105 East Main Street, Hamilton MT 59840

Agriculture & Local Foods

Our Mission

Strengthening Bitterroot Valley farmers, ranchers and producers through collaboration, advocacy, and promotion to support our economy, preserve open spaces, and honor our agricultural heritage for present and future generations.

Map

Community Agricultural Calendar

Scholarship Opportunities

The Ag & Local Foods Committee is proud to announce the launch of the Farmer Education Scholarship program. Inspired by Carissa McNamara of Montana Farmers Union, the Ag Committee decided to use a portion of the proceeds from the 2025 Know Your Farmer event to help farmers attend conferences or other educational opportunities. The Committee will continue to fund the scholarship through event proceeds and the Chamber will distribute the funding. The application is available online and is open year-round.

Fill out the application below to be considered a grantee of these funds. For more information – please reach out to Jodi Mitchell at jodi@bvchamber.com.

Scholarship Application

Photo Gallery

FAQ

Do I need to be a Chamber member?

No, membership is not required. Everyone is welcome!

Do I need to have an ag business or work for an ag organization?

No, anyone passionate about ag is welcome!

Does Committee have any events?

We will support & promote existing events for now & are exploring future events hosted by Ag Comm.

What is our goal?

Our goal is to help increase economic opportunties for farms, ranches & producers in the Bitterroot Valley.

Committee

Kierstin Schmitt

Co-Chair

Western Agricultural Research Center

Elyse Fox

Vice Chair

BitterRoot Land Trust

Grace Nichols

Vice Chair

Ravalli County Economic Development Authority

Raechel Hawkinson

Vice Chair

Valley Irrigation

Gretchen Pernichele

Vice Chair

Frost Top Orchard