Governor Greg Gianforte visited Oxbow Cattle Company in Missoula, celebrating the innovative work of owners Bart and Wendy Morris in promoting the value of Montana products.
“Across Montana, producers like Bart and Wendy are adding value to our world-class beef, grains, and other high-quality products,” Gov. Gianforte said. “We’ll continue to promote and invest in value-added agricultural operations and in hardworking Montanans who are innovating to feed our communities and the world.”
At their ranch, located near a Missoula residential neighborhood, the Morrises have employed regenerative practices since purchasing the property in 2014. These practices include intensive grazing, extended rest periods for the land, and natural fertilization, allowing them to raise over 300 head of grass-fed, grass-finished cattle.
“It’s a privilege to work the land and connect the community to the source of their beef,” Bart Morris said. “This community has supported us unbelievably. We always say our unfair advantage is our location – we have more neighbors than any other rancher in Montana, but it’s to our benefit.”
Oxbow Cattle Company stands out for its farm-to-market (f2m) store, which operates daily on an honor system, allowing Missoulians to purchase beef cuts and a variety of other products from local producers. Since opening in 2019, the store has offered eggs and lamb from Wild Rye Livestock Co. in Deer Lodge, pork from Lyon Ranch in Drummond, and chicken raised on Living River Farms in Stevensville, as well as beauty products made from tallow from Oxbow cattle.
During the visit, Gov. Gianforte toured the market alongside Montana Department of Agriculture Director Christy Clark. They discussed the efforts of Montana producers in enhancing local communities and the state’s agricultural sector.
“It is the ingenuity of our producers here in Montana that makes our agricultural ecosystem special and unique,” Director Clark said. “Oxbow Cattle Co. is a perfect example of thinking outside the box to find success while providing their community with a nutrient-dense product they can trust.”
Promoting value-added agriculture is a key aspect of the governor’s Montana Comeback Plan. Throughout his travels, he emphasizes the importance of the Made in Montana brand. In 2022, Gov. Gianforte announced over $7.8 million in investments for value-added agriculture projects across the state, aimed at enhancing meat processing, food distribution, and pulse crop equipment.
Additionally, to support small businesses and family farms, the governor increased the business equipment tax exemption from $100,000 to $1 million, eliminating the tax burden for 5,000 Montana businesses, farms, and ranches.
By: DNU staff
