HELENA, Mont. (August 7, 2024)– Montana ranchers depend on the land and its resources for their livelihood. Therefore, good management demands that producers care for the environment for their own well-being as well as for future generations. Ranchers, as individuals and as an industry, are actively working to protect and improve the environment because they know environmental stewardship and good business go hand-in-hand. To showcase these efforts, the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is highlighting its member, the Goggins Ranch.
Recognized in 2023 as the Montana Environmental Stewardship Award winner, the Goggins Ranch exemplifies environmental stewardship and demonstrates a commitment toward improved sustainability within the beef industry.
The Goggins Ranch is operated by siblings Janet Endecott and Pat Goggins and Janet’s daughter, Rachel Endecott. Pat’s wife Michelle and Pat and Janet’s sister Betty are also integral parts of the operation.
Together, the family manages a cross-bred cow/calf operation, running 180 mother cows. Operating between two locations, the Goggins Ranch manages their cow herd in McAllister, Mont., as well as a property in Ennis, Mont.
In 2011, the Goggins Ranch volunteered to participate in partnership with the Madison Conservation District (MCD), Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MTFWP), Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), and Northwestern Energy to consider alternatives to their riparian management strategies.
Through a comprehensive pilot project, the ranch incorporated adaptive management techniques on South Meadow Creek to improve the ecological condition of the stream and adjacent rangeland.
“It was cool to see the project make managing things easier for us, but we still get the other benefits for the wildlife and the health of the stream,” said Rachel Endecott.
A major environmental consideration in the area is drought and the potential impacts to available forage and general business operations. Rotational grazing has allowed the ranch to be flexible in their plans, which improves management in times where drought impacts are severe. The result is improved riparian habitats and range soils, which lend themselves to be a high-quality sponge to infiltrate, retain and slowly release sequestered water during times of water deficiency.
The Goggins diversified their operation by opening Ennis’s local feed store, Feeds-N-Needs, over 30 years ago. The store is located on the Ennis ranch and is owned and operated by Pat and Michelle Goggins with help from Janet and other family members. The store gives the Goggins family a unique opportunity to interact with the public and other beef producers.
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The Montana Stockgrowers Association is a grassroots membership organization and is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers. With over 140 years of history, MSGA advocates and ensures cattle ranching remains relevant, safe and a sustainable way of life for generations to come.
CONTACT:
Keni Reese
Director of Marketing & Communications
406-442-3420
To view more MSGA news, visit https://mtbeef.org/news/
