Montana Woman in Competition for $120,000 Horse Training Contract

June 2, 2023 - Nashua’s Shaylin Barnett has made the final six in the “Horse Help Train-Off.”

Rising Cost of Carry is Hitting Grain Elevators Bottom Lines

June 2, 2023 - The cost of storing grain, commonly referred to as the cost of carry, has soared to record highs due to rising interest rates, high commodity prices and increasing costs for labor, insu...

Commercial Cattle Show and Sale Return to NWSS

The three-day event in the Yards focusing on the commercial cattle producer will include educational opportunities that will equip producers with information to firm their bottom line, diversify their...

Great Plains Sawfly Survey Project

June 1, 2023 - There is currently a multi-state collaborative project taking place to determine areas of wheat stem sawfly infestation and current practices related to its mitigation on farm yields an...

It's Time For Colorado Wheat Field Days

May 31, 2023 - Colorado State University Crops Testing is excited to announce the details for the 2023 Wheat Field Days. They are made possible by our farmer-cooperators, seed company and industry par...

BLM Holding Public Meetings On New Rule

May 31, 2023 - The Bureau of Land Management has is conducting five public meetings to gather feedback on a recently proposed public lands management rule.

Lab-Grown Meat’s Carbon Footprint Potentially Worse Than Retail Beef

May 30, 2023 - Researchers at the UC Davis have found that lab-grown meat’s environmental impact is likely to be “orders of magnitude” higher than retail beef based on current and near-term productio...

Sackett v. EPA: What the Decision Means

May 26, 2023 - The question of whether a “significant nexus” exists between wetlands and caters that are covered by the Clean Water Act (CWA), and whether the wetlands significantly affect” the qualit...

Sackett v. EPA: Landowners Claim Victory in WOTUS Decision

May 25, 2023 - The SCOTUS has reversed the judgment of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, ruling in favor the wetlands on the Sacketts’ property are distinguishable from any pos...

Entries Open for 2023 World Forage Analysis Superbowl

May 25, 2023 - Entries are being accepted for the World Forage Analysis Superbowl, which is open to all forage producers across North America. The 2023 contest, held in conjunction with World Dairy Ex...

Biden Rule: Rancher Voice Concern to Congress over Biden BLM Rule

May 24, 2023 - Public land stakeholders testified before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations regarding the Biden administration’s burdensome regulations on public...

Ford Caves into Pressure: Will Include AM Radio in New Vehicles

May 23, 2023 - After pressure from Congress and rural America, Ford has announced they have reversed their decision to remove AM radios from new vehicles.

Increasing Mental Health Awareness In Rural America

May 22, 2023 - May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Unfortunately, mental illness is a growing epidemic in Rural America. And it’s a tough topic to talk about. Jeff Winton, a New York dairy farmer a...

New Right to Repair MOUs Bring Industry Coverage to 70%

May 22, 2023 - The American Farm Bureau Federation signed two more memoranda of understanding with two agricultural equipment manufacturers, AGCO and Kubota, providing farmers and ranchers the right t...

Atypical BSE Case Detected in South Carolina

May 19, 2023 - The approximately five-year-old or older beef cow tested positive following routine surveillance protocols and the carcass was condemned soon after.

Nearly $4 Billion On The Way To Producers Who Incurred 2022 Natural Disaster Losses

May 19, 2023 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced plans to roll out $3.7 billion in Emergency Relief Program (ERP) and Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) assistance to crop and l...

Wheat Predictions to Match 1963 Kansas Disaster

May 19, 2023 - Following the three days of the Wheat Quality Council's Hard Winter Wheat tour, the 2023 harvest could be on pace to challenge the '63 results. The final tour prediction was for a state...

Foreign Animal Disease: Protecting the U.S. Livestock Industry

Farmers Strongly Urged To Use Fungicides This Spring

May 17, 2023 - Slowly but surely, farmers are getting their crops planted despite all the weather challenges Mother Nature threw out this spring. And now that the weather has turned warmer, Columbia G...

Colo. Governor Vetoes Wolf Bill, Applauds SCOTUS decision on Prop 12

In a letter to the bill’s primary sponsors, Polis called the bill “unnecessary” and said it “undermines the voters’ intent and the hard work of the Parks and Wildlife Commission, the expertise of the...

