Montana Grazing Lands Coalition Conference in Billings - So Much Learning
We here at Montana Working Lands Project, have a special place in our heart for the Montana Grazing Lands Coalition organization because they have really supported us on the onset of our education journey (both learning and sharing) and we were really interested in what we would see and learn at the Grazing Expo they put together in Billings this last weekend.
We were not disappointed. It was well worth our time.
The Montana Working Lands Project booth at Montana Grazing Lands Coalition conference in Billings on September 5, 2025
It was a wonderful conference. We learned so much about all the great work that so many incredible organizations are doing and ways that our work is able to fit into the larger impact on our communities, lives, and landscapes.
Conference Highlights
Eric's Presentation Success
One of the highlights was Eric Wickens' well-received panel on building a beef brand, with engaged audience members asking thoughtful questions. The discussion demonstrated the growing interest in building a brand across Montana's ranching community.
Virtual Fencing Innovation
We were fascinated by the E-Shepherd and other virtual fencing systems that several ranchers are implementing. Brandon and Samantha Arpan from the Box X Ranch in Alzada shared their success story - using tower-based collars that not only reduced fence building and repair costs but actually saved cattle lives. They've had collar alerts help them rescue several bogged cows, preventing losses that would have gone unnoticed with traditional fencing.
Inspiring Regenerative Journeys
We met so many ranchers and individuals inspired by Allan Savory's work. It's already so obvious the impact that holistic management has had on the world.
Technology Meets Tradition
Tip Hudson from WSU Extension introduced us to StockSmart (stock-smart.com), a free tool that uploads shapefiles, overlays satellite data, maps water sources, and produces heat maps of likely cattle use. This kind of technology integration with traditional knowledge is exactly what modern regenerative ranching needs.
Building Community Networks
The power of rancher networks was a recurring theme. Bill Milton spoke about RMG (Rangeland Measurement Group) fall gatherings where ranchers share measurements and discuss management decisions together. This peer-to-peer learning model aligns perfectly with our Holistic Management approach.
Educational Opportunities
Gary Olsen from Montana Range Days highlighted the importance of plant identification skills - something we're taking to heart for our upcoming EOV and Holistic Management courses. The connection between understanding your plant community and making good grazing decisions cannot be overstated.
Next Generation Leadership
We connected with PhD candidate Noah from MSU, who's defending his dissertation on transitioning ranches to regenerative practices. It's encouraging to see academic research supporting what practitioners have been demonstrating in the field.
Financial Planning Tools
Mira Grinsfelder from Ambrook introduced us to their farm/ranch accounting software, with discussions about integrating Holistic Financial Planning into modern accounting workflows - a crucial piece for making regenerative practices economically sustainable.
Looking Forward
The conference reinforced that Montana's ranching community is well into the regenerative transition. From established operations exploring new technologies to young ranchers returning home with fresh perspectives, the momentum is building.
The connections made and knowledge shared at this conference will strengthen our upcoming courses and help us better serve Montana's land stewards. Special thanks to Megan Terry and the Montana Grazing Lands Coalition for organizing such a valuable gathering.
If you're interested in joining this growing community of regenerative practitioners, consider joining us for our Holistic Management Training this November. Together, we're proving that what's good for the land is good for business and community.
Successful EOV Training Completion - July 2025
Montana Working Lands Project successfully completes our Ecological Outcome Verification course on-ranch at Wickens Ranch. It was a beautiful course with a fantastic diverse group!
Montana Working Lands Project successfully completed its first Ecological Outcome Verification (EOV) monitoring training course from July 9-13, 2025, at Wickens Ranch in Winifred, Montana. This intensive 5-day program marked a significant milestone in building Montana's capacity for regenerative agriculture monitoring and verification.
A huge thank you to the inaugural class who made the experience such a delight - and thanks for the seal of approval!
World-Class Instruction at Montana's Savory Hub
Led by Savory Field Professional and EOV Master Verifier Jackie Eshelman of Kinship Ecology, the course provided participants with comprehensive training in both short-term and long-term EOV monitoring protocols. The training combined classroom instruction at the historic Suffolk Schoolhouse with extensive field work across Wickens Ranch's diverse pastures.
Hands-On Learning in Real Ranch Conditions
The course curriculum covered essential topics for understanding and implementing ecological monitoring:
The Four Ecosystem Processes - Understanding energy flow, water cycle, soil health, and community dynamics
Biological Indicators - Learning to read landscape health through plant and soil indicators
Data Collection & Ecological Health Index - Mastering systematic monitoring protocols
Soil Sampling & Visual Assessment - Hands-on techniques for evaluating soil health
Water Infiltration Testing - Measuring and understanding water cycle function
Communication Skills - Effectively sharing results with land stewards
Building Montana's EOV Monitor Network
This training represents the first step in developing a network of certified EOV monitors across Montana. Participants gained the knowledge and experience needed to begin their journey toward certification, which includes:
Completing both short-term and long-term monitoring training
Conducting supervised monitoring events
Working with MWLP's EOV Verifier for final certification
Gaining access to the EOV platform for ongoing monitoring work
Future Training Opportunities
Montana Working Lands Project is planning additional training opportunities to meet growing demand and continue building Montana's regenerative agriculture monitoring capacity.
For land stewards interested in implementing EOV on their operations, or for those considering monitor training, contact us to learn about upcoming opportunities.