Wild and Domestic Sheep Interaction Meetings Planned in Montana

A series of free, public meetings will be held in Montana communities in April and May to discuss the Wild and Domestic Sheep Comingling Project. The initiative studies the risks of contact between bi...

White House Easter Egg Roll Spotlights America's Egg Farmers

America's egg farmers took center stage at the 2025 White House Easter Egg Roll, where their nearly 50-year legacy of supporting this beloved national tradition was celebrated like never before. Repre...

The Cruzado Legacy: A Farewell Conversation

April 21, 2025 - Dr. Waded Cruzado prepares to step down after 15 years of transformational leadership at Montana State University. In a wide-ranging and personal interview with Lane Nordlund, Dr. Cru...

Servitech Celebrates a Half Century

ServiTech is celebrating 50 years of providing innovation to the agriculture industry. Founded in 1975, ServiTech has provided testing services for the agriculture industry which, in the company’s ini...

Trump Administration Releases Plan to Charge Port Fees on Chinese Ships

Despite concerns from export-dependent industries such as agriculture, the Trump administration on Thursday moved ahead with a plan to charge fees to Chinese ships. The fees will apply to Chinese ship...

Japanese Importers Get Firsthand Look at U.S. Beef Production in Idaho and Kansas

A team of buyers from major Japanese beef importers recently came to the United States to learn about U.S. beef production practices. The team visited U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) headquarters...

Rishel to Join the Prestigious Saddle & Sirloin Portrait Gallery

April 17, 202- William H. “Bill” Rishel of North Platte, Nebraska, has been named the 2025 inductee into the prestigious Saddle & Sirloin Portrait Gallery—often referred to as the Hall of Fame of the...

Crazy Spring Weather Has Farmers Planting Crops in the Snow

It’s a busy time of year for farmers across our region as they burn the midnight oil getting their crops planted. And its always a crap shoot with mother nature and her unpredictability. For Ryegate,...

EPA and Army Corps of Engineers to Host WOTUS Listening Sessions

The EPA and the Department of the Army intend to engage with State and Tribal co-regulators; industry and agricultural stakeholders; environmental and conservation stakeholders; and the public on cert...

USDA Service Centers Face Deep Cuts Under White House Budget Plan

USDA is planning to severely slash its county Service Center offices around the country that house local staff for the Farm Service Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, potentially c...

LMA Names Forrest Mangan as Mark Mackey's Successor as CEO

As CEO Mark Mackey’s retirement approaches, we’re pleased to announce his successor has been chosen following an extensive and thorough selection process. Forrest Mangan, who currently serves as regio...

Trump Floats Plan to Legalize Undocumented Farm Workers

President Donald Trump on Thursday suggested a new program will be set up to help legalize farm workers and reduce the risk of farmers losing undocumented workers to mass deportations. Trump discussed...

Beef Breakdown: How Cattle Feed Impacts Nutrition

April 9, 2025 - Instead of answering, “Where’s the beef?” Michigan State University scientists are gaining a deeper understanding of what’s in the beef. A paper recently published by two MSU researche...

Montana Farmers Union Supports Congressional Oversight of Trade Tariffs

Montana Farmers Union has announced its support of bipartisan legislation in the U.S. Senate that would limit the power of the president to implement trade tariffs without congressional approval. The...

NCGA Launches New Phase of Consider Corn Challenge

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is launching its fifth iteration of Consider Corn Challenge, a contest in which participants can submit proposals for new uses of field corn that have quan...

Federal Court in Texas Vacates Biden-Era Lesser Prairie Chicken Rule

A federal judge has struck down a Biden administration rule that would have split the lesser prairie chicken into two distinct populations for the first time. The decision is a major victory for ranch...

Farmers Promote U.S. Wheat in Kenya during U.S. Wheat Associates Trade Mission

This past week the U.S. Wheat Associates hosted a trade mission to Kenya, Africa where historically U.S. wheat farmers have played a very important role in helping to feed those who are food insecure....

