Not every small-scale farmer and rancher in western Montana can afford to buy a full-size tractor in good condition, which can cost around $40,000, along with all the necessary attachments.
That’s why the nonprofit Community Food and Agriculture Coalition in Missoula has launched a new resource for farmers and ranchers in and around Missoula County.
Gillian Thornton Andrews, a local farmer and the Community Food and Agriculture Coalition’s Farmer Tool Library coordinator, sits atop of a Kubota tractor at CFAC’s grand opening of its Farmer Tool Library at LaLonde Ranch in Missoula on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. The tractor is part of an array of tools and resources that beginner and historically underserved farmers and ranchers will be able to rent out at an affordable cost.
It’s called the Farmer Tool Library, and it’s based on a concept that’s been used all over the country for decades. A tool library has things that a person might need to use a few times, but not enough times to justify buying that item outright. People can pay a membership fee and have access to temporarily rent all the tools and equipment without having to fork over the money to buy everything. The Missoula Urban Demonstration Project has operated a tool library in Missoula for many years.
“Think MUD, but for small equipment, walk-behind tractors and attachments and full-size tractor and attachments for use by beginning farmers and ranchers,” said Jenny Zaso, the communications and development director for the nonprofit.
