NCBA Rolls Out Voluntary Plan for Price Discovery

October 19, 2020 - Called “A Voluntary Framework to Achieve Price Discovery in the Fed Cattle Market,” this approach lays out a plan to increase negotiated trade and incentivize each of the major pack...

Managing Grizzly Bears Based on Science

October 18, 2020 - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Aurelia Skipwith was recently in Montana joining U.S. Sen. Steve Daines for a roundtable on grizzly bear management.

Cattle Market Analyst Says Market Bottom is In

October 17, 2020 - Cow-calf operations have struggled with profitability much of this year, but Sterling Marketing president John Nalivka says better days may lie ahead. He told AgriTalk his projectio...

Pilgrim's Pride to Pay $110 Million to Settle Price-Fixing Allegations

October 16, 2020 - The company, based in Colorado, said it had agreed to the fine for "restraint of competition" in chicken sales in three contracts to a customer in the United States, according to th...

2020 Hard Red Winter Crop Provides Exceptional Range of Quality and Value

October 16, 2020 - Variable growing conditions greatly influenced the 2020 U.S. hard red winter (HRW) wheat crop. In areas with favorable growing conditions, record yields resulted in lower protein bu...

Rancher's Relief Range Roping to Help Sarpy Fire Victims

October 16, 2020 - Catch your horses, load your family and meet us at the Double L Arena near Billings for the Rancher's Relief Range Roping to benefit Sarpy Fire Victims.

USDA Issues $1.68 Billion in Payments to Producers Enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program

October 15, 2020 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing $1.68 billion in payments to agricultural producers and landowners for the 21.9 million acres enrolled in the Conservation Reser...

Enrollment Begins for Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage Programs for 2021

October 15, 2020 - Agricultural producers can now make elections and enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2021 crop year. The signup period open...

Water Flowing Again into Milk River after Repairs to St. Mary Canal

October 15, 2020 - Water is once again flowing into the Milk River after a catastrophic structural failure on May 17, 2020 at the St. Mary Canal northwest of Cut Bank left Montana’s Hi-Line community...

Brucellosis: USDA Announces New Research Policy

October 14, 2020 - The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is issuing a draft policy statement through the Federal Select Agent Program...

Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame announces 2020 inductions

October 13, 2020 - Today the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame & Western Heritage Center (MCHF & WHC) announced the 13th class of inductions into the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame. The inductees were chosen f...

U.S. Exports Nearly 4 Billion Bushels of Grain in 2019-20 Marketing Year

October 13, 2020 - As farmers are filling their grain bins as harvest proceeds, the U.S. Grains Council said the last export marketing year was a good one for farmers. The council says U.S. exports of...

Pulse Growers Urged to Sign-Up for CFAP-2

October 12, 2020 - Pulse growers like Paul Kanning from Flaxville, Mont. encourages other growers to visit their local Farm Service Agency and learn more about financial assistance that’s available th...

Sukup Breaks Ground for World's Largest Grain Bin

October 12, 2020 - The bin will hold 2.2 million bushels, and will include 30 rings with a peak height of 155 feet and 7 inches. Construction is expected to be complete in May or June of 2021.

Predators Cause $232 million in Livestock Losses in 2019

October 10, 2020 - These predators include coyotes which reportedly kill more than 300,000 head of livestock annually and injure even more.

Another Billion Pounds of CAB in the Books

October 9, 2020 - Despite market disruption and volatility, Angus cattlemen remained focused on producing high-quality beef. In 2020, a record 35.9% of all Angus-influenced cattle met the brand’s 10 q...

All Barley Now Included in CFAP-1

October 8, 2020 - USDA’s Farm Service Agency updated the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 1 (CFAP 1) to include all barley as an eligible commodity.

Namibian FMD Outbreak

October 7, 2020 - Namibia’s Agriculture Ministry Executive Director, Percy Misika, said in a statement that Namibia had detected a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in the FMD protection zone.

Montana Farm Bureau Posts Candidate Interviews

October 6, 2020 - Wondering who to vote for? The Montana Farm Bureau Federation has interviewed the candidates who will serve on the State Land Board.

Colorado Farm Show has been Cancelled, Scholarship Program will Continue

October 6, 2020 - For the first time in its more than 56-year history, the Colorado Farm Show Board of Directors announced that its annual event, held each January since 1964 has been cancelled for 20...