Busch Light Releases Fan-Favorite Corn Cans Supporting American Farmers

May 17, 2023 - Busch Light is excited to announce the return of its fan-favorite Busch Light Corn Cans. For each case of Corn Cans sold through July 2023, Busch Light will donate $0.25 - up to $200,0...

When Does Your State’s Rights Violate My State’s Rights?

May 16, 2023 - Opinion - “A house divided cannot stand.” The Founding Fathers were wise. They understood that there were circumstances where the states could inflict economic warfare on each other. Th...

Legislation Reintroduced to Promote Resilient Rangelands and Effective Grazing Management

May 15, 2023 - U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) reintroduced the Resiliency for Ranching and Natural Conservation Health (RANCH) Act. This legislation will promote resilient and healthy rangelands...

Montana Beef Council and Wendy's Team Up to Celebrate May Is Beef Month

May 15, 2023 - Montana Beef Council Executive Director Chaley Harney and Wentana, LLC Director of Marketing Jonna Jones say it's a great time for both cattle producers and consumers to celebrate one o...

Lower-Than-Expected Winter Wheat Production Sends KC Wheat Futures Soaring

May 12, 2023 - Friday's USDA Crop Production and World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates held a few surprises, raising wheat while dropping corn and soybeans.

Colorado Governor Hints Wolf Bill Veto That Could Take Management Away From CPW

May 12, 2023 - Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has until June 7 to sign, veto, or allow bills to become law without his signature. Asked during a May 9 press conference whether he’ll veto SB23-256, Gov. Jar...

A (Potentially) BIG DAY for Grains

May 12, 2023 - Due out at 10 a.m. MDT, May's USDA reports will be bursting with new estimates.

Farmers Lose to California: Supreme Court Upholds Prop 12

May 11, 2023 - California's controversial Proposition 12 stands, as the Supreme Court on Thursday sided with the state and the law that prohibits the sale of pork in the state not produced according t...

Another Grasshopper Plague? 2023 Forecast

May 11, 2023 - Grasshoppers have plagued parts of Montana and surrounding states for multiple years in a row. Bringing destruction in their wake for farmers and ranchers. What is in store for summer 2...

Montana Silversmiths Celebrates 50 Years of Western Legacy

May 11, 2023 - Since 1973, Montana Silversmiths has been fueled by a passion for the Western Lifestyle. Montana Silversmiths jewelry and buckles have the authentic flavor of the West, capturing its ro...

BLM comment period on Marton Ranch purchase closes Friday

On Friday, April 21, the BLM Casper Field Office released their supplemental analysis of the Marton Ranch purchase and announced a 21-day public comment period, closing Friday, May 12, 2023. If comple...

Montana and Wyoming Beef Councils Conduct First-Ever Joint Meeting in Cody

May 8, 2023 - For the first time in the history of both organizations, the Montana and Wyoming Beef Councils held a joint meeting in Cody, Wyo. at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. This marks the f...

Montana Ranch Highlighted in Latest Public Lands Council "Range Reels" Series

May 8, 2023 - The Public Lands Council (PLC) recently released a new video in their “Range Reels” series, spotlighting the work of Montana rancher Chisholm Christensen and his family. The video debute...

Modern Day Cattle Rustling

May 5, 2023 - A Kentucky cattlemen misled investors and a financial lender out of $100 million. This comes as his family mourns his death by suicide, and is now facing financial ruin.

Ranchers from Argentina Look to Montana to Improve Cattle Herds

May 4, 2023 - In May 2022, our networks Lane Nordlund traveled to Argentina with a group of Montana Angus breeders partaking in livestock genetics trade mission. This week, a delegation of Argentine r...

Antibiotic Rule will Require Prescriptions for Livestock

May 4, 2023 - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has put in place new prescription requirements for select livestock antibiotics. This change affects the entire industry and all animal-health...

Final Colorado Wolf Plan approved by CPW Commission

The Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan was unanimously approved by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission on May 3. The final approval clears the way for CPW biologists to introduce wol...

Colorado Department of Agriculture Accepting Annual Hay Directory Listings

May 3, 2023 - Informing hay buyers for more than 25 years, the 2023 Colorado Hay Directory is now accepting listings from hay producers. The annual publication provides a by-county listing of availabl...

North Dakota Stockmen's Organizations Break Ground on New Headquarters in Bismarck

May 2, 2023 - The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA), the North Dakota Stockmen’s Foundation (NDSF) have broke for the organizations’ new headquarters building in north Bismarck, N.D. There wa...

