Agriculture

November moisture helps improve soil conditions

Montana experienced cold temperatures and scattered precipitation in the middle of November, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. Reporters noted that precipitation led to improvements in soil conditions and dryland wheat condition.

High temperatures ranged from 39 degrees in Port of Morgan to 64 degrees in Colstrip and Hardin. Low temperatures ranged from -7 degrees in Wisdom to 28 degrees in Superior.

CARC presenting first Research Roundup 

Next Thursday, CARC will host its first-ever Crops Research Roundup at the Eagles Club in Lewistown.

Changing seasons shift gears for research center

Sharp eyes can catch Central Montana’s seasonal changes, but they’re a little easier to notice around Moccasin’s Central Agricultural Research Center.

The barren fields do leave one questions: What exactly is the staff at CARC doing now that winter’s here?

Montana crop production highlights

Based on Nov. 1 conditions, sugarbeet production in Montana is forecast at 1.39 million tons, down 12 percent from the 1.59 million tons produced in 2016, according to the Nov. 1 Agricultural Yield Survey conducted by the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. Growers expect to harvest 42,400 acres this year, compared with 45,300 acres a year ago.

Montana Farm Bureau elects officers during annual convention in Billings

Hans McPherson, a diversified rancher from Stevensville, was re– elected as president of the Montana Farm Bureau Federation during the organization’s annual convention Nov. 12–15 in Billings. Cyndi Johnson, a Conrad small grains farmer, was re-elected as vice president.

Winter wheat emergence ahead of last year’s

Montana experienced snow and cold throughout the state, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. Reporters noted that snowy conditions led to livestock receiving hay in many areas of the state, and that fieldwork for the state had likely concluded for the season.

High temperatures ranged from 26 degrees in Saco to 59 degrees in Broadus. Low temperatures ranged from -17 degrees in White Sulphur Springs to 23 degrees in Thompson Falls.

Northern Plains annual meeting showcases clean energy, soil health

The Northern Plains Resource Council hosted energy and agricultural experts last weekend at its 46th annual meeting. Attendees converged on Billings from across the state.

Keynote speaker Tyson Slocum – director of the energy program at Public Citizen – gave a broad overview of energy in America. He recounted Thomas Edison’s 1901 prediction that the future of electricity would lie in decentralized, household-level power generation and that electric cars would become dominant on America’s roadways.

Food Bank Network receives $7,000 donation

The Montana Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee presented a check for $7,000 to the Montana Food Bank Network at the MFBF YF and R luncheon Monday, Nov. 13 in Billings.

CARC to host research roundup meeting in Lewistown

Montana State University’s Central Agricultural Research Center in Moccasin will host a winter research meeting for agricultural producers across Central Montana. The event, titled Research Roundup, will be held from 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7, at the Eagles in Lewistown.

Farm Bureau Keynote speakers provide food for thought

Montana Farm Bureau members attending their organization’s convention Nov. 12-15 in Billings will have the opportunity to hear keynote speakers on distinctly different topics: leadership, genetically modified crops study results and the importance of mentoring.

Poll

The Central Montana Fair is July 25-28 ... Which of the four major grandstand events do you like the best?