First Idaho Barley Yield Contest Concludes with Exceptional Results

The Idaho Barley Commission (IBC), a U.S. Grains Council (USGC) member, recently held its inaugural Barley Yield Contest to showcase the productivity and innovation of Idaho’s barley growers, predomin...

ASI Supports Trump Administration Tariffs on Imported Lamb

The American Sheep Industry Association applauds the implementation of a 10-percent tariff on imports from Australia and New Zealand, as announced by President Donald Trump on Wednesday during his Mak...

NCGA Tells ITC US Should Not Impose Duties on 2,4-D Herbicide

Corn growers and other farmers would suffer if the U.S. government granted a petition to place anti-dumping and countervailing duties on imports of an herbicide called 2,4-D, the president of the Nati...

Inside the Trade Talks: Senator Daines on U.S. Beef & Ag Exports

April 1, 2025 - In this episode, Montana U.S. Senator Steve Daines joins Lane to break down his recent high-stakes visit to China and Vietnam—where U.S. beef, wheat, and potato exports were front and...

Study Finds Ranchers Earning More by Spritzing Livestock with Luxury Perfume

April 1, 2025 - A new study making waves in the livestock world has found that ranchers can earn a $20 to $40 premium per head simply by spritzing their cattle and sheep with Chanel No. 5 before sale...

Chandler Goule Leaving NAWG in July

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) announced today that its CEO, Chandler Goule, will be stepping down from his position in July 2025. He has led America's premiere wheat industry organi...

R-CALF USA Urges Section 232 Investigation into Beef and Cattle Imports

The letter highlights the serious decline of America's iconic cattle industry, which remains the largest segment of U.S. agriculture. It notes that the U.S. cattle industry has shrunk at an alarming r...

Montana Rancher Inducted in American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame Class of 2025

Bestowed by the American Quarter Horse Foundation, induction into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame is our industry’s highest honor. This year, we will induct three horses, two women and two men...

Beef Checkoff 2024 Impact Report

March 28, 2025 - The Cattlemen’s Beef Board & Beef Checkoff 2024 Impact Report is now available. This report combines the Cattlemen’s Beef Board Annual Report and the Beef Checkoff Evaluation Report t...

Beef-on-Dairy Cattle Gain Ground in U.S. Beef Supply Chain

March 27, 2025 - New USDA auction data show dairy-beef cattle retain more value from feeder to slaughter than traditional beef or dairy cattle. Though dairy-beef feeder prices trail native beef, they...

ASI Leads Support Letter for Wildlife Services

Approximately 260 organizations have signed on to the American Sheep Industry Association’s annual letter of support for Wildlife Services, which was shared with appropriations leaders in both the U.S...

Veterinary Workforce Act Offers $100K in Loan Relief for Rural Service

March 25, 2025 - Representative Randyn Gregg (R – White Sulphur Springs) introduced the Rural Montana Veterinary Workforce Act House Bill 860 to help address Montana’s veterinarian workforce shortage....

Life Cycle Analysis Confirms Continuous Improvement in Sustainable U.S. Wheat Production

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW), the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG), and the National Wheat Foundation announced the results of a comprehensive Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) showing a continuous...

US Ag Exports 'Would End' if Fees Imposed on Chinese Ships

While crediting the Trump administration for effort, agricultural groups are sounding alarm over the Trump administration's proposal to charge $1 million or more in fees on Chinese ship companies or C...

ASI Requests Imported Lamb Be Included in Tariff Plan

The American Sheep Industry Association will continue its requests to the Trump Administration and lawmakers to include Australian and New Zealand lamb in the food and agriculture tariff plans during...

Gov. Gianforte Pushes Tax Relief for Farmers & Ranchers

March 19, 2025 - Governor Greg Gianforte, Senator Josh Kassmier, R-Fort Benton, and local ag producers today urged support for reforms to the business equipment tax. Gov. Gianforte and Sen. Kassmier s...

