Updated May 2025

Conservation & Natural Resources

  • USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) - find your local service center
    Offers producers technical and financial assistance for conservation practices, helping them improve soil, water, and wildlife resources on their land while supporting sustainable agriculture and meeting local natural resource priorities.

Cooperatives & Marketing

  • Montana Department of Agriculture
    See Technical Assistance & Education (marketing).
  • Montana Manufacturing Education Center (MMEC)
    See Technical Assistance & Education (marketing).
  • Montana Organic Producers Cooperative
    Currently focused on organic grassfed beef, but will also be marketing lamb, goats, pork, and bison in the future.
  • Western Montana Growers Cooperative
    Missoula-based producer cooperative with over 50 participating farmers that serves entire Western half of state.
    grower@wmgcoop.com.

Health & Wellbeing

  • Ag Worker Health and Services(headquarters in Billings, Dillon, and Lolo)
    Provides affordable medical, dental, and behavioral health care to agricultural workers and their families, including screenings, immunizations, and mobile clinics, using a sliding fee scale regardless of insurance status.
  • Montana Ag Producer Stress Resources Clearinghouse
    Provides Montana agricultural producers and their families with stress management tools, mental health resources, counseling services, and crisis support, helping them address financial, health, and emotional challenges unique to rural life.
  • Montana Department of Agriculture
    See Technical Assistance & Education (for mental health resources).

Sustainable Food Systems Education & Support

  • AERO's Montana Food Economy Initiative
    Advances sustainable agriculture, local food systems, and renewable energy in Montana through education, advocacy, community projects, and support for producers and food businesses, fostering a resilient and equitable future for all Montanans.
  • Farm Connect Montana (Missoula)
    Strengthening Montana’s food system by protecting farmland, supporting farmers and ranchers, and enhancing healthy local food access for all.
  • O'Hara Commons & Sustainability Center (Hamilton)
    Increases access to local food, supports community resilience, and promotes sustainable living through educational programs, a community garden, and events that connect people with local food resources and sustainable practices.

Technical Assistance & Education

  • Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center (Ronan)
    Helps Montanans innovate and grow businesses that produce and commercialize food, agricultural and renewable energy products and processes.
  • Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA)
    Supports producers with grants, market development, regulatory services, and mental health resources, helping them grow their businesses, access new markets, comply with regulations, and maintain well-being.
  • Montana Manufacturing Education Center (MMEC) (Bozeman)
    Supports businesses around the state that are engaged in manufacturing (e.g., value-added processing or agribusiness) by offering product development, market strategy, lean manufacturing, food safety education, and supply chain support. They assist with business planning, workforce training, and accessing grants.
  • Montana State University Extension Service
    Provides research-based education, technical assistance, and resources in agriculture, natural resources, and business management to help improve productivity, sustainability, and profitability across Montana’s diverse agricultural operations. Find an extension office near you.
  • Montana Wool Lab (Bozeman)
    Tests and analyzes wool for quality, supports research and education, and provides services to wool producers, helping improve wool production, marketing, and processing in Montana and beyond.
  • Ravalli County Economic Development Authority (also Ravalli County Food & Agriculture Center) (Hamilton)
    Provides cost free business and financial planning and entrepreneurial support services which includes grants, loans, technical expertise, relocation assistance, quality workforce and more.

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Have resources to add to our list? Please contact Kierstin at kierstin.schmitt@montana.edu.