Montana Range Days – 50th Anniversary Celebration
June 22–24, 2026 | Phillips County, Montana
Montana Range Days is celebrating its 50th year in Phillips County! This statewide rangelands education event brings together youth, families, ranchers, and natural resource professionals for three days of hands-on learning, friendly competition, and outdoor exploration in the Malta area.
Register or learn more: https://www.montanarangedays.org/
The Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA) is facilitating several tour opportunities throughout the event. While these tours are geared toward adults, families are welcome to attend.
Tour Event Schedule
Monday, June 22
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Range Trivia at Blue Ridge Brewing- 320 S 1st St E, Malta, MT 59538
Kick off the week with a fun and engaging trivia night!
Owned and operated by Brian and Bri Shores since 2018, Blue Ridge Brewing features eight beers on tap and a house-made seltzer—don’t miss the popular huckleberry flavor. Non-alcoholic options are also available.
Directions from Malta- https://maps.app.goo.gl/6xkWYJEr25JxwyRB7
Tuesday, June 23
8:00 AM
Depart from the Armory (via Phillips County Transit) to Matador Ranch-
Explore The Nature Conservancy’s 60,000-acre Matador Ranch, located in the foothills of the Little Rocky Mountains. This working ranch serves as a hub for innovative grazing practices, wildlife habitat conservation, and collaboration with local ranchers.
Learn the history of the Matador from Bud Walsh and gain insight into how the pioneering grassbank program works, where producers receive discounted grazing in exchange for implementing conservation practices on their own land.
Directions to Matador Ranch- https://maps.app.goo.gl/i9v3XkAzZa1PFagVA
Lunch provided by Montana Wool Growers Association
1:00 PM- Depart for Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge
Tour led by Refuge Manager Aaron Griffith
Established in 1936, Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 15,500 acres of wetlands and native mixed-grass prairie. It provides critical habitat for migratory birds and wildlife, including: 260+ bird species, 25+ mammal species and Numerous amphibians.
Experience one of the most important ecosystems in the Prairie Pothole Region.
Directions from Malta-https://maps.app.goo.gl/fVaU666YLmYEHkpv8
Wednesday, June 24
8:00 AM
Depart from the Armory (via Phillips County Transit) to Barthelmess Ranch
Virtual Fencing Tour with Leo Barthelmess
Learn about the latest in virtual fencing technology. Leo will demonstrate two systems he uses on his operation:
- Vence
- Halter
Bring your questions and see how these tools are shaping the future of grazing management.
Directions from Malta- https://maps.app.goo.gl/w1GHQJRvt6K7Jfzv6
Additional Information
- On-site registration is available
- Tours are designed for adults, but families are welcome
Please contact [email protected] for questions.
Please see Montana Range Days Website for more details.
