Montana Ranchers Forge New Paths to Safeguard Their Future

In the vast expanse of the Blackfoot Valley in Montana, Cole Mannix and his family manage a herd of 1,200 cattle across 50,000 acres, a legacy that spans over 140 years. Yet, the tides of industrial agriculture and unpredictable climate patterns threaten their way of life.

Cole Mannix views the conventional food industry as fundamentally flawed. For the survival of ranchers, he believes a new approach must be adopted—one that supports those who are intimately tied to the land. Often, current systems marginalize these producers, cutting deeply into their financial viability.

Instead of following the traditional route of sending all their cattle to large-scale meat processors, the Mannix Ranch now processes a portion of their livestock onsite. This allows them to directly offer their products to consumers, paving the way for a shift that could be emulated nationally.

Innovative Collaborations for a New Era

In a bold move, Mannix established the Old Salt Co-op, a coalition with five other ranches dedicated to sustainable practices. Together, they provide beef through local eateries, a butcher shop, and an online platform. Mannix describes Old Salt Co-op as a beacon that respects the land, its workers, investors, and customers alike.

Walter Schweitzer, who leads the Montana Farmers Union, praises this initiative. He asserts that localizing food production and consumption fosters food security by nurturing community economies.

When queried about the potential of this model, Schweitzer responded affirmatively, envisioning it as the path forward—a direction overdue for adoption.

The Role of Regenerative Practices

Adopting regenerative agricultural methods is crucial, according to Mannix and his fellow co-op members. By aligning livestock management with the natural restorative cycles of the environment, they aim to boost soil vitality and resilience against harsh weather events.

Allowing parcels of land to rest, sometimes for up to two years, is part of this strategy. It enhances soil productivity, illustrating an ecological victory—evidenced by one member ranch that doubled its grass yield even in its driest years.

For the ranchers at Old Salt, these practices are not mere preferences but essential adaptations. Mannix notes they are indispensable for their continued prosperity and are central to the legacy they wish to pass on to future generations.