The Farm
About Me.
Swift Current Farms epitomizes Montana's agricultural spirit as a locally rooted, family-owned enterprise dedicated to cultivating, harvesting, and delivering nutrient-rich produce to families and restaurants. Our commitment to conservation and sustainability underscores every facet of our operation, as we strive to minimize our environmental impact and preserve precious natural resources. As stewards of the land, we recognize the importance of responsible farming practices in fostering a thriving community.
Embracing cutting-edge technology is integral to our approach, enabling us to optimize production methods and redefine the traditional notion of farming. By leveraging innovative tools and techniques, we not only enhance the quality and yield of our crops but also uphold our promise to deliver superior produce to our valued supporters. At Swift Current Farms, we are not just farmers; we are passionate about local sustainable agriculture, dedicated to nourishing bodies of our community and the planet.
Bitterroot Grown
Education
We are proudly situated in Stevensville, Montana, nestled in the heart of this picturesque small town. Our serene surroundings foster strong bonds with our local community supporters. Conveniently positioned, our location enables us to effectively cater to both Missoula and Ravalli County. As our family farm flourishes, so too will the breadth of counties we extend our services to.
Community Focused
We hold a deep appreciation for our community, evident in our strong bond with our supporters. Rather than viewing those who purchase our produce as mere customers or buyers, we see them as integral supporters, and wholesalers as valued partners. Our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our community is paramount. This is why we are actively pursuing USDA certification for organic products and refining our expertise in dual extraction techniques to diversify our product offerings.
Eco-Stewardship
2015-2017
Undoubtedly, the mushroom industry's reliance on single-use plastic is considerable, particularly evident in the utilization of plastic bags for storing mushroom fruiting substrate in large-scale indoor production. However, there exist viable strategies to mitigate this plastic usage. Embracing unconventional or outdoor methods presents promising alternatives. Transitioning from indoor bag growing to employing reusable containers or inoculating logs and outdoor garden beds can significantly reduce plastic consumption. At our family farm, we are committed to deepening our comprehension of plastic usage within our operations and exploring avenues for enhancing plastic decomposition. Researching alternative practices remains a priority as we strive for sustainability and environmental responsibility.
The Farmers
Owner Sarah Sue Duffy is the driving force behind the day-to-day operations of the farm. Her dedication to community and access to nutritious food is deeply intertwined with her upbringing on her grandfather's conventional farm in Iowa, where she developed a profound appreciation for nature and agricultural practices. William Parson, her grandfather, played a central role in shaping her values, and in his honor, she has dedicated this farm to him, committing herself to preserving and advancing his legacy.
Michael Lloyd is the cornerstone of our family business's prosperity, assuming the pivotal role of head of production. Drawing upon his extensive background in marketing and photography, Michael has proven instrumental in spearheading the launch and enduring success of several enterprises. His wealth of experience and diverse skill set are invaluable assets, enriching our operations and providing strategic insight into various facets of our business. Michael's unwavering dedication and innovative approach consistently propel our endeavors forward, driving growth and sustainability within our organization.
Where it all started
Sarah Sue's upbringing in Iowa instilled in her a deep appreciation for nature's bounty, particularly the art of foraging for morel mushrooms amidst the forests surrounding her grandfather's farm. This childhood passion for foraging, coupled with her keen interest in nutrition and the fascinating realm of mushrooms, inspired her to establish Swift Current Farms. Sarah Sue embarked on this journey from the humble confines of her basement in Missoula, where she honed her lab skills and acquired foundational knowledge in the commercial cultivation of mushrooms.
The Barn
Upon relocating to Stevensville, we invested in a bespoke 12'x20' shed crafted by the esteemed local artisans, Bitterroot Shedz. Tailored precisely to our requirements, the shed, affectionately dubbed the "barn", served as the nucleus of our operations. Within its confines, we meticulously organized our lab, incubation, and fruiting chambers, alongside a compact processing area. Despite its modest dimensions, our farm thrived within these walls, yielding an impressive bounty of mushrooms. Yet, our rapid growth rendered the barn inadequate in under six months.
Our Current Facility
We stumbled upon our current facility almost serendipitously, and the opportunity presented was simply too compelling to pass up. Our move-in took place in July 2023, affording us the chance to customize the space to precisely fit our requirements. Within our facility, we've established a spacious laboratory, an incubation area, and an impressive "warehouse" section, equipped with six 8x8 Gorilla Grow Tents. These tents serve as the perfect environment for cultivating our mushrooms. Through meticulous control of humidity, temperature, and oxygen levels, facilitated by these tents, we achieve exceptional efficiency within a relatively compact space. We are still growing as a business and have some very excited ideas in the works!
