Rangeland Improvement Loans

The Rangeland Improvement Loan Program was established by the Montana Legislature in 1979 (MCA 76-14-111) and is administered by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). It promotes rangeland improvement and development.  

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS  

 Any person may apply for a loan for rangeland improvements on land that will be constructed, developed, and operated in Montana. If the person is a resident of Montana, is engaged in farming or ranching, and possesses the necessary expertise to make the loan practical.  

ELIGIBLE PROJECTS 

 Eligible projects are rangeland development and improvement, including but not limited to stock water development, cross fencing, establishment of grazing systems, reseeding, mechanical renovation, sagebrush management, and weed control. All projects must be approved by the Conservation District (CD) where the application will be reviewed along with the conservation plan. The conservation plan may be prepared in consultation with the United States Natural Resources & Conservation Service (NRCS). 

LOAN LIMITS 

Loans may not exceed the limit set by the Rangeland Resource Committee recommendation to the DNRC Director and the interest rate is adjusted annually and based on application date.  Maximum loan amounts and Interest rates are found online at www.mtrangelands.org/rilp. Repayment periods may not exceed 10 years. Repayments on the loan are in annual installments. 

See Program Guidance: ttps://www.mtrangelands.org/_files/ugd/9714ad_7a31360684974c49a938ffbe89524955.pdf