Lamb Jams Are An Epic Chef Competition and Culinary Experience

May 2, 2023 - What started more than a decade ago as a tasty tour showcasing local chefs and innovative lamb dishes to lamb lovers in six target markets has broadened its scope to a month-long dine ar...

Spring Planting Underway at Conover Farms

May 1, 2023 - After a long winter, farmers are busy with spring planting. And for families like the Conover’s near Broadview MT, the feeling of getting back into the field is kind of like opening pres...

CPW confirms collared wolf spotted in Grand County

“Well initially I thought, ‘Why do I have a steer in the meadow?’ because it was so black. It really stuck out in the meadow. Then when it started to move, I realized right then it wasn’t a cow, or a...

NAMI, NCBA oppose PRIME Act

The PRIME Act was reintroduced in the U.S. House by Representatives Thomas Massie (R- Ky.) and Chellie Pingree (D-Maine). U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) have introduced the s...

11th hour pesticide amendments snuck into appliance bill in Denver

Cutter said local government is better suited to determine the needs of their communities and assess the local environmental conditions. Co-prime sponsor Sen. Faith Winter, D-District 25, said the ame...

Ranchers Helping to End Hunger Through The Producer Partnership

April 27, 2023 - Unfortunately, food insecurity is a real and growing problem, even in Rural America. The good news is that more people including farmers and ranchers are stepping up to help. The Prod...

Cattle Cycle Uncertainty Looms As Drought Kicks Expansion Down the Road

April 27, 2023 - The release of the Jan. 1 beef cow inventory to start 2023 painted a bleak picture—the result of widespread drought and herd liquidation across much of the nation in 2022.

Still Time To Be Counted in Census of Agriculture

April 27, 2023 - There's still time to fill out your Census of Agriculture and it back in. This is your chance to be represented in the agriculture data so that USDA can better administer its farm pro...

Number of U.S. Farms Continues to Decline

April 24, 2023 - Just two generations ago, it seemed like everyone either lived on a farm or a ranch, or they knew someone who did. But today, as the number of farm operations, and even acres used for...

CNH Industrial Divests Russian Interests

April 24, 2023 - CNH Industrial was among many Western companies that fled for the exits from its Russia-based business last spring after Russian military units invaded Ukraine.

April 1 Cattle on Feed Down 4%

April 24, 2023 - Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.6 million head on April 1, 2023. The inventory was...

What in the Weather?!?!?

April 20, 2023 - Oldman winter does not want to let go in the spring of 2023. Meteorologist Jason Laird shares his predictions for what farmers and ranchers can expect the weather patterns to be movin...

Wolf bills lose litigation portion, keep 10j requirement

Roberts referred to that portion as the litigation portion of the bill, and said it was removed by way of an amendment. The remaining portion still requires a 10j be in place prior to reintroduction.

Preventing Catastrophic Wildfires

April 19, 2023 - With another wildlife season just around the corner, this week Wyoming U.S. Senator John Barrasso the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, delivered...

Niemiec departs BAP, tapped to head new CSU center

Rebecca Niemiec, an assistant professor at CSU and manager of the Bureau of Animal Protection in the Colorado Department of Agriculture, will lead the center as its inaugural director. Niemiec will st...

Wall Street Rules Should Not Extend to Family Farms

April 18, 2023 - Wall Street rules intended for publicly traded companies should not extend to family farms. That is the message the American Farm Bureau Federation and six other agricultural groups s...

Grassland Conservation Reserve Program Signup for 2023 Underway

April 18, 2023 - The USDA has announced that agricultural producers and private landowners can begin signing up for the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Signup runs through May 26, 2023.

Hamburger Nation Fueling Slaughter Cow & Bull Prices

April 17, 2023 - Lex Madden with Torrington Livestock Markets and Cattle Country Video in Torrington, WY says consumer demand for hamburger and short supplies are creating a slaughter cow and bull mar...

Meatpackers and Child Labor

April 14, 2023 - Meatpackers and other companies in the food-supply chain need to do a better job taking steps to ensure illegal child labor isn't being used in their operations, suppliers, subcontrac...

Biden Waters of the U.S. Rule on Hold in 26 States

April 12, 2023 - The waters of the U.S. rule is now on hold in 26 states after a federal judge in North Dakota issued a preliminary injunction on Wednesday in the 24 states that filed a lawsuit agains...

