Agriculture

USDA to gather county-level data on grain crops

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will survey producers in 32 states, including Arizona, Colorado, Montana and Wyoming, for its Small Grains Crops County Estimates Survey.

The survey will collect information on total acres planted and harvested, and total yield and production of small grain crops down to the county level. Crops CE will provide the data needed to estimate acreage and production of barley, oats and wheat crops in the United States.

Recent rains benefit much of Montana

Abnormally dry conditions between March and early June have moved the southern tier of Montana, along with the eastern counties, into drought conditions that will likely intensify over the next three months, according to the just-released Montana Drought Forecast Report.

Grasshoppers are affecting crops in some areas

Warm temperatures and scattered moisture were observed across Montana during the past week, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.

Reporters in several counties across the state noted producers are dealing with a grasshopper infestation, which is affecting the condition of some crops. Reporters in Judith Basin, Phillips and Richland counties reported moisture was received the past week, improving crop and pasture conditions.

Northwest ag commodities experiencing varied impacts of Coronavirus pandemic

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Northwest Farm Credit Services, the Northwest’s leading agricultural lending cooperative, has released its quarterly Market Snapshot reports covering the state of major agricultural commodities in the region. Northwest FCS industry teams throughout Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington monitor conditions and report outlooks for commodities financed by the co-op.

NASS releases Montana acreage planted report

Montana principal crop planted acreage, which includes acres planted to all major crops and those expected to be cut for all hay, is down 4% from 2019 to 9.52 million acres, according to the June 1 Agricultural Survey conducted by the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.

Farm Bureau, Miles Community College develop meat processing program

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Miles Community College and Montana Farm Bureau have teamed up to make a meat processing certificate/degree a reality. For the past several years, MCC has been hoping to develop a certificate that can offer a journeyman certificate in meat cutting.

Sun River Watershed Group to host rain barrel workshop

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The Sun River Watershed Group and Cascade Conservation District will host a Rain Barrel Workshop and fundraiser on July 25 at the Beacon Icehouse, Great Falls. The event will begin promptly at 10 a.m. and rain barrel construction will finish at noon, with the option for attendees to stay and decorate their barrels. For a suggested donation, participants will receive a rain barrel and hardware, event tumbler and refreshments. The Sun River Watershed Group will provide paint and stencils for decorating the barrels.

Noxious weed work: eradicating whitetop in Wheatland County

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Eradicating whitetop is a high priority for the Wheatland County Weed District, and many land managers across Montana. This noxious weed grows aggressively, spreading through its extensive root system and prolific seed production. Wheatland County has infestations of all three species of whitetop, enabling some to flower and reproduce in early spring, while others grow into mid summer.

High as an elephant’s eye?

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Heath resident Joe Stoltz, who says he is 6 feet tall, shows the height of his grass-alfalfa hay on Wednesday. Stoltz, who will bale his hay in small square bales as soon as it can be certified weed free, said this is the best grass he has seen for years.

NILE modifies schedule for 2020 fall show

October 2020 will be the 53rd year of the Northern International Livestock Exposition Organization. Our world is facing unprecedented times as a result of the COVID 19.

Due to the lasting economic impacts facing the region, and guidelines set forth by the county and state health department regarding the health of the community, organizers have designed a new version of the fall NILE event.

Poll

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