Protecting farm
and ranch land forever.
Save Farmland protects agricultural land and offers
programs to help farmers and ranchers find success.
The Problem
Farmland is rapidly disappearing.
Land is quickly changing hands to developers as farmers retire and the next generation opts out.
Farming as a career
is cost-prohibitive.
Farmers and ranchers lack access to affordable land, equipment and capital to grow a successful business.
Local food is losing
to big agriculture.
As of today, only 3% of the food consumed by Montanans was actually grown or raised in Montana. This used to be 70% in 1950!
The Save Farmland Model
Land Protection
Secure and protect critical pieces
of farm and ranch-land forever.
Farmer & Rancher Support
Provide flexible land, equipment and resources
for the farming and ranching communities.
Community Well-Being
Help supply nutritious locally-sourced food and provide
opportunities to make the open spaces accessible.
Fundraising Approach
Inspired by our friends at charity:water, our operating expenses will be funded by a small group of generous private donors. This allows 100% of public donations to go directly towards land protection and programming for farmers, ranchers and the community at large. A win-win for everyone involved.
of public donations go to the mission
FIRST MAJOR PROJECT
Launching a 'Flex Farm'
A Flex Farm is like a flexible co-working space, but for farmers and ranchers. We plan to transform our first 40 acres of rescued farmland in Whitefish, Montana into a series of small farm plots that new or existing farmers can rent at affordable prices with flexible leases. Each plot will come with power, water, irrigation, storage and a small office with internet.
All of the farmers on the land will share a larger barn, larger equipment, cold & dry storage and processing space. We are also dedicating acreage to partner nonprofit and civic organizations, including: Land to Hand, North Valley Food Bank and FAST Blackfeet. We hope to break ground by the Summer of 2026.
Secure land
Raise seed funding
Break ground on farm plots
Start applications and renting
Create benefits for community
Our 3-Year Plan
We’re starting in Flathead Valley, with plans to expand across Montana. If the model
works, we hope to work with other communities across the country and world.
Stand-up operations & break ground
- Finalize private donors in 'The Keep' to fund ops expenses
- Hire top-tier Executive Director and small team to lead programming
- Start fundraising for first major project on Voerman Road in Whitefish, Montana
- Complete Flex Farm design, drawings and project plan
- Establish partnerships and develop program for attracting new and existing farmers
Activate ‘Flex Farm’ in Whitefish
- Install water and power infrastructure for the Flex Farm project
- Develop 10-15 farm plots that can serve new farmers, existing farmers or local nonprofits
- Construct a large barn with critical tools, equipment, cold & dry storage and processing space
- Formalize programs for additional land use, including animal grazing, berry and fruit production, heritage seed production
- Reach 500 acres under stewardship in Flathead Valley, Montana
Full community integration
- Help connect farmers to buyers (the public, retailers, schools, hospitals, etc)
- Open a demonstration farm and community garden to the public
- Develop walking and biking paths through land to increase connectivity
- Host markets, events, food tastings to connect community to local food
- Offer classes to the community – from gardening to cooking
Follow Our Journey
Stay connected
with Save Farmland.
Join the mailing list to keep up to date with our progress and new initiatives.