Montana
American Prairie is about preserving Montana land, not taking it away • Daily Montanan
American Prairie recently announced two property acquisitions in Phillips County, one of the seven counties in which we own property. Chuck Denowh, policy director for United Property Owners of Montana, used this announcement to question our presence in Central Montana.
Denowh lists a “parade of horribles” regarding American Prairie, accusing us of hastening the decline of central Montana’s agricultural economy and communities and threatening Montana’s general fund revenues by our non-profit status. He even holds us responsible for increases in food prices.
Mark Twain quipped, “It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so.”
Here’s what we know:
Around 62 percent of Montana’s land is dedicated to agriculture with more than 58 million acres of farms and ranches. A recent article about American Prairie in Gun Dog Magazine noted, “If American Prairie is afflicting the local economy, it hasn’t shown up in the data. In fact, unemployment in the region has gradually fallen since American Prairie was established, and population is up slightly. The agricultural sector is currently at a 10-year high.”
In 2023, 89 percent of our total land base was leased to local cattle ranchers supporting more than 7,000 head of cattle. On lands where our herd of 900 bison graze, American Prairie pays a per capita tax 2.7 times higher than those fees charged for cattle.
American Prairie pays property taxes for land, vehicles and equipment, just like every other rancher. Staff and lessees living on American Prairie land or in nearby communities pay into their local tax bases. American Prairie contributes to increased revenue from lodging taxes as we continue to promote visitation in the region. In the last four years, American Prairie has paid more than $573,000 in taxes (real, personal, use, etc.) to the counties where we own property.
America’s farmers, the world’s most productive, annually produce food surpluses that last year supported exports worth $175 billion. The recent increases in the cost of food are an inflationary phenomenon driven by a massive injection of federal money into the nation’s economy.
Land prices are increasing across the United States, including ranch and farmland in Montana. The 2022 USDA Land Values Summary found the value of pasture land in the state rose by 10.7% per acre between 2021 and 2022, a little less than the nationwide average increase of 11.5%. Data like this indicates that American Prairie is not driving the cost of land.
The growth of American Prairie has little influence on the long-term demographic and economic trends in Central Montana. Extended drought, market fluctuations, international trade policies, personal family decisions and global integrated agricultural markets have much larger impacts.
We buy land from willing sellers and are but one player in the marketplace. We pay market rates and are limited by IRS regulations from paying more than 10% above appraised value. Having an additional buyer in the market place is surely a benefit, and we are helping families secure their futures.
American Prairie is organized in section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As such we are exempt from business income tax and our donors receive a tax benefit. It is interesting to note that Montana’s property tax system annually exempts more than $50 million of property taxes for tax-exempt organizations and certain tax-exempt types of property.
Montana’s non-profits play important and often vital roles in our communities. They provide support for cultural and religious institutions, fill gaps in health care, and offer enhanced educational opportunities. Instilled during our nation’s founding, our deeply ingrained culture of philanthropy is the envy of the world. If Denowh wishes to campaign to change this situation, I wish him well.
A final note: Mr. Denowh represents an organization allegedly supporting property rights and limited government. Yet he is the ring leader of efforts to use the power of the state to attack the legitimate business practices of American Prairie. Isn’t it ironic that a property rights group seeks to use the cohesive force of government to intervene in the peaceful and voluntary transactions of consenting parties?
Pete Geddes is American Prairie’s Vice President and Chief External Relations Officer. He has been with the organization since 2011.
Montana
Belgrade woman arrested for stealing $4,000 from grocery store highlights Montana theft trends
BELGRADE — A Belgrade woman was arrested last weekend, accused of stealing more than $4,000 worth of goods from the Albertsons in Belgrade over the course of more than 40 separate incidents.
So, is retail theft on the rise?
“Theft has always been wrong,” said Brad Griffin, President of the Montana Retail Association.
Griffin said that since 2017, when the Montana Legislature passed House Bill 133, which significantly reduced penalties for misdemeanor theft, shoplifting has increased.
House Bill 133 eliminated jail time and allowed fines of up to $500 for first-time offenders.
“We did see a rise in theft from that point forward,” Griffin said.
Montana Retail Theft Rises: New Laws Aim to Deter Shoplifters
Belgrade woman arrested for stealing $4,000 from grocery store highlights Montana theft trends
Under that bill, offenders could steal up to $1,500 without facing jail time.
“Predictably, we saw an increase in theft because you could steal up to fifteen hundred dollars with impunity,” he added.
A few months ago, Senate Bill 19 became law. Now, criminals can expect up to six months in jail or a fine of $1,500 for their first and second offenses.
“I think it’s come as a big surprise to a lot of habitual criminals who never expected that,” Griffin said.
Although Brad said it’s too early to measure whether or not Senate Bill 19 has helped improve retail theft, he noted that retailers are already stepping up prevention efforts:
“Asset protection people are being more present in their stores, looking for suspicious behavior.”
Belgrade Police Chief Dustin Lensing said he hasn’t noticed a spike in theft related to the temporary loss of federal benefits during the recent government shutdown.
“I think nationwide, there’s kind of been an increasing trend in retail theft,” Lensing said. “Here locally, with an increasing population, more businesses, and more people, we’ll always see an uptick.”
Lensing emphasized that while public awareness is helpful, safety should always come first, and witnesses or retail employees should not approach criminals.
“We always just ask people to be a really good witness, so when we do show up, they can give us the information we need to solve the case.”
The Montana Grizzlies square off against the Texas A&M Aggies at Reed Arena in College Station, Texas on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 8 p.m. ET.
See more info below, including how to watch this game on SEC Network+.
To prepare for this college hoops matchup, here is what you need to get ready for Tuesday’s action.
Texas A&M vs. Montana: How to watch on TV or live stream
- Game day: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
- Game time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: College Station, Texas
- Arena: Reed Arena
- TV Channel: SEC Network+
- Live stream: Fubo – Watch NOW (Regional restrictions may apply)
Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll
Watch college basketball on Fubo!
Texas A&M vs. Montana stats and trends
- Texas A&M scored 74.6 points per game and gave up 68.7 last year, making them 151st in college basketball on offense and 74th defensively.
- Last year, the Aggies were eighth-best in college basketball in rebounds (36.9 per game) and 36th in rebounds conceded (28.5).
- Last season Texas A&M was ranked 295th in the country in assists with 11.9 per game.
- Last year, the Aggies were 232nd in college basketball in turnovers committed (11.6 per game) and 112th in turnovers forced (12).
- Last season, Texas A&M was 260th in the nation in 3-point makes (7 per game) and 332nd in 3-point percentage (30.7%).
- The Aggies were 305th in the country in 3-pointers conceded (8.5 per game) and 159th in 3-point percentage defensively (33.3%) last season.
- Texas A&M attempted 62.3% of its shots from inside the 3-point line, and 37.7% from beyond it last season. In terms of makes, 72.3% of Texas A&M’s buckets were 2-pointers, and 27.7% were 3-pointers.
Texas A&M vs. Montana Odds and Spread
- Spread Favorite: Aggies (-17.5)
- Moneyline: Texas A&M (-2632), Montana (+1183)
- Total: 164.5 points
NCAA Basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Tuesday at 2:35 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.
Watch college basketball on Fubo!
Follow the latest college sports coverage at College Sports Wire.
The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Nov. 16, 2025, results for each game:
Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Nov. 16 drawing
03-11-26-32-45, Lucky Ball: 02
Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Nov. 16 drawing
10-13-17-27, Bonus: 11
Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
- Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
- Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.
Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.
Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.
Where can you buy lottery tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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