Great Falls Chamber of Commerce – Future of Ag Tour
The Future of Ag Tour is your chance to witness the evolution of agriculture and how modern technology plays a role in Montana’s backbone: agriculture. You’ll learn why Montana is famous for its crops and livestock.
2023 Tour – Ranching
Sheep Ranching and Wool Tour. Join us as we learn about the significance of Sheep Ranching in Central Montana. In honor of the Great Falls Chamber’s 135th anniversary we selected Sheep and Wool as our Tour focus, highlighting its long-standing historical roots in our region.
History
In 1888 the Board of Trade (Chamber of Commerce) was established for the commercial wellbeing of our city and to act unitedly for the public good. The Agricultural way of life has always been of high importance and focus of the Chamber since its establishment.
May 1888, Paris Gibson said we organized “a society to promote the commercial and industrial advancement of the city. Such a Board of Trade will have wide scope for this is a new commercial center.” Ten days later, looking after the business interests, “has done good work already in making known the merits of this wool market.” “Our merchants, acting through the board should inform the woolgrowers of northern Montana that we are in position to treat them well and they will be able to trade their wool on good terms and also buy supplies to advantage.”
Montana became the leading state of wool production in the nation. The industry was encouraged by the Chamber of Commerce, who hosted the Montana Woolgrowers association’s first official convention on September 5, 1893.
May 1888, Paris Gibson said we organized “a society to promote the commercial and industrial advancement of the city. Such a Board of Trade will have wide scope for this is a new commercial center.” Ten days later, looking after the business interests, “has done good work already in making known the merits of this wool market.” “Our merchants, acting through the board should inform the woolgrowers of northern Montana that we are in position to treat them well and they will be able to trade their wool on good terms and also buy supplies to advantage.”
Montana became the leading state of wool production in the nation. The industry was encouraged by the Chamber of Commerce, who hosted the Montana Woolgrowers association’s first official convention on September 5, 1893.
