Governor Gianforte Kicks off Montana Agriculture Week

Discusses Value-Added Agriculture at Missouri River Brewing Company

• March 20 2023

EAST HELENA, Mont. – Kicking off Montana Agriculture Week, Governor Greg Gianforte today visited Missouri River Brewing Company (MRBCo) to highlight how the operation expands value-added ag opportunities for Montana producers.

“Small businesses like Missouri River Brewing Company strengthen our local economies and our leading industry of agriculture,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Sourcing many of its ingredients locally, Missouri River Brewing adds value to our high-quality commodities and returns that premium to the rightful recipient – Montana producers.”

Gov. Gianforte tours MRBCo with co-owner Scott Hansing

Opening its doors in the fall of 2020, MRBCo serves over two dozen beers brewed in-house with premium Montana ingredients.

While touring the brewery, the governor heard from co-owner Scott Hansing about how working with Montana producers gives them a competitive advantage in business.

“Folks want to know where their food and beer come from, and it was important for us to partner with local producers to bring our products to market,” MRBCo co-owner Scott Hansing said. “Montana farmers are a part of our success here at Missouri River Brewing Company, and we are proud to contribute to the booming brewery and agriculture industry in the state.”

Hansing also shared that Montana is one of the top hop producers in the country.

Beyond beer, MRBCo’s food menu features a burger complete with grass-finished beef from Heart K Bar Ranch in Frenchtown, buns by Grateful Bread Bakery in Helena, and french fries from potatoes grown in Manhattan.

Montana Department of Agriculture Director Christy Clark and members of the Montana Farm Bureau Federation joined the governor on the visit.

Speaking to the importance of value-added agriculture to Montana’s economy, Director Clark added, “Missouri River Brewing Company brings grain-to-glass full circle. We’ll continue to work to find innovative ways to add value to these raw commodities and expand value-added agriculture opportunities across Montana.”

Earlier this month, Gov. Gianforte proclaimed March 2023 Montana Agriculture Month, March 19-25, 2023, Montana Agriculture Week, and March 21, 2023, Montana Agriculture Day, to recognize the state’s agriculture industry, farmers and ranchers, and their contributions to the Montana way of life and the world.

At a Montana Stockgrowers Association lunch today, the governor recognized Montana Meat Day, encouraging all Montanans to mark the day with some world-class beef, chicken, lamb, or pork from Montana producers.

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