Montana awards grants to ag businesses

Jun 03, 2015

Up to $110,000 being invested

In an attempt to boost agriculture businesses throughout the state, Montana Governor Steve Bullock and the Agriculture Development Council are investing in seven local businesses.

“When we set out to create the Main Street Montana Project, expanding access to local foods and fostering growth in the agricultural sector were top priorities. These funds will help agriculture businesses grow and create jobs,” said Governor Bullock.

About $110,000 is being invested into the businesses through the Growth Through Agriculture program.

Grants

“The Ag Development Council looks for innovative businesses to add value to the products we grow in Montana. This cycle we were able to select a range of agriculture businesses that will help the industry grow,” said Council Chair Amy Kellogg.

The recipients include:

The Story Mill
Located in Laurel, Montana, the business will receive $8,000 in grants to help process oilseeds more efficiently. The mill uses local specialty crops to make cooking oil products.

Two Bears Farm, LLC
The Whitefish, Montana business will receive $17,500 in grant money. They will use it to invest in a mobile kitchen in an effort to expand the reach of their food.

Lower Valley Processing Company
The Kalispell, Montana operation will use their $50,000 in grants to help a building expansion project move forward and upgrade equipment for meat processing.

The Agriculture Development Council is currently accepting applications for their next round of funding and will be doing so until September 15, 2015 at 2:00pm.

Join the conversation and tell us your thoughts about the grants and their uses. How would you use grant money to improve your agribusiness?

Video: Early Fall Colors | Scenic Ontario Road Trip!

All adventures must come to an end, but not without one more journey! Join The Wandering Shepherds as we say farewell to our cozy Calabogie cottage and take the scenic road trip home to Ewetopia Farms. Our first stop was a breathtaking hydroelectric generating station, framed by cliffs, rushing water, and brilliant fall leaves that seemed to have changed overnight. From there, we meandered along winding backroads through lakes and hills, soaking in the spectacular autumn scenery. This year, the colors seemed to arrive earlier than usual—perhaps due to the summer’s drought? Whatever the reason, it was an unforgettable display of Ontario’s fall beauty. Finally, our holiday drew to a close as we pulled back into Ewetopia Farms, ready to return to the sheep and our daily vlogs. But this trip reminded us how important it is to pause, explore, and appreciate the simple beauty around us.