Governor Gianforte celebrates agriculture week at Dutton's Dahlman Farms

GREAT FALLS, Mont. — Governor Greg Gianforte visited Dahlman Farms in Dutton Wednesday to celebrate Montana Agriculture Week and highlight the importance of international trade to Montana farmers and ranchers.

"Montana farmers and ranchers produce some of the highest quality wheat, barley and beef in the world," Gov. Gianforte said in a release. "Montana farm families like the Dahlmans not only grow crops here at home, but also help tell Montana agriculture's story abroad, strengthening relationships with trading partners and opening new markets for our producers."

The Dahlman family has a long history in Montana agriculture. After emigrating from Germany in the late 1800s, the family settled in the Power area as early homesteaders in 1910.

In 1958, Lee Dahlman's parents started the farm, which he continues to operate with his daughter Breanna, son Brody and their families. Today, the family raises winter wheat, spring wheat, durum, malt barley, lentils, peas and commercial beef cattle, including registered Red Angus.

Last fall, Dahlman joined Gov. Gianforte and other agricultural leaders on a trade mission to South Korea and Japan, focused on expanding export opportunities for Montana products.

In Japan, the group met with flour milling companies and baking industry representatives who rely on high-quality wheat from Montana and the Northern Plains. In South Korea, the delegation met with importers and food companies that use Montana wheat in noodles, baked goods and other products, as well as organizations that promote U.S. grains in international markets.

"These trade missions give farmers like me the opportunity to meet directly with the customers who buy Montana wheat," Dahlman said. "Seeing how our grain is used overseas and building those relationships helps ensure strong markets for Montana producers for years to come."

Korea and Japan are consistently in Montana's top five trading partners. In 2024, Korea was the second largest trading partner, purchasing more than $335 million in industrial machinery, coal, beef and wheat, while Japan was the fourth largest, purchasing more than $265 million in exports including agricultural products, wheat and coal.

"Trade missions help connect Montana farmers and ranchers with customers across the globe," Gov. Gianforte added. "When we expand markets for Montana agriculture, we support jobs, strengthen rural communities and keep our number one industry growing."