USDA Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) and Montana State University’s Montana Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) have partnered since April 15, 1924, to conduct state-of-the-art livestock and rangeland management research at Fort Keogh.  This work has led to many innovations in livestock production and rangeland management.  Fort Keogh staff will provide an overview of the history of Fort Keogh and describe some of the major research accomplishments that have occurred through the years.   Photos, books, posters, and other items depicting the history of the lab will be on display for participants to view.

Fort Keogh is one of the premier rangeland research facilities in the US with a rich history of research to address livestock production and ecologically sound use of rangelands.  Researchers at Fort Keogh will be on hand to demonstrate rangeland research tools and highlight research examining interacting effects of grazing, precipitation, fire and herbicides on plants and soils.

Livestock has been a focus of research at Fort Keogh since the station’s inception in 1924 with one of the original purposes for establishment being “conducting experiments in stock raising”.  Fort Keogh researchers will highlight ongoing cattle nutrition, genetics, and reproduction studies being conducted to improve beef production efficiency. Animals from the Fort Keogh cattle herds will be available for viewing including the famous Line 1 Herefords.

Participants will meet at Fort Keogh Headquarter and then travel to a research site approximately 6 miles from headquarters.   Fort Keogh scientists will demonstrate equipment being used and studies being implemented to examine benefits of precision technologies for producers.  Scientists will also discuss technologies that are being tested for estimating forage quantity and quality to aid in stocking and supplement feed decisions.

The earliest research at Fort Keogh focused on animal genetics and range management. Today, the animal research herd is restricted to beef cattle and includes research conducted in three broad disciplines; genetics, reproductive physiology, and nutrition. The earliest range research began in the 1930’s under the direction of the U.S. Forest Service. Today, the range management research is conducted in three broad disciplines; rangeland ecology, plant ecophysiology, and animal nutrition.

The Fort currently consists of about 55,000 acres of which about 50,000 acres are native rangeland, 2,500 acres are dryland planted pasture, 1,000 acres are irrigated pasture, and 700 acres are irrigated cropland. The remaining 800 acres are the headquarters area, corrals, etc.

Information from Discover Miles City