Right to Repair Bill Approved by Colorado Legislature

April 12, 2023 - While multiple state legislatures debated the matter this year, Colorado was the first and only state to pass a Right to Repair law for agricultural equipment. The issue had agricultu...

Few Changes in USDA Reports

April 11, 2023 - USDA April Crop Production, WASDE Reports Feature Only a Few Changes

El Nino Knocking on the Door

April 11, 2023 - El Nino is knocking on the doorstep, and you have certainly been hearing more about it in recent weeks. Sea-surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean had been lower than the...

Opinion: Montana Legislature Missing Golden Opportunity to Secure Montana Primacy Over Water

April 10, 2023 - As a third-generation rancher from Big Sandy, I am absolutely aware of the importance of water, water rights and the protection of Montana’s primacy over the water resources of this s...

Nominations Open for 2024 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year Contest

April 10, 2023 - Farmers are invited to submit nominations for the 2024 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest, which comes with cash prizes and bragging rights. This is the sixth year of the contes...

NCBA, PLC ready robust discussion in wake of disappointing BLM proposed rule

The proposed rule defines conservation to include both protection and restoration activities and it also advances tools and processes to enable wise management decisions based on science and data. To...

Explosion at Glasgow Stockyards Rocks Community

April 8, 2023 On the evening of April 6, an explosion occurred at Glasgow Stockyards in Glasgow, MT. Owner Cody Cornwell told the Western Ag Network Saturday that they were branding and bangs vaccina...

Rodeo's Favorite Funnyman A True Western Ambassador

April 7, 2023 - During a recent interview with the Western Ag Network's Russell Nemetz, Flint Rasmussen talks about his amazing career, preserving the western way of life, transitioning from the Profe...

The Evolution of the Blueberry from Every Day to Exotic

April 7, 2023 - California Berry Genetics is one of the top blueberry breeders and nurseries in the country and is bringing farmers exotic new varietals that are evolving the blueberry category with l...

WY Board of Agriculture to Meet Next Week

April 6, 2023 - During the meeting, the Board will elect a new President and Vice President.

Ranchers Feel Betrayed by New BLM Public Lands Rule

March 31, 2023 - The Department of the Interior has published a proposal to guide the balanced management of America’s public lands for the benefit of current and future generations. Livestock organiz...

Ranchers Denounce New Biden Public Lands Rule

March 30, 2023 - The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) expressed serious concern with the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) proposed rule titled "Strength...

#cowbios – A Rural/Urban Divide Bridge

March 29, 2023 - Our network's Rachel Gabel and her daily #cowbios posts are back in the news!!

Colorado State University’s Announces New Livestock Business Management Degree

March 30, 2023 - A new degree from Colorado State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences aims to prepare the next generation of skilled professionals to lead one of Colorado’s most important in...

Senate Overturns WOTUS Rule, Biden Expected to Veto

March 29, 2023 - Republicans in Congress succeeded in passing a bill through the Democratic-led Senate on a 53-43 vote Wednesday to overturn the controversial waters of the U.S. rule under the Clean W...

New Columbia Grain Movie Spotlights Employees

March 29, 2023 - Columbia Grain International (CGI) continues to “cultivate growth” across its footprint in terms of both the farming industry and careers. They just released a new movie which shows e...

Cattle Groups Fight Addition of Lesser Prairie Chicken to Endangered Species List

March 28, 2023 - For the second time in the past nine years, the lesser prairie chicken will officially be added to the Endangered Species list Monday, though Plains states, livestock groups and oil d...

APHIS Awards Grant to ASI’s Secure Sheep & Wool Supply Plan

March 28, 2023 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is providing more than $180,000 in Farm Bill funding to support the American Sheep Industry Association...

Higher Markets and Moisture Have Ag Lenders Optimistic for 2023

March 27, 2023 - Ag lenders continue to play a very important role in helping to keep farmers and ranchers in the business of raising food and fiber. During the recent Montana Ag Bankers Conference in...

Montana Rancher Testifies Before House Natural Resources Committee on Grizzly Bears

March 27, 2023 - Front Range County Farm Bureau member and Choteau rancher Karli Johnson testified before the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources regarding the Grizzly Bear legislation, H.R. 141...

Secretary Vilsack Convenes Colorado River Basin Ag Leaders

March 24, 2023 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Thursday met with the leaders of the state Departments of Agriculture for the seven Colorado River Basin states to discuss the challenges faced by fa...

