What's Happening?
The Barkley family, located near Baker, Montana, is transforming traditional agricultural practices by cultivating citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, and oranges in a climate-controlled greenhouse. This innovative approach challenges the conventional
focus on wheat and barley in southeast Montana. The greenhouse, operational since 2021, allows the Barkleys to grow these fruits year-round, even during the harsh Montana winters. Thirteen-year-old Haddie Barkley plays a significant role in the operation, specializing in soil health through the use of worms. The family has successfully harvested a variety of citrus fruits and is expanding their efforts to include peaches, with over 1,100 blossoms currently being hand-pollinated. The Barkleys are also engaging with the community by hosting educational visits for high school and college students, showcasing the potential of diverse agricultural practices.
Why It's Important?
The Barkley family's venture into citrus farming in Montana represents a significant shift in agricultural possibilities for the region. By demonstrating that citrus fruits can be grown in a typically unsuitable climate, they are expanding the scope of what is possible in local agriculture. This innovation not only diversifies the types of crops that can be produced but also offers new economic opportunities for farmers in the area. The educational aspect of their operation, which includes partnerships with Montana Agritourism and internship opportunities, helps to inspire and educate the next generation of farmers about sustainable and innovative farming practices. This could lead to broader adoption of similar techniques, potentially transforming the agricultural landscape in Montana and beyond.
What's Next?
The Barkleys plan to continue expanding their greenhouse operations and experimenting with new crops. They aim to increase their citrus yield and explore additional exotic fruits and vegetables. The family is also focused on enhancing their educational outreach, providing more opportunities for students to learn about innovative agricultural practices. As they share their knowledge and experiences, they hope to inspire other farmers to adopt similar methods, potentially leading to a more diverse and resilient agricultural sector in Montana. The success of their greenhouse could encourage further investment in agritourism and sustainable farming initiatives across the state.
