4,500 Bison Thrive on Ted Turner's $21M Ranch
After ditching 7,000 cattle, his Montana ranch now spans 113,613 acres of diverse and sustainable ecosystem
Ted Turner's Flying D Ranch in Montana has undergone a significant transformation since he purchased it for $21 million in 1989. The ranch, which sits between the Gallatin and Madison rivers, south of Bozeman, now supports about 4,500 bison across its 113,613 acres.
The ranch was previously a major cattle operation, with an estimated 7,000 to 8,000 cattle at its peak. However, years of grazing had taken a toll on some areas, with portions of creek bottoms and grasslands showing signs of heavy use. Turner's decision to replace cattle with bison has resulted in a more diverse and sustainable ecosystem.
Turner initially removed huge amounts of internal fencing to allow the bison to roam with fewer restrictions. However, some areas became overgrazed while others were underused, resulting in some fencing eventually having to be brought back. The Flying D Ranch is part of a larger bison enterprise connected to Turner Enterprises.
## Why it matters The transformation of the Flying D Ranch is significant because bison grazing patterns can differ considerably from those of cattle. Research has shown that bison grazing can increase native plant species richness and influence vegetation and habitats. For example, a study in Kansas' Konza Prairie found that long-term bison grazing increased native plant species richness compared with ungrazed areas. A separate Montana study found differences between bison and cattle in how they used streams and surrounding vegetation.
The Flying D Ranch's new ecosystem is a result of Turner's vision to create a more sustainable and diverse environment. The ranch's location between the Gallatin and Madison rivers, south of Bozeman, provides a unique setting for the bison to thrive. With its 113,613 acres, the Flying D Ranch is now a significant example of how bison can be used to create a more sustainable ecosystem.
## What happens next The Flying D Ranch will continue to be part of Turner Enterprises' larger bison enterprise. The ranch's transformation is a significant step towards creating a more sustainable and diverse environment. As the bison population continues to thrive, the ranch will likely become a model for other sustainable farming practices.
