Longview Lavender Farm

Somers, MT

Mike & Cathy Sullivan, and daughter Jaime

We are happy to introduce Mike and Cathy Sullivan and their daughter Jaime who own and operate Longview Lavender Farm LLC in Somers, Montana. Mike has agreed to take on the position of President-Elect of Lavender Northwest, so we thought this would be an excellent time to get to know him and his farm.

How did you choose the farm name?

“Longview Lavender Farm LLC” was chosen because of the view of Glacier National Park and the Rocky Mountains from the backyard.

How long have you been growing lavender, and what led you to become a lavender farmer?

We have been growing lavender since the late 90’s. We saw opportunity in this niche crop that featured diversity as well as potential for value-added products. Plus, it’s a perennial herb that can be grown on small acreage.

What led you to Montana?

I grew up in Southern California in the 50’s and early 60’s. One thing led to another, and I ended up in Southeast Asia. After that I needed some space and ended up in Montana.

How did you first get into farming? Do you have a farming background?

I always wanted to have a cattle ranch but could never afford it. Re-locating to Montana led me into my first farm opportunity — developing a cherry orchard on the east shore of Flathead Lake, Montana.

What did you do before you were a lavender farmer (or in addition to being a lavender farmer)?

In the past, we owned and operated a 60-acre ornamental farm with 1.2 million square feet under roof in Central California. There were approximately 150 employees growing roses, mums, carnations, gerberas, and various bulb crops such as tulips, lilies, Dutch iris, gladioli, and many field crops. We distributed throughout the US and Canada from the late 70’s into the 90’s. During the 90’s, I went offshore and worked with the Jamaican Government Clarify: and leased for 3200 acres on a 100-year lease where we cultivated 800 acres of mangos, papaya, and tropical flowers. Our distribution included European places like the Aalsmeer flower auction in Holland.

What is your role and each family member’s role on the farm?

I handle everything outside. Cathy and Jamie handle store orders and general “meet-’n’-greet” work. Jamie handles all the administrative emails, etc.

How many plants do you have on your farm? Which cultivars do you grow or exhibit?

We have over 8,000 plants in the ground, and we grow six different cultivars, primarily focused on essential oil production, including ‘Grosso’, ‘Maillette’, ‘Super’ and ‘Phenomenal’.

What is your favorite product or use for the lavender you grow?

Essential oil and hydrosol.

What’s your best tip or advice regarding any aspect of growing lavender?

Have a business plan and be involved with the community.

As you reflect on prior farming practices, what would you have done differently?

I would have bought a cattle ranch.

What forms of marketing or community outreach have you used successfully for your business?

We have a store on the farm in which we have 40 different branded products, sold both wholesale and retail, on-site and online (see https://www.longviewlavenderfarm.com/products). The farm is open most days during lavender season, and we offer “You Pick” as well as the onsite store. The farm is geared toward agritourism, hosting festivals, educational classes, farm tours and photographers. In the 2024 season, we had over 3,000 people from all 50 states and 13 foreign countries. Being involved in the community is important and we are active members of three Chambers of Commerce where we promote tours to the farm and distillation demonstrations. On an annual basis, we publish 6,000 brochures about our farm, and these are placed in racks in airports, hotels, VRBOs, Glacier Park visitor centers, etc. We also participate in four farmers’ markets throughout Flathead Valley.

You have always been a big proponent of education. Where and how did you pick up your desire for education?

“Knowledge is power”, and common sense goes a long way in believing things can be done with a little bit of vision. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to lead, instruct, and look for new ways to develop higher yields of crops I’ve been involved with. In relation to growing specific cultivars, three things I’ve always focused on: soil temperature, air temperature, and atmospheric conditions. The practical knowledge that comes from experience needs to be passed on to future growers.