Innovative initiative fosters sustainable food systems that benefit wildlife and ranchers alike
“We want more people to think of our land as kin — seeing nature as more of a sibling or a mother to be nourished, rather than a commodity to be sold,” explains Cole Mannix about his venture, the Old Salt Co-op in Helena, Montana.
This innovative enterprise is revolutionizing the meat industry by linking local ranchers directly with vendors and restaurants, mirroring what microbreweries have done so well for beer.
The Old Salt Co-op isn’t just transforming supply chains; it’s fostering a new generation of conservation-minded consumers, who want to develop relationships with their food suppliers and support conservation at the same time.
Supporting a new conservation model
Each summer, the Old Salt Festival brings this mission to life on the Mannix family ranch an hour west of Helena in the rolling ranchlands of the Blackfoot Valley. With 2,500 attendees ranging from young urban families to ranching old-timers, the festival is a vibrant celebration of sustainability through fire, food, music, and art.
Over three days, guests enjoy wood-fired cooking and fun activities, including poetry, artisan makers, Americana musicians, and conservation experts. The “Land Talk Lounge” hosts discussions on topics like conservation easements, soil health, and food systems.
“Whether you come for the music, food, or talks, you see how interconnected we are by fundamental elements like food, land, and art,” says Mannix. “It starts a conversation about how we can remake our food systems to be compatible with the land. And redefine what wealth truly is.”
“Whether you come for the music, food, or talks, you see how interconnected we are by fundamental elements like food, land, and art,” says Mannix. “It starts a conversation about how we can remake our food systems to be compatible with the land. And redefine what wealth truly is.”
Cole Mannix, founder, Old Salt Co-op in Helena, Montana
Your generous support helped Y2Y sponsor the Old Salt Festival. As a donor you help us share this modern conservation approach with partners and ranchers throughout the Yellowstone to Yukon region.
Besides, it’s so much more than just raising awareness about how we buy our food. By ensuring that cattle raised on Montana’s ranches are processed and sold within the state, the Old Salt model significantly cuts the environmental impact of beef transportation and production, while promoting sustainable ranching practices.
This model supports local economies and helps ranchers maintain low-impact practices, preventing the subdivision and sale of these vital rangelands.
Which means more ranchland will remain undeveloped, intact and connected for the wildlife who roam these lands, too.
Thank you for supporting and promoting a new wave of conservation efforts like the Old Salt Co-op. You’re making a real difference to the lives and livelihoods of so many throughout the Yellowstone to Yukon region.
