New Montana State FFA Officers Announced

April 10, 2021 - At the conclusion of the of 91st Montana State FFA Convention on Saturday, eight new Montana State FFA Officers were sworn into office.

The Value of Corn in the Pet Food Industry

April 10, 2021 - The study found that corn and corn gluten meal are the top two most used plant-based ingredients in pet food products. Corn is the dominant plant-based carbohydrate at 1,283,674 tons,...

Livestock Water Supply Program Announced for North Dakota Livestock Producers Suffering Drought

April 9, 2021 - North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring have announced that the State Water Commission has reactivated the Drought Disaster Livestock Water Supply Proj...

CoBank Quarterly: U.S. Economy Gathers Momentum, Policy Decisions Will Reshape the Future

April 9, 2021 - The transition to a less COVID-restricted world has begun. But for the economy and rural industries, there will be no going back to pre-COVID conditions. A transformed policy environme...

Lesley Robinson to Serve as Chair of the Fish and Wildlife Commission

April 8, 2021 - The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission held its first meeting which welcomed the new Governor-appointed commissioners, Brian Cebull, Patrick Tabor, K.C. Walsh, and Montana Stockgrow...

Initiative Opponents Statement on the Rehearing for Initiative 16 in Colorado

April 8, 2021 - Coloradans for Animal Care, a coalition of Colorado-based agriculture and livestock organizations will request the State Supreme Court review today’s decisions by the State Title Board...

NILE Selects Chad Reisig as New General Manager

April 8, 2021 - Chad Reisig, currently an Area Sales Manager for Genex will join the NILE in mid-July. Meanwhile, current general manager Jennifer Boka will stay part of the NILE Team thru Nov. 1, 202...

Glatt to spend four years in prison for cattle crimes

April 7, 2021 - A Mandan, N.D., man will serve four years in federal prison for bank fraud and transporting stolen livestock across state lines.

USDA Reopens CFAP 2 Signup

April 6, 2021 - Producers can once again sign up to receive funding from the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program after a freeze on the program from the early days of the Biden administration and the r...

Legislation Introduced to Rehabilitate St. Mary’s Diversion Dam

April 5 ,2021 - Montana Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines along with Congressman Matt Rosendale have introduced bipartisan legislation to make rehabilitating the St. Mary’s Diversion Dam more affor...

NILE Foundation Scholarship Winners Announced

April 3, 2021 - Since 1990, the NILE and NILE Foundation has awarded over $1,300,000 in cash and 'live animal' scholarships to deserving youth active in 4-H, FFA, and their communities. The following...

USDA Predicts Decline in U.S. Spring Wheat Planted Area as Dryness Continues in the Northern Plains

According to the March 31 USDA 2021 Prospective Plantings report, total U.S. total spring wheat planted area is expected to fall to 11.7 million acres (4.34 million hectares), down 4% from last year,...

It's Stand Up for Grain Safety Week

April 1, 2021 - Safety is important in any industry but especially Agriculture as its one of the most dangerous occupations to work in. That’s why industry partners created “Stand Up for Grain Safety...

Grizzly Bears Retain Threatened Status: Stockgrowers Dissatisfied with Decision

HELENA, Mont. (March 31, 2021) – Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced it will be recommending no change to the current listed status of the grizzly bear in the lower 48 states as threat...

NILE Merit Heifer Applications Available for 2022

March 30, 2021 - The opportunity for kids started in the cattle industry is knocking, and loudly. Applications for the NILE Merit Heifer program are now available for the 2021-2022 year.

Report Highlights How Stagnant U.S. Public Funding for Agricultural Research Threatens Food Systems

March 30, 2021 - Stagnant public funding for agricultural research is threatening the future vitality of U.S. food systems – posing risks to farmer productivity and profitability, the steady supply of...

Governor Gianforte Lifts Regulations for Fertilizer Delivery to Support Montana’s Ag Industry

March 28, 2021 - Governor Greg Gianforte has issued an executive order that temporarily suspends hours of service regulations for certain carriers to facilitate and expedite the delivery of fertilizer...

Report Assesses Sheep Industry in 2020

March 26, 2021 - The year of ups and downs for the U.S. sheep industry is summarized in 2020 Sheep Industry Review, a checkoff funded report commissioned by the American Lamb Board (ALB) and compiled...

Coalition of Ag Leaders Forms to Oppose Initiative 16 in Colorado

March 25, 2021 - A coalition of state agriculture leaders and their organizations has formed to oppose Initiative 16, a potential 2022 ballot initiative that would ask voters to criminalize commonly a...

Pulse Growers Encouraged to Sign-Up for QLA Program

March 25, 2021 - The USDA has extended the deadline for producers to apply for the Quality Loss Adjustment (QLA) Program to April 9, 2021 to assist those whose eligible crops suffered quality losses d...

More COVID Relief Money for Farmers and Ranchers on its Way

OMAHA (DTN) -- USDA announced the release of billions of dollars in aid to both crop and livestock producers through the suite of Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) aid as well as assurances U...

Final Hemp Rule Now in Effect

March 24, 2021 - The final rule builds on the interim final rule published October 31, 2019, that established the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program. The final rule incorporates modifications based...

Montana Ag Groups Meet with Taiwanese Delegation

On Tuesday, National Ag Day, Montana agriculture groups hosted Taiwan’s Director General Daniel Kuo-ching Chen and Vice Consul Ting K.T. Chen for talks surrounding trade opportunities for Montana bee...

House Passes Ag Labor Bill

March 22, 2021 - Agriculture took another swing at legalizing farmworkers and overhauling the H-2A guestworker program with the House again passing the Farm Workforce Modernization Act in bipartisan f...

Chase Hawks Memorial Association Offers Scholarships

March 22, 2021 - Chase Hawks Memorial Association scholarships are available online by visiting www.chasehawks.com and are also available in high school counselor offices. The application deadline is...

Governor Gianforte Proclaims March 20th “Montana Meat Day”

March 19, 2021 - Governor Greg Gianforte today proclaimed March 20th to be “Montana Meat Day” in honor and support of all Montana farmers and ranchers that feed Montana, the nation, and the world.

Winners of Montana Ag in Color Drawing Contest Announced

The Montana Farm Bureau Federation has announced the winners of the Montana Youth Agriculture Literacy program drawing contest. “Montana Ag in Color” was developed in recognition of National Ag Week,...

Noem Outlines Framework for $5 Million in COVID Funds for South Dakota Meat Processors

Governor Kristi Noem laid out a framework for up to $5 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) to assist South Dakota meat processors expand capacity to respond to market and workforce disruption du...

Wheat Grower Organizations Welcome USTR Confirmation of Katherine Tai

March 18, 2021 - U.S. Wheat Associates and the National Association of Wheat Growers welcome the U.S. Senate's confirmation of Katherine Tai today as the next U.S. Trade Representative. During the con...

NCBA Secures Introduction of Bipartisan HAULS Act

March 18, 2021 - The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has endorsed the Haulers of Agriculture and Livestock Safety (HAULS) Act of 2021. Introduced by Sen. Fischer (R-NE), Sen. Tester (D-MT...

Columbia Grain Predicts Better Year for Chickpeas

March 17, 2021 - Farmers are gearing up for another planting season and for pulse growers the outlook for chickpeas could be a little better here in 2021 than what we’ve seen the past couple of years....

Cattle Markets Looking for Spring

March 17, 2021 - After the fed cattle market works through ample cattle supplies in the first half of the year, beef production is expected to decrease year over year in the second half of the year. L...

Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year Nominations Now Open

March 17, 2021 - Farmers are invited to submit nominations for the 2022 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest, supported by Purina. This is the fourth year of the contest, which celebrates farm dog...

Conservation Stewardship Program Renewal Options Set to Close

March 15, 2021 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it is accepting Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) renewal applications through March 31 for over 11,000 contracts s...

Bacon Maintained Star Status During the Pandemic

March 15, 2021 - The COVID-19 pandemic created a year of challenges and change, but one thing remained unchanged: American consumers’ love of bacon. In terms of specific cuts of meat consumers are lik...

Farmers Union to Donate Meals to National Guard Troops in Washington, DC

March 12, 2021 - National Guard troops on duty in our nation’s capital will soon be getting fresh from the farm food. Farmers Union Enterprises (FUE), announced today it will be donating $50,000 to pr...

CoBank Spring Outlook: A Time to Plant, a Time to Prosper

March 12, 2021 - Farm supply cooperatives and distributors are positioned to benefit from an active and profitable spring agronomy season driven by high commodity prices, strong input demand and an ex...

Cattlemen Support the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2021

March 11, 2021 - The Death Tax Repeal Act of 2021 was introduced this week by U.S. Senator John Thune of South Dakota and U.S. Representatives Sanford Bishop (D-GA) and Jason Smith (R-MO).

U.S. Sheep Industry Launches Sheep Genetics USA

March 11, 2021 - Kickstarting genetic research and implementation is the main goal of an industry-wide mandate for the U.S. sheep industry called Sheep Genetics USA. Industry stakeholder are excited a...

Don't Use Ivermectin to Treat or Prevent COVID-19

March 9, 2021 -There seems to be a growing interest in a drug called ivermectin to treat humans with COVID-19. Ivermectin is often used in the U.S. to treat or prevent parasites in animals. The FDA h...

Court Rules for WOTUS Replacement in Colorado

March 8, 2021 - The Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR)--the Trump administration’s replacement for the Obama administration’s Waters of the United States rule--will go into effect in Colorado, th...

Comment Period Re-Opened on Lamb Promotion Rule

March 8, 2021 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service is providing an additional 30 days for public comment on the proposed rule that would amend the Lamb Promotion, Rese...

USDA Extends Application Deadline for the Quality Loss Adjustment Program

March 8, 2021 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline from March 5 to April 9 for agricultural producers to apply for the Quality Loss Adjustment (QLA) Program because of...

National Ag Day Activities Announced

March 5, 2021 - Food brings everyone to the table. And this year, the virtual Ag Day celebration will bring everyone together to recognize the importance of American agriculture. The program will incl...

BLM Rescinds Hammond's Grazing Permits

March 4, 2021 - Grazing permits for the Hammond Ranches were restored in January 2019 in one of the final acts by former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, but the reversal came from the Biden administrat...

40-Cent Wool LDP Currently Available

March 4, 2021 - With shearing beginning in parts of the country and ramping up soon around the United States and after a difficult year for the industry, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Marketing...

Study Shows Consumers Still Favor Beef as Protein Source

March 4, 2021 - Consumers who prefer beef over plant-based protein alternatives said they are willing to pay nearly two dollars more per meal for a burger when dining at a restaurant, according to a s...

Colorado State University Bows to Activist Pressure and Denies Surgical Experience to Veterinary Students

March 2, 2021 - The Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine announced, without input from doctors of veterinary medicine students, faculty or external stakeholders, the cancellation o...

U.S. Cattle Producers Rally Around the Cattle Market Transparency Act of 2021

March 2, 2021 - U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) have introduced the Cattle Market Transparency Act of 2021. The legislation seeks to accomplish two main goals: ensuring regionall...

Optimism in Beef Industry Fueled by Strong Demand with Higher Prices Anticipated

March 1, 2021 - CattleFax says despite pandemic disruptions, consumer demand for beef at home and around the globe remained strong in 2020, a trend that will continue in 2021 and beyond, especially as...

Farmers Union Kicks Off 119th Anniversary Convention

March 1, 2021 - National Farmers Union (NFU) officially convened the final portion of its 119th Anniversary Convention this morning to celebrate American farm families and to set the organization’s po...

Environmental Lawyer Second in Charge at BLM

February 27, 2021 - The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently announced that Nada Wolff Culver, a Colorado environmental attorney, was appointed as deputy director of policy and programs, a positio...

MSGA Works to Bring Forward Significant Legislation; Aims to Protect Private Property Rights

February 26, 2021 - House Bill 554 (HB 554), a bill which would require the Montana Legislature’s approval
of National Heritage Areas (NHA) and National Trail Designation in Montana, was heard Friday...

Colorado Cattlemen's Association Encourages "Meat In Day" on March 20

February 26, 2021 - To combat the misinformation and fight against the MeatOut movement, CCA and the livestock industry will be coordinating with restaurants, grocery stores, and other retail fronts t...

Weak U.S. Dollar Benefits Some Agriculture Commodities, But Not All

February 26, 2021 - The value of the U.S. dollar weakened substantially since March 2020 and is expected to experience modest deflation in 2021. A weaker dollar generally makes U.S. agricultural produ...

Challenge Grants Fuel Opportunities to Double Support for Bison Center of Excellence

February 25, 2021 - People wanting to support the newly-chartered Center of Excellence(COE) for Bison Studies now have an opportunity to double the value of their contribution, thanks to two generous...

Dairy-Based Sports Drink Launches with Industry Support

February 25, 2021 - A Chicago-based start-up has launched GoodSport, a sports drink that is 97 percent dairy and aims to compete nationally against leading brands. GoodSport Nutrition Founder & CEO Mi...

Goodyear Acquires Rival Tire Maker Cooper

February 24, 2021 - Goodyear Tire & Rubber is acquiring Cooper Tire & Rubber for $2.5 billion. The combined company will be headquartered in Akron, OH and have approximately $17.5 billion in sales.

Vilsack Confirmed by Senate as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture

February 24, 2021 - Tom Vilsack received a strong vote of confidence in the U.S. Senate from Republicans as President Joe Biden's pick for agriculture secretary was confirmed with a 92-7 vote on Tuesd...

Here by the Owl: Bill Jimmerson

February 22, 2021 - Mr. Bill Jimmerson has taught and influenced thousands of Ag Education and FFA members for over 50 years. As an Ag Educator, FFA advisor and later on Montana State FFA Advisor, Mr....

ASI CONDUCTS SHEEP IDENTIFICATION AND TRACEABILITY SURVEY

The American Sheep Industry Association is conducting an online survey on animal identification and animal disease traceability systems.

Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame Announces 2021 Inductees

February 21, 2021 - The Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame has announced its 2021 inductees and award winners who will be recognized at its 12th annual banquet to be held Aug. 9, 2021, in Nashville, Tennesse...

South Dakota Ag Leader Selected as New Farm Service Agency Administrator

February 19, 2021 - Zach Ducheneaux is the current Executive Director of the Intertribal Agriculture Council, the largest, longest-standing Native American agriculture organization in the United State...

Buckwheat: A Hazard to Montana’s Export Markets

February 19, 2021 - As farmers prepare for spring planting, the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee is reminding producers to ensure that wheat shipments destined for export are buckwheat-free. It's im...

Disaster Assistance Available for Producers Impacted by Severe Winter Storms

February 19, 2021 - Most of the nation is facing unusually cold weather, as a winter storm moved coast-to-coast over the weekend. Winter storms create significant challenges and often result in catast...

Montana Beef Advocate Elected to National Leadership Role

February 18, 2021 - Andy Kellom of Hobson, Mont., was elected Region V Vice President for the Federation of State Beef Councils during the Cattle Industry Winter Business Meeting held virtually, Feb....

Spring Planting Tips for Farmers

February 18, 2021 - Another planting season is just around the corner. To help set farmers up for success this year, the Columbia Grain International Agronomy Division recommends farmers review any di...

Feedyards, Packers Disrupted By Weather and Energy Shortage

February 17, 2021 - A winter storm and the coldest temperatures in decades has created another crisis for cattle feeders and beef packers. Rolling power outages and natural gas shortages at many High...

NCGA Announces Winners of the Fields-of-Corn Photo Contest

February 16, 2021 - In 2020 we went from one unprecedented event to another. A challenging year for so many, yet photographers continued to share essential farmers’ stories of perseverance through the...

More Demand for Yearlings and Calves Ahead

February 16, 2021 - Corbitt Wall called the latest inventory report "bullish" and says commercial cattlemen should see stronger prices moving through 2021, due largely to supply numbers that continue...

Montana Loves Beef Campaign

February 15, 2021 - To show their appreciation for Montana’s ranchers and remind consumers that beef is a top protein, Montana Beef Council (MBC) is launching a new branded campaign called “Montana Lo...

Farm Futures Survey Shows Higher Wheat Acres in 2021

February 15, 2021 - Farm Futures estimates that total wheat acreage planted for harvest in 2021 will come in at 46.4 million acres – a 4.5% increase from 2020 planted acreage and the first time U.S. p...

American Lamb Board Nominations Due to ASI by March 26

February 15, 2021 - ASI is looking to submit two eligible producers and feeders for each position. Anyone interested in applying should first consult with representatives from their state sheep associ...

Kick Off the 2021 NASCAR Season with Beef. It's What's For Dinner.

February 12, 2021 - The Federation of State Beef Councils, on behalf of the Beef Checkoff, has partnered with the Daytona International Speedway to sponsor the 40th season-opening race for the NASCAR...

March 15 Last Day to Enroll in ARC & PLC for 2021

February 12, 2021 - Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for 2021 must do so by March 15. Program enrollment fo...

Advocating for Ranchers: PLC’s Kaitlynn Glover

Wyoming native Kaitlynn Glover, Executive Director of the National Public Lands Council was featured on the LaneCast Ag Podcast with Lane Nordlund.

Montana Farmers Union Supports Right to Repair

February 11, 2021 - The ‘right to repair’ is a heavily debated topic in agriculture and the Montana Farmers Union is addressing the issue of a producers’ right to repair their farm equipment by suppor...

Certified Angus Beef Launches #RestaurantChallenge

February 10, 2021 - As the 2012 drought was to the cattleman, this pandemic has been to the restaurateur. The key to survival? Help from friends and neighbors. To inspire and build support for this ke...

U.S. Senators Send Letter Requesting Withdrawal of Rule Hurting American Sheep and Goat Industries

February 9, 2021 - A letter has been sent to Robert Fairweather, Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget, requesting the USDA's final rule on the importation of sheep, goats, and certai...

2020 Pork Exports Shatter Previous Records; December Beef Exports Outstanding

February 9, 2021 - U.S. pork exports reached nearly three million metric tons in 2020, topping the 2019 record by 11 percent. Pork export value also climbed 11 percent to a record $7.71 billion. Meanw...

Grains Scholarships for Ag Students

February 8, 2021 - The Montana Grain Growers Association (MGGA) and the Montana Grains Foundation (MGF) will each offer scholarships to be used for the 2021-2022 school year.

Cattlemen's Beef Board Elects New Officers at 2021 Winter Meetings

February 8, 2021 - Cattle producers Hugh Sanburg, Norman Voyles, Jr. and Jimmy Taylor are the new leaders of the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion & Research Board (CBB). This officer team is responsible for...

Colorado Department of Agriculture Seeks Hemp Center of Excellence Advisory Committee Members

February 8, 2021 - The purpose of the committee is to assist CDA and its contractor in the development of the organizational structure and a five-year strategic plan for the implementation of the COE....

Montana Farmers Union to Host Interactive Town Hall on Farmers’ Right to Repair

February 8, 2021 - MFU is addressing the issue of a farmers’ right to repair by promoting legislation at the Montana legislature, and secondly by hosting a virtual town hall on February 8 at 7 pm. The...

Mozzarella Sticks Surpassing Wings as Top Super Bowl Food?

February 7, 2021 - Leveraging data from 1,000 customers ordering on football Sundays, from Sept. 13, 2020 to Jan. 10, 2021, DoorDash predicts mozzarella sticks will be the most ordered dish Feb. 7 whe...

USDA Extends General Signup for CRP

February 6, 2021 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) General Signup period, which had previously been announced as ending on Feb. 12, 2021....

NCBA Elects New Officers and Sets Policy for 2021

February 5, 2021 - The executive committee of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has approved the organization’s top 2021 policy priorities with a continued focus on advocating for a bus...

PPP Loans For Ag, Planning For 2021

February 4, 2021 - Does your farm or ranch qualify for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan? In this Wipfli Spotlight on Agriculture Podcast, Dustin Wiesner and Ryan Tangedal provide insight on th...

UN Designates February 10 as World Pulses Day

February 4, 2021 - The United Nations has designated February 10 as World Pulses Day to recognize the importance of pulse crops like chickpeas, dry beans and lentils as a global food.

Fish & Wildlife Service Defends Gray Wolf Delisting

February 3, 2021 - The Fish and Wildlife Service in a letter to environmental groups signaled it may not put the gray wolf back on the endangered species list after it was removed under the Trump admi...

ASI Elects New Leadership at Virtual Annual Convention

February 3, 2021 - Susan Shultz of Ohio has been elected to lead the American Sheep Industry Association as its next president. Also moving up the officer chain was Wyoming's Brad Boner, who was elect...

Public Lands Council Debuts New Policy Committee Structure and Leadership

February 2, 2021 - The Public Lands Council has announced a new policy committee structure for public lands ranchers to develop and shape policy. The announcement also includes identification of new C...

Bi-Partisan DIRECT Act Introduced to Help Local Meat Processors

February 1, 2021 - the Direct Interstate Retail Exemption for Certain Transactions (DIRECT) Act will allow state inspected meat to be sold across state lines through e-commerce, allowing small produce...

Cattle Inventory Down Slightly, Calf Crop Down 1%

February 1, 2021 - USDA’s annual Cattle Inventory report released Friday estimated the total U.S. herd on Jan. 1, 2021, at 93.6 million head, about 200,000 head fewer than in 2020.

Lamb Lovers Month Promotion Begins Feb. 1

January 29, 2021 - Your American Lamb Checkoff is starting 2021 with its iconic Lamb Lovers Month promotion during the entire month of February. Join the American Lamb Board (ALB) in promoting the ver...

Senate Disputes Over Rules Delaying Vilsack Confirmation

January 27, 2021 - The Senate scheduled confirmation hearings for half-a-dozen of President Biden’s cabinet nominees this week but Tom Vilsack, seeking to become agriculture secretary for the second t...

Farm to Feet Enters Tactical Market

January 26, 2021 - Farm to Feet – makers of 100 percent American socks – has launched a new Merino wool sock collection specifically designed for the needs of the tactical and law enforcement market.

Growing the Future of Agriculture through Give FFA Day

January 26, 2021 - Once again, during National FFA Week, individuals will have an opportunity to step up and support FFA and agricultural education through Give FFA Day on Thursday, Feb. 25. This year...

NILE Foundation Scholarships Available

January 21, 2021 - For 30 years, the NILE has awarded scholarships to deserving FFA and 4-H students across the nation. And this year the NILE Foundation is expected to award over $35,000 in scholarsh...

Understanding COVID Relief for Agriculture

January 19, 2021 - Farmers, ranchers and agribusiness are still trying to wrap their minds around COVID relief programs. In this Wipfli Spotlight on Agriculture, Brad Cook walks us through how Wipfli...