USDA Rolls Out $10 Billion in Farm Relief Payments

March 18, 2025 - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, on National Agriculture Day, announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing up to $10 billion directly to agricultur...

National Wheat Yield Contest Open for 2025

Following record-setting participation last year, the National Wheat Foundation (NWF) is now accepting entries for its 10th annual yield contest. A total of 28 national winners will be named in 2025 a...

EPA Announces Revisions to Waters of the U.S. Rule

March 12, 2025 - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin has announced a major revision to the definition of "Waters of the United States" (WOTUS), marking a significan...

Wyoming answers PETA with a rodeo license plate

Wyoming lawmakers answered demands by animal rights group PETA to remove the iconic bucking horse from the state’s license plate. It wasn’t the answer PETA was hoping for.

Annual Sheep Industry Market Report Now Available

The American Sheep Industry Association prepares an annual market report for the American Lamb Board summarizing key statistics and trends in the sheep industry. The industry saw an increase in inven...

NAWG Celebrates 75 Years of Advocacy at 2025 Commodity Classic

3.5.25 Denver, CO – Farmers and industry leaders have gathered in Denver for the 2025 Commodity Classic, the nation’s largest farmer-led agricultural event, showcasing the latest in ag technology, mar...

Commodity Classic 2025: Key Policy Discussions Take Center Stage for Wheat Growers

3.4.25 Denver, CO – The nation's top agricultural leaders and producers have gathered in Denver for the 2025 Commodity Classic, where key discussions are focusing on farm policy, risk management, and...

National Potato Council Brings Industry Priorities to Capitol Hill

3.2.25 - This week, the nation's potato producers gathered in Washington, D.C., for the National Potato Council's Washington Summit. The event serves as a crucial opportunity for industry leaders to a...

USDA Invests Up To $1 Billion to Combat Avian Flu and Reduce Egg Prices

This week U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a $1 billion-dollar comprehensive strategy to curb highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), protect the U.S. poultry industry, and low...

ASI President Lehfeldt Testifies Before Senate Agriculture Committee on Farm Economy Challenges

2.27.25 - The United States Senate Agriculture Committee recently heard testimony from farmers and ranchers across the nation, including Montana sheep rancher Ben Lehfeldt, who serves as president of...

Tariffs, Trade & Taters: A Deep Dive from Washington, D.C.

2.25.25 - Lane Nordlund, host of The LaneCast Ag Podcast, sat down with Matt Lantz of Bryant Christie Inc. to explore the complexities of international trade, tariffs, and new market opportunities.

Four States Irrigation Council Honors Ag, Water Infrastructure Leaders

The Four States Irrigation Council this winter once again took time to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions in the irrigation, agriculture and water infrastructure industries....

National Chicken Council Offers Measure to Help Alleviate Egg Shortage in Wake of Bird Flu

In light of the pressure the current highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or “bird flu”) outbreak is putting on the nation’s egg supply, and resulting record egg prices, the National Chicken Counci...

U.S.-India Trade Talks Could Open Doors for American Pulse Exports

2.21.25 - The United States and India are in negotiations on a new trade deal that could lower tariffs and provide better market access for American agriculture, particularly pulse crops. India, the w...

Rogers New NCBA Policy Division Vice Chair

The newly elected NCBA Policy Division Vice Chair is a Yuma, Colorado, rancher with deep roots in the cattle business and a penchant for good dogs and the occasional Hawaiian shirt.

Federal Layoffs Hit U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Nebraska

Ag groups in Nebraska are urging lawmakers to fund agriculture research after federal layoffs hit close to home.

USDA Cuts Jobs: Thousands Workers Fired

February 15, 2025 - Thousands of employees at the U.S. Department of Agriculture across an array of agencies and jobs have been fired since Thursday, DTN has learned. USDA on Friday afternoon released...

