Ian Barry
Moiese Valley, MT
Located in the Moiese Valley, Coyote Smile is a certified organic farm growing fresh produce, vegetable seed, and seed garlic. With sandy, rocky loam soil and about 110 frost-free days each year, the farm thrives through careful crop rotation and cover cropping that support pollinators and soil health.
Ian has been farming for 10 years and growing seed for the past two. Inspired by other seed growers and the realization that seeds are a vitally important yet overlooked part of the food system, he began experimenting with producing seed.
Ian’s favorite crop to grow for Triple Divide Seed Cooperative is the Annual Sweet Pea mix, prized for its beauty and fragrance. The farm is also known for its extensive garlic production and thoughtful soil stewardship.
The name Coyote Smile comes from a line in a poem by Caitlin Thompson, and from the many coyotes that roam the Moiese Valley. When not farming, you’ll find Ian reading, hiking, or playing with his dogs. On the farm, the soundtrack shifts with the seasons: CCR in the spring, delta blues in the summer, and Blaze Foley in the fall, with plenty of audiobooks in between.
Organic Certification Began: 2021
Products: Fresh produce, vegetable seed, seed garlic
Acreage: 40 with 8 in production
Soil Type: Sandy (rocky) Loam
Frost Free Days: 110