MISSOULA, Mont. – Director Streit and representatives from the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) continued their focus on highlighting the diversity in Montana’s agricultural ecosystem this week where they visited Turner Farms in Missoula, MT.
“I am a big believer that diversification of income streams is key to the success of a family farm,” said Director Streit. “Learning and telling the story of how families like the Turners have integrated and changed practices to focus on feeding their local community is a vital part of our agricultural ecosystem here in Montana.”
“Montana is a large commodity base, and that is our bread and butter. Commodity exports are always going to create the majority of income for our ag community but integrating diversified income streams like value-added products is an opportunity for our industry to capitalize on,” said Director Streit.
The Turners are first generation farmers that are committed to promoting local agriculture and providing their local community with the ability to have a connection to their food. The Turners started Turner Farms in 2006 and have since then grown into beef, pork, lamb, and more. In combination with their farm produce and meat offerings, Turner Farms has leaned into their agritourism capabilities and provide on-farm camps for kids, an event space, a pumpkin patch, and a farm store.
“Education surrounding agriculture is very important to us,” said Jon Turner. “Providing local kids and their families the opportunity to connect with their food through our farm is a big part of why we love being farmers.”
To learn more about Turner Farms, please visit turnerfarms406.com or drop by their Farm Store in Missoula.
The Montana Department of Agriculture is serving Montana Agriculture and growing prosperity under the Big Sky. For more information on department programs or services, visit agr.mt.gov.
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Montana Department of Agriculture