MT Stockgrowers comments on RFID Tags

October 6, 2020 – Yesterday, Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) submitted comments regarding the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) proposal to implement the Use of Radio F...

Strong Cull Market: Three Good Reasons to Cull Now

October 6, 2020 - This is not a year to delay cull cow sales, for several reasons. Wesley Tucker, agricultural business specialist with University of Missouri Extension, says 2020 is an atypical seaso...

Oregon Cattle Mutilations Remain A Mystery

October 5, 2020 - Oregon officials are investigating another mysterious mutilation of a cow near Ukiah in Umatilla County. Rancher Fee Stubblefield found the carcass on Sept. 12, reporting the skin ar...

Legislation Brings Needed Reform to Conservation Compliance Program

October 5, 2020 - The NRCS Wetland Compliance and Appeals Reform Act, introduced by Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), would require the NRCS to provide more evidence in determining wetlands and give farmers...

It's National 4-H Week!

October 5, 2020 - National 4-H Week is a great way for our incredible youth and volunteers to come together with the larger 4-H family across the nation to celebrate over a hundred years of empowering...

Walmart Expands Partnership with Plant-based Beyond Meat

October 3, 2020 - Fox Business reports that the retail giant plans to triple the availability of the plant-based Beyond Burger from 800 locations to more than 2,400 stores nationwide.

Craig and Conni French Receive Montana Leopold Conservation Award

October 2, 2020 - Craig and Conni French of Malta are the 2020 recipients of the Montana Leopold Conservation Award®. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award rec...

Colorado Reports First Equine West Nile Virus Case of 2020

October 2, 2020 - A horse residing in Jefferson County has been diagnosed with West Nile Virus (WNV), marking Colorado's first confirmed equine WNV case in 2020.

Cattle Producers Welcome House Introduction of PRICE Act

October 2, 2020 - Introduced by Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD.) and bipartisan cosponsors, the Price Reform in Cattle Economics (PRICE) Act addresses several areas of critical importance for cattle produce...

New Lewistown Livestock Auction Owners Excited to Carry on Legacy

October 1, 2020 - As a little boy in the mid-1980’s Kyle Shobe had a dream of becoming an auctioneering and someday owning his own auction market. Well, through hard work, perseverance and help from h...

USDA Announces Appointments to the American Lamb Board

September 30, 2020 - The USDA has announced newly appointed members are from Idaho, Illinois, Montana and Wyoming. The terms begin January 2021 and end January 2024.

Cattle Producers Welcome Sen. Fischer's HAULS Act

September 30, 2020 - The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) today applauded the introduction of legislation by Sen. Deb Fischer (R - Neb.), that would provide livestock haulers flexibility a...

Pulse Growers Urge FDA Transparency Over Canine DCM Disease

September 28, 2020 - The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine has been investigating the causes of canine dilated cardiomyopathy or DCM. The investigation has been of significant interest to the pet f...

PLC Announces New President and Executive Committee for 2020-2022

September 28, 2020 - Following a successful virtual annual meeting, the Public Lands Council (PLC) announced Wyoming rancher Niels Hansen will lead the organization as the new president and Steve Osgu...

Sept. 1 Cattle on Feed Up 4%

September 28, 2020 - Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.4 million head on Sept. 1, 2020. The inventory...

Montana Judge Removes William Pendley as Acting BLM Director

September 26, 2020 - A federal judge in Great Falls, Mont. has ordered William Pendley to be removed as Acting Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

New Report Examines Cattle Market Issues & Solutions

September 24, 2020 - A new report unveiled today by the American Farm Bureau Federation provides an in-depth examination of the causes and price implications resulting from extreme market volatility i...

State of Montana Announces $4.2 Million in Meat Processing Infrastructure Grants

September 23, 2020 MONTANA – Governor Steve Bullock today announced $4.2 million in additional funds have been awarded through the Montana Meat Processing Infrastructure Grant (MMPIG) program to aid s...

Cattle Market Transparency Act Introduced

Sept. 22, 2020 - On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Deb Fisher (R-NE) introduced the Cattle Market Transparency Act of 2020, which focuses on two main elements: ensuring regionally sufficient negotiated cash tr...

Rally for Rural Colorado Tour a Success

September 21, 2020 - The Colorado Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) has wrapped up its Rally for Rural Colorado tour. CCA leadership and staff traveled to 14 tour stops throughout the state in order to pe...

