GREAT FALLS, Mont. – As part of his continued celebration of Montana Agriculture Week, Governor Greg Gianforte on Wednesday visited Hi-Country Snacks in Lincoln to learn more about how the company supports agricultural producers.
“Hi-Country Snacks is embracing the future of value-added agriculture with new technologies and processes,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Value-added agriculture allows our producers to capture more value of the products they create. I hope Montanans across the state will join me in celebrating Montana Agriculture Month by enjoying local, farm-sourced products from a farmer, rancher, or agribusiness near you.”
Governor Gianforte tours Hi-Country Snacks facility with manager Chase Myers in Lincoln
Founded in 1976 by Jim Johnson, Hi-Country Snack Foods Inc. is known around the state and beyond for their popular beef jerky product.
Employing 25 Montanans, Hi-Country prides itself on its no waste processing to create a quality fully Made in Montana product. Recently, the company has made investments in expanding their operation with automation equipment within their facility, thanks in part to a loan awarded from the Montana Department of Commerce in 2023.
“This has helped us increase production and serve a larger brand,” Hi-Country Snacks Chief Marketing Officer Wyatt Nielson said. “Our growth comes from our high-quality product. Everything that we make, from our beef jerky to nutrition products, is a real high-quality product and consumers seem to respond really well to it.”
To help small businesses, the governor increased the business equipment tax exemption from $100,000 in 2021 to $1 million, eliminating the tax burden for 5,000 Montana businesses.
This week, the governor proclaimed March 2024 Montana Agriculture Month to honor and celebrate the state’s agriculture industry, farmers and ranchers, and their contributions to the Montana way of life and the world.