about us
Our diverse board of directors unite to champion organic farming practices, research projects and education throughout Montana
Our Mission
To encourage sustainable and responsible organic practices by providing funding and direction for organic research and education in Montana
Ole Norgaard, MORE Board Chair
Ole Norgaard farms in the in the central part of Montana. His farm is located near Shonkin on the north side of the Highwood Mountains, he also leases another organic farm in central Montana where he grows wheat, spelt, peas, barley, lentils, alfalfa and grass hay and a special black/purple Indian corn for seed. Ole also is working on his own value-added product line of corn flour/meal. He has been involved in farming all his life and holds a Bachelor Degree in Agricultural Science and a Specialized Degree in Agricultural Economy and Management. Ole has served on the Montana Organic Association board as treasurer and chair. Currently Ole is the chair of the Montana Organic Research & Education.
Samuel Schimdt, MORE Board Secretary
Sam splits residence between Great Falls, and on spouse Colleen’s ranch in Ovando. He is employed as Montana Milling, Inc's VP of Purchasing/Sales. Sam is also involed in the Montana Organic Association as Treasurer / BOD MT FWP – Region 4 Citizen Advisory Council / MT River Recreation Advisory Council Family farm location in west central Kansas, graduated Kansas State University in Grain Science All hobbies are sports and outdoor related Organic Montana (501(c)3 – BOD (former) Montana Organic Commodity Advisory Council – (former) Montana Wheat and Barley Committee – Industry Rep (former)
Alison Harmon, MORE Board Member
Currently Vice President for Research and Economic Development at Montana State University. Alison Harmon joined Montana State University in 2004 as a faculty member in food and nutrition, bringing an interdisciplinary background in biology, forest resources, and nutrition science. She was appointed Dean of the College of Education, Health & Human Development in 2015 and became VP for Research & Economic Development in 2022. Her faculty work focused on food systems, sustainability, curriculum development, and educator preparation. She helped lead the creation of innovative programs, including the Sustainable Food & Bioenergy Systems degree, Towne’s Harvest Garden, the Montana Dietetic Internship, and the Hospitality Management & Culinary Arts degree. As Dean, she helped launch the LIFE Scholars Program for students with intellectual disabilities. As VP, she has advanced MSU’s research enterprise, strengthened research infrastructure, expanded industry partnerships, supported the Innovation Campus, and fostered leadership development across the university. Alison enjoys the fine arts, culinary experimentation, Bobcat Athletics, and ‘getting lost’ in the great outdoors of Montana with her husband and adult daughter—Rance and Carolyn Harmon
Ty O'Connor, MORE Board Member
Located in Ekalaka, MT Married To Sarina O’Connor and have eight children Farm and Ranch In four counties in the eastern corner of the state Grow Organic crops and Cattle Graduated with ag technology degree from Montana State University in Bozeman I can’t wait to start some hobbies looking forward to that stage in my life😂 We are the top employer in Carter County and Firmly believe in multiple enterprise within our operation to continue to build Generational family growth and Rural development in Montana….
Ethan Hinebauch, MORE Board Member
Ethan Hinebauch farms both organic and conventional crops in north-central Montana near Chinook, with farmland spanning Blaine and Hill counties. He started Lazy E Farms in 2012 when he began farming crops of his own. Farming has deep roots in the Hinebauch family—Hinebauch Grain has been organic since 1987, beginning with Ethan’s dad, Randy Hinebauch, who remains an active part of the operation today. Ethan also farms alongside his brothers.The operation primarily grows winter wheat and spring wheat, along with smaller amounts of lentils, peas, alfalfa, and grass/barley hay. Ethan earned a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Operations Technology from MSU-Northern.Outside of farming, Ethan enjoys spending time with his wife and their three kids, hunting, and staying involved in wrestling through coaching and officiating
Michael Deakin, MORE Board Member
Michael Deakin is a certified organic dryland grain producer farming in Ledger, Montana, alongside his wife, Emily, and their three children. Raised on an organic wheat farm in Utah, Michael began working in agriculture at a young age, eventually managing the family operation before purchasing the Montana farm in 2018. Combining a practical farming background with an academic foundation in engineering and agriculture, Michael holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and an M.S. in Plant Science from Utah State University, where his graduate research focused directly on dryland organic wheat production. On-farm research remains a core priority, integrating trial plots, soil health stewardship, and agronomic innovation into everyday management.
“The goal of sustainable agriculture should be to regenerate the soil and the ecosystem, not just to maintain them.”
Joel Salatin