the Winnett ACES

Agricultural Community Enhancement and Sustainability

Petroleum County is one of the most deeply rural places in America. It spans an area of 1,655 square miles but is home to just 494 people. Winnett is the county seat and lone town in the county and has a population of 188. We are the least populous county in Montana. And the seventh least populous county in the United States. Yet, our county persists. It persists because it serves a vital role in the functioning of America. Ranchers here produce high quality food for the world, while also managing a considerable portion of the last remaining intact, native prairie in North America.

This place matters – it matters to the ranchers who care for their land and livestock, it matters to the local community, it matters to those who benefit from hunting and fishing opportunities, and it matters to those who care about native prairie. The people, land, and animals coexist in a delicate balance, with each serving as support for the others. With passion for our community, and for our environment, we serve as stewards working to strengthen the resiliency of our community.

The Winnett ACES (Agricultural Community Enhancement and Sustainability) began as a group of Winnett area producers joining together to address the most important issues facing our community. Our community leaders saw that responsible land management is best done through local management, by people who understand the land and its needs as well as the community and its needs.