Agriculture

Roy rancher participates in advocacy training

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Doreen McClure decided to apply for Montana Farm Bureau Advocate, Communicate, Educate (ACE) training because she wanted to learn better ways to advocate for agriculture.

“I want to step up and help in community efforts,” said McClure who helps on her family’s ranch in Roy. In addition, she pitches in at the Mountain West Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance office where she helps her husband, Rod, a long-time insurance agent.

Mini-grants available through Growth Through Ag program

The Montana Department of Agriculture announced mini-grant funding is now available through its Growth Through Agriculture Program. All projects will need to demonstrate how they expand Montana agriculture, but given the current public health situation with COVID-19, special attention will be paid to projects that strengthen and expand local food offerings, distribution, and infrastructure.

MDA accepting applications for Montana ag student loan assistance program

The Montana Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the Montana Agriculture Student Loan Assistance Program. The program was established with the signing of HB 431 during the 2019 legislative session. Applications can be submitted at funding.mt.gov and the application deadline is June 1. More information, including eligibility requirements can be found on MDA’s website.

Northwest ag commodities experiencing varied impacts from pandemic

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Northwest Farm Credit Services 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.

Food and agriculture listed as essential critical infrastructure

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On March 16, the President issued updated Coronavirus Guidance for America. This guidance states that:

Applications available, NILE Merit Heifer program

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The opportunity for kids to get started in the cattle industry is knocking, and loudly. Applications for the NILE Merit Heifer program are now available for the 2020-2021 year.

USDA Service Centers encourage phone calls

U.S. Department of Agriculture service centers are encouraging visitors to take proactive protective measures to help prevent the spread of new coronavirus. All service center visitors wishing to conduct business with the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service or any other service center agency should call service centers and make appointments before visiting.

Farm Bureau highlights immediate challenges facing the agriculture sector

American Farm Bureau has released its first assessment of the impact on farmers and ranchers in the wake of the national mitigation efforts to combat COVID-19.

Temporary hours of service exemption for livestock haulers

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Due to the COVID-19 emergency relief effort, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has exempted livestock haulers from compliance with federal Hours of Service rules that limit drive time until at least April 12. Drivers wishing to haul under this exemption are suggested to print out and keep in their cab a copy of the Expanded Emergency Declaration, https://westernskiesstrategies.us9.list-manage. com/track/click?u=c35966bef9b816acff772766f&id=07ce67d6 41&e=b3efbf0050. The Expanded Emergency Declaration provides relief to

Giving back

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The Lewistown Elks applied for a gratitude grant from the National Elks organization and received $2,500 which was donated to Fergus/Petroleum County 4-H. Shown are Wayne Little, Matt Martin, Angie Wright, Keithon Walter, Jennifer Saunders (representing 4H), Kris Gapay, Wade Stein and Chad Rogers. 

Poll

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