Hi there! I’m Michone Mercer, the chief farmer at Plowgirl Farm.
I grew in a big family, on a small farm, not far from where Plowgirl Farm stands today. My childhood was full of barefoot summers in the garden, milking goats by hand, and fun times with siblings.
I married young, to Adam, a surfer from Santa Barbara who somehow traded ocean breezes for mountain air — and a life built around soil, seasons, and big ideas.
We went to school and I earned my degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Montana, studying soil health, crop production, and regenerative practices.
Those years gave me the science behind the instincts I grew up with — and they guide the way I steward the soil at Plowgirl Farm today.
After college, I worked hard to help put my husband through his master’s degree. I worked at an organic feed store and nursery, and I installed high-end organic gardens for clients who wanted stunning landscapes combined with homegrown food.
I learned so much- but the whole time, my heart was set on one thing: coming home to farm the land I grew up farming.
I first began farming my parents land and provided food for 30 families weekly. Soon we began a family and the house on their property soon grew too snug to fit all of us. For several years, we moved around the Flathead Valley searching for the right place to farm. We looked for healthy soil, good water, and a piece of land that felt like it truly belonged to us.
And then, in 2019, we had the chance to buy my grandparents’ beautiful rock house — a home that had been out of the family for nearly 30 years. The moment the opportunity came up, we jumped at it without hesitation. It has an amazing spring fed well, and deep Creston soil, mixed with rocks.
Buying the old rock house brought our family’s story full-circle.
At the heart of Plowgirl Farm is a simple belief:
The best tasting, healthiest food comes from as close to home as possible.
I farm because I believe in:
- Growing food for my community and family.
- Equipping others with the knowledge, and supplies to grow their own food.
- Producing the healthiest food as possible.
- Tending the land with the regenerative practices.
- Creating community around local food.
- Balancing meaningful work with time to play as a family.
When we’re not tending the farm, we’re usually out enjoying the wild beauty of Montana. Summers find us hiking in the mountains or rafting the rivers, soaking up the energy and adventure that keeps us inspired.
In winter, we dive into farm projects, repairs, and planning, while still finding time to escape south. Whenever we can, we head to Adam’s hometown to surf the waves.
One that makes it easy for our community to connect with and support local farmers. The journey of a farmer is not an easy one. But we know that if we can come together to support one another we can build a happier, healthier and more resilient community.
My goal with Plowgirl Farm is to build a community that revolves around local food. I want to make it easier for locals to eat local and know the farmers in this community.
