This week we closed the chapter on one of the most significant ranch transactions in the history of the Rocky Mountain West. The sale of the Broken O Ranch to Stan Kroenke is a signal transaction in our western real estate market as well as the Sun River Valley of Montana.

With the Broken O employing almost thirty people, the economic impact of such a massive operation on a small community like Augusta is enormous. From school enrollment to the local grocery store, these large ranches are an important part of the local landscape and their respective community’s long term economic stability. Growing up on our family ranch near the small Montana town of Twin Bridges, I can relate to this first hand. When I’m involved in a transaction where the Buyer understands this relationship and embraces their role in the community and as a steward of the land I find tremendous satisfaction in my role as a real estate broker.

This past year I had the opportunity to serve the Moore Family in representing them in the marketing and eventual sale of the Broken O Ranch. Under the careful management of Dan Freeman, this expansive agricultural enterprise has been masterfully handled. Most cattlemen would agree that Dan has put together one of the finest commercial herds of black angus cattle in the western United States for the Moore Family.

With the changing of the guard at the Broken O, it is a blessing we were able to sell the Ranch to an individual of Stan Kroenke’s commitment to agriculture and land stewardship. My sense is that this transition will not only see a continued commitment to the current agricultural operation that William Moore established, but a continual enhancement and improvement of the Ranch overall.

In my opinion, Mr. Kroenke is a perfect fit for the Ranch and will be a great addition to the Sun River Valley and the community of Augusta. I am very happy for him, but even more so, I am happy for the Sun River Valley – they are going to have a good neighbor.