Farmer tool library, including large tractor and attachments, opens in Missoula (2024)

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.

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.

Tool libraries are a means for providing affordable access to otherwise costly machinery and equipment, she noted, adding that thenew Farmer Tool Library expands Missoula’s current sharing economy by incorporating affordable access to farm equipment.

Mary Ellis, the beginning farmer and rancher program director, said the large 42-horsepower Kubota tractor comes with a trailer to haul it. They're limiting the program to people who produce products commercially within 60 miles of the CFAC office at the historic LaLonde Ranch at 5404 W. Harrier Drive near the airport.

They will also rent several implements that go with the tractor, including a flail mower, a tiller and a compost spreader.

"Kind of like, big guns if you need that," Ellis said. "And then we have a walk-behind tractor, a 13-horsepower. Then we have a compost spreader for that one, a flail mower and a power harrow and mulch layer attachments for that one."

People that are eligible for the tool library must fall into the category of "historically underserved" farmers and ranchers, as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That means they are within 0-10 years of operation, are socially disadvantaged, veterans or limited resourced and are within 60 miles of the CFAC site. Farmers and ranchers who are managing small or medium-sized operations are the best fit for the equipment currently available.

The annual membership dues for the walk-behind tractor will be $75 per year and $150 per year for the full-size tractor. Members pay an additional fee for each time the equipment is rented throughout the year, and they'll schedule their rental times by working with Gillian Thornton Andrews, the Farmer Tool Library coordinator.

"It’s been exciting to see the level of enthusiasm in the farming community as we launch this program,” she said. “Affordable and collaborative access to these tools dissolves a significant barrier that many producers face, especially for those just getting started."

The tool library will be paired with workshops and online resources to encourage sustainable on-farm practices and proper tool use and maintenance. Subjects will include soil health, large equipment operation, repairs and trailer operation.

In the spring and summer of this year, CFAC will host a Soil Health Practices workshop series in partnership with Montana State University Extension soil agents.

This workshop series will focus on improving soil health using low-till methods, cover cropping, tool demonstrations and other topics. The workshop series will be aimed at small-scale producers who are likely to use small tractors and walk-behind tractors. The Soil Health Practices workshop series will be free for all participants.

“Our partnership with Missoula County at the historic LaLonde Homestead Ranch provides unique opportunity to expand our offerings for beginning farmers and ranchers, and for access in the future," said CFAC executive director Bonnie Buckingham. "We hope Missoula area folks will come by and learn more about us and our plans for the future of this site."