Guest Opinions

If you value private property rights, send comments to the BLM

The Bureau of Land Management is asking for the public’s help in determining what it should analyze as it considers proposed changes to several grazing leases. The American Prairie Reserve

BLM should reject APR proposal that destroys Montana rangeland

The radical proposal by the American Prairie Reserve to fundamentally shift longestablished grazing practices on 250,000 acres of public property ought to be rejected by the Bureau of Land Management.

Montana Farm Bureau pleased with movement forward on farm bill

The release by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway of the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (H.R. 2) assures America’s farmers and ranchers that congressional agriculture leaders recognize the

Interior Secretary must intercede in bison restoration issue

The Bureau of Land Management just completed a series of public scoping meetings on the American Prairie Reserve’s request to convert 17 federal grazing leases from cattle to bison. The

Bison restoration a net benefit for Montana

I grew up in Billings and I’m often asked why I enjoy working for the American Prairie Reserve. The answer is multifaceted, but one of the main reasons is that

Latest seed merger is a blow to family farmers and ranchers

Guest Opinion

A major wave of consolidation that kicked off in 2016 continues to move forward with the U.S. Department of Justice allowing chemical producer Bayer to acquire the U.S.-based seed company Monsanto, reported yesterday.

“As giant transnational corporations increase their power over the market, independent farmers are left with fewer options and suffer from less competition among input providers,” said Center for Rural Affairs Policy Associate Anna Johnson.

USDA ignored public support of Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices rule

Guest Opinion

The Center for Rural Affairs stands for rural communities, and we, too, believe that an essential foundation for vital rural communities consists of a healthy economy and diverse farming models.

Many of the policies we support – organic agriculture, Value-Added Producer Grants, rural microloans – we chose to fight for because they make space for farmers and ranchers to access new or alternative income streams.

Forest reform moves forward

Guest Opinion

Snow may still be on the ground, but last year’s wildfire season isn’t too far from memory. We have good news for Montanans, though. After years of negotiation, we have finally secured a deal that moves forward on much-needed forest management reforms.

The BLM supports wilderness advocates against agriculture

Agriculture and the local government tax base is being threatened by policy changes the BLM is considering. The “public hearings” currently being conducted in Central Montana regarding the American Prairie Reserve requests have been structured by Mr. Albers (BLM boss) as a four-hour afternoon “open house” format to minimize opposition when most people are working, except for the radical environmental/”New World Order” crowd who can thus direct the dialog.

Hell Creek Road update

Sorry for the length of time since the last update. Winter seemed to get in the way of progress on the road, and it doesn’t seem to want to let go as I write this.

All the product needed for the road, with the exception of the mag chloride, is at the site near Jordan and will be the first project done when the weather allows. It took six weeks to haul all the gravel to the area about four miles east of Jordan and you should see the piles.

Poll

Do you always wear your seatbelt when you are driving or riding in a vehicle?