Save Farmland nonprofit partners with Under the Big Sky Festival

Save Farmland, a new nonprofit organization that aims to protect agricultural land while strengthening local food systems, this week announced a long-term partnership with the Under the Big Sky Festival.

The five-year partnership makes Save Farmland the official nonprofit of the event, working closely with festival leadership to create awareness and money-raising opportunities for its programs through music and arts. The nonprofit also received a 40-acre land donation from one of its board members with the intention that it become the home of an incubator program for new farmers.

The partnership kicks off at this year’s event on July 15-17 at Whitefish, where Save Farmland merchandise will be sold throughout the event, with 100% of proceeds going to its cause.

“Our team is extremely excited to partner with Save Farmland to help protect agricultural and ranch land across the Flathead Valley,” said Johnny Shockey, CEO of Outrider’s Present, and owner of Under the Big Sky Festival. “We’re starting with merchandise this year, and hope to expand to benefit shows and other creative fundraising opportunities in the years to come for this important cause.”

Save Farmland also recently named the first three members of its board of directors, including Scot Chisholm, Robin Kelson and Johnny Shockey.

Scot Chisholm is the chairman and co-founder of Haskill Creek Farms, and the founder of the software company, Classy; Robin Kelson is the executive director of AERO (Alternative Energy Resources Organization) and CEO and owner of The Good Seed Company; and Johnny Shockey is the CEO of Outrider’s Present, which owns Under the Big Sky Music Festival and a portfolio of other investments in the music and arts industry.

Other organizations that have been integral to Save Farmland’s early strategic planning include North Valley Food Bank, Land to Hand Montana, Wicked Good Produce, Two Bear Farm and the FVCC Agriculture Program.

“Over the past 12 months, we’ve been talking with local nonprofit leaders, the farming community and city officials to shape the vision for Save Farmland,” said Kelson, Save Farmland Board Director. “The question we’ve been asking is: How do we increase production of healthy local food in our community? Through these conversations, a dual mission emerged — one part land conservation and the other part a focus on programs that strengthen sustainable local food production, distribution and access.”

In kicking off its first capital campaign, Save Farmland has accepted a $2.35 million land donation from Whitefish residents Scot and Carrie Chisholm. Scot serves on the nonprofit’s board of directors.

The 40-acre plot is located on the north side of Voerman Road, less than five minutes from downtown Whitefish. It is expected to serve as Save Farmland’s first “Farm Hub,” which includes an incubator program for new farmers, and resources for seasoned farmers to support existing food production and distribution.

“The goal of the Farm Hub is to provide farmers with a comprehensive path to success, including access to land and infrastructure, continuing education and sales distribution,” Chisholm said. “Flathead Valley has seen unprecedented growth in the last couple of years, so it’s critically important that we continue to invest in the local food system to ensure that our community has healthy organic food for years to come.”

The land donation on Voerman Road is expected to serve the broader Whitefish community, with plans for a large community garden and demonstration farm, a farmer’s market, cooking and gardening classes, and public access to walking and bike paths.

Concept drawings for the Farm Hub are underway, and Save Farmland’s first capital campaign will continue to roll out this summer to raise money and awareness.

For more information, visit www.savefarmland.org or follow @savefarmland on Instagram.