harlequin produce
Kaly Hess and Brian Wirak Arlee, MT
Kaly Hess and Brian Wirak, Montana natives, have been farming in Western Montana since 2009. We are a ‘new’ generation of farmers, who don’t own land but have the opportunity to lease Common Ground Farm in Arlee. We both studied Agrocecology 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. We focus on growing high value and high yielding crops in a manner that incorporates ecological principles. Our soil is our most important resource we amend it through the use of living mulches and green manure. We strive to continue to increase production and efficiency so that we may provide Western Montana with high quality, affordable, and nutritious local produce. We provide WMGC with beets, carrots, salad mix, tomatoes, and peppers of all varieties, celery, melons, tomatillos, potatoes, and cherry tomatoes. Our produce is Montana Certified Organic. Our farm team includes the help of two full time summer interns and the generous support of our families and friends. We 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 Coop’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.