Fort Benton, MT – June 24–25, 2025

IND HEMP was honored to welcome economic development leaders from across the nation to our Fort Benton operations as part of the IEDC Rural Retreat’s Grow Great Falls Tour. This landmark event marked the first-ever rural-focused conference hosted by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), and we were proud to help showcase what sustainable innovation looks like in practice. 

The tour gave participants an immersive experience into how a small rural community can evolve into an engine of industrial revitalization—without losing its historical charm. 

Reviving Rural Economies with Purpose and Partnership 

At IND HEMP, our roots run deep. As a family-owned, mission-driven business, we’re focused on building resilient supply chains that start with American farmers and stretch across industries. Our vertically integrated model includes seed cleaning, oilseed processing, and industrial fiber milling, all located right here in Fort Benton—Montana’s oldest settlement and the proud “Birthplace of Montana.” 

Tour attendees began the morning at our Oilseeds Campus, observing the heart of our hemp food processing operation. From there, we moved to our fiber processing facility, where we shared insights into how rural communities can attract advanced manufacturing by leaning into agricultural innovation, existing infrastructure, and regional character. 

The tour sparked critical conversations on: 

· Supply chain co-location strategies 

· Overcoming regulatory barriers for emerging industries 

· Creating industrial parks rooted in culture and sustainability 

Building a Better Future from the Ground Up 

What made this tour especially meaningful was the collective energy. The group—composed of economic developers, recovery fellows, rural practitioners, and community leaders—brought not just curiosity, but solutions. As part of the IEDC’s goal to catalyze rural innovation, participants were encouraged to share tools, highlight local wins, and tackle shared challenges together. 

We shared our story—how we transformed Fort Benton’s identity from a frontier outpost into a national hub for industrial hemp. From sweeping hulls to scaling carbon-sequestering solutions, our team’s commitment to mission, quality, and collaboration is what fuels our progress. 

As Morgan Tweet, COO of IND HEMP, shared: 

“We’re passionate. We’re curious. We’re dedicated. And we’re proving that rural America can lead the way in the next wave of regenerative industry.” 

Beyond the Factory Floor: Fort Benton’s Living Legacy 

Beyond the walls of IND HEMP, the tour also included a rich cultural itinerary: 

· Lunch and local insight at Wake Up Coffee, with remarks from Joellyn Clark, PCTG 

· Tours of historic Fort Benton, including the Grand Union Hotel, Missouri River Outfitters, and a walking history experience with Ken Robison 

· A final tour of the Historic Fort Benton with Sharalee Smith, reminding guests why Forbes named it one of America’s most beautiful towns 

These stops reinforced a central theme: Rural revitalization isn’t just about business—it’s about belonging. Fort Benton’s story isn’t just ours—it’s a blueprint for communities nationwide seeking to bridge legacy and progress. 

Looking Forward 

We’re grateful to Great Falls Development Authority (GFDA), IEDC, and all the tour participants for recognizing the importance of rural industrial ecosystems. We’re especially proud to show what’s possible when a town invests in its people, its land, and a shared vision of sustainable growth. 

To learn more about IND HEMP and how we’re working to grow the future of regenerative industry, visit www.indhemp.com or contact our team. 

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