Last week Torgerson’s, Case IH’s largest farm equipment dealer in Montana, celebrated 100 years of business. Two events were held to show appreciation to Torgerson’s customers, employees, industry business partners, friends and family.

Reier and Betsy Torgerson established the first store as a mercantile in Ethridge, Mont., in 1912. Their son, Lloyd, worked at the store with them and took over the business in the late thirties. The store operated as a mercantile, sold appliances, trucks and even airplanes until the sixties, when it became a pure farm implement dealer.

Lloyd and his wife, Gene, turned over the business to their three sons in the 1970s, who ran the business as a partnership until two of the boys sold their shares to their brother, Eric. Eric now runs the business with his three sons Brion, Aron and Lin. Though they all have different roles in the business, all decisions are made as a family.

On Tuesday, September 18th, Torgerson’s hosted a golf tournament at Marias Valley Golf Course in Shelby, Mont. The tournament included 100 players comprised of customers, employees and business partners. KMON hosted their morning show from the course.

On Thursday, September 20th, Torgerson’s hosted their 100 Year Celebration at the Four Seasons Arena in Great Falls, Mont. Approximately 1,000 people were in attendance for the evening. Dinner and entertainment were provided. Speakers for the evening were Jim Walker, vice president of Case IH North America, and Steve Bierman, president of CNH Capital.

Entertainment for the evening included a performance by Expressions of Silence and a private concert by Aaron and Thea Tippin. KRTV featured the event on both of their evening news spots.

The dealership was featured in the April/May issue of Farm Equipment (“100 Years Later, Torgerson’s is Still in the Family,” Dave Kanicki, p. 20-27).