation will surpass their efforts to coexist with the land.

“The Mannix family has continued the 140-year tradition of the Mannix Brothers Ranch by diversifying their enterprise and making decisions to benefit their family, land and wildlife,” said Jay Bodner, past executive vice president of the Montana Stockgrowers Association.