Governor Visits Middle Creek Farms For National Ag Month

Gov. Greg Gianforte last week visited Middle Creek Farms in Bozeman to highlight March as National Agriculture Month and recognize the hardworking farmers and ranchers who drive Montana’s leading industry.

“Agriculture is more than Montana’s top industry — it’s a heritage with roots that run deep in our state,” Gianforte said. “Our farmers and ranchers work tirelessly to feed Montana and the world, and we’re committed to ensuring they have the tools and resources to succeed.”

Operated by Dale Flikkema, Middle Creek Farms is a fourth-generation family farm that raises cattle and crops. Flikkema is a member of the Montana Stockgrowers Association. The governor toured the farm with Dale and Raylee Honeycutt, executive vice president of the Montana Stockgrowers Association, learning about the diversified cow-calf and crop operation.

“My family has farmed in the Gallatin Valley my whole life, dating back to my grandfather and my dad,” Flikkema said. “My dad started farming and there’s been a lot of changes. A lot of things I do are a little different than most folks, but I like to think outside the box. That’s what I love about agriculture.”

Touring the farm with Flikkema and Montana Department of Agriculture Director Jillien Streit, the governor helped administer vaccines to a 1,500-pound bull and heard of the importance of continuing to support Montana’s farms and ranches, particularly on expanding meat processing capacity in the state.

In 2020, the governor approved American Rescue Plan Act Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program awards with over $12.3 million awarded to Montana meat processors. Thanks to this investment, the amount of meat processed in Montana facilities has more than doubled since the governor took office and wait times for processing across the state have decreased significantly.

“It’s really neat to see the governor come out and pay attention to what’s going on in ag world,” Flikkema said. “We haven’t seen a lot of that in the past, me personally anyways. It’s neat to see our governor out on the farm and ranch and giving a care about what we’re up to and asking questions and learning about our operations.”

After the tour, Streit spoke of the work ethic of Dale and all of Montana’s farmers and ranchers.

“This National Agriculture Month is a time to celebrate what’s best about Montana agriculture,” Streit said. “I love this industry and all the people in it, who are hard workers like Dale. We have these incredible people across our state who aren’t only willing to spend 80 hours on their operations, but then even more hours making sure Montana agriculture thrives for the next generation.”

“Agriculture is the foundation of our state’s economy and a way of life for thousands of Montana families,” Gianforte said. “By cutting taxes, reducing red tape, and investing in our rural communities, we’re making Montana an even better place for Montanans to live, work, and raise a family.”