A Goat Graze Craze!

March 24, 2023 - Ivan Thrane, Red Lodge, Montana, showcases how goats have become the lifeline of their operation.

FFA Convention Showcases Next Generation of Leaders

March 23, 2023 - The 93rd Annual Montana State FFA Convention is underway in Great Falls, MT. Not only will FFA members be competing for top honors in their respective events, most importantly, the fu...

Montana Governor Highlights Ag Innovation with Ranch Tour

March 23, 2023 - As part of his Montana Agriculture and National Ag Week tour of Montana, Governor Greg Gianforte traveled to a ranch nestled in the shadow of Tiger Butte south of Belt Montana.

Bison Industry Weighs in on Farm Bill

March 21, 2023 - The National Bison Association (NBA) is encouraging members of the U.S. Senate and House Agriculture Committees to include farm bill policies that will foster continued growth in the...

ASI Leads Coalition Support for Wildlife Services

March 21, 2023 - The American Sheep Industry Association has sent its annual letter of support for Wildlife Services to congressional leaders . More than 200 agriculture and trade associations signed...

Montana Stockgrowers to Host Rollover Auction to Support BLM Litigation

March 20, 2023 - On March 21, National Ag Day, the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) will launch its first of a series of rollover auctions at markets across Montana to raise funds for its appe...

USDA Awards Funds to NCBA to Protect U.S. Cattle Herd from FMD

March 16, 2023 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced this week that they are awarding the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NC...

Big Bud Tractor Unveiled at Con Expo

The wait is over. After 40 years, Big Equipment Sales in Havre, MT is once again rolling out the Big Bud Tractor. Unveiled at Con Expo 23 in Las Vegas, Chad Colby shares an exclusive look at the resur...

Sec. of Ag Vilsack Sits Down with Western Ag Network

In an exclusive interview, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack visits with Russell Nemetz about the new farm bill, increasing domestic fertilizer production, BSE in Brazil and more.

NextGen Ag Leadership Program Awards Grants to Support Youth in Agriculture

One of the projects receiving funding from the NextGen Leadership program used the funds to educate young agricultural leaders about federal policy.

Proposed USA beef labeling rule divides trade groups

The proposed rule comes as a result of a request made by the United States Cattlemen’s Association in a petition for rulemaking dating back to 2019. Under current regulations, imported beef product ca...

Farm Bill Big Priority for Farmers Meeting in Orlando for Commodity Classic

March 9, 2023 - This week thousands of corn, soybean, sorghum and wheat farmers from across America are here in Orlando, Florida for Commodity Classic.

New Book Celebrates 100th Anniversary of the Farmall Tractor

March 8, 2023 - This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Farmall tractor. Austin-based independent book publisher Octane Press is celebrating this significant historic milestone with the launch of...

NFU Concludes 121st Anniversary Convention, Looks to Have Major Impact on 2023 Farm Bill

March 8, 2023 - “Farmers Union members are united and energized. With our grassroots policy set and the 2023 Farm Bill proceeding in earnest, NFU is going to hit the ground running,” said NFU Presiden...

Family Faces Felonies on Animal Cruelty

March 7, 2023 - Two Lincoln County, Nebraska, men were arrested on numerous felony counts of alleged animal neglect and cruelty, after law enforcement authorities and brand inspectors found more than...

MGGA Welcomes Montana Pulse Crop Committee Exec

March 7, 2023 - Montana Grain Growers Association (MGGA) applied and received a grant from the Montana Pulse Crop Committee and recently hired Liz Edmundson, of Cascade, to serve as the executive dire...

National Farmers Union Addresses Market Competition at Annual Convention

March 6, 2023 - On the topic of the Fairness for Farmers campaign, convention attendees heard from three key players in NFU’s efforts to boost competition.

A Deep Dive into Carbon Markets

March 3, 2023 - A 3-hour panel discussion was recently held at the Society for Range Management Annual Meeting.

Montana Farmers Union Frustrated by Legislature's Failure to Act on Right to Repair

March 2, 2023 - When the Montana Legislature Tuesday tabled two bills related to right to repair agricultural equipment, they missed an opportunity to lead the nation. Instead, they continue to deny f...

Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame Welcomes Three Inductees

March 2, 2023 - The Colorado FFA Foundation recognized three new inductees representing Colorado politics, water, and agricultural advocacy into the Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame. Eric Wilkinson (...