Agriculture

Support Ag literacy on your 2020 tax form

The State of Montana has a voluntary tax check-off designation for Agricultural Literacy. These funds have the potential to provide materials and agricultural curriculum to teachers and schools across the state providing adequate knowledge of agriculture for students.

On your 2020 Montana tax return, choose the voluntary check-off program to support ag literacy in Montana schools. These funds have the potential to provide materials and agricultural curriculum to teachers and schools across the state.

Winter wheat condition is rated 69% good to excellent

The month of February produced cooler winter conditions and fluctuating temperatures across the state of Montana, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.

USDA to survey farmers’ planting intentions for 2021

As the 2021 crop production season begins, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will contact producers nationwide to determine their plans for the upcoming growing season.

New technology helps ranchers maximize grass production

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One out of every three acres in the U.S. is rangeland. Two-thirds of these are privately owned, mainly by ranchers who graze their livestock in the open country of the American West.

Our rangelands produce premium beef, wool, and dairy. But it’s the plants that feed these livestock that are the foundation for profitable agriculture in the West.

But ranchers haven’t had a good way to measure how their grass is faring, until now.

Big Casino Creek Reservoir chosen as FWP Community Pond project

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Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks recently approved $73,000 in funding for four projects to improve family, youth and ADA angling near Montana communities. The approved projects, funded through the Community Pond Program, are located at Big Casino Creek Reservoir (Lewistown), Lake Elmo (Billings), Savenac Lake (Haugan) and Wadsworth Pond (Great Falls).

Community ponds are cornerstones of local cities and towns across Montana — a place for families to gather, kids to learn to fish, and people with disabilities to cast a line.

FWP releases first regulations for 2021 hunting season

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Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has released season dates and regulations for the 2021 deer, elk, and antelope and moose, sheep and goat seasons.

The new license year begins March 1 and sportsmen can now begin applying and buying hunting permits for the upcoming season.

“Hunters can start applying for most licenses we have drawings for on March 1,” said Greg Lemon, administrator of the communication and education division at FWP.

Grass Range students receive FFA grants

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Grass Range is proud that two students from the Grass Range FFA chapter were chosen amongst many applicants to receive a State Supervised Agricultural Experience grant.

Senior Jasmine Brinley and freshman Layton Geary each received $1,000 grants to help with start-up expenses for their SAE projects. Jasmine will be working towards a horse project and Layton will be using the money to start a cattle herd. Both of these FFA members are passionate about the FFA program and all it has to offer. The two introduce themselves here:

Montana introduces legislation to create Interstate Cooperative Meatpacking Compact

The Montana House of Representatives, in partnership with other states, has introduced House Bill 336 to create an Interstate Cooperative Meatpacking Compact. The purpose is to streamline interstate livestock commerce by removing state barriers and agreeing to meet federal regulations.

Buckwheat: A hazard to Montana’s export markets

As farmers prepare for spring planting, the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee is reminding producers to ensure that wheat shipments destined for export are buckwheat-free. In light of the ongoing global pandemic, food safety has become one of the most important factors for purchasers of ingredients. Montana exports 60-80% of its wheat to countries located in the Pacific Rim. Since Asian countries are large importers of Montana wheat, it is important that producers and handlers understand the serious health risk and potential economic impact posed by buckwheat.

Experts share advice on maintaining water quality for livestock in virtual seminar

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Over 40 individuals from across Montana attended the Stockwater Quality Seminar presented by Central Montana Resource Council, held virtually Jan. 28. Speakers discussed the impact of water quality on livestock and steps producers can take to maintain good water quality.

“Water is important because it enhances all our other management endeavors,” said Tommy Bass, Livestock Environment Associate Specialist at MSU.

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