Guest Opinions

Matt Rosendale co-sponsors a bill harmful to Montana’s wildlife, economy

Article Image Alt Text

If there’s one thing that Montanans can agree on, it’s our fondness for wildlife. From eagles and ospreys to bull elk and bighorn sheep, we still have plenty of what so much of the country has lost. These natural riches are partly why we’re known as the Last Best Place. But it wasn’t always this way.

Former pheasant farmer offers views on state program

In the July 16 edition of the Lewistown News-Argus, Reporter Deb Hill penned a really great article addressing the intention of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to release pen-raised pheasants into the normal and wild habitat here in Montana. The article covered the state’s intention and reasoning for “planting” or releasing those pen-raised birds and also covered some serious opposition to those plans.

OPINION: A tax we don’t mind paying

Article Image Alt Text

While it may be hard to believe, there really is such a thing, and in this case the citizens among whom it is most popular are those who are paying it. Unfortunately, it is now fighting for its life in the House of Representatives.

Know your limits when working outdoors this summer

When there is work to be done there is work to be done. The tasks that farmers and ranchers are faced with are pressing, time-sensitive, and rarely can be done from inside a climate-controlled room. Add in unpredictable weather and already challenging tasks can become difficult, not to mention unpleasant. Help beat the heat with these summer safety reminders.

Don’t let the synthetic chickens out the hen house door

I am quite a newcomer to the Lewistown area, arriving in 2017. I have been a bird hunter all my life hunting in six Western states to as far north as the Aleutian Islands. I read with great disappointment the July 16 issue of the News-Argus documenting the Fish, Wildlife and Parks plan to stock pen-raised pheasants in areas of Montana that include our Fergus County.

Insurance may not cover a hail-damaged roof

Article Image Alt Text

When it comes to insuring your home it is important to know there is a significant difference between “Replacement Cost” and “Actual Cash Value” coverage. We’ll get to that shortly.

Buying food locally has host of benefits

Article Image Alt Text

Summer is in full swing and with that comes cookouts and gatherings where food is featured. As you plan your menu, keep local farmers in mind.

“Lucky Squirrel”

My husband, Peter, and I went to our first concert in the park last night.

There’s room for new proteins, but we need honesty in the labeling process

Article Image Alt Text

“Microbes from Yellowstone helped make this vegan meat” was the headline on a recent Facebook post. I almost passed on reading the article from Veg News as I don’t usually agree with vegan propaganda. I don’t have a problem with someone who chooses to live a vegan lifestyle. My problem is that leaders in the vegan industry tend to bash animal meat production and push a false information campaign about the very industry from which I make my living.

Managing stress in the agriculture industry

Article Image Alt Text

For many years, farmers and ranchers have proven to be honorable stewards of Montana land, always taking care of their crops and animals. This devotion to our state and keeping our land healthy is intentional and takes hard work by each individual. Just like farmers and ranchers care for their land and livestock, it is equally important that they take care of themselves. There are many challenges in the agriculture industry that are unique and can put a strain on producers. Natural events like fires, drought and flooding, as well as economic circumstances including fuel prices, commodity prices and inflation can all be contributors to stress. Another major challenge is the inclusion of family members in the business, and how to pass on that business entity to the next generation. In addition to those stressors, the isolation many producers feel and the distance they would need to travel to receive mental health services makes receiving help to manage that stress very difficult.