Harlequin Produce
Arlee, Montana
Kaly Hess and Brian Wirak, Montana natives, have been farming in Western Montana since 2009. They are a ‘new’ generation of farmers, who don’t own land but have the opportunity to lease Common Ground Farm in Arlee. They both studied Agroecology at Montana State University, which provided us with a strong background in agricultural science and this aids us tremendously in understanding the dynamics between plants and soil.
They focus on growing high value and high yielding crops in a manner that incorporates ecological principles. The soil is their most important resource they amend it through the use of living mulches and green manure. They strive to continue to increase production and efficiency so that they may provide Western Montana with high quality, affordable, and nutritious local produce. They provide WMGC with beets, carrots, salad mix, tomatoes, and peppers of all varieties, celery, melons, tomatillos, potatoes, and cherry tomatoes. Their produce is Montana Certified Organic and their farm team includes the help of two full-time summer interns and the generous support of their families and friends. They also sell at the Clark Fork Farmers' Market, Missoula’s Tuesday Farmers’ Market, run a Summer Community Supported Agriculture program and offer a Winter Storage Stock-UP program. Kaly serves on the Co-op’s board of directors. When not farming Brian and Kaly can be found exploring their beautiful backyard mountains, fishing a local river, or playing croquet in their yard.
