Our Guiding Principles
Require absolute integrity in all that we do; Maintain a culture of excellence in our people as reflected in their work, our products and our physical facilities; Demonstrate respect for one another in our business, personal, and professional relationships; Exercise superior stewardship of our land, air water, wildlife and all other natural resources; Demonstrate leadership among our colleagues in ranching and our state and local governments in matters affecting our business, our property, and our people; Always be a good neighbor; Reflect a quiet, confident pride in our values and vision; and Dedicate ourselves to continuous improvement and to best management practices.
The Ranch
The 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, our main goal has been to raise high quality feeder cattle while maintaining our natural resources in the way Mother Nature intended. We strive for perfection in all aspects of our operation. From the range we manage and our animals’ welfare to our employees and the conditions they work in everyday. We continue 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. Richard W. Roth is the president/CEO and holds memberships in the Montana Stockgrowers Association, Montana Grain Growers Association, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, American Quarter horse Association, Farm Bureau, Big Sandy water Conservation and Rotary International. He returned to the ranch in 2001 after spending 10 years in the field of agricultural commodity marketing. Along with day-to-day ranch activities, Richard is responsible for marketing, fiscal management and overall ranch production and financial performance. He is in charge of human resources, social media and community and government affairs.
Divisions
Eagle Creek Ranch
The Eagle Creek ranch is located 18 miles southeast of Big Sandy on the Warrick Road. This part of the ranch is more mountainous as it sits up against the southeastern edge of the Bear Paw mountain range. Aspen groves and Evergreen Trees are abundant here. Range grasses include most species of Wheat Grass, Blue Grama, and Timothy.
NL Ranch
The NL ranch is located 30 miles southeast of Big Sandy on the Cow Island Trail. This ranch was added to the operation in 1969 and is home to over 400 cow/calf pairs during the spring, summer and fall. During the winter months, the ranch utilizes the NL to pasture and feed 1,000 mother cows.
Seifert
The Seifert ranch is located 24 miles south of Big Sandy off of Highway 236. Over 400 cows are calved here every spring as well as the feeding of 450 three-year olds and 500 older cows during the winter months. A 400 acre center pivot produces cereal grains and alfalfa as part of the ranch's crop rotation plan.
Whitcraft
The Whitcraft ranch, located 5 miles southeast of Big Sandy is the hub of all ranch operations. The majority of all shipping, calving, weaning, testing and hay production takes place here. Owner and Vice President, Richard Roth, his two children Jessica and Ryan along with Todd Amsbaugh, COO of the West Division and his wife Paula reside at the Whitcraft.
