Governor Greg Gianforte visited Dahlman Farms on March 19 to celebrate Montana Agriculture Week and emphasize the significance of international trade for Montana farmers and ranchers. Gianforte said, “Montana farmers and ranchers produce some of the highest quality wheat, barley, and beef in the world. Montana farm families like the Dahlmans not only grow crops here at home, but also help tell Montana agriculture’s story abroad, strengthening relationships with trading partners and opening new markets for our producers.”
The Dahlman family has a longstanding presence in Montana agriculture. After emigrating from Germany in the late 1800s, they settled in Power as homesteaders in 1910. Lee Dahlman continues to operate the farm started by his parents in 1958 with his daughter Breanna, son Brody, and their families. The farm produces winter wheat, spring wheat, durum, malt barley, lentils, peas, and commercial beef cattle including registered Red Angus.
Lee Dahlman holds leadership roles such as vice chair of the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee and is active in U.S. Wheat Associates as well as the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council. Last fall he joined Governor Gianforte on a trade mission to South Korea and Japan aimed at expanding export opportunities for Montana products. In Japan, they met with flour milling companies and baking industry representatives who use high-quality wheat from Montana; in South Korea they met with importers and food companies that utilize Montana wheat for noodles and baked goods.
“These trade missions give farmers like me the opportunity to meet directly with the customers who buy Montana wheat,” Dahlman said. “Seeing how our grain is used overseas and building those relationships helps ensure strong markets for Montana producers for years to come.” He has also hosted multiple Asian trade delegations at his farm and recently returned from a North Asia board visit to South Korea and Taiwan.
Korea was Montana’s second largest trading partner in 2024 with purchases exceeding $335 million including industrial machinery, coal, beef, and wheat; Japan ranked fourth with over $265 million spent on exports such as agricultural products according to the official website. Gianforte said: “Trade missions help connect Montana farmers and ranchers with customers across the globe. When we expand markets for Montana agriculture, we support jobs, strengthen rural communities, and keep our number one industry growing.”
The Department of Agriculture operates more than 30 programs focused on market growth as well as licensing services that safeguard farmers according to the official website. It maintains operations statewide—including running grain inspection services at its Great Falls lab—and collaborates on events such as the Governor’s Food and Agriculture Summit according to the official roster page.
