Plains family farm offers educational opportunities

Nestled just off River Road West in Plains between the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and the Clark Fork River sits a homestead known as Wild Horse Lavender Farm. 

Unique to the area, the farm offers a wide variety of lavender-based products and serves as a model of sustainable agriculture.

The farm is owned and operated by Bruce Beckstead and Carissa McNamara, along with their son, John McNamara, and grandmother Karrie “Nana” Baldwin. Together, the family has built a thriving agricultural enterprise focused on education, stewardship and community involvement.

The farm recently hosted its fourth annual Lavender Field Day and Regenerative Agriculture Open House, offering three station classes to the public. Thirty people attended the first day of the two-day event.

The first session focused on healthy soils, composting, pollinator habitat, water stewardship and forest and land management. Presenters included Montana State University Extension agent Jamie Schmidt, Green Mountain Conservation District employee Morgan Owens and Emily Baker of the Eastern Sanders County Conservation District. 

The second class, presented by John McNamara and Carissa, covered sheep production and managed grazing practices. McNamara discussed his Dorper sheep breed and explained how rotational grazing benefits pasture health and biodiversity.

McNamara’s farming journey began at an early age. At just 9 years old, he took out a loan to purchase his first sheep and goats. Since then, he has expanded his operation to approximately 30 head of livestock and successfully repaid four agricultural loans through livestock sales. He has also earned numerous awards for the quality of his animals. His Dorper rams are recognized nationally and are shipped throughout the United States for breeding purposes.

The third class focused on lavender production and harvesting. Participants learned about lavender varieties, harvest timing and techniques, ornamental uses and the process of taking lavender "from soil to oil."

Beckstead presented a lecture and demonstration on steam distillation, the process used to extract lavender oil. Distillation produces two products: lavender hydrosol, which is used on the farm as an antiseptic, and lavender essential oil, which is used in many of the products sold both locally and through the farm’s website.

Producing lavender oil is a labor-intensive process. Approximately 25 pounds of lavender are required to produce just one ounce of essential oil. In keeping with the farm’s sustainability practices, all remaining plant material from the distillation process is returned to the soil as biomass.

Wild Horse Lavender Farm began its journey in Plains seven years ago when the family relocated from Utah. Beckstead brought extensive agricultural experience gained through work with several large farming operations that produced a variety of crops. Carissa McNamara holds a master's degree in public administration and nonprofit management and is actively involved with the local 4-H program. Baldwin, a longtime artist, said her role on the farm is simple.

“I want to be here and do whatever I can to support this family and the community as well,” Baldwin said.

The farm’s first shipment of lavender arrived in May 2021 and was planted that September. An additional 3,500 plants arrived the following spring. Shortly after planting, the family discovered that the local deer population enjoyed the lavender nearly as much as they did, leading to the installation of 3,500 feet of fencing to protect the crop.

Beckstead first learned the Plains property was for sale seven years ago and had only a weekend to decide whether to purchase it. When the family arrived in Plains with their first load of household belongings, they noticed a 4-H horse practice taking place at the Sanders County Fairgrounds. They stopped to introduce themselves and were immediately welcomed by members of the community.

“We were so welcomed,” Beckstead said. “People embraced us. We try to give back more than we get.”

Today, Wild Horse Lavender Farm continues to combine agriculture, education, and community service, providing local residents with opportunities to learn about sustainable farming practices while showcasing the many uses and benefits of lavender.

    This year's young lamb being held by Jessie Sinclair at the 4th annual Lavender Field Day. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
 Tracy Scott   

    Owner Bruce Beckstead explains the process of extracting lavender oil with the steam distillation process. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
 Tracy Scott   

    One of two greenhouses at the Wild Horse Lavender Farm in Plains. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
 Tracy Scott   

    John McNamara demonstrates techniques on caring for newborn lambs. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
 Tracy Scott