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Hutterite businesses contribute to Montana's economy


Hutterite communities produce 90 percent of hogs, 95 percent of eggs, 34 percent of dairy, 16 percent of poultry and 5 percent of grain produced in Montana. (Photo: NBC Montana){p}{/p}
Hutterite communities produce 90 percent of hogs, 95 percent of eggs, 34 percent of dairy, 16 percent of poultry and 5 percent of grain produced in Montana. (Photo: NBC Montana)

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Thanksgiving is knocking on the door, which means Montanans are going to start hearing a lot about Hutterite turkeys.

A recent study from the University of Montana and Montana State University shows how much Hutterite communities contribute to the state's economy, and it's not just in turkeys.

Montana’s Hutterite businesses are known to be highly self-sufficient.

Many Hutterite communities are in the north-central part of the state. According to the study, there are 53 communities and more than 5,000 members in the state.

On a typical Hutterite colony, families farm, raise livestock and produce manufactured goods for sustenance.

Those communities play a role in the Montana’s economy, supporting production that extends beyond their community.

Hutterite communities in Montana produce more than 2,100 stable year-round jobs and contribute over $365 million in annual spending for the state, according to the study.

The study also found that Hutterite communities produce 16% of poultry in Montana.

With Thanksgiving weeks away, grocery stores in Montana are preparing.

Pattee Creek Market is already taking pre-orders for the fresh, all-natural turkeys.

The Good Food Store is also preparing for their Turkey Tuesday later this month.

The study highlights that Hutterite communities are diversifying Montana’s agricultural production.



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