Commerce’s Agritourism Grant Program Brings Real Montana Experiences to Life
Agritourism, which connects people with hands-on farm and ranch experiences, is a growing industry and one of rural Montana’s most charming offerings for visitors and residents alike. The Montana Department of Commerce’s Agritourism Grant Program encourages the development of value-add products and services that build on Montana’s renowned agriculture industry.
In 2025, 17 agritourism projects across Montana shared $350,000 in grant funds to support rural and tribal agricultural businesses and promote agritourism development throughout the state. Two grant recipients, Red Hen Farm and Orchard in Missoula and Alberton Orchards near Alberton, are using the funds to enhance their existing facilities and attract guests who want authentic Montana experiences. With long-term goals in mind, these small businesses are working with Commerce to raise the bar for agritourism in Montana.
Red Hen Farm and Orchard, with its quintessential red barn and working weathervanes, is a thriving, organic fruit farm where blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, apples, pears, plums and apricots are grown right here in Montana. Its owner, Julie Engh Peters, said, “We would like our reach to encompass our community as well as those from other cities and states, giving people an agricultural connection and education, a retreat and a window into Montana’s small, local agriculture and hospitality.”
The red barn and soon-to-be constructed glamping tent are new additions to the property, funded in part by Commerce’s Agritourism Grant Program. The barn will add capacity to the farm’s existing agritourism activities, including an onsite classroom offering educational opportunities to learn about soil care, fruit production and propagation and harvesting and preservation. Overnight stays in the glamping tent will offer immersive agricultural experiences to visitors, generating revenue to help fund fruit expansion, netting and other farm improvements.
About 30 miles west of Missoula in Mineral County, Alberton Orchards is a working ranch with agritourism enterprises that include farm stays, farm-to-table meals and up-close agricultural experiences. With the Agritourism Grant, Alberton Orchards is installing a handwashing station, grill and covered pergola to support a new program called Dining in the Orchard.
Owner Steven DeLisle said, “My long-term vision for Alberton Orchards is to provide a place where visitors can immerse themselves in a farm-to-table Montana experience. I want visitors to taste our ranch-raised beef, harvest our herbs, savor our wine and taste our honey which are all produced on the ranch.”
Like visitors to the Red Hen Farm and Orchard, guests of Alberton Orchards don’t only want to see Montana; they want to taste and feel Montana. They enjoy sensory experiences like picking fruit, pruning vines, drinking local wine, feeding cattle and preparing a meal straight from the garden. After learning about agriculture by participating in farm activities, they get to taste the rewards of their work.
Red Hen Farm and Orchard and Alberton Orchards’ project goals will lead to an increase in farm stays and visitation and will improve the overall guest experience, resulting in repeat customers, positive reviews and more guests. As part of Commerce’s mission to enhance community vitality to benefit the citizens of Montana, the Agritourism Grants Program is giving small agricultural businesses like these the resources they need to expand and compete in this rising tourism industry.
To learn more about Commerce’s Agritourism Grant Program, visit commerce.mt.gov.
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