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  • Senate Amendment to Protect American Farmland from Foreign Adversaries

    For the Courier|Aug 2, 2023

    On July 25, the United States Senate voted, 91-7, to include the “Promoting Agriculture Safeguards and Security Act” as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization (NDAA) to provide foreign adversaries, China, Russia, North Korea and Iran, from acquiring American farmland or agribusiness. It also adds the Ag Secretary as an ex-officio member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. (CFIUS) board and require CFIUS review of large ag land purchases by foreign nations and connected entities. Earlier in the day, Senator Tester (D-...

  • Time To Think About Fire PreventionAnd Fire Safety This Summer

    Montana Farm Bureau Federation, For the Courier|Aug 2, 2023

    Much of Montana has enjoyed a wet spring, and green grass has stretched well into mid-summer resulting in fat cattle and extensive haying. However, as the days grow warmer and the chance for moisture lessens, the odds of late summer fires increase whether man-made or from natural causes. For those ranchers and farmers haying, it’s important to check bales for moisture content. “This year, we may see folks putting up wet hay for the first time in a while, especially if they are running behind and want to catch up,” says Montana Ag Safety Progr...

  • Glasgow Stockyards Market Report

    For the Courier|Aug 2, 2023

    There was no auction at Glasgow Stockyards for the week of July 27, but they just ended four days in Billings at the Northern Livestock Summertime Classic Video Auction. Prices were higher than the last peak in 2014. If you still have cattle to market, there are two video auctions remaining: Aug. 21 – 22 Catalog Deadline is Aug. 4 Sept. 18 Catalog Deadline: Sept. 1 Call Jake, Cody, Iva, Dean or Dylan to Consign Consignors Malta 500# Steer Calves 325.00 Wolf Point 525# Steer Calves 327.00 Fort Peck 525# Steer Calves 317.00 Glasgow 530# Steer C...

  • Ranchers Benefit From Fencing Projects With Ranchers Stewardship Alliance

    Ranchers Stewardship Alliance Kayla Walker, For the Courier|Jul 26, 2023

    There's been entire books written on the history of fencing in the West. The evolution of barbed wire, the impact fences had on the landscapes, and the range wars that ensued when fences first went up are all remarkable and fascinating stories that will forever stand in the history of the American West and the ranching industry. But when those same fences that made history are still standing today, plans to upgrade have likely been discussed. Modern day ranchers, however, know the harsh reality...

  • Glasgow Stockyards Market Report

    For the Courier|Jul 26, 2023

    The market report for the Glasgow Stockyards for July 20 show 385 cattle sold with cows steady with last test on July 6 and bulls steady to higher with last test on July 6. Utility and commercial cows brought in $95 to $112; canner and cutter cows $90 to $105; and bulls $120 to $14,200....

  • MDA Reminds Producers That Montana State Hail Insurance Is Available for Purchase

    For the Courier|Jul 19, 2023

    In light of storms throughout the state, the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) is reminding producers that applications for State Hail Insurance Policy are available through MDA’s State Hail Insurance Program. Producers can insure crops against hail damage at the maximum coverage rate of $75 per acre for dryland and $114 per acre for irrigated land. Rates charged are a percentage of the insured amount and vary by county. A detailed list of rates by county and crop can be found online by visiting the MDA website. State policies are a...

  • Montana FSA Program Dates/Deadlines

    USDA, For the Courier|Jul 19, 2023

    USDA in Montana reminds agricultural producers of important Farm Service Agency (FSA) program dates. Contact your local service center to apply and with any questions. Visit online at farmers.gov and fsa.usda.gov/mt. July 26, 2023: ODMAP signup deadline. You can also read the News Release for more information. July 31, 2023: CRP CLEAR30 signup 59 ends August 1, 2023: Deadline to request a farm reconstitution or farm transfer for program year 2023. August 1, 2023: County Committee (COC) Nomination period for the 2023 Election Cycle Closes....

  • Glasgow Stockyards Market Report

    For the Courier|Jul 19, 2023

    The market report for the Glasgow Stockyards for July 6 show 147 cattle sold with cows and bulls steady on a light test. Utility and commercial cows brought in $95 to $112; canner and cutter cows $75 to $95; and bulls $120 to $131.50. Town Weight Description Price Glasgow 1770 Bull $126 Fort Peck 1810 Bull $127 Glasgow 1940 Bull $130.00 Poplar 1965 Bull $128.00 Jordan 1985 Bull $131.50 Opheim 1680 Cow $108.50 Opheim 1670 Cow $108.50 Turner 1585 Cow $110.00 Billings 1560 Cow $112.00 Glasgow 1538 Cows $111.00 Glasgow 1538 Cows $112 Hinsdale 1520...

