The MSU small farms website highlights current research and educational activities directed to Montana small acreage farmers. Research from the MSU-Bozeman horticulture farm and the seven research centers is featured as are horticulture related academic offerings and student farm activities.

MSU Horticulture Farm

The MSU Horticulture Farm, located at the BART Farm on the west side of Bozeman, is made up of 8 acres of diversified vegetable production and a variety of research projects. In addition to field crop plots, the Horticulture Farm includes ten high tunnels for protected cultivation of vegetable crops. Other farm projects include a fruit orchard, an experimental vineyard, and MSU's Honey Bee Research Site and Pollinator Garden. Over the summer the farm hosts several MSU courses including Market Gardening, Crop Identification, Soils, and Culinary Marketing. The Horticulture Farm is also the home of the Towne's Harvest Garden, a practicum course where students learn the basics of food production for market and run an organic Community-Supported Agriculture program and an on-campus farm stand. All of these courses give MSU students hands-on experience with small-acreage food production and marketing.  

 

Western Agricultural Research Center

The Western Ag Research Center, located in Corvallis, Montana, consists of 29 acres of field plots and protected cultivation facilities. Researchers focus on a variety of crops in order to identify new crops for local markets and improve production of existing crops. Current projects include research on cold-hardy berries and cherries, an experimental vineyard testing cold-hardiness in grapes, and a cider apple orchard. For more information please visit the Western Ag Research Center's webpage. 

 

Horticulture Farm Rules

The Horticulture Farm is under the administration of the Department of Plant Sciences and Pathology in the College of Agriculture/Montana Agricultural Experiment Station. Use of part of the farm for any purpose is by permission of the manager and is subject to priority use and applicable fees. Questions about the operation of the farm should be directed to the manager at [email protected].

As part of the Montana State University – Montana Agricultural Experiment Station, all rules that govern student conduct on campus apply to the Horticulture Farm. The Horticulture Farm is a component of a larger research and teaching complex with multiple programs and personnel.

The Horticulture Farm operates from April 1st through October 31st, weather permitting. Winter activities require prior approval of the farm manager. Winter access is difficult and services are extremely limited.

The Farm hours of operation are dawn to dusk. After-hours use must be approved by the farm manager.

Pesticide application must be performed in accordance with applicable state and federal requirements. Applicators must have required training and certifications and records need to be posted in the office. The manager or Farm Technician should be notified of all pesticide applications in order to avoid conflicts with other users.

Users of the Horticulture Farm should park in the Miller Pavilion parking lot. No student vehicles are to be parked around the buildings, gardens, or along the Farm lane or access areas.

All gates must remain closed after working hours and on weekends. The Farm manager will inform users when the electric deer fence is turned on in the fall and turned off in the spring. When the fence is live, use extreme caution around gates and other entrances. 

Projects are subject to annual space fees. Inquire with the manager for details.

Clean and return all tools to the appropriate location. Disinfect used surfaces with supplied disinfectant. Tools are not to be taken off the Farm. Please be respectful of Farm property.

No smoking, vaping, or drinking alcohol at the Horticulture Farm.

Pets are not allowed on the Farm at any time.

Do not walk on, handle, or harvest anything from research or teaching plots. Respect others property (tools, supplies, etc…) and don’t use them without permission from the owner.

Do not modify any structure at the Farm without permission from the manager.

First aid supplies can be found in the main bay of the barn and the tool bench in Bay 3 of the barn. The main bay of the barn also has an eyewash station and fire extinguisher for emergency use. 

Users must be trained on the proper operation and care of power equipment (tractors and implements) before use. Arrange for training through the farm manager. Tractor use carries an hourly fee. Disinfect touched surfaces after use.

Do not discharge firearms, archery, or pellet/air rifles on university property.