Montana is known as the “Treasure State” due to the abundance of rich mineral deposits found in its soil. But gold and silver aren’t the only wealth that our fertile landscape produces. Montana has a rich history of fruit production, particularly in the Flathead and Bitterroot regions, that goes back over a century. Today, Montana’s fruit production is booming. Cooperatives like the Flathead Lake Cherry Growers and Montana Berry Growers Association are working to promote Montana’s fruit and berries, support growers, and educate consumers so that this legacy continues long into the future.
Get to know more about Montana’s fruit crops and the people who produce them below!
Cherries
Montana’s Flathead Valley is world-renowned for its cherries. Due to the microclimate created by Flathead Lake’s size and temperature moderations, cherry trees have thrived in Montana’s northwest corner since the late 1800s. Each year, Montana cherry producers harvest around 2 million pounds of fruit!
Find out more about Montana’s cherry growers by visiting the Flathead Lake Cherry Growers’ website.
Cherrywood Orchard – Bigfork, MT
Cherrywood Orchard regeneratively grows cherries nestled against the mountains on the edge of Flathead Lake in northwest Montana. They offer fresh and frozen cherries in bulk orders as well as create value-added products such as syrups, oils, and dehydrated cherry snacks.
Berries
In 2019, berry growers from across the state banded together with MSU Extension to establish the Montana Berry Growers Association. Their goal was to establish a strong network of berry growers to increase the overall success for small fruit producers. Today, the association encourages and supports statewide development for small fruit markets and their producers by increasing access to resources, advocating for their interests, and fostering collaboration.
Find growing tips, seasonal calendars, and more at montanaberries.org!
Apple Bar Orchard – Helena, MT
Apple Bar Orchard is a family-owned and operated orchard that grows juicy haskaps (honeyberries), dwarf sour cherries, currants, aronias, saskatoons, apples, and pears. Their fruit is sold fresh or frozen to local farmers’ markets and consumers.
There’s more to Montana’s agriculture industry than meets the eye! Follow along as we highlight more specialty crop producers over the coming months!
Funding for this article was made possible by a grant agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.
