Montana Resident Gives Away His Family Ranch Worth Almost $22 Million (6 photos)

A Montana cattle rancher and his wife have decided to donate their $21.6 million property to a nonprofit organization. This is a rare move, given rising land values ​​and the disappearance of ranches in the West.





Dale and Janet Wezet, whose family has owned a ranch in Phillips County in northwest Montana for generations, have donated their approximately 38,000-acre property to the Ranchers Alliance.

The couple will continue to operate the farm for the rest of their lives, after which ownership will transfer to the organization.



The Alliance reports that this is the largest donation in Montana history.

For 63-year-old Dale Wezet, the decision reflects the harsh financial realities facing ranchers.





His family has lived on this land for centuries. Wezet's father and grandfather were cattle ranchers here.

Dale spent 35 years perfecting the rotational grazing system, using remote-controlled collars to move cattle up to 170 times a year.

However, rising land prices and new buyers have changed the face of the northern plains, making life difficult for ranchers.



"Land is only one aspect. You have cattle, equipment, and labor," the cowboy said. "And all of those are components of success. We don't think the next generation will want to produce our products."

He currently owns at least 76 parcels.

He estimates that the lands where three families now live were once occupied by about 100 families.

"Everyone had their own dreams and interests," Wezet noted.



The Ranchers' Alliance formed in 2003. Back then, ranchers united against outside forces buying up land in Northern Montana.

Wezet wants his land to go to those who can't buy it outright. Currently, the average age of a rancher is around 60, and only 12% are under 35.

"The Alliance is organizing a forum. It will feature speakers who have worked their entire lives on the land and are committed to empowering others to farm, support local communities, and grow food. I'm thrilled to be a rancher. I think I've been given a rare opportunity," the American added.