The Ranch

About AAR

Arntzen Angus Ranch (AAR) is a multi-generational, family-operated ranch located 23 miles north of Lewistown, MT.  Lewistown is the geographic center of the Treasure State, county seat to Fergus County – population just over 6,000.  AAR is an agriculturally diversified ranch that holds operations in both ranching and farming sectors. It is home to 1,000 registered and commercial cows with land primarily dedicated to hay, as well as wheat and barley production.

History

The AAR registered herd was started in 1956 with a couple of bred heifers and continuously and purposely increased to our current production capacity. The first production sale was in 1977; and we’ve continued with an annual sale ever since. Our annual production sale typically sells approximately 200 yearling bulls and a select offering of commercial yearling heifers.

Our bulls hold great influence within the Angus breed and can be found within numerous pedigrees throughout the nation. In our almost 70-year history, Arntzen Angus Ranch may be best known as the birthplace for AAR New Trend, AAR Really Windy 1205, and AAR Ten X 7008 SA.

Philosophy

Our cattle philosophy is simple: easy fleshing, high maternal, calving-ease cattle with a genetic emphasis on performance for conditions. We believe in building from a solid base, and require our animals to uphold our expectations from generation to generation.

Our focus is on maternal characteristics that will produce the desired easy fleshing, great-uddered females that can consistently breed back and yield healthy, productive calves.

We cull heavy and utilize intense AI programs that aim to provide consistency to our customers, and that continue to add depth and quality to our cow herd. This is pivotal to our goal of providing customer satisfaction — producing a quality animal that provides you assurance in our product and what you can expect — the “Power of Predictability.”

People

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1956

Family is an understated, but incredibly important attribute throughout our operation. We are a fourth-generation operation with brothers, cousins, and uncles working side by side every day with a common goal. Ken & Sherry Arntzen started the operation in 1953 with five black angus heifers and a black angus bull. Ken sold registered bulls via private treaty until his passing in 1976. In 1977 the ranch held its first annual production sale.

KEITH & KRIS

Keith & Kristine (Butcher) were both born and raised in Central MT. Kristine’s family originally homesteaded in the Missouri River Breaks area outside of Winifred. After Keith attended college and served in the Army Reserves, he took over management of the Angus herd from his parents, working closely with his brother Doug. Keith and Kristine were married in 1974 and remain on the ranch. Keith is a lifetime member of the American Angus Association and served on its Board of Directors from 1997 to 2023. Additionally, Keith has served as Central MT Angus Association president and two terms on the board of the Montana Angus Association, as well as many local community and state boards.

Karrie (Arntzen) & Chris Sramek and their daughter Kaitlynn live near Hilger on their family ranch with cattle & spraying operations.

Kimberly (Arntzen) & Kevin Hansen and their children Kenzee, Kyler, and Keiten live north of the Ranch. Kimberly is a Winifred preschool teacher and Kevin is a petroleum engineer and also farms.

Kevin Arntzen & wife Krista and their children Knox and Knealy live in Christina and are involved in daily ranch cattle and farming operations. Krista is a special education teacher for the Central Montana Learning Resource Cooperative and owns her own business, The Rural Resource Room.

DOUG & GAYLE

Doug Arntzen is the youngest of three children, graduating from Winifred in 1972. He and Gayle (Ruckman) were born and raised in Central MT. Doug attended both Montana State Bozeman and Montana State Northern, returning to the ranch, working with brother Keith to manage the operation. Doug and Gayle were married in 1976 and have four children. Doug has served as President of the Montana Angus Association, as well as serving multiple terms with Central MT Angus Association, Winifred School, and Church boards.

Brad Arntzen & wife Stacie live on the ranch with their children Abbie, Ashlen, and Aleia. Brad handles ranch cattle operations and Stacie is a partner in Arntzen & Ruckman CPAs in Lewistown.

Jennifer (Arntzen) & Chad Denowh live with their children Danica, Cambree, Payton on a cattle production ranch in Sidney, Montana.

Derik Arntzen & wife Corry live on the ranch with their children Briella and Cooper. Derik handles ranch cattle operations and Corry is a VP of operations for Sports Inc. in Lewistown.

Erik Arntzen & wife Amber live on the ranch with their children Gus and Charlee. Erik handles ranch cattle operations and Amber is an elementary teacher in Winifred.

LOGAN & MEGAN TOMSCHIN 

Logan and Megan joined the ranch in fall 2020 and assist with all ranch operations, including calving. Megan works in retail at Shipton’s Big R in Lewistown.

BRACE & HALEY PINGETZER

Brace and Haley joined the ranch in early 2024 and assist with all ranch operations. They live in Christina with their two children RaeLynn and Wayne.

“Our industry is a fantastic gathering of friends, family, and neighbors — and we’d like to thank everyone for their continued dedication and support for our business.”

Doug & Keith Arntzen