<the dirt on your side is soooo much better>

Not in my case, it isn't! Those photos were in one of the "less rocky" spots. I suspect it's the rockiest farm in Gallatin County. And, it was dryland farmed for probably 70+ years with no fertilizer or other inputs other than seed, and it is just plumb wore out and used up. It's a restoration project for sure...
Anyway, yes, it was that December plane crash when four guys (all pilots) piled it into Sacagawea. I've since met the rescuer of the one who survived. Talk about an epic story! It was just not his day to die.
Anyway, don't get rid of that sage! The only thing wrong with sagebrush is that cows won't eat it.