2025 Annual Conference
Montana Berry Growers Association
in partnership with
Montana Grape and Wine Association
Thursday - Saturday April 3-5, 2025
Best Western Plus Grant Creek Inn, Missoula

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• Thursday late afternoon People's Choice award social and wine tasting

• Friday 7:00 am - 5:00 pm with breakfast, lunch, and happy hour with heavy appetizers (no dinner)

• Saturday 8:00 am - 2:00 pm, plus a field trip

 

The fourth annual Montana Berry Growers Association conference is coming to Missoula in April. There will be many knowledgeable speakers and presentations representing all aspects of berry and grape growing and sales whether you are a small individual grower, a large commercial producer, or a newbie wanting to learn more. Come be a part of one of Montana’s fastest growing and unique agricultural networks – berry and grape growers, wine makers, value-added producers, sponsors, buyers, and friends.

FEATURED SPEAKERS & TOPICS

• Dominic Rivard: Wine/cidermaker, consultant, with particular expertise in fruit wines. Coming from Nova Scotia, Canada. Author of The Ultimate Fruit Winemaker’s Guidebook. More info available on dailyfruitwine.com.
 

• Dr. Harlene Hatterman-Valenti: Horticulture Professor at NDSU will share info on cold-hardy grape varieties and other cold-hardy fruits.  
 

• John Thull: Researcher at University of Minnesota for nearly 20 years - Expertise in Grape breeding and vineyard management.  
 

• Jenny Thull: Vineyard manager at University of Minnesota
 

• Steffen Mirsky: Emerging crops program at the University of Wisconsin will share updates from Midwest berry research.  
 

• Dr. Clain Jones: MSU extension soil fertility specialist will share how to monitor and maintain nutrition for grapes and other perennial fruit.
 

• Bob Thaden with wife Marilyn, Bob’s the founder, owner, and winemaker at Tongue River Winery in Miles City, MT. This pioneer of MT fruit growing and winemaking will talk about making fruit wines and strengthening local fruit supplies.  
 

• Dr. Zach Miller, director of the MSU-western ag research center, will present on recent berry, grape, and other fruit research at MSU.
 

• Dr. Jesse King, University on Montana, Dept of Management and Marketing, will present on the basics for marketing local fruit and wines: understanding why consumers buy your products and using that to your advantage.
 

• Mary Ellis: Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program Director, Missoula Farm connect. Mary will share the basic secrets of success for running a farm business.
 

• Patty and Fred Omodt, owners/farmers at Shingle Mill Blueberry Farm in Sandpoint, ID, will discuss their experience and adventures in berry farming.
 

• Austin Buchholtz, MTBGA Marketing, will report on our marketing efforts so far, highlight new member-accessible marketing assets, and explain MTBGA goals for 2025. We will also brainstorm top selling points per berry for our sales sheets and website.