Located on the Yellowstone river, where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains, Rob Forstenzer’s 560-acre Ferry Creek Ranch is one of Montana’s oldest, with buildings listed on the National Historic Record.

After vacationing in Montana for a number of years, Rob and his wife, Julie, came to Livingston from Long Island drawn to a lifestyle that featured fishing, skiing and backpacking. But when they purchased the ranch in 1990, the land on the ranch was worn out and maintenance had been long deferred. After years of plowing up and reseeding hundreds of acres, rebuilding fences and making other improvements, Rob began a beef operation in 1999 and became certified organic in 2002. “I’m committed to raising clean, healthy grass-finished beef for people who care about their health and the health of the environment.” says Rob. “But just as important, I wanted a healthy living environment for my family free of pesticides.”

Rob derives great satisfaction from his work and life, and the chemical-free environment he’s able to provide for Julie and his two children. “The winters are long, but it’s very rewarding to see all the improvements I’ve made. It’s a privilege to work this magnificent landscape.”