by John Dowd
Last week, the Western Montana Agricultural Research Center (WARC) held its annual field day, which drew over 300 people. According to Zach Miller, the WARC director, the event can be a huge effort, but it is definitely worth it. He described it, saying it is “like throwing a wedding every year, but when you throw the same wedding you get good at it.”
This year they moved it further back in the season to feature their later season crops, like grapes, berries and apples. It usually takes place in late July, but by moving it later, this year they had to combat the early fall rain. According to Kirstin Schmitt, WARC administrative assistant, visitors “loved how we pivoted due to the rain, using the big tents and the research presentations were great. We think so too!”
According to Miller, all the research centers in the state hold an open house every year. It’s their chance to “really share the research we’re doing, who we’re doing it for, and why,” said Miller. They do research year round and often work closely with farms and other researchers. The field day events are a chance for the public to come in and see what’s going on, ask questions and learn about new techniques and science behind modern agriculture. Miller said these events often bring in a lot of new supporters, along with many familiar faces to see what is new every year.
The main projects they featured this year included new techniques for improving the efficacy and efficiency of organic weed management. According to Miller, with the cost of chemicals going up, many traditional farmers and ranchers are turning to more sustainable organic weed management. For farmers already doing so organically, Miller said weeding can be a constant and “major challenge of running an organic farm.” WARC has also worked really closely with organic vegetable farms across the state to try new tools and tactics to combat weeds.
WARC also worked with farms to help learn ways to ripen tomatoes and peppers faster outside. These items allow for the creation of salsas and tomato sauces, which Miller stated are great “value-added” products that can be sold year round. When farms try to grow, these kinds of produce can take a back seat as they are hard to grow outside a greenhouse. However, according to Miller, “If you’re really gonna scale up, you need to move outside.” They are accomplishing this through new techniques and by looking at some old varietals that were bred in the Northwest to be hardy to the environment.
WARC also spoke on investigating opportunities for seed vegetables. Miller said Montana does really well for growing seed potatoes, which can be sold to other farmers to start their potato crops. The researchers at WARC believe they may be able to do the same thing with onions, garlic and shallots, to help the state economy. These are “good money makers for small vegetable gardeners in Montana.” Miller added, “Vegetable seed is a hugely profitable business,” and could help “support farmers [to] expand their business.”
WARC was also excited to talk about their work with researchers in Bozeman, looking into the potential health benefits of their haskap berries. Miller said, “the connection between diet and health is really complicated,” and they want to investigate “not just what happens but why.” Miller was excited about the potential these berries could have, not just on people’s health, but on the state’s agricultural economy. WARC is growing the berries to supply the researchers and is also working to see which varieties have the benefits, while looking into farming techniques to maximize those benefits.
Schmitt added, “Everything went terrifically with the tremendous help of our staff and summer crew. We’re especially grateful that the rain held off and that the smoke cleared! Guests commented on the excellent food – Bar MW burgers prepared by our Operations Manager, Haydon Davis, salads by Trapper Creek Job Corps Culinary Arts students led by Chef Steve Studer, corn donated from Moeller’s Nursery and ice cream made with our fruit by Big Dipper.”
For more information about WARC, interested parties can visit the website at agresearch.montana.edu. Interested parties can also call (406) 961-3025. WARC is always looking to help local farmers and ranchers, even outside of the field day.