Agriculture

Pandemic beef markets create direct marketing opportunities for local producers

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Earlier this year, COVID-19 drove beef to record-high prices for consumers as packing plants responsible for the majority of U.S. cattle slaughter were forced to shut down or slow production due to COVID-19 outbreaks. While Montana producers had plenty of livestock, they were forced to hold on to them due to lack of processing capacity.

Farm Service Agency county committee elections underway

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has mailed ballots for the Farm Service Agency county committee elections to eligible farmers and ranchers across the country. To be counted, ballots must be returned to the local FSA county office or postmarked by Dec. 7.

Planting of winter wheat is ahead of the five-year average

Warmer temperatures and limited moisture was observed across Montana during the past week, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. Topsoil moisture conditions for the state were 39% adequate to surplus, compared to 46% in the previous week, and 91% the previous year. Subsoil moisture conditions were rated 36% adequate to surplus compared to 84% the previous year.

Transferring ag land to next generation challenging

According to Montana State University Extension, an important goal for many Montana family farm and ranch enterprises is to transfer land and businesses to the next generation, but the process can be challenging.

Stevenson named top four in beef production with embryo transfer project

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Claire Stevenson was recently named one of four national finalists in the area of beef production proficiency at the 93rd National FFA Convention, which took place virtually Oct. 27-29.

Local Angus breeders recognized for efforts to improve cow productivity

Both Tiber Angus of Geyser and Hodge Keep On Ranch out of Moccasin recently reenrolled in the American Angus Association’s Maternal-Plus program as a commitment to making genetic improvements in lifetime cow herd productivity, according to a news release from the American Angus Association.

Weight limitations increased for sugar beet transportation vehicles

Governor Steve Bullock signed an executive order allowing increased weight limitations on transportation vehicles in order to protect sugar beet farmers in Montana.

Warmer temperatures helped reduce supplemental feeding

Cold, winter conditions early on gave way to warmer weather across Montana during the past week, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. Reporters in Roosevelt and Valley counties stated the moisture received has helped dry conditions.

Hobson’s Tanner Allen joins American Angus Association

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Hobson fourth grader Tanner Allen is a new junior member of the American Angus Association, reports Mark McCully, CEO of the national organization with headquarters in Saint Joseph, Missouri.

Gianforte receives Friend of Farm Bureau Award

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Montana Congressman Greg Gianforte was presented with a national Friend of Farm Bureau Award Oct. 23 by Montana Farm Bureau Executive Vice President John Youngberg. The award was presented at Gianforte’s ranch near Bozeman.

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