Governor Greg Gianforte visited Gulch Distillers in Helena on March 19 to highlight the importance of value-added agriculture as part of Montana Agriculture Week and Month. The visit focused on how businesses like Gulch Distillers contribute to the state’s agricultural industry, which is Montana’s largest sector.
“Montana agriculture is our number one industry, supporting jobs, communities, and our way of life,” Gianforte said. “Businesses like Gulch Distillers highlight the strength of value-added agriculture by turning Montana-grown grain into award winning products. It was great to visit this business and hear how the Growth Through Agriculture program is helping them expand and thrive.”
Founded in 2015 by Tyrrell Hibbard and Steffen Rasile, Gulch Distillers produces nine grain-based spirits using locally grown ingredients. The distillery has received several national awards and continues to grow Montana’s craft distilling industry while creating new opportunities for value-added agriculture. “We’re proud to craft our spirits using Montana-grown grains and to do it right here in Helena,” Hibbard said. “From day one, our goal has been to create high quality products while supporting Montana agriculture and sharing that story with everyone who walks through our doors.”
Last year, Gulch Distillers received a $25,000 grant from the Montana Department of Agriculture’s Growth Through Agriculture program for factory expansion and relocating its tasting room to the former Devore’s Saddlery building on West Lawrence Street. The department operates more than 30 programs aimed at market growth, licensing, regulatory services for farmers and consumers, as well as maintaining operations across the state according to the official website.
The Growth Through Agriculture program provides grants and loans intended to strengthen and diversify Montana’s agricultural industry through developing new products and processes. Director Jillien Streit said, “The Growth Through Agriculture program helps Montana businesses take our world class agricultural products and create new opportunities for producers, entrepreneurs, and rural communities. By supporting value-added agriculture, we are helping keep more of Montana’s agricultural value here at home.” The department also collaborates with organizations such as the Grow Montana Coalition for events like the Governor’s Food and Agriculture Summit according to its official website.
From Opheim to Stevensville, 25 agricultural businesses were awarded funds in 2025 by the state to help expand operations or develop new products. As listed on the organization’s website, services include grain inspection at facilities such as the Montana State Grain Lab in Great Falls. Additional information about these initiatives can be found on the official roster page.
