Agriculture

Dept. of Livestock promotes consumption of pasteurized milk

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As Montanans are turning to locally sourced food in the face of possible disruptions caused by the COVID-19 virus, the Montana Department of Livestock cautions the public against consumption of raw (unpasteurized) milk and raw milk products.

Planting of most crops ahead of last year

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Moisture was received in some areas of the state last week, while other areas remain dry and warm impacting crop conditions, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.

Topsoil moisture conditions were 85% adequate to surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions were 90% adequate to surplus. Barley planting is wrapping up, with an estimated 90% of the crop planted, ahead of the previous year and five-year average at 81% and 89%, respectively.

Dept. of Livestock advises about swine imports

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The impacts to meat packing plants due to COVID-19 have resulted in the sale and movement of animals through nontraditional channels. The Department of Livestock is asking Montanans to be aware of the requirements to move swine into the state and to sell pork products.

Packing plant closures throughout the country have resulted in a backup of swine going to feeding and slaughter. Many farmers, especially in Midwest states, are seeking new outlets for their animals. This has resulted in an influx of pigs coming to Montana for harvest and for sale to individual buyers for feeding.

From the top down

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All three of Montana’s legislators at the federal level (Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines, and Representative Greg Gianforte) have increased their efforts to aid the ranching industry.

Ranchers raising cattle are receiving markedly low prices for their labors, while four large, out-of-state, albeit critical, meatpacking facilities are profoundly profiting. The cost of meat is also draining consumers’ pockets.

Search for a silver lining

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Montana ranchers and agricultural producers are, by and large, resilient problem solvers by their nature and occupation. Weathering storms is something with which they are all too familiar, and the current COVID-19 world pandemic is a stark reminder of the interdependent nature of the cattle industry despite an otherwise relatively isolated livelihood.

Crops making good progress compared with last year

Mixed temperatures and scattered moisture were observed throughout Montana last week, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.

Boundary adjustment proposed for Designated Surveillance Area in Madison Co.

The Montana Department of Livestock is proposing a change to the boundary of the Designated Surveillance Area for brucellosis. The proposed administrative rule change is in response to the discovery of two brucellosis-exposed elk in the Ruby Mountains, outside of the current DSA boundary. The boundary adjustment will ensure that cattle and domestic bison at risk of exposure to infected wildlife are included in disease surveillance efforts. A public comment period is open until 5 p.m. on June 18.

Loans available for farmers and ranchers facing COVID-19 related challenges

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency reminds producers that FSA offers farm ownership and farm operating loans to agricultural producers who may not find success obtaining loans from their traditional financial institutions because of COVID-19. Farmers and ranchers who cannot obtain commercial credit from a bank can apply for FSA direct or guaranteed loans.

Montana FFA State Convention will take place virtually

Montana FFA is making history—the first-ever Virtual State Convention will be hosted via Facebook Live May 20-21. Approximately 2,000 attendees were originally supposed to attend the 90th Annual Montana FFA State Convention in Great Falls during March. The Montana FFA Board of Trustees have decided to celebrate students’ achievements and how they continue to learn and lead through an online State Convention, despite the hard times we currently face.

Cooler temps slow pasture, range growth

Cooler temperatures and scattered moisture were observed throughout Montana last week, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. Reporters noted the cooler temperatures have slowed pasture and range growth, while the wet weather continues to slow planting throughout the state.

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