Montana Farmers, Camelina Seed, and Conservation Photography: Crafting Stories That Matter
Calumet Refinery in Great Falls, Montana. The “legacy” side of the plant where asphalt is produced starts about in the center (where the brightly lit towers stand) and extends to the right. The newer, modern “bio” side is left of the center. All the raw material arrives in tanker cars and is processed onsite. Once it is refined, it’s pumped back onto rail cars and heads to distant distribution centers. Photo By: Tony Bynum - contact Tony Bynum for licensing. Copyrighted material, no use is authorized without a license. All Rights Reserved.
Montana has vast landscapes, industrious farmers, and an evolving energy landscape. In the heart of it all lies Great Falls, a city steeped in tradition yet poised to lead the way toward modern, alternative energy solutions. It’s where conservation photography, agriculture, and innovative ventures like biofuel additives intersect to tell powerful stories.
The full story can be read in the Spring 2025 issue of Montana Quarterly Magazine. Inside that same issue, you will find photography from Tony Bynum, Thomas Lee, Donald M. Jones, stories by Eric Heidle, Tom Murphy, and Alan Kesselheim, along with some beautiful illustrations by Monte L. Hulbert. Publisher and Editor in Chief, Scott McMillion, provides his “Two Cents” that opens a deeper discussion about the federal government, and cuts to federal initiatives important to Montanans. I recommend you subscribe, it’s the best Montana storytelling in print! https://www.themontanaquarterly.com/
The Future of Jet Fuel: Montana Farmers and Camelina Seed
Isabel Hicks, in her compelling story featured in Montana Quarterly Magazine, sheds light on Montana farmers' pivotal role in shaping the future of aviation biofuels. Camelina seed, a hardy oilseed crop well-suited to Montana's climate and soils, has emerged as a key plant in the push for jet fuel additives. As farmers begin to cultivate camelina, they are not only preserving the land. Still, they are also creating pathways for eco-conscious innovation in an arid landscape suited, they hope, to the demands of a potentially lucrative crop.
In this movement, legacy institutions like Calumet, an oil refinery in Great Falls, have shifted focus to embrace alternatives. Calumet’s work on producing alternative jet fuel additives from camelina seed exemplifies the potential for collaboration between agriculture and industry to benefit both the environment and the economy.
Calumet refinery along the Missouri River, in Great Falls, Montana. Photo by: Tony Bynum Photography. Contact Tony Bynum for licensing. All rights reserved.
Conservation Photography: Capturing Stories That Matter
As a conservation and commercial outdoor photographer, I view stories like Hicks’ as opportunities to connect deeply with subjects that matter. Conservation photography goes beyond beautiful imagery—it’s about crafting visuals that amplify critical narratives, advocate for sustainable practices, and inspire change.
When photographing projects like this, that include legacy producers like Calumet and Montana Sustainable Oils, the care and intent behind every image matter. The best stories emerge when you truly care about the subject. From planning shoots to collaborating with writers, the process becomes more meaningful when you’re invested in the story you aim to tell.
Photographers have a unique ability to bridge the gap between human experience and environmental advocacy. By documenting conservation stories, we can show the grit and dedication behind sustainable agriculture and spotlight their contributions to alternative energy solutions.
Left to right, Mark Denis and Steve Poscik pictured at the Calumet Refinery in Great Falls, Montana. Photo by: Tony Bynum Photography. Contact Tony Bynum for licensing. All rights reserved.
A Collaboration of Craft and Care
Natural resource-centered stories allow photographers to learn while they create. They challenge us to adapt our vision, absorb new knowledge, and translate complex subjects into accessible, engaging imagery. Working with writers like Isabel Hicks and alongside refineries, and researchers highlights the importance of partnerships in storytelling.
Montana farmers stand at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, championing practices that harmonize with the land while driving solutions for a cleaner future. As conservation photographers, we have the privilege and responsibility to document their journeys carefully, ensuring that these stories inspire change and resonate for future generations.
Let’s celebrate Great Falls, Montana—the epicenter of dynamic energy evolution—and the power of photography to amplify the stories that matter most. Whether you’re a farmer sowing camelina seeds or a photographer capturing the soul of these efforts, your work contributes to a greater narrative about sustainability, community, and the beauty of shared passion.