Our guest today is Tommy Bass. Tommy is an extension specialist in animal and range sciences at Montana State University. He works across local and regional food systems in a variety of advisory capacities ranging from the supply chain level all the way to farms, ranches and processors. He has a background in water quality and conservation work. In recent years, he's worked across the northern Rockies and Pacific Northwest on projects including the Mountain Meat Summits, a biannual conference, and in collaboration with other university partners to provide technical assistance to livestock and meat businesses across the region.

Welcome to Food, Montana. Population: 184

Our guest today is Elizabeth Swank. Elizabeth is a doctorate student in the Indigenous and Rural Health program at Montana State University and the development coordinator at Hopa Mountain, a Bozeman-based nonprofit. An enrolled member of the Apsáalooke Nation, she grew up in Garryowen. With a background in nursing and community health, and a masters in Sustainable Food Systems, Elizabeth is passionate about supporting community needs. When not in school or working with communities, she enjoys gardening, hiking, beading, pow-wows, and being with her family.

Welcome to Food, Montana. Population: 184

Our guest today is Kira Jarosz. Kira is the owner of Black Dog Farm along with her husband, Tim. They started the farm, which is northwest of Livingson, in 2017, the same year Kira graduated from vet school. The original goal was to raise food for their family that tasted really good and that they could feel good about eating. But later that same year, they began selling eggs to the public, and the following year, they started raising pork and chicken. She practiced as a vet in Livingston for 3.5 years before leaving to run the farm full-time. In 2025, they raised 105 pigs, 7,000 meat chickens, 600 ducks and had a flock of 1200 laying hens.

Welcome to Food, Montana. Population: 183