GMRA History

Starting with commercial cattle in the 1960’s Bob’s father, Jim Morton, kept very detailed records on everything from grazing to irrigation to individual birth and weaning weights on all calves. The commercial herd of approximately 150 head quickly became one of the most uniform cattle herds in the area. In 1985, Jim and Shirley decided to enter the purebred industry.

Bob was in college and on his way to an agricultural degree. It seemed like an ideal time to enter the Red Angus breed. In 1991, Bob graduated from Montana State with a bachelors degree in Range Science with a minor in Animal Science. Also in 1991, Bob married Julie, who had also recently graduated, with honors, from MSU in Animal Science.

Soon the purebreds outnumbered the commercial cattle at Green Mountain, and they too were fast showing the positive effects of breeding for performance and strict culling.  Green Mountain Red Angus began selling bulls by private treaty in 1988, went on to have a silent auction format opening day of private treaty sales in 1993, and in 2000 began hosting a live auction at the ranch. 

Bob and Julie have two sons, Tom and Jim. Tom graduated from MSU in May of 2017 with a bachelors degree in Livestock Management and Welding and is back home on the ranch.  Jim is currently pursuing a photography degree at MSU.  You will see many of his photographs on the website and in many Green Mountain Red Angus ads.  Many of his photos have also been featured on Livestock Magazine covers.

Bob and Julie reside at the winter ranch, located 25 miles west of Bozeman, MT, where all of the breeding, calving, and much of the haying takes place. During the summer months the cattle can be found at the summer ranch, located on the Bozeman pass. The herd now numbers around 230 head of registered 1A Red Angus. Our annual bull sale is held the third Tuesday of March and our female sale is held the first Wednesday of December.  Visitors are always welcome!