Convention Perspective from Rich Roth

rich roth ix ranch montana stockgrowers

See more blog coverage from the 129th Annual Stockgrowers Convention by clicking here.

Today’s perspective of Convention comes to us from Rich Roth, IX Ranch, Big Sandy, Montana.

The 2013 MSGA Convention was very well attended and the overall attitude and outlook for the next year was positive. I was encouraged to see lots of young faces and excitement about the future of the industry.

There was a lot of passion when it came to important issues such as water rights. I was impressed that members took the time to research, talk to neighbors and ultimately draft resolutions that they felt strongly about. Equally impressive was the ability to discuss, amend and agree to disagree.

Utilizing technology has given our industry the opportunity to not only tell the ranching story, it has helped those living it to communicate within. Tools like Facebook enable us to read and see how a rancher in another part of the state is doing and communicate on a moment’s notice about an important topic being discussed. Smart phones have enabled agencies like the Department of Livestock to put all the state brands into a mobile app that allows us to check a stray cow’s brand and find out who it belongs to within minutes. What an exciting time to be in the ranching business and to be a part of such a great organization.

More about the IX Ranch and the Roth Family

Rich Roth IX Ranch Big Sandy MontanaThe IX Ranch is located south-east of a small town called Big Sandy in the mixed-grass prairie of north central Montana. The ranch extends through the southern edge of the Bear Paw mountain range and on east towards the Missouri River. The ranch encompasses a wide variety of terrain from rolling hills and willow creek bottoms to jagged river breaks and mountains.

Since 1955, the main goal of IX Ranch has been to raise high quality feeder cattle while maintaining natural resources in the way Mother Nature intended. The IX strives for perfection in all aspects of the operation. From the range they manage and the animals’ welfare, to employees and the conditions they work in everyday. The Roth family continues to keep an eye on the future and look forward to the many challenges and opportunities that exist in this ever-changing industry.

Three generations strong, the IX Ranch continues a family tradition of ranching with a commitment to excellence in environmental stewardship and livestock production. Steve Roth – CEO – oversees all ranch operations. In 2008 Steve finished his second and final year as President of the Montana Stockgrowers Association. He is also actively involved in many committees and agencies concerning government policy, water and private land rights, and environmental issues. Karen is involved in many activities but focuses most of her attention on her grandchildren and keeping Steve on the straight and narrow.

Rich Roth returned to the ranch in 2001 after spending 10 years in the field of agricultural commodity marketing. Along with day-to-day ranch activities, he is responsible for marketing the ranch’s livestock and maintaining the ranch’s extensive range management software. He also administers the ranch website, ranch safety program and internship program. He is a member of the Montana Stockgrowers Association, NCBA, Big Sandy Water Conservation Board and Rotary. Richard has two children, Jessica and Ryan, who are active in both school sports and ranch activities. Both love the outdoors and being on the ranch. Jessica loves horses and wants to be a large animal vet and Ryan, well we don’t know about him yet but he likes things that go fast.

Learn more about the IX ranch on their website, blog, and Facebook.

About Author

Montana Stockgrowers Association

The Montana Stockgrowers Association, a non-profit membership organization, has worked on behalf of Montana’s cattle ranching families since 1884. Our mission is to protect and enhance Montana ranch families’ ability to grow and deliver safe, healthy, environmentally wholesome beef to the world.

Connect with Me:
%d bloggers like this: