Bob Quinn was raised on a 2,400-acre family operated wheat and cattle ranch southeast of Big Sandy, Montana.  He earned his BS in botany in 1970, a MS degree in plant pathology in 1971 from Montana State University and received a PhD degree in plant biochemistry at the University of California at Davis, California in 1976.  After selling his business interests in a biological research and testing laboratory in Woodland, California, he returned home to run the family farm and ranch in 1978.

In 1983 Bob started Montana Flour & Grains, Inc. (MFG). The business soon expanded beyond his own farm and became a viable market opportunity for many other farmers.  In 1984 he started selling organic grain, added a stone flourmill in 1985 and in 1992 a cleaning plant was added.  By that time 99% of the products were organic.  In 1995 the Montana Small Business Administration named Bob as the Small Business Exporter of the Year.  In 1986 MFG introduced to the natural food industry an ancient grain similar to durum wheat.  This grain was grown only organically and marketed under his own brand name, Kamut, and now over 4500 different Kamut brand products are being marketed throughout the world providing a new crop for over 250 organic farmers in Montana, Alberta and Saskatchewan.  Bob sold MFG in 1999.  Over the years his farm has increased to 3400 cultivated acres and 600 acres of pasture.  Bob added two more enterprises connected to the farm. The Oil Barn, which produces high-oleic safflower oil on the farm and Big Sandy Organics (BSO) which produces Kracklin’ Kamut ancient wheat snacks in Big Sandy.  Bob sold BSO in the fall of 2020.

Bob is active in his church and local community.  He has held leadership positions for numerous organizations, including USDA advisory boards, received a multitude of awards and has helped to form several businesses.  He co-authored the book “Grain to Grain,” and organized the 1^st International Conference of Wheat Landraces for Healthy Food Systems.

Jerry and his wife Renae, along with their family, operate Black Leg Ranch, McKenzie, North Dakota. The ranch was homesteaded in 1882 by Jerry’s Great Grandfather in what was then Dakota Territory.

They use Holistic Management to operate their ranch regenerating the natural resources and allowing wildlife to flourish. They have made huge strides in improving the soil health of native rangeland and cropland while improving the bottom line and quality of life for the next generation to become involved in the ranch.

Jerry and his family operate a cow calf and buffalo operation offering grass finished beef and bison products that are Audubon certified bird friendly. They also operate Rolling Plains Adventure, a full-service hunting/outfitting business on the ranch, Black leg Events, an Agri-tourism business, and Black Leg Brewery. These ventures have allowed them to spread a positive message about agriculture to thousands of consumers, including people from all 50 states and 40 foreign countries.

Jerry is past chairman of the N.D. Grazing Lands Coalition and a mentor and Governor appointed to the N.D. Natural Resources Trust board. He is a board member of Partnerscapes and an advisory board member of The Nature Conservancy. Jerry is past chairman of the N.D. Ag Coalition, The N.D. Beef Commission, N.D. State Board of Ag Research and Education, and Rural Leadership N.D. He has also been a 4-H leader for over 4 decades.

Black Leg Ranch is honored to have won the Burleigh County Soil health award, the National Environmental Stewardship Award, the inaugural N.D. Leopold Award, and was inducted into the N.D. Cowboy Hall of Fame. Jerry was awarded the NDSU Harvest Bowl Agri-Business award and was inducted into the N.D. Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2023.

It’s Time to Question Everything: Roy Pfaltzgraff

Lowering Production Costs Through Companion Planting & Minimum Tillage: Keaton Sameshima

Economic Advantages of Rejuvra & The Value of Improved Forage: Derek Sebastian & Justin Hossfeld

Supporting Ag Water Management Learning & Action Testing Ag Performance Solutions & Master Irrigator: Amy Kreman

Measuring Soil Health for On- Farm Impact: Lance Gunderson

The Journey of Regenerative Practices: Jerry Doan

Practical Carbon Farming in the Grand Valley : Lowell King

Impacts of Residue Management on Water and Soils: Joel Scheekloth

Benefits of Working with your Local Conservation District: Liz Schneider

Wyoming Producers Journey in Soil Health & What is the Rhizophagy Cycle: Marlon Winger

The Power of Diversity in Long Term No-Till: Dan Forgey

If Regenerative Ag Works so well, Why isn't Everyone Doing This: Elizabeth Heilman

Survive & Thrive- Building a Resilient Soil: Michael Thompson

Creating a Drought-Resilient Agriculture: Dale Stickler

Healthy Food Starts with Good Seed & Healthy Soil- How Can We Learn to Mimic Nature: Bob Quinn

Agrivoltaics- Agriculture Mixed with Solar Panels: Bryon Kominek