Farm to Table Dinner in Hi-Line Region, Fall 2018 Montana Food Economy Initiative Update

Staff traveled to Montana’s hi-line to meet producers in the region and assist with the Malta MFEI meeting. Along with touring the Malta Farm to School garden with Becky Bruce and High School student Payton, we stopped at Bear Paw Meats, Hinsdale School, Sleeping Buffalo Greenhouse, and checked out Lazy K’s canola harvest. Field Advisor Thayne Mackey and wife Michelle hosted a Farm to Table dinner before the MFEI meeting at their Hi-Line Kitchen Processing and Garden Center just outside of Malta, MT. Guests were treated to an amazing meal prepared by Michelle and her helpers! It had many local ingredients including Montana beef and lamb from Bear Paw Meats, feta cheese from Flathead Lake, melons from Joplin, and even Chocolate Rum from Stonehouse Distillery in Winston. Flour, sugar, eggs, garden vegetables and herbs were provided by Hi-Line Kitchen Processing and Garden Center. The dinner highlighted the local food in the region and provided an inspiring example of what a local food system can actually produce. Many attendees stayed on site to participate in the MFEI conversations. The group discussed regional challenges, identifying transportation and distribution as the biggest hurdle for producers.