As another year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to thank all of you—our customers, employees, and friends—for another wonderful year. While 2025 didn’t bring any major changes, it was filled with steady progress, good work, and plenty to be grateful for. We couldn’t do what we do without the dedication of our crew and the loyalty of those who choose to support local farms like ours. Your continued encouragement keeps this multi-generation family business thriving, and for that, we are truly thankful.
This year we added a fun new product to our lineup—Bacon Jam! A customer first introduced the idea, and after a few taste tests, we knew we had something special. It’s a bold, savory-sweet spread that’s just as good on burgers as it is on breakfast toast. Thanks to everyone who keeps inspiring us with creative ideas for new products!
One of the best parts of the year has been working alongside our kids. Logan’s boys, Coy and Bentley, have taken big steps—Coy ran the Columbia Falls Farmers Market on his own this summer, and both boys started cutting meat in the shop. My oldest, Ryla, also joined the crew in the meat shop, and all the kids have helped at markets throughout the season. Watching them grow into capable young adults brings back memories of when we worked beside Mom and Dad years ago. There’s something special about seeing the next generation carry on the same traditions and pride in hard work.
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On the farm, we made a few additions and improvements. We purchased a 1965 International Dump Truck, which Grandpa has been putting to good use hauling beef manure to the compost pile—with a few eager grandkids riding along for the trip. We also added our third shipping container, this one for dry storage. It’s hard to believe we need that much space, but having the extra room has made ordering and organizing supplies much easier. You may also notice some dirt work around the farm as we’re installing a new septic system—finally outgrowing the original one that was installed about 30 years ago!
Inside the shop, the employees and I took on a little construction project of our own and built a new utility room. We quickly learned that our skills are best left to butchering, not carpentry—but the extra space sure is handy for tools, a backup pressure washer, and equipment repairs.
We’ve all noticed the steady increase in beef prices over the past few years. While it can be frustrating, we believe some of it reflects necessary adjustments for local ranchers facing higher input costs. Supporting our neighbors who raise quality cattle remains important to us, and we’ll continue to do our part to keep local beef available.
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In Missoula, we’re looking forward to settling into a new store location near Papa Murphy’s on 3rd Street West once city permitting is complete. The move will make it easier for customers to get in and out, and we’re excited to have a more permanent home in that community.
Next year, 2026, marks 50 years since Mom and Dad moved to the farm, and we’ll be celebrating this milestone in a few ways—so stay tuned! Duane and Janette will also celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in February with a well-deserved trip to Hawaii. One personal highlight this year was getting to take my parents—and my kids—to their first San Francisco Giants game at Oracle Park. Mom has been a baseball fan her whole life, and though she started out rooting for her hometown Pittsburgh Pirates, she’s now fully converted to my childhood favorite, the Giants.
From our family to yours, thank you again for another good year on the farm. We wish you all a warm and wonderful holiday season, and we look forward to seeing you in 2026 as we celebrate 50 years of Farm-to-Market Pork.
Ken Braaten