South Dakota Senator John Thune Leads Effort to Permanently Repeal the Death Tax

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today led 45 of his Senate colleagues, including Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, in reintroducing legislation that...

Brooke Rollins Confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture

February 13, 2025 - The U.S. Senate voted 72-28 on Thursday to confirm Brooke Rollins as the next Secretary of Agriculture.

U.S. Wheat Industry Supports USDA Administration of Food for Peace

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) welcome new legislation introduced today that would move the Food for Peace international food assistance program unde...

NACD, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Sign Memorandum of Understanding

The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) and Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever signed a memorandum of understanding during the association’s 79th Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, U...

Boebert asks energy secretary to halt NIETC designation in Colorado and New Mexico

Congresswoman Lauren Boebert is the first member of the Colorado Congressional delegation to send a letter to newly minted Secretary of Energy – and fellow Coloradoan – Chris Wright asking Sec. Wright...

Mexico Repeals Ban on US Biotech Corn Imports Following USMCA Dispute Loss

The Mexican government on Thursday repealed its ban on genetically modified corn imports from the U.S. after losing an arbitration ruling under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, in December...

CattleFax Forecasts Continued Strong Demand and High Price Outlook for Cattle Producers

The U.S. beef industry is poised for another year of strong market performance, driven by tight cattle supplies and robust consumer demand. As the beef cowherd enters a stabilization phase following y...

University of Nevada, Reno Researcher Develops Potential Game-Changing Sorghum Varieties for Dairy Feed and Gluten-Free Foods

Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno have unveiled 200 sorghum varieties that could be a game-changer in the food, brewery, dairy feed and biofuel industry. Preliminary research underscores t...

NCBA Announces 2025 Policy Priorities

This week, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) Executive Committee approved the organization’s policy priorities at CattleCon 2025. This year the focus will be on engaging with the Trum...

U.S. Cattle Herd Down 1% as of January 1, 2025

All cattle and calves in the United States as of Jan. 1, 2025, totaled 86.7 million head, 1% below the 87.2 million head on Jan. 1, 2024, USDA NASS reported on Friday. All cows and heifers that have c...

Kansas Farmers Die in DC Plane Crash

1.31.25 Southern Kansas canola and wheat farmers Bob and Lori Schrock were among 67 people who perished when an American Eagle flight 5342 from Wichita collided with a Blackhawk helicopter Wednesday...

American Farm Bureau Establishes 2025 Policies

Farmer and rancher delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 106th Convention today adopted policies to guide the organization’s work in 2025. Key topics ranged from labor to rural broadband...

Barrasso Bill Supports Ranchers and Livestock Grazing Across the West

U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) has introduced the Resiliency for Ranching and Natural Conservation Health (RANCH) Act. This legislation promotes resilient and healthy rangelands and effective gra...

NWSS Auction of Champions breaks records

Emotion ran high as the bidding for the 2025 Grand Champion Steer soared to a record-breaking $210,000, leaving the crowd visibly moved. This surpassed the previous record set in 2023, when the Grand...

Farm Bureau Members Meet in Texas for Annual Convention

Over 5,000 Farm Bureau members are in San Antonio, Texas for the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention. During the opening session, AFBF President Zippy Duvall thanked farmers and ranchers...

Cargill Agrees to Pay $32.5 Million to Settle Price-Fixing Case Over Turkeys

The potential settlement comes in a case led by a collection of companies that buy large volumes of turkey products. They filed a lawsuit initially in 2019 against major turkey producers, which also i...

USCA Reiterates Dire Concerns of Forced and Child Labor in Meat Processing

In light of the Department of Labor’s agreement with JBS USA Food Co. to address child labor, the United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) reiterated their commitment to challenging exploitation a...

Governor Gianforte Selects Jillien Streit to Lead Montana Department of Agriculture

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced the appointment of Jillien Streit as Director of the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA). Streit currently serves as the financial controller at Flat Acre F...

