Name
The Canen Family
Operation
Mahlstedt Ranch
Location
Glendive, Montana
Carbon Sequestration Practices
Cover Crops, No Till, Biodiversity/Seeding, Improved Grazing, Fertilization
For the Canen family, ranching in eastern Montana is a way of life that has been passed down for generations.
Mahlstedt Ranch was originally homesteaded in 1912 and today spans thousands of acres of range and cropland in eastern Montana. Now operated by the fourth and fifth generations of the family, they raise cattle and American Quarter Horses while managing both row crop and range & pasture ground. Like many multigenerational operations, the Canens are focused on keeping the ranch productive while preparing it for the future.
Montana Legacy & The Next Generation of Ranchers
The Canens manage land that has supported livestock, crops, and rural communities for more than a century. That history shapes how they make decisions today, with an eye on what the land will look like for whoever works it next.
Recently, George Mahlstedt published a book about his mother and her ranching legacy, preserving the family stories that continue to guide the operation. It’s the kind of record-keeping that reflects something deeper, a belief that land isn’t just an asset to manage, but a responsibility to honor.
The fifth generation isn’t waiting to take the reins. Alexis Canen has already earned recognition as an outstanding young American Quarter Horse breeder, continuing the ranch’s commitment to quality livestock. The family remains active in their local agricultural community and is investing in the long-term success of the operation, on their terms. Tana Canen has also become a leader in Montana’s agritourism community, bringing visitors onto the ranch to see how a working cattle and crop operation actually functions. That kind of direct connection between producers and the public matters for agriculture’s reputation and for the communities that depend on it.
Every generation brings new ideas while carrying forward the traditions that built the ranch.
Investing in Soil Health for the Future
The Canens joined the Agoro Carbon program in late 2023 as part of their ongoing focus on improving their land over time. They were interested in practices for both row crop and range & pasture acres that would support soil health and strengthen the long-term productivity of their ranch.
On their row crop acres, they implemented no-till to help reduce input costs while also keeping carbon in the soil. They also added cover crops help combat erosion and improve nutrient retention. On their range and pasture land, they implemented improved grazing management and biodiversity seeding to support forage quality and long-term land productivity. Fertilization was also add in to optimize nutrient efficiency across the operation.
The goal for the Canens is simple, continue improving the land so it remains productive for the generations that will follow. Partnering with Agoro Carbon meant they got paid for the land stewardship they were already committed to.
Learn more about Mahlstedt Ranch and connect with the Canen family on their Facebook page.