Sugarbeet Harvest Underway in Montana and Wyoming

September 21, 2020 - The Hein family of Ballentine and Custer, Mont. are Western Sugar Cooperative growers and say this year’s sugarbeet crop is one of the best in years.

Farm Broadcaster Evan Slack Passes Away

September 20, 2020 - His radio career spanned 68 years including most recently as owner of the Evan Slack Network based in Denver, Colo. During that time, he broadcasted from 45 states, 4 Canadian Pro...

USDA Updates Brucellosis and Bovine TB Import Rules

September 20, 2020 - The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service reported it is updating its import regulations to establish a system for classifying the brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis...

Barrasso Introduces Legislation to Modernize & Strengthen the Endangered Species Act

September 20, 2020 - U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), introduced the Endangered Species Act Amendments of 2020. The legislatio...

President Trump Works Tirelessly For Our Nation’s Ranchers and Farmers: NCBA On CFAP Round Two

September 17, 2020 - The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association's (NCBA) today released the following statement in response to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) announcement that add...

Beef Promotion Operating Committee Approves Fiscal Year 2021 Checkoff Plan of Work

September 17, 2020 - The Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) will invest approximately $39,380,000 into programs for beef promotion, research, consumer information, industry information, foreign marketing an...

Montana Ewe and Ram Sale Results

September 17, 2020 - The 7th Annual Montana Ewe sale took place on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 and the 95th Montana Ram Sale was held on Thursday, September 17, 2020, at the Eastern Montana Fair Gro...

Wildfire Aid and Mitigation

September 17, 2020 - USDA on Wednesday detailed some federal assistance available for residents, farmers and ranchers affected by wildfires in the Western states.

Wyoming State Ram Sale Results

September 15, 2020 - During the 92nd Annual Wyoming State Ram Sale, 231 head of the best Ram’s from the Equality State sold.

RMA Increases Subsidies to Livestock Risk Protection Insurance

September 15, 2020 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) Monday announced it is increasing premium subsidies and will make other improvements to the Livestock Risk...

U.S. Wheat Associates Introduces Interactive Wheat Export Supply System Map

September 15, 2020 - U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) has introduced the first digital map of the U.S. wheat production and supply system as a visual planning tool for its overseas representatives and thei...

The 115th National Western Stock Show Postponed until January 2022

September 14, 2020 - The Western Stock Show Association (WSSA) Board of Directors together with the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) management, has made the difficult decision to postpone the 115th...

New Noxious Weed Ventenata Threatening Montana Private & Public Lands

September 14, 2020 - At a recent range tour near Joliet, area landowners were shown what one of Montana’s newest noxious weeds looks like-Ventenata-why it’s so important that both landowners and land...

National Farmers Union to Host Family Farmers for Virtual Fly-In

September 14, 2020 - As a global pandemic and extreme weather events batter an already weak agricultural economy, hundreds of farmers, ranchers, and rural residents will gather online this week to spe...

New Center of Excellence to Advance Bison Research, Knowledge

September 14, 2020 - The Center of Excellence for Bison Studies will be headquartered at SDSU’s West River Research and Extension facility in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Lentil Production is Up, Pea and Chickpea Production Down in 2020

September 12, 2020 - The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service has released their 2020 harvest season crop production report, summarizing dry pea and lentil production so far, with estimates o...

Wildfire Recovery Assistance

September 11, 2020 - USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers disaster assistance and low-interest loan programs to assist Montana farmers and ranchers in your recovery efforts following wildfires or o...

U.S. Tractor Sales Remain Strong in August, Combine Sales Steady

September 11, 2020 - According to the Association of Equipment Manufacturer's monthly "Flash Report," the sale of all tractors in the U.S. in 2020, were up 13% in August compared to 2019.

USDA Needs Lamb Sales Reports

September 11, 2020 - This past spring, the American Sheep Industry Association asked wool producers to report their sales in an effort to help the U.S. Department of Agriculture develop an accurate pi...

Chinese Buyers Continue Purchases of U.S. Wheat

September 10, 2020 - Chinese buyers continue to seek US wheat, with the latest export sales to China emerging as the second-largest of the current season.

Presidential Candidates Outline Agricultural Priorities

September 10, 2020 - A new look into the priorities for rural America of President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden is revealed in responses to a questionnaire distributed by the Ameri...

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Moves to Texas for 2020

September 9, 2020 - The Wrangler® National Finals Rodeo (NFR) is moving to Texas in December 2020! Arlington’s Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers, will host the Wrangler NFR 2020 – the first...