American Lamb Board Focused On Helping Sheep Producers Profitably Grow Their Operations

One of the groups meeting this week here at the American Sheep Industry Association's Annual Convention in Scottsdale, AZ is the American Lamb Board. ALB Chair and Kansas producer Jeff Ebert says that...

American Lamb Board Release 2024 Annual Report

The American Lamb Board is committed to sharing the story of American Lamb with consumers through targeted marketing initiatives and strategic partnerships. In 2024, ALB launched a series of successfu...

ASI President from Wyoming says New Farm Bill Top Priority for 2025

This week, Scottsdale, Arizona is once again hosting the American Sheep Industry Association Annual Convention.
ASI president and Wyoming rancher Brad Boner says like other industry organizations pass...

Federal Trade Commission Sues John Deere Over Right to Repair

The Federal Trade Commission today, along with the Illinois and Minnesota Attorneys General, sued agricultural equipment manufacturer Deere & Company (Deere) over its use of unfair practices that have...

MSU Rodeo Team Selected for Presidential Inaugural Parade

January 14, 2025 The Montana State University (MSU) Rodeo Team has been honored with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in the Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C., on Januar...

CPW ag reps vote against ag groups

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission met this week in Denver and heard over 100 comments, many attacking ranchers, about the petition filed to pause further wolf releases in the state until the...

USDA Expects More Winter Wheat in 2025

Planted winter wheat area for harvest in 2025 is estimated at 34.1 million acres, up 2% from 2024 but down 7% from 2023. A record-low planted area is expected in Utah. Seeding of the 2025 acreage was...

NWSS junior livestock shows' new home in 2026

The livestock shows will move to their new home in the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Livestock Center in The Yards. The 30-acre facility will host events year-round, including the green carpet the junior marke...

Legal Battle Over Beneficial Ownership Rule Intensifies as GOP States Defend Injunction

The attorneys general for 25 Republican-led states have filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court defending a court injunction against enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act and the law's requi...

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Denies Grizzly Bear ESA Delisting

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced a new and comprehensive approach to long-term grizzly bear recovery in the lower 48 states and the concerns of those living with and near bears. The Se...

Potato Growers Applaud USDA Increase in Payment Limitations to $900,000 for Aid to Specialty Crop Growers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that specialty crop producers have an additional two days to apply for assistance to help offset higher marketing and production costs. Most not...

DNR: Colorado meets compact obligations for Republican River

The Colorado Department of Natural Resources announced Monday that the state has met its obligation to take out of irrigation some 10,000 acres of farmland on the south fork of the Republican River.

American Lamb Summit Headed for Idaho in July

The American Lamb Summit is scheduled for July 22-25, 2025, at the University of Idaho. This biennial industry event addresses critical strategies to improve the sheep industry’s competitiveness and p...

Bureau of Land Management Finalizes Western Solar Plan

The BLM has finalized their Western Solar Plan, to expand the 2012 plan to now include Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming. The updated Western Solar Plan identifies more than 31 million ac...

Take a Bite Out of the Bison - Slider Recipe for Bobcat Fans

December 30, 2024 -
As the Montana State University Bobcats get ready to take on the North Dakota State Bison in the FCS Championship Football game, it’s time to prep the perfect game day snack. Whet...

NFU Remembers President Jimmy Carter, Last Farmer to Occupy White House and Farmers Union Award Recipient

National Farmers Union (NFU) today expressed condolences to the Carter family on the passing of the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter. Carter, the most recent farmer to occupy the Whit...

Court Ruling Again Halts Corporate Transparency Act, Offering Temporary Relief for Cattle Producers

December 29, 2024 In a surprising turn of events, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has temporarily blocked the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), granting cattle producers and...

Santa’s Reindeer Cleared For Arrival in Montana

December 23, 2024