Cultivating Health: A Summit on Sustainable Farming and Community Resilience in Big Sandy, Montana
This heading captures the essence of the event, emphasizing the connection between sustainable agriculture and community health.
Summit on Sustainable Agriculture and Health in Big Sandy, Montana
Big Sandy & Havre, Montana – July 12th, 2025
Photos by: Montana Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate
In the heart of southeast Montana, the small farming community of Big Sandy hosted a pivotal two-day summit on July 12th, 2025. Organized by the Quinn Institute, Vilicus Farms, Abundant Montana, Farm to Crag, and Montana Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate, the event brought together healthcare professionals, farmers, and community members to explore the intersection of sustainable and organic farming with public health and climate resilience.
Day One: Experiencing Regenerative Agriculture
The summit kicked off with a three-hour tour of the Quinn Institute’s fields, a rural-based research and education organization dedicated to regenerative organic agriculture in the Northern Great Plains. Josh Poole, the Research Coordinator, articulated the institute’s mission: “To heal the earth by growing food.” He emphasized a shift from a yield-centric approach to one focused on quality, nutrition, and health.
The tour highlighted various practices, including native corn fields, a no-till vegetable plot, and research on utilizing problematic weeds like Canadian thistle. The institute’s Khmut khorasan wheat fields exemplified their commitment to nutrient-dense, organic production. Poole explained how regenerative practices—minimizing soil disturbance and avoiding synthetic inputs—benefit human health and local biodiversity.
Poole also discussed the food-as-medicine movement, stressing the importance of how food is grown. For instance, he noted that conventional white flour production strips away up to 30% of nutrients. In contrast, the Quinn Institute employs a four-step process to maximize nutritional retention: selecting high-quality seeds, planting in healthy soil, harvesting at peak ripeness, and minimizing processing.
The day concluded with a catered dinner from Farm to Crag, a nonprofit focused on promoting healthy food choices. Executive Director Esther Smith emphasized the connection between land health and human health, stating, “When we nourish our soils through chemical-free, regenerative practices, we cultivate nutrient-dense food that supports human health.”
Day Two: Vilicus Farms and Financial Health
On the second day, participants traveled to Vilicus Farms, an organic dryland farm founded in 2009 by Anna and Doug Crabtree. The farm has expanded from 1,200 to nearly 12,000 acres, focusing on soil health, carbon capture, and biodiversity. Anna Crabtree’s presentation highlighted the importance of financial health in organic agriculture, drawing an analogy between healthy blood flow in the body and economic vitality in farming.
She advocated for systems that ensure economic reciprocity, emphasizing the need for agriculture to be viewed as a livelihood rather than merely a lifestyle. Vilicus Farms is working to establish a nonprofit institute to share its experiences and reimagine the relationship between agriculture, ecology, and economics.
Crabtree also discussed the challenges of transitioning land to organic production, noting the mandatory three-year period before crops can be sold as organic. She likened this process to rehabilitating a person after injury, emphasizing the patience and investment required for ecological recovery.
Abundant Montana, a statewide nonprofit, addressed the decline in regional food production, which has plummeted from 70% in 1950 to just 3% today. Their 33 x 33 initiative aims for one-third of the food consumed by Montanans to be locally grown by 2033.
Cross-Disciplinary Connections
The summit fostered vibrant discussions across disciplines. Poole noted that Anna’s analogy about blood flow in farming sparked new perspectives among attendees. Lori Byron, chairperson for Montana Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate, shared a transformative experience that shaped her commitment to regenerative agriculture, highlighting the detrimental effects of conventional farming practices on soil health.
Local rancher Crystal Manual shared her personal health journey, illustrating the potential of nutrition in managing chronic conditions. This exchange underscored the gaps in healthcare and the promise of food as medicine approaches.
The presence of Dr. Rivard, an emergency room doctor and co-founder of Iroquois Valley Farmland REIT, added depth to discussions on the intersection of food, agriculture, and medicine. Participants left with actionable steps to support organic farming, including advocating for local food access and participating in community-supported agriculture programs.
Addressing Food Access Challenges
Poole expressed concern over the disconnect between high-quality crops grown locally and the processed foods dominating local grocery stores. In rural and reservation communities, access to fresh produce is often limited, leading to reliance on highly processed foods.
To combat this, the Quinn Institute is exploring initiatives to empower local farmers and communities, including establishing a small-scale cleaning plant for local wheat processing. This would allow farmers and residents of the Rocky Boy Reservation to retain the nutritional and economic value of their crops.
Supporting Food Sovereignty on the Rocky Boy Reservation
The Quinn Institute’s collaboration with the Rocky Boy Reservation is a cornerstone of their mission. Founder Bob Quinn has worked with the reservation to convert 500 acres to organic production, establishing a local flour mill to process Khmut wheat. An ongoing project aims to acquire a pasta machine for local production, enhancing self-sufficiency.
The institute also runs a gardening program on the reservation, themed “Plant Your Own Pizza,” which teaches participants to grow their own vegetables. The program has seen overwhelming interest, with 90 attendees in its first session, far exceeding expectations.
Key Takeaway for Healthcare Providers
The summit’s core message was clear: “Healthy soil and healthy farms make healthy people.” Lori Byron encapsulated this interconnectedness, stating, “We come from the earth, we return to the earth, and the earth sustains us with food for our entire lives.” This perspective urges healthcare professionals to advocate for sustainable food systems.
Healthcare providers left with actionable steps to support organic farming, including advocating for local food access and encouraging patients to consume seasonal foods. Attendees were also invited to participate in Abundant Montana’s upcoming conference in Fall 2026, titled “33/33: Increase Local Food by 33%,” to further advance these goals.
Conclusion
The summit successfully fostered connections among over 50 participants, highlighting the growing interest in bridging agriculture and health. The event underscored the potential for sustainable, community-driven solutions to address chronic disease, food access challenges, and climate resilience.
About the Author
Melody Irvine, Media Coordinator, Montana Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate
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