Wool Growers to hold 95th Ram Sale

The 95th Annual Montana Ram Sale and 7th Annual Montana Ewe Sale will be held on September 16 and 17 in Miles City, MT. Leah Johnson, Executive Secretary for the Montana Wool Growers Association, s...

Amazon Bans the Sale of Foreign Seeds

September 9, 2020 - An online marketplace is doing its part to help keep the United States safe from potential invasive weeds. Amazon has changed its sales policy around seeds and other plant material...

Notice of Public Hearing for Lewistown Livestock Auction Change of Ownership in Central Montana

September 8, 2020 - On September 18, 2020, at 1:00 p.m., the Department of Livestock will hold a public hearing at
the Lewistown Livestock Auction in Lewistown Montana, to receive public comment regar...

USCA Sends Letter Over Concerns with Mexican Beef

September 8, 2020 - The United States Cattlemen's Association (USCA) has sent a letter to leaders at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and...

July Beef and Pork Exports Rebound, but Still Below Year-Ago

September 7, 2020 - July exports of U.S. beef rebounded from recent lows but remained below 2019 levels, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). U.S...

Lottery Winner Lists Large SD Ranch

September 6, 2020 - When Neal Wanless won a $232 million Powerball jackpot in 2009, he did what most young cowboys would do – he started building a ranch. Now, Wanless has listed the near-50,000 acre...

USDA and Nebraska Sign Shared Stewardship Agreement to Improve Forests and Grasslands

September 6, 2020 - U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue joined Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts today to sign a Shared Stewardship Agreement between USDA’s Forest Service and t...

Montana Declares State of Fire Emergency, Exemptions for Livestock Producers

September 4, 2020 - Gov. Steve Bullock on Thursday evening issued an executive order declaring a state of fire emergency due to extremely hazardous wildland fire conditions throughout Montana.

Beef is the Official Protein of Sanford International PGA Tour of Champions

September 4, 2020 - Beef hits the driving range this fall as the South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC), through the Beef Checkoff, partners with Sanford International PGA Tour of Champions in its...

Finding a cure for a little cowboy

September 2, 2020 - Grant Heaton is six years old and was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at age three. Duchenne is a genetic disease that destroys muscle, all of them. There is no cure or...

Ranching on the Big Island of Hawai’i

September 2, 2020 - Doug Beaton and his family ranch on the northside of the Big Island of Hawai’i. Beaton discusses the opportunities and challenges ranchers face raising cattle on a tropical island...

Colorado’s Electric Cooperatives Junior Livestock Sale Raises Thousands for Colorado’s Youth

September 2, 2020 - More than $298,200 was raised in the auction of 98 animals raised and shown by young people from across Colorado. All youth exhibitors who participated were required to keep a deta...

Wyoming Launches Meat Processing Expansion Grant Program

September 2, 2020 - Governor Mark Gordon has announced the launch of the Wyoming Meat Processing Expansion Grant Program to provide support for Wyoming meat processing facilities and Wyoming citizens...

Winter of the Great Divide? 2021 Winter Forecast

September 2, 2020 - Winter may be a few months away, but it's front and center as the Farmers' Almanac has released both its 2021 edition and its long-range winter weather forecast, which is dubbed "W...

Taiwan Paves Way For U.S. Trade Deal By Easing Pork, Beef Imports

August 31, 2020 - Taiwan paved the way for an eventual free trade deal with the United States on Friday by announcing an easing of restrictions on the import of U.S. beef and pork, as the island looks...

NGFA Launches Second Annual Harvest Safety Week

August 31, 2020 - The National Grain and Feed Association is launching its second-annual Harvest Safety Week on August 31 to September 4.

Double J Buys Texas Lamb Plant

August 29, 2020 - The American sheep industry will get a needed shot in the arm this fall when the old Ranchers’ Lamb of Texas plant comes back online as the newest member of the Double J Meat Packing...

USDA Extends Signup Deadline for New Conservation Pilot Program in Prairie Pothole Region

August 28, 2020 - Through the Soil Health and Income Protection Program (SHIPP), producers can apply for three-, four-, or five-year CRP contracts to establish perennial cover on less productive cropl...

National Pork Board Launches Real Pork

August 28, 2020 - New master-brand strategy celebrates all that is real about pork and the people who bring it to the table.

South Dakota Departments of Agriculture and Environment and Natural Resources to Merge

August 27, 2020 - Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced the South Dakota Departments of Agriculture and Environment & Natural Resources will merge to form the streamlined South Dakota Department of Ag...

Colorado Senator Cory Gardner Calls on USDA to Protect Hemp Industry

August 27, 2020 - U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) is calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to delay implementation of the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program Interim Final Rule (IFR)...

Ranchers Working to Prevent Catastrophic Wildfires

August 27, 2020 - According to the National Interagency Fire Center, there are 93 active large wildfires currently burning across the U.S. which have charred over 1.8 million acres. And ranchers are w...

Meat Sales Remain High Despite Pandemic

August 27, 2020 - Without added unemployment benefits, 35% of American consumers are likely to buy less meat. That’s according to IRI research conducted in early August and released August 11. Yet, do...

North Dakota's Larry Schnell Installed as LMA President for 2020-2022 Term

August 26, 2020 - Larry Schnell of Stockmen’s Livestock Exchange in Dickinson, North Dakota, was installed president of the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) at the 2020 Annual LMA Membership Meet...

Colorado Delegation Calls for Additional Support to Combat Wildfires in Colorado

August 26, 2020 - Today the entire Colorado congressional delegation sent a letter requesting that President Trump approve the request from Colorado Governor Jared Polis for additional support to comb...

Avocados for Potatoes – The 20-Year Fight for Fresh Potato Access to Mexico

August 26, 2020 - Over the past 20 years, the National Potato Council and the U.S. potato industry have been working to allow full access to U.S. fresh potatoes to be sold throughout Mexico. On Aug. 1...

USDA and Wyoming Sign Shared Stewardship Agreement to Improve Forests and Grasslands

August 25, 2020 - U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue joined Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon today in a virtual ceremony to sign a Shared Stewardship Agreement between USDA’s Fo...

Martinsdale Ranching Family Honored with 2020 Montana Environmental Stewardship Award

August 25, 2020 - The TG Ranch was honored as the 2020 Environmental Stewardship Award (ESAP) winners August 19, at the Montana Stockgrowers Association’s MidYear Meeting in Billings, Montana. Each y...

August Cattle on Feed Report Moderately Bearish With Large Placements

August 25, 2020 - USDA’s latest Cattle on Feed report, released August 21, shows the number of animals on feed has moderately increased from 2019. The report provides monthly estimates of the number o...

Livestock and Sportsmen Groups Enter Historic Conservation Partnership

August 24, 2020 - The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ducks Unlimited (DU) and Safari Club Interna...

Ranchers Encourage Beef in New Federal Dietary Guidelines

August 24, 2020 - As the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee finalizes new federal dietary guidelines, ranchers are urging them to do more to encourage beef as part of a healthy diet.

USW Transportation Group Supports Proposed Change in Rail Rate Review

August 24, 2020 - U.S. railroads are a crucial part of the most efficient grain supply system in the world. The rail system fulfills an essential logistical function that neither grain handlers nor fa...

Montana Farmers Union Supports Tester’s Continued Efforts on Right to Repair

August 21, 2020 - Montana Farmers Union is pleased to see Senator Jon Tester put the issue of right to repair front and center via a letter to FTC Commissioner Christine Wilson. The letter explained...

PRCA Remains Committed to Hosting the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo

August 19, 2020 - The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association remains committed to hosting the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. There is no question – the 2020 PRORODEO World Champions will be crow...

National FFA Hits Record Membership for 2020 of More than 760,000

August 19, 2020 - Agriculture plays a key role in society, and nowhere is that more evident than in the continuing growth of FFA and agricultural education. Today, the National FFA Organization announ...

Democrats Told to 'Show Up' in Rural Areas, Tackle Ag Concerns

August 19, 2020 - During a two-hour online meeting of the Democratic National Convention’s Rural Council on Tuesday, party leaders said lost support in Rural America can be won back this year by focus...

U.S. Potato Exports Still Strong Despite Pandemic Impacts

August 18, 2020 - U.S. potato exports for the July 2019 – June 2020 marketing year (MY20), declined 2.6% in value and 2.2% for the fresh weight equivalent volume from the previous year’s record levels...

Graded Wool LDP Rates See Substantial Changes

August 18, 2020 - American wool producers might want to take a look at the Loan Deficiency Program rates, as there were some significant changes from the previous week on graded wools.