Charlie Kraft | 2026 Gallatin Farmer Award Winner

Published: March 15, 2026

Author/Pilot: Dallas Fischer

Category Tags: AGRICULTURE,INTERVIEWS

Congratulations to Charlie Kraft the 2026 Gallatin Farmer Award Winner!

Charlie Kraft was born and raised on the farm he still owns and operates on S. 19th Ave in Bozeman. He and his brothers grew up farming with their father and he knew by the third grade he wanted to make farming his career. At the age of 16, Charlie leased his first farm from a neighbor and began farming for himself while continuing the farm with his father. Over the years, Charlie grew his operation to 1200ac of deeded and leased ground south of Bozeman. He has consistently raised hay and malt barley. Hereford cattle were also a component of the operation up through 1980. In the present day, Charlie has scaled back on the size of his operation and is currently raising hay and malt barley on a bit over 200ac.

Charlie helped to organize and form the Sourdough Volunteer Fire Department and served as a volunteer fireman and member of its board for many years. He has been a member of the Middle Creek Ditch Company for over 50 years and has served on its board of directors. He has also assisted with the Mystic Lake and Mystic Ditch Company over the years.

Time spent with family out camping or snowmobiling, or riding through the hills in ATV’s are cherished times and memories for Charlie. And he is quick to pull up pictures taken of his kids, grandkids and now great grandkids while on those adventures. Charlie also has a passion for collecting and restoring old cars, pickups, tractors, along with scale models of the same.

Recognizing Charlie Kraft as the 2026 Outstanding Farmer/Rancher award recipient is an honor for the Gallatin Ag-Committee. Pride, enthusiasm and love for what he does is evident when speaking with Charlie and observing him going through his daily work. He is known as a hard working, thoughtful and kind member of the community. He is a leader, a good friend and a great neighbor

Charlie Kraft | 2026 Gallatin Farmer Award Winner