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Chefs, ranchers and farmers meet to grow local food economy
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12 years agoon
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AdminExplorebigsky.com Wire Services
Restaurant owners, chefs, buyers and processors met with Montana farmers and ranchers at Western Sustainability Exchange’s (WSE) Local Foods Commerce Day on Jan. 23. Similar events were held in Billings on Feb. 6 and will be in Missoula on March 5. Each day will focus on new local opportunities and ways to resolve challenges as Montana grows its own long-term sustainable food system.
Consumers are increasingly drawn to locally grown food for taste, reliability and economic benefits it brings. Many producers report that the demand for locally grown food is expanding faster than supply can keep up. Montana ranchers and farmers are finding new ways to diversify their operation, products, and income. Many of them find the new markets and growing techniques are resulting in even better care of their land and making them more profitable. Restaurants and chefs have enthusiastically responded by creating a variety of seasonal menus and dishes featuring fresh local foods.
“Consumers say they trust local producers and like that their food purchases are contributing directly to the development of a secure and growing local economy,” reports Lill Erickson, WSE’s Executive Director.
Western Sustainability Exchange, a non-profit based in Livingston, has organized Local Foods Commerce Days for the past six years. “As the demand rapidly expands, the challenges of expanding the supply to meet the demand grows as well. WSE organizes Commerce Day to help address these challenges.”
Sales relationships forged during Commerce Day and throughout the year from WSE’s Montana Farm to Restaurant Connection program bolster not only farm and ranch profitability, but the rural economy as well. Brian Engle of Pioneer Meats in Big Timber reported that the Commerce Day connections “gave us an extra $300 in weekly sales.”
“Additionally, more than $770,000 in sales was generated last year for Montana producers through the Montana Farm to Restaurant Connection,” said Conley. “Restaurants from Missoula to Billings to Yellowstone National Park are now buying from local producers.”
Local Foods Commerce Day is part of Western Sustainability Exchange’s focus on keeping Montana the special place it is by enhancing economic profitability for famers and ranchers who protect open space, wildlife habitat, and streams and rivers with their excellent stewardship practices.
Additional Commerce Day material and a full agenda link can be found at >westernsustainabilityexchange.org. Restaurants, chefs, producers and suppliers are encouraged to register early for the Missoula Local Foods Commerce Day by calling Western Sustainability Exchange at (406) 222-0730.
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February 26 (Monday) - April 21 (Sunday)
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Tickets are available online at www.vergetheater.com
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15 (Friday) 7:00 pm - 30 (Saturday) 8:30 pm
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Verge Theater
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
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March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
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Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
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Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass St. Joseph Catholic Mission
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Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass
St. Joseph Catholic Mission
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