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. Stephen A. Roth is the president and holds memberships in the Montana Stockgrowers Association, Montana Grain Growers Association, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, American Quarter horse Association, and Farm Bureau. In 2008 Steve finished his second and final year as President of the Montana Stockgrowers Association. He is also actively involved in many committees and agencies concerning government policy, water and private land rights, and environmental issues. His wife Karen is involved in many activities but focuses most of her attention on her grandchildren and keeping Steve on the straight and narrow. She works very hard at keeping their home and yard in tip-top shape.

Richard W. Roth 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. He is a member of the Montana Stockgrowers Association, NCBA, Big Sandy Water Conservation Board, Montana Farm Bureau and Grain Growers and Rotary International.

Divisions