Community Story

Small and midsize producers in western Montana face unique challenges, including the variable weather in the Northern Rockies and the considerable distances between communities and potential consumers. The Western Montana Growers Cooperative (WMGC) has stepped up as a food hub to overcome these obstacles, serving as a vital link between local farms and the tables of households, schools and businesses statewide. For more than 20 years, this farmer-owned cooperative has been delivering fresh, local products while helping producers.

Dave Prather, who joined WMGC as a producer in 2007 and became General Manager in 2010, brings a unique perspective and passion to the role. He describes his mission as “helping farmers do what they do best, improving their bottom line, while making it easier for consumers to access the incredible food they produce, and reducing the barriers in between.”

At its heart, WMGC is a bridge. It connects Montana farms, ranches and food producers with grocery stores, restaurants, schools, hospitals and individual households. From their base in Missoula, WMGC’s trucks deliver fresh produce, meats, dairy and other locally made goods, covering nearly a quarter million miles annually. They also operate a Community Supported Agriculture program, offering an array of Montana-grown products.

They also help small and midsize producers stay connected to local businesses that are otherwise challenging to reach. “Our population is spread thin and far between,” Dave explains. “We also have a mix of independently owned stores and many that are controlled by out-of-state interests. That’s where we come in – to open new doors for our producers to reach customers.”

Members of the Western Montana Growers Cooperative join together.

Supporting Montana’s local food systems

WMGC is deeply connected to community needs. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted markets, the cooperative responded quickly, collaborating with local organizations to launch food box programs. These efforts brought fresh, nutritious produce to families in need. “It was a win for farmers who lost wholesale accounts and for families who gained access to fresh, nutritious food,” Dave shares.

The cooperative also prioritizes farm-to-institution programs, ensuring locally sourced foods make their way to schools and hospitals. “Providing Montana-grown food to be served in cafeterias for school kids, healthcare workers and family visitors has been a real focus for us over the last few years,” Dave says.

The power of partnership

WMGC’s success has been amplified by forming strong partnerships. Dave regularly collaborates with the Northwest Food Hub Network food hubs, which include LINC Foods and Puget Sound Food Hub, to share resources and expand inventory. One collaboration resulted in a significant Washington state public schools contract that benefited food hubs in both Montana and Washington. “Working together helps us supply enough inventory, that perhaps a single hub couldn’t provide alone,” emphasizes Dave.

Another key partnership has been with AgWest Farm Credit. Dave reflects on how AgWest has supported the cooperative through crucial moments, from financing a truck fleet to helping to secure a permanent facility in Missoula. Today, WMGC is focused on increasing its cold storage and loading dock capacity to accommodate future growth. “Having a financing partner who really understands cooperatives has been vital to our success,” he says.

WMGC’s work goes far beyond distributing food. The cooperative is a driving force in strengthening Montana’s local food systems, supporting rural communities and ensuring more people can enjoy the incredible food produced by the state’s farmers and ranchers.

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