  • Farm, Forestry, Environmental and Hunger Advocates

    For the Courier|Jul 19, 2023

    Twenty groups representing agricultural, environmental, forestry, wildlife, nutrition and hunger advocates have launched the “Farm Bill for America’s Families: Sustaining Our Future” campaign to urge passage of the 2023 farm bill this year. Farm Bill for America’s Families brings together stakeholders who support the farm bill and recognize its profound impact on the well-being of all Americans. The campaign seeks to engage consumers, leaders and lawmakers alike on the importance of the farm bill and highlights five core objectives: food securi...

  • Non-Emergency Haying and Grazing Conservation Reserve Program

    USDA, For the Courier|Jul 19, 2023

    USDA reminds producers that all non-emergency haying and grazing on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts must be discussed and approved with your local FSA county office prior to starting the activity. Under no circumstances may non-emergency haying or grazing be permitted if such activity would cause long-term damage to the vegetative cover on the land, determined on a site-by-site basis. Available to start 12 months after cover is fully established. Non-emergency activities may occur according to the conservation plan during drought /...

  • Governor Gianforte Blasts BLM's Unlawful Federal Overreach With Conservation Rule

    For the Courier|Jul 12, 2023

    Governor Greg Gianforte on June 26 provided further opposition to a proposed rule by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) which would alter the use of BLM lands to the detriment of recreation, livestock grazing, responsible resource development, and public access. The proposed rule seeks to define “conservation” as a use within the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), which requires BLM to manage its lands on the basis of multiple use and sustained yield. In a letter to Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and BLM Director Tracy Sto...

  • USDA Reminds Montana Producers To File Crop Acreage Reports

    For the Courier|Jul 12, 2023

    Agricultural producers in Montana who have not yet completed their crop acreage reports after planting should make an appointment with their U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) service center before the applicable deadline. “Many USDA programs require producers to file an accurate crop acreage report by the applicable deadline,” said State Executive Director in Montana Maureen Wicks. “Once planting is complete, call your local FSA office to make an appointment to report your acreage. Our FSA staff can assist produ...

  • Farm Service Agency Now Accepting Nominations for Farmers And Ranchers To Serve On Local County Committees

    For the Courier|Jul 12, 2023

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting nominations for county committee members for elections that will occur later this year. Additionally, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is unveiling a new GIS tool to make it easier for producers to participate in the nomination and election processes for county committee members, who make important decisions on how federal farm programs are administered locally. All nomination forms for the 2023 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1, 2023. ...

  • Rep. Rosendale Releases Public Comments On BLM Rule

    For the Courier|Jul 12, 2023

    Congressman Matt Rosendale (MT-02) submitted public comments to the Department of Interior and the Bureau of Land Management on their proposed Conservation and Landscape Health rule that will lock up swaths of public land for “conservation leases.” “This rule is just another example of the Biden Administration weaponizing the government to appease radical environmentalists at the expense of the people of Montana,” said Rep. Rosendale. “This expansive rule will limit recreation, timber, grazing, and important energy development on public la...

  • Glasgow Bureau of Land Management Mike Borgreen Wins Ranchers Stewardship Alliance Gold Star Award

    For the Courier|Jul 5, 2023

    The Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA) is proud to announce that Mike Borgreen, a dedicated biologist and current acting field manager from the Glasgow Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has been awarded the 2023 RSA Gold Star Award for his exceptional contributions to conservation and land stewardship. The RSA Gold Star Award is presented annually to individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible land management practices in the ranching...

  • Farmer's Share Of The Food Dollar Remains Low

    For the Courier|Jul 5, 2023

    The Farmer’s Share of the food dollar remains low, according to numbers released by National Farmers Union ahead of the Fourth of July. The 2023 numbers for the Farmer’s Share of the food dollar for several items typically served at a Fourth of July cookout highlight why NFU’s work to improve Fairness for Farmers is crucial to the success of family farms and ranches. “Year after year we’re seeing a troubling trend of farmers earning less and less of the dollars that Americans spend at the grocery store,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “Whe...

  • United States and India Agree to Lower Tariffs on Pulse Crops

    For the Courier|Jul 5, 2023

    On June 22, United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai announced the United States and the Republic of India have agreed to terminate six outstanding disputes at the World Trade Organization. Furthermore, India agreed to remove retaliatory tariffs on certain U.S. ag products, including chickpeas, lentils, almonds, walnuts, and apples, marking a big win for Montana Agriculture. “These tariff cuts will restore and expand market opportunities for U.S. agricultural producers and manufacturers. The resolution also maintains the integrity of t...

  • Glasgow Stockyards Market Report

    For the Courier|Jul 5, 2023

    The market report for the Glasgow Stockyards as of June 29 show 1,021 cattle, 800 cows and 150 bulls sold. Cows and bulls were higher. Utility and commercial cows brought in $95 to $117; canner and cutter cows $75 to $95; bulls $120 to $136, with the top selling for $139. The Glasgow Stockyards will be having an auction on Thursday, July 6. Please call in consignments....

  • Glasgow Stockyards Market Report

    For the Courier|Jun 28, 2023

    The market report for the Glasgow Stockyards as of June 15 show 804 cattle sold with cows and bulls steady. Utility and commercial cows brought in $93 to $107; canner and cutter cows $75 to $95; young feeding/turnout cows - no test; bulls brought in $115 to $134. The market report for the Glasgow Stockyards as of June 22 show 646 cattle sold with cows and bulls fully steady. Utility and commercial cows brought in $95 to $108.50, top $112; canner and cutter cows $83 to $95; bulls $115 to $134 and two to six-year old cow/calf pairs $2800 to...

  • Farmers.gov Feature Helps Producers Find Farm Loans that Fit Their Operation

    For the Courier|Jun 28, 2023

    Farmers and ranchers can use the Farm Loan Discovery Tool on farmers.gov to find information on USDA farm loans that may best fit their operations. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers a variety of loan options to help farmers finance their operations. From buying land to financing the purchase of equipment, FSA loans can help. USDA conducted field research in eight states, gathering input from farmers and FSA farm loan staff to better understand their needs and challenges. How the Tool Works Farmers who are looking for financing options t...

  • Western Valley 4-H Report

    Zora Holt, For the Courier|Jun 21, 2023

    4-H Camp was June 13-15. Michael Ketchum, Linden Holt, and Zora Holt chose to be counselors. Nikiyah Jones, Ryan Jones, A'aligha Jones, Broc McColly, and Kort Strommen attended as campers. A grand time was had by all. We had our annual Rabies Clinic on June 17. N. Jones, R. Jones, A. Jones, Strommen, Cienna Stommen, M. Ketchum, L. Holt and Z. Holt all attended. Dr. Rose Stoneberg kindly volunteered to vaccinate the animals for us. The clinic was conducted by Maxwell Herd Health, but Dr. Patty...

  • Governor Gianforte: Proposed BLM Rule Is a Solution in Search of a Problem

    For the Courier|Jun 21, 2023

    Joining a group of western governors, Governor Greg Gianforte on June 15 opposed a proposed rule by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) which would alter the use of BLM lands to the detriment of recreation, livestock grazing, responsible resource development, and public access. The proposed rule seeks to define “conservation” as a use within the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, which requires BLM to manage its lands on the basis of multiple use and sustained yield. In a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland with five wes...

  • Montana FSA Program Dates/Deadlines

    For the Courier|Jun 21, 2023

    USDA in Montana reminds agricultural producers of important Farm Service Agency (FSA) program dates. Contact your local service center to apply and with any questions. Visit online at farmers.gov and fsa.usda.gov/mt. July 14: ERP Phase 2 application period ends. To view information about ERP Phase 2, go to the Emergency Relief Program website. For more information on payment calculations, payment limitations or how to determine allowable gross revenue, please reference the ERP Phase 2 fact sheet. You can also read the News Release that was...

  • USDA Offers Montana Producers Many Conservation Choices with Continuous CRP

    For the Courier|Jun 21, 2023

    Agricultural producers and landowners in Montana interested in conservation opportunities for their land in exchange for yearly rental payments can find many possibilities through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (Continuous CRP). This option offers conservation benefits similar to others, like General and Grassland CRP, but also offers unique flexibility and several program choices. “Creating sound conservation and climate-smart options for the agricultural community are top priorities for us,...

  • FWP's Biennial Hunting Season-Setting Process Begins In June

    For the Courier|Jun 14, 2023

    Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will kick off the biennial hunting season-setting process earlier to allow for more public engagement and greater transparency. Public involvement will begin in June and end in November. In the past, public involvement happened primarily in December and January. FWP will conduct scoping meetings around the state from June 15 to July 15. FWP staff will look to hunters to provide broad input on regulation changes they’d like to see. Staff will also look for feedback on a few specific proposals. These scoping meeting...

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