Big Sky Barley and Resilience with Mitch Konen (Montana)

Third-generation farmer Mitch Konen works just east of the Rocky Mountains near Fairfield, Montana—about 35 miles northwest of Great Falls. On 1,100 irrigated acres and 500 dryland, he raises malt barley and wheat on the century-old Greenfield Irrigation Project. Mitch also serves as president of the National Barley Growers Association, representing producers across the U.S. and advocating for fair policy in Washington.He shares the story of how this federal irrigation project came to life in 1926, how 12 pivots now replace the old flood ditches, and why water management and canal maintenance drive his daily routine. Mitch describes the shift from hand-kept ledgers to digital platforms, the reality of paying for 24 inches of water while receiving only 12, and the quiet faith behind each crop cycle. He also opens up about family succession, the weight of business decisions, and what it means to keep a farm alive in a nine-month Montana winter.For Mitch, stewardship comes down to endurance and perspective: “You’ve got to learn to work with what you’ve got—and still have faith it’ll grow.”🎙️ Pass the MicKyle’s question to Mitchel: “When you make business decisions, are you planning for the next generation—or just keeping things steady for now?”Mitchel’s question for the next guest: “Is the farm your first job or your second? If it’s your second, are you farming the ground—or farming the programs?”Thanks for listening to Beyond the Bushels, where farm stories go deeper than yield.If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to follow and leave a review. Every story helps us celebrate the legacy, leadership, and lessons of American agriculture.Follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes clips, episode highlights, and more:FacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeLinkedInWebsite