Scott to Lead House Ag Committee

December 2, 2020 - U.S. Representative David Scott (GA-13) has been nominated by the Democratic Steering Committee to become the next Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.

Colorado, USDA Forest Service Announces Capitol Christmas Tree Essay Contest Winner

Governor Jared Polis and First Gentleman Marlon Reis, in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and the Colorado Tourism Office, have chosen Alessandra Wilson as the winner of the 2020 Colorado Chri...

Santa Rally Unlikely for Grain Prices

December 2, 2020 - Cash crop producers hoping for Santa Claus to bring them higher grain prices near the end of the year may not get what they’re asking for. November price rallies saw soybeans inch t...

APHIS Reopens Comment Period on Request to Produce FMD Vaccine on U.S. Mainland

December 2, 2020 - With the reopened comment period, APHIS is providing commenters with additional scientific information supporting its determination that the leaderless virus strain from which Zoeti...

South Dakota Beef Industry Council Announces Holiday Campaign

December 1, 2020 - The "BEEF is there for YOU" campaign focuses on the integral role beef plays in households across the state and will offer opportunities for consumers to win big with BEEF as it kic...

USDA Announces Expansion and Other Improvements to Hemp Crop Insurance

December 1, 2020 - The USDA has announced it is expanding the pilot Multi-Peril Crop Insurance plan for hemp. The expansion, as well as other improvements to the plan, will begin in the 2021 crop year...

New Feedlot to Open Next Year in Alberta, Canada

December 1, 2020 - Serfas Farms began the project in June and it is expected to be fully complete in the third quarter of 2021. The new build is likely the first large from-scratch feedlot to be built...

New Study Highlights the Value of Corn in the Pet Food Industry

November 30, 2020 - There are many benefits to including corn in your pet’s diet, but have you ever wondered about the benefits that your cat or dog brings to the corn industry? Fortunately, there is...

Fall Feeder Cattle Market Dynamics

November 30, 2020 - For cow-calf producers selling calves at weaning, price level is the most important determinant of revenue. The price of 500-pound steers dropped from $165.36/cwt. in August to $15...

Montana Grain Growers Association to Meet Virtually for 65th Annual Convention December 1 & 2

November 27, 2020 - The Montana Grain Growers Association will meet virtually December 1 & 2 for it's 65th Annual Convention. This year's theme is "Managing Risk in time of Uncertainty."

EU Hits Hard Red Spring Wheat Imports with Punitive Tariffs; Durum Trade Remains Open

November 27, 2020 - The U.S. Wheat Associates say U.S. hard red spring wheat exports are caught in the crosshairs of an ongoing trade dispute between the United States and the European Union, to the d...

Colorado Potatoes: A Thanksgiving Tradition

November 26, 2020 - Colorado is renowned for the variety of agricultural products grown and raised statewide--and that includes potatoes. Colorado is the 2nd largest producer of fresh market potatoes...

Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner to Cost Less This Year

November 26, 2020 - Thanksgiving celebrations will look different for many Americans this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But one tradition that continues this year is the American Farm Bureau Fede...

Montana – Israel Virtual Trade Forum

November 24, 2020 - The Montana World Trade Center at 9:00 AM MT on December 3, 2020, will host the Montana – Israel Virtual Trade Forum. The event will highlight the opportunities to grow trade betwe...

2020: Challenges and Opportunities for the Sheep Business

November 24, 2020 - The American Sheep Industry Association President Benny Cox of Texas and Exec. Dir. Peter Orwick discuss the challenges and opportunities the sheep industry faced in 2020.

Build Your Base Expands to Black Hills State University

November 24, 2020 - As BEEF continues to power student athletes across South Dakota and the nation, The South Dakota Beef Industry Council and Sanford Sports Science Institute are thrilled to announce...

Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation honors Wally and Sally Ramsbottom with Distinguished Service Award

November 24, 2020 - Johnson County Ranchers Wally and Sally Ramsbottom were awarded the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation Distinguished Service Award at the 101st annual meeting of the organization. Pre...

NFU Farmer's Share Shows Producers Earn Only 11.9 Cents of Thanksgiving Food Dollar

November 24, 2020 - For every dollar Americans spend on their Thanksgiving dinner this year, farmers and ranchers will earn approximately 11.9 cents, according to National Farmers Union (NFU). This ma...

U.S. Cattlemen's Association Questions DOT Interim Final Rule Clarifying Hours-of-Service Regulations

November 24, 2020 - For several years, USCA has specifically requested FMCSA provide clear, consistent regulatory definitions for transporters of live animals and/or beef. Both are highly perishable c...

Pacific Rim Bright Spot for American Lamb Exports

November 23, 2020 - Similar to the US market, Japan experienced a retail surge as a result of Covid-19 because foodservice options were limited and consumers opted to eat at home. In Taiwan, restauran...

BLM's Sage-Grouse Plans Affirm Commitment to Managing Public Lands to Support Western Communities

November 23, 2020 - The BLM has announced it will publish six final supplemental environmental impact statements for the management of Greater sage-grouse habitat on public lands in seven Western stat...

Oilseed Growers in Montana Will Vote to Establish Checkoff for Industry Research and Market Development

November 21, 2020 - Montana oilseed growers will soon receive a ballot in the mail proposing a 1% checkoff for canola, flaxseed, mustard, safflower, soybeans, and sunflower crops. If passed, the Monta...

Colorado Department of Agriculture Launches New and Improved Website

November 21, 2020 - The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) today launched a new website to better serve the hundreds of thousands of visitors who access the Department’s site for ag-related info...

Montana Stockgrowers Association Virtual Annual Convention & Trade Show a Huge Success

November 21, 2020 - This one-of-a-kind event provided over 200 attendees the chance to gather for keynote addresses, explore a virtual trade show, vote for MSGA’s 2021 Board of Directors, and particip...

U.S. Beef and Asia: Ongoing Growth

November 20, 2020 - What is the status of U.S. beef exports to Asia? Joel Haggard senior vice president for the Asia Pacific with U.S. Meat Export Federation shares his insight with Lane Nordlund in t...

Montana Governor-Elect Gianforte Names Agriculture Transition Advisory Team

November 19, 2020 - The advisory team will identify and review candidates to serve as the next director of Agriculture, members of the Board of Livestock and Livestock Loss Board, and other related bo...

NCBA & PLC Secure NEPA Improvements for Livestock Producers

November 19, 2020 - The organization's say the announcement represents decades of work by livestock producers who have told the Forest Service and other federal agencies for years that NEPA regulation...

Nearly 60,000 RFID Livestock Ear Tags Distributed in Colorado in 2020

November 18, 2020 - Since the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) began offering the option of no-cost Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) livestock ear tags in early 2020, the state veterinarian’...

National Industrial Hemp Council Receives $200,000 to Help Grow Export Markets

November 18, 2020 - NIHC programs will focus on Europe and China and include market research, trade policy and trade facilitation. With an annual growth rate of 52 percent, driven by continued strengt...

Joint Ag Lender Survey Reveals Top Concerns in an Uncertain Year

November 18, 2020 - The American Bankers Association and Farmer Mac say when it comes to their customers, lenders continue to be most concerned about liquidity, income and leverage. Uncertainty regard...

National Wheat Yield Contest Winners Announced for 2020

November 17, 2020 - The National Wheat Foundation’s National Wheat Yield Contest offers growers the opportunity to compete with farmers from across the United States and improve their production pract...

CFAP 1 Payments to Sheep Industry Totaled $68.9 Million

November 17, 2020 - The American Sheep Industry Association projected $125 million in COVID-19-related losses at the farm gate level to the U.S. Department of Agriculture as it developed the CFAP prog...

U.S. Wheat Commercial Sales Significantly Ahead of Last Year’s Pace

November 14, 2020 - USDA currently estimates the United States will export 26.5 million metric tons (MMT) of wheat in 2020/21, 1 percent ahead of last year’s pace, if realized. Four months into market...

Poll Shows Americans’ Unwavering Trust in Farmers and Approval of Sustainability Practices

November 13, 2020 - A majority of U.S. adults have a positive view of farmers’ sustainability practices, and an overwhelming majority trust farmers, according to a new national public opinion poll fro...

Grant To Reduce Conflict Between Livestock and Predators

November 13, 2020 - The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service announces coalition, spanning 20 groups across seven states and two tribal nations, has been awarded a conservation innovation grant...

U.S. Pulse Industry Excited About New McPlant Burger

November 12, 2020 - McDonald’s is joining other fast-food chains like Burger King and Dunkin’ in getting in on the plant-based trend. The company announced this week that it will test its new McPlant...

ASI Updates Nontraditional Lamb Study

November 12, 2020 - There is an ongoing sentiment in the American sheep industry that the animal inventory is greater than that captured by federal and state lamb slaughter data. The belief is these “...

Honoring Veterans Every Day at Farmer Veteran Coalition

November 11, 2020 - With Veterans Day upon us, the team of Farmer Veteran Coalition is reflecting on the thousands of farmer veterans they have supported in pursuit of new agricultural endeavors, incl...

Dairy Checkoff and Domino’s Honor Veterans with Special Pizza Promotion

November 11, 2020 - As a celebration of dairy farmers’ commitment to communities, Rosemont, Ill.-based Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) said it is joining checkoff partner Domino’s Pizza and Wounded Warrio...

Stevenson Elected to American Angus Board

November 9, 2020 - Montana Rancher Darrell Stevenson was elected by delegates to the 137th American Angus Association Convention to serve on the board of directors. The convention was held in Kansas...

Keeping Cattle Healthy and Strong during Winter

November 9, 2020 - “The big one we want to keep in mind is that rule of thumb that for every degree below 32 degrees, we increase our requirements by one percent” said Montana State University Extensi...

It's Time to Celebrate National Bison Day

November 7, 2020 - The U.S. Senate this year once again designated the first Saturday in November as National Bison Day and encouraged citizens everywhere to engage in bison-centered activities throug...

Pork Exports Remain on Record Pace through September; Beef Exports Trend Lower

November 6, 2020 - September exports of U.S. pork increased 10% year-over-year, keeping 2020 exports on a record pace, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federatio...

Forced Wolf Introduction (Prop. 114) Passed by Colorado Voters

November 6, 2020 - While very disheartened with the passage of Proposition 114 and also fearful of what implications forced wolf introduction will have on Colorado, the Colorado Cattlemen's Associatio...

Vergeront Named as Grain Growers Exec.

November 4, 2020 - Great Falls – Today, the Montana Grain Growers Association (MGGA) announced that executive vice president Lola Raska will retire from the organization at the end of this calendar ye...

Farm Supply Co-Ops have Opportunities to Bring Additional Value to Members and Local Communities

November 4, 2020 - According to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, these challenges may be a catalyst for farm supply cooperatives to rethink their business model. The report outlines seve...

Idaho Cattle Feeder Reflects on Challenging but Rewarding Year as USMEF Chair

November 4, 2020 - Idaho cattle feeder Cevin Jones is wrapping up his one-year term as chair of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). He says that even in this very challenging environment, USMEF m...

Ag Labor: H-2A Wage Rule Announced

November 2, 2020 The Department of Labor Monday issued a final rule that updates the methodology for determining the annual Adverse Effect Wage Rates in the H-2A visa program. The Trump administration...

Pulses are the Ideal Regenerative Ag Crop

November 2, 2020 - Pulse crops are helping to overhaul American diets and play a large role in organic and regenerative agriculture. Agribusiness companies like Columbia Grain-one of the largest proce...

Trump Signs Bill to Save Sidney & Kinsey Irrigation Districts

October 31, 2020 - U.S. Senator Steve Daines and Congressman Greg Gianforte today celebrated their bill to save the Sidney Kinsey Irrigation Districts being signed into law by President Trump. The bi...

Mobile Meat Processing Unit Destined for MSU-Northern

October 30, 2020 - Montana Farmers Union is pleased to announce it is the recipient of a $150,000 Montana Meat Processing Infrastructure Grant (MMPIG) which is funded by Coronavirus relief funds. The...

Coalition Condemns APR Federal Grazing Requests in New Report

October 29, 2020 - Montana Natural Resource Coalition is announcing the general release of their report “Repurposing of Federally-Reserved Taylor Grazing Districts For Wildlife Rewilding: A statutory,...

Trump Administration Returns Management and Protection of Gray Wolves to States and Tribes Following Successful Recovery Efforts

October 29, 2020 - More than 45 years after gray wolves were first listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Trump Administration and its many conservation partners are announcing the success...

USDA Surveying Bison Industry for Future Study

October 29, 2020 - In addition to helping USDA identify key bison health and management issues, stakeholder participation will bridge existing information gaps by exploring stakeholders' new and ongoi...

Report Shows Top Ten Pumpkin Producing States

October 29, 2020 - Production is widely dispersed throughout the United States, with all States producing some pumpkins. However, about 62 percent of pumpkin acres were cultivated in only ten States.

USDA Reminds Producers of Disaster Assistance Deadline

October 28, 2020 - The program compensates producers for losses due to hurricanes, floods, snowstorms, tornadoes, typhoons, volcanic activity, drought, excessive moisture, and wildfires occurring in c...

The 2021 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show is officially on the move…to a new date of August 10-12, 2021!

October 27, 2020 - Originally scheduled for February 3-5, 2021, the convention and trade show will now take place August 10-12, 2021. While the event may have a new date, both the convention and trade...

More than $7 Billion Paid in Second Round of USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

October 27, 2020 - Since CFAP 2 enrollment began on September 21, FSA has approved more than 443,000 applications. The top five states for payments are Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Illinois and Kansas....

Making History: Mamie Hertel Natl' FFA Officer

October 26, 2020 - One year ago, Mamie Hertel of Moore, MT made history by becoming the first female from the Big Sky State to Become a National FFA Officer.

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

October 26, 2020 - With six distinct wheat classes grown across many states and delivered by many routes, the U.S. wheat supply chain truly is driven by geography. That’s why this map is so important...

Gianforte Receives Friend of Farm Bureau Award

October 25, 2020 - Montana Congressman Greg Gianforte was presented with a national Friend of Farm Bureau Award by Montana Farm Bureau Federation Exc. Vice President John Youngberg.

Student Leaders Prepare for the Virtual 93rd National FFA Convention & Expo Oct. 27-29

October 24, 2020 - The general sessions, which will recognize the award winners, will air live on RFD-TV and the Cowboy Channel as well as streamed on RFD-TV Now, the Cowboy Channel + app and FFA.org,...

La Nina Creating Two Distinct Weather Patterns Across the West

October 23, 2020 - A mild fall has given way to cold temperatures and snow for states like Montana and the Dakotas while mild temperatures and extremely dry conditions persist in states like Colorado....

Retail Sales of all Lamb in the U.S. are Increasing

October 22, 2020 - There’s good news and bad news in this pandemic. The good news is that retail sales of all lamb in the US are increasing. “The combination of consumers cooking at home, the desire f...

Cattle Producers Recognized for Outstanding Environmental Stewardship

October 21, 2020 - In a special edition of NCBA’s Cattlemen to Cattlemen, seven of the nation’s top cattle operations were honored for implementing practices that make them true stewards of land, air...

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...