Polson's Justin Elway shares Five Things He's Learned about America
View the next in our series of messages, ideas, and inspiration – shared directly from Americans we admire.
Less than two weeks to go before election day. Time for the next in our series of written pieces, short videos, and other bursts of ideas and inspiration from people whose ideas and experiences shape America.
Today, from Polson, Montana, farmer and rancher Justin Elway shares Five Things He’s Learned About America.
Justin operates his 950-acre ranch with his wife Beckie. Together, they’re pioneering a new kind of operation that values soil health and uses animals in their natural environments to make their soil healthy. They believe that their innovative approach results in the healthiest, most flavorful food around.
Five Things I’ve Learned about America
“My name is Justin Elway. I live in Polson, Montana. We have a farm and ranch up here called Mission Valley Farms. We also have a direct marketing company where we sell grass-fed and finished beef.“
We're looking to recapture our sovereignty.
“During COVID there was what I like to call the great covid migration, where there was a lot of folks who moved out of different city centers… They were looking for a level of freedom to chart their own course and to not be restricted on what they did and how they did it.”
We're starting to break out of our silos.
“Instead of going golfing with the boys on the weekend, guys are planting orchards and learning how to make cider and doing all these off-the-wall hobbies. And with that breaking down of those silos, you’re starting to see a really cool community develop.”
We're recognizing the greatness of thinking small.
“People want to know who they’re buying from. They want to see that person that they do business with at dinner sometimes. They want to pass them on the street.”
We're looking for a better way.
“We’ve discovered a better way for food and health and wellness… We’re actually focused on restoring ecosystems.”
The new American dream is built on sovereignty, not on wealth.
“The thing that’s beautiful about the new American dream is that I don’t think you need to be in the countryside to pursue it.”
ABOUT JUSTIN
Justin Elway, the owner and operator of Mission Valley Farms in Polson, Montana, is a homegrown Montana boy who spent much of his life working on his family’s ranch in north central Montana.
He operates his 950-acre ranch with his wife Beckie. Together, they’re pioneering a new kind of operation that values soil health and uses animals in their natural environments to make their soil healthy. They believe that their innovation produces the healthiest, most flavorful food around. Find out more and get their great-tasting meat –in bulk or in variety of retail cuts – delivered directly to your door by ordering from their website, and check out their special founders launch at founders.Foodstead.co.
MORE ABOUT FIVE THINGS I’VE LEARNED ABOUT AMERICA
Five Things I’ve Learned about America presents live, personal conversations with leading thinkers, organizers, and advocates for our democracy. In tandem, we’re soliciting and sharing written pieces, short videos, and other bursts of ideas and inspiration from people whose ideas and experiences are equally inspiring and instructive.
If you’ve just recently discovered us, please check out recent reflections about America from people we admire including including Tony Alcaraz, Yvette Benavides, Matthew Chamberlin, David Martin Davies, Alex Dobrenko, Sarah Fay, Lilly Gonzalez, Francisco Guajardo, Hal Harper, Tina Hedin, Marya Hornbacher, Scott Klug, Megan Matson, Jeannine Ouellette, Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez, Greg Sandow, Brooke Warner, Oliver Wasow, and Jamie Whalen.
And check out our free conversation series presented in partnership with Resolute Square, featuring 90-minute sessions with Americans we admire including Alan Light, Jennifer Mercieca, Beto O'Rourke, Trygve Olson, and Stuart Stevens.