THOMPSON FALLS, MONT. – From surviving the Great Depression to supplying turkeys to the U.S. Army during World War II, Harlow Ranch has endured more than 100 years of challenges through resilience, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to the ranch and its legacy. In recognition of this dedication, Montana Farmers Union (MFU) honored the Harlow family through its Centennial Farm and Ranch Program at MFU’s Annual Convention (Oct. 15-18) in Bozeman. Melinda Harlow Anakalea, a fourth-generation member of the rancher family and part of the leadership team, accepted the award. MFU’s Centennial Farm and Ranch Program recognizes Montana family farms and ranches that have been continuously owned and operated by the same family for 100 years or more, as well as Montana farm and ranch families that have farmed or ranched in Montana for 100 years or more. MFU President Walter Schweitzer said, “The Harlow family has shown that a family ranch can evolve while staying rooted in agriculture and the land. From their early days in fruit and livestock to raising bison today, their story reflects the ingenuity and spirit that have helped Montana’s family ranches endure. MFU is proud to recognize them as this year’s Centennial Ranch.” Interior Dept. plans to remove bison from BLM grazing permits “This recognition is truly a tribute to the grit, sacrifice, and stubborn determination that kept this place alive for more than a century. It’s humbling to think about the generations who came before us. Every fence line, every pasture, and every decision carries their fingerprints,” said Melinda. Harlow Ranch Bison Company began in 1919, when the Harlow family purchased the Squaw Creek Fruit Ranch in Thompson Falls, Montana. Over the decades, the operation evolved from fruit and livestock to dairy and beef, adapting through changing times. From the 1980s through 2019, the family leased the land to neighboring cattle ranchers while retaining ownership. In 2019, the fourth generation returned home and — with 2,200 acres of grassland in need of grazers — turned to bison. The first 18 head arrived in March 2020. Today, the herd has grown to more than 130 head, with the family using regenerative grazing practices that prioritize land stewardship and animal welfare. In 2024, the fifth generation returned home, continuing the family’s legacy. Today, Harlow Ranch Bison Company sells bison meat directly to consumers through its website and ranch store, supplies select restaurants with Montana‑raised buffalo, and offers limited live-animal sales. Melinda added, “The earlier generations survived by adapting. They moved from fruit to sheep and cattle, then dairy and logging, whatever it took. That mindset still guides us. You stay tough, you stay flexible, and you keep moving forward no matter what the season throws at you.” Summers bring thousands of visitors to the ranch for tours, educational experiences, and the annual Bison Family Festival, which celebrates National Bison Month, Montana agriculture, and the American buffalo. Despite the changes the ranch has seen over the years, the Harlow family remains committed to carrying forward a way of life rooted in more than a century of agriculture. Share via: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn More