Agriculture

FSA announces Emergency Conservation Program signup for extreme drought

An extreme drought has caused severe damage across all areas of Fergus and Petroleum counties.

Fashion Risk Taker

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Kyle Shobe volunteers his time as auctioneer for the C.M. Russell Stampede art auction. In 2020, to entertain the crowd at the Stampede art auction, he wore a welding mask to try and lighten the times of masking up. The Stampede Club formed a committee and took suggestions for what Shobe should wear in 2021. Last Saturday, July 17, to auction two pieces, Shobe went a little “Hillbilly,” wearing shorts made from cutoff jeans, high socks and boots. Photo courtesy of Sherry Berg/Rimrock Photography

Use caution when selling livestock to unknown buyers

The Montana Farm Bureau is urging caution to any rancher hoping to sell livestock over the internet, via classified ads or other sources.

MT Department of Agriculture prioritizes mental health

The Montana Department of Agriculture announced its plans to prioritize mental health through a comprehensive program aimed at alleviating stress for Montana farmers and ranchers.

The state is 72% in severe to extreme drought

Hot temperatures and drought conditions continued across Montana during the past week, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 100% of the state is under drought conditions, with 72% in severe to extreme drought.

Clinician shares cattle handling tips with Farm Bureau

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As part of outreach to the ag community, county Farm Bureaus in District 4 held a free low-stress cattle handling demonstration July 10 at Billings Livestock Commission. District 4 consists of Big Horn, Carbon/Stillwater, Sweet Grass, and Yellowstone Counties. For more than a decade, Curt Pate has been conducting demonstrations and clinics on stockmanship, colt starting, horsemanship, and safety. His personal experience incorporating effective stockmanship principles supports a “forprofit” mindset and focuses on highlighting the increased economic benefits of handling stock correctly. In addition, Pate recognizes the growing public scrutiny surrounding livestock production and the impact that improved livestock handling practices create for the sustainability of the cattle industry.

Glendive rancher introduces mini bucking bulls to help train kids

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Getting into bull riding can be a jarring experience as there are very few things that can prepare you for riding an animal that wants nothing more than to get rid of you. Glendive rancher Jesse Griffith, however, has found a good way for kids to prepare for future rodeo careers: miniature bulls.

Central Ag. Research Center Field Day

The MSU Central Ag. Research Center 2021 Moccasin Field Day is Tuesday, July 13.

Northwest Agriculture: Pandemic recovery met with drought challenges

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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 teams throughout Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington monitor conditions and report outlooks for commodities financed by the co-op.

From Montana to Kansas

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Helaina Fowler of Lewistown recently attended the K-State Animal Science Leadership Academy held at Kansas State University. The academy is hosted each June to develop and prepare young leaders for the livestock industry.