State of Montana Newsroom
Gov. Gianforte Continues 56 County Tour in Southeast Montana
BROADUS, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today continued his 56 County Tour, traveling across southeast Montana to highlight ag producers, job creators, and local leaders investing in their communities.
“It’s great to be back in southeast Montana and see firsthand how Montanans are strengthening their communities,” Gov. Gianforte said. “From producers adding value to our world-class ag products to mentors investing in rural youth and manufacturers creating good-paying jobs, these folks are building a stronger future for the next generation.”
Gov. Gianforte recognizing a Montana Department of Commerce grant awarded to Carter County, visiting Camp Needmore in Ekalaka
Beginning the day in Dawson County, the governor visited Deer Creek Meats, a family-owned operation raising pasture-raised beef, pork, and poultry. With a focus on regenerative agriculture and responsible land stewardship, the business has grown steadily since its founding, meeting increased demand for high-quality, locally raised products while supporting Montana agriculture.
Supporting increasing processing capacity in Montana and adding value to Montana’s ag products is a top priority for the governor. Through the Montana Department of Agriculture, the state supports local meat processors and producers through grants of up to $50,000 and loans of up to $100,000 through the Growth Through Agriculture program.
In 2025, Deer Creek Meats was awarded nearly $20,000 through the program to expand distribution capacity.
“We’re proud to raise our animals the right way and provide a quality product people can trust,” said Josh Kreilaus, owner of Deer Creek Meats. “It means a lot to have the governor come out and see what we’re building here in eastern Montana.”
In Wibaux County, the governor met with volunteers, students, board members, and local educators at Plains 2 Peaks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mentoring rural youth through after-school programs, camps, and community-based support. By investing in young people and providing positive opportunities, the organization is helping strengthen communities and support the next generation.
“Our goal is to give kids in rural Montana the support and opportunities they deserve,” said Josh Helvik, owner of Plains 2 Peaks. “Having the governor visit highlights just how important that work is for our communities.”
Traveling to Baker, the governor visited Barkley’s Home Grown to highlight the small business providing locally-grown meat, vegetables, and fruit to Fallon County residents through its marketplace and online storefront. Meeting with the owners, Gov. Gianforte will hear about the over 100-year legacy of the family ranch and adding value to Montana agriculture. The governor first visited the operation in 2022 and returned this year to see its continued growth and expanded impact.
“We’ve worked hard to grow and diversify what we do, and it’s exciting to see that progress recognized,” said a Todd Barkley, owner of Barkley’s Home Grown. “We’re proud to be building something our family can pass on to the next generation.”
In Carter County, the governor met with Sabre Moore, director of the Carter County Museum, at Camp Needmore for a tour of the historic site. During the visit, they discussed ongoing efforts to enhance community recreation opportunities, including the addition of a new disc golf course set to open in June.
Recently, the Montana Department of Commerce awarded Carter County with $1.25 million investment from the Montana Tourism Development Grant Program to support their enhancements.
“Camp Needmore is a special place that brings people together and highlights the history and character of Carter County,” Moore said. “We’re excited to continue building on that with new opportunities like the disc golf course that will serve both residents and visitors.”
Concluding the tour in Powder River County, the governor visited North Fork Precision, a locally owned manufacturing business producing precision components and supporting economic diversification in rural Montana. The business employs nearly a dozen Montanans at its facility in Broadus.
“Operating in rural Montana comes with challenges, but it also comes with great opportunity,” said Kyle Copeland, owner of North Fork Precision. “We’re proud to create jobs here and contribute to the local economy.”
Supporting Montana businesses is a top priority for the governor. Since taking office, Gov. Gianforte has secured reforms to Montana’s Business Equipment Tax, raising the exemption from $100,000 to $1 million, removing over 5,000 small businesses from paying this burdensome tax. Next session, the governor would like to further raise the exemption to remove more farms, ranches, and businesses off the tax roll.
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