On Saturday, February 4th from 6-9pm, Brian Herbel of Verdure Pastures is hosting a Square Dance fundraiser for the Montana State University-Western Agricultural Research Center (WARC) at the Rocky Mountain Grange south of Hamilton (1436 South 1st St -Hwy 93). Brian’s band, The Woodhogs, will play live music while Caroline Stephens will be the caller. All ages welcome & no experience is required. All dances will be taught. $20 suggested donation.
“As a community farmer I have directly benefited from the services of the ag station and its wealth of knowledge. I wholeheartedly support all of their endeavors, this fundraising effort, and their support of the farming community in the Bitterroot Valley,” say Herbel.
The funds going towards the state-required matching funds for a new research & education building. WARC is over half of the way towards raising $300,000 which is required to receive the $1.2 million approved by the state legislature. Donations will help to achieve this goal, to build this much-needed facility.
WARC is the only research station in Montana that focuses on production of high value crops and support of small-scale agriculture. Funding for construction of a research, education and office center is a much-needed and long overdue investment that will provide support for fruit and vegetable growers for decades to come. The WARC cannot effectively carry out its mission without modern laboratory, office and educational facilities. Current facilities are in old farmhouses that are in poor condition, undersized, and unsafe.
“The farmers we work for are the backbone of local food systems in Montana, providing delicious and nutritious fruits and vegetables to eaters in the state.” says Zach Miller, superintendent at WARC. “These growers rely on the research-based recommendations that we provide and deserve a modern facility for that research.”
The Rocky Mountain Grange is a fraternal organization, focused on community and agriculture.
For those that cannot attend, donations can be made online: https://www.msuaf.org/give-warc. Checks can be made out to MSU Alumni Foundation and write 93627 – Western Ag Research Center Improvements in the notes of the check. The mailing address is MSU Alumni Foundation, PO Box 172750, Bozeman, MT 59717.