Montana Soil Health Week
The Soil Health Heroes of the Food Hub
At the Yellowstone Valley Food Hub, our commitment to local, sustainable food goes beyond what’s on your plate — it starts in the soil. Healthy soil is the foundation of nutrient-rich produce, resilient crops, and regeneratively raised meats. This spring, as we celebrated Montana Soil Health Week, we want to spotlight the farmers and ranchers who make it all possible: our very own Soil Health Heroes.
Why Soil Health Matters
Good soil isn’t just dirt — it’s a living ecosystem full of microbes, organic matter, and nutrients that support plants, animals, and the wider environment. By focusing on regenerative practices such as cover cropping, rotational grazing, composting, and minimal chemical inputs, our producers improve soil structure, water retention, and biodiversity. This creates resilient farmland that sustains Montana’s local food system for generations to come.
Meet Our Soil Health Heroes
Charter Ranch | Steve & Annika Charter Williams
At Charter Ranch, Steve and Annika prioritize holistic rangeland management and regenerative grazing. Their commitment to the land preserves Montana’s ranching heritage while producing nutrient-dense, grass-fed beef that is a favorite at the Food Hub.
Nash Farms | Tom Tschida
Along the fence line at Nash Farms, reads a sign “DO NOT SPRAY” as a reminder for county highway workers to not contaminate their grass with pesticides—something that is never used on their farm. Tom Tschida’s diversified farm in Bridger demonstrates how soil stewardship supports a farm ecosystem. Nash Farms is home to many animals—-from cattle, ducks, peacocks, and fruit trees. At Nash farms they see that the health of animals feeds and inputs on farm all need to be thoughtfully analyzed. Tom’s focus on healthy soil, rotating animals through pastures and ensures high-quality products while nurturing the land.
Swift Buckets
Food Waste is a big problem in our food system and for our landfills. Swift Buckets is a home composting pick-up program that transforms kitchen scraps into compost and soil condition – Big Sky Bio! Big Sky Bio is sold on our market and is used by Stone Soup Gardens to feed their plants! Swift Buckets diverts food waste from landfills and makes crucial soil amendments to feed our soils with healthy food that feed the soil microbes! Soil is just any other microorganism, it needs to be fed!
Celebrate Soil Health with Us
Montana Soil Health Week is a reminder that the foundation of our local food system lies beneath our feet. From composting to rotational grazing to cover cropping, the practices our Soil Health Heroes employ protect the land, enhance flavors, and ensure that local food thrives year-round.
