Eastern Montana Alfalfa Irrigated Pivot Ranch with Grass for Sale

Description

Montana Irrigated Alfalfa Ranch with Grazing & Water Rights | Bowdoin Pivot Ranch, Malta, MTThe Bowdoin Pivot Ranch offers 1,533.55± total acres in the heart of Phillips County, Montana—an area known for its strong agricultural base and quality hunting. Located just minutes from Malta, this property combines 305± irrigated acres, 680± acres of improved pasture, and 490± acres of native range, providing an ideal balance for hay production and livestock grazing.

The irrigated acres are served by a 2018 T&L 1,950’ center pivot system with water supplied by both the Malta Irrigation District and a 100’ deep irrigation well producing 1,500 gallons per minute. The well’s 16” casing delivers consistent 70 psi pressure at the pivot, while annual power costs for irrigation average $10,000–$15,000. With strong water rights and a reliable backup well, this ranch is built for long-term agricultural stability.
Agricultural Production and Alfalfa YieldsCurrently planted to alfalfa and millet, the Bowdoin Ranch has a proven history of alfalfa seed and hay production, yielding approximately 600 lbs/acre in seed or 5–6 tons of hay per acre annually. The north field was seeded to alfalfa in 2018, while the south field was reseeded in spring 2023 with alfalfa in 24” rows and a Red Siberian millet cover crop. The setup supports a productive operation for farming or grazing, conservatively estimated to handle 100 head of cattle for a 6-month season.

Hunting and Recreation Opportunities in Phillips County, MontanaSituated in Montana Hunting District 620, the ranch supports abundant wildlife, including mule deer, whitetail deer, sage grouse, sharptails, and pheasants. The property lies less than a mile from the Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge, offering public access to waterfowl hunting, birdwatching, and photography. The surrounding region features over 1.1 million acres of public land managed by the Malta BLM Field Office, making this an excellent location for sportsmen and recreational buyers.

The ranch’s infrastructure is functional and low-maintenance, with two high-capacity irrigation pumps (150 HP and 125 HP) powering the canal and well systems. There are no permanent residences—allowing a new owner to design and build to suit their needs. The property’s flexibility makes it an excellent fit for a full-time operator, investor, or absentee owner looking for manageable production acreage with recreational value.

Located just 15 minutes south of Malta, Montana, the ranch offers year-round access via county roads. Nearby amenities include dining, groceries, and a regional airport. Nelson Reservoir—a popular destination for Walleye and Northern Pike fishing—and Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs, Montana’s only natural hot spring in the northeast, are both a short drive away.Summary: Turn-Key Montana Ranch InvestmentWith strong water rights, reliable irrigation, productive alfalfa seed ground, and excellent recreational opportunities, the Bowdoin Pivot Ranch offers everything desired in a balanced, turn-key Montana hay and grazing operation. Its combination of agricultural value and lifestyle appeal make it a standout investment in North Central Montana.