A group of people examining soil or compost material in a field demonstration while standing in open grassland.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
– Margaret Mead

Photo: Compost and vermicast pasture walk, May 2026. Winnett ACES

Winnett, Montana, sits at the heart of Petroleum County, which has a population of just 500 people and is home to more than 100 farms and ranches. Many who live in Winnett share a vision that the area remains a place where families make a living on the land and the community thrives.

This vision led a group of local producers to form Winnett ACES (Agricultural and Community Enhancement and Sustainability) in 2016. Rather than watch rural community decline, the group works together to strengthen the future of agriculture, land stewardship, and community life in central Montana. They believe that when family ranches remain in production, they support the local economy, maintain healthy grasslands and wildlife habitat, and help keep schools, businesses, and civic organizations strong. That is why ACES focuses on people, place, and opportunity.

In the beginning, ACES identified a Ranch Incubator, or Grassbank, as one way to keep family ranchers on the land. The idea centers on making grazing land available for multiple ranchers — especially younger or transitioning producers — who need access to grass to keep their operations going or growing. This model encourages mentorship between experienced and beginning producers while keeping land locally managed and in agricultural production.

ACES’ work quickly reached beyond the Ranch Incubator. ACES evolved into a whole-community organization that connects healthy landscapes, thriving ranches, strong families, and vibrant communities. Community members got busy tackling big issues and demonstrated that when they work together, people can create lasting change.

Adapting to the needs of ranchers and the rural community lies at the heart of the efforts. This work falls into two broad categories: Working Lands and Community Enhancement.

WORKING LANDS

ACES works alongside landowners and producers to build resilient ranching operations and healthy grasslands through several initiatives:

Rangeland Improvement Program – Cost-share funding helps ranchers complete projects such as water developments, fencing improvements, and infrastructure that strengthens grazing management, drought resilience, and wildlife habitat.

Soil Health Program – Technical assistance, education, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities help landowners better understand soil function and management practices that support long-term productivity and profitability.

Range Monitoring Group – A collaborative effort helps producers collect and share data across the landscape, improving understanding of grassland health and supporting informed management decisions.

Ranch Incubator – Still underway. Winnett ACES is searching for the right property to create a ranch incubator to provide another tool for access to grazing.

Map of Petroleum County and parts of surrounding counties showing a color-coded land-use or property ownership pattern across the region.

Map of Winnett ACES project area. Photo: Winnett ACES

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT

When families have access to childcare, housing, jobs, recreation, and community gathering spaces, they are more likely to stay, invest, and build their futures in rural Montana. That is why ACES has been involved in a variety of community development efforts, including:

  • Fiscal sponsor and partner for Sweet Peas Daycare.
  • Owner and redevelopment partner of the 55 Main Building, home to Punchy Paint Coffee Shop and workforce and partner housing.
  • Support for the Petroleum County Courthouse redevelopment, creating office space and housing opportunities.
  • Fiscal sponsor for the Winnett Times newsletter.
  • Support for community events that bring people together.

Over the years, ACES has become the third-largest employer in Petroleum County, helping attract talent, create jobs, and build local capacity for long-term success. These programs have supported more than:

  • 1,600 volunteer hours
  • 55 range enhancement projects
  • 20 ranches engaged in soil health and range monitoring efforts through workshops, field days, school programs, and community events
  • 25 educational opportunities are offered annually through workshops, field days, school visits, and community events.
  • 400 people connected each year
  • 10,000 downloads of the podcast Reframing Rural Season Four: Succession Stories

MORE THAN PROJECTS

ACES has created a connected, collaborative ecosystem where landowners, community members, and partners learn, experiment, and grow together. A skilled, mission-driven team identifies needs, runs innovative programs, and revives community spaces. At the heart of it is a growing network of relationships grounded in trust, shared knowledge, and mutual respect.

ACES built partnerships with local residents and organizations, and also with conservation groups, government agencies, educational institutions, foundations, businesses, and individuals who were new to working together. Many of the relationships were non-traditional partnerships formed around a shared belief that rural communities matter and are worth investing in.

Those partnerships brought new resources, expertise, and opportunities to ACES while helping local voices remain at the center of decision-making. They have also reinforced one of ACES’ deepest convictions: lasting change happens when diverse groups come together around a shared vision.

Students taking part in a hands-on livestock handling demonstration with a calf in a fenced arena.

Students getting practice with a rope and drag branding technique at Ranch Boot Camp 2025. Photo: Winnett ACES

LOOKING AHEAD

As ACES enters its second decade, the organization remains committed to its founding vision while continuing to grow its impact. Exciting projects are on the horizon, such as rehabilitating Flatwillow Hall as a community gathering space, replacing sidewalks on Main Street, and helping business owners with storefront modifications to become ADA-compliant.

Most importantly, ACES will continue working to build confidence in the rural community and empower local people to pursue new ideas and opportunities.

Ten years ago, ACES was founded on the belief that rural communities can shape their own future. Today, that belief is visible in Winnett, proving that when neighbors work together, small communities can accomplish big things.

Join ACES on August 21, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the 55 Main Building in Winnett to celebrate a decade of accomplishments.


Laura Nowlin is the Executive Director for the Winnett ACES.