State of Montana Newsroom
Gov. Gianforte Highlights Montana Ag Producers on 56 County Tour
BIG SANDY, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte this week continued his annual 56 County Tour, highlighting ag producers along the Hi-Line.
“Agriculture is Montana’s number one industry,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Across our state, Montana’s farmers and ranchers are making new investments and finding innovative ways to meet demand for our world-class products.”
Gov. Gianforte visiting Flocking Good Farms in Big Sandy with owner Joe Ostrom
On the tour, the governor stopped by Chouteau County to visit Flocking Good Farms in Big Sandy to highlight the family-owned poultry producer raising chickens and turkeys. Meeting with the owners, Joe Ostrom and Carissa Bergren, the governor heard about the farm’s plans for growth.
In 2025, the operation received a $25,000 Montana Department of Agriculture’s Growth Through Agriculture grant to launch the farm’s Mobile Slaughter Unit to improve operational efficiency and strengthen the farm’s ability to meet growing demand.
Increasing in-state processing capacity 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 Liberty County, Gov. Gianforte visited Mattson Farms in Chester to meet with the fourth-generation farmers growing winter wheat, spring wheat, durum, barley, flax, lentils, and chickpeas for buyers in the United States, Japan, Philippines, and Taiwan.
Increasing access to international markets for Montana producers has been a top priority for the governor. Since taking office, Gov. Gianforte has led trade missions to Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea with a delegation of producers to strengthen trade and establish new markets.
During the governor’s visit, he recognized his priority to continue delivering tax relief to Montana farmers and ranchers by raising the exemption on the Business Equipment Tax. Working with Rep. Josh Kassmier, R-Fort Benton, Gov. Gianforte has raised the exemption from $100,000 to $1 million, eliminating the business equipment tax burden for more than 5,000 small businesses, farms, and ranches. In the upcoming session, the governor has indicated his priority to further raise the exemption.
“Any tax we don't have to pay is great,” said Vince Mattson, CEO of Mattson Farms. “Money that we are able to save from not paying yearly taxes on our equipment allow us to be able to invest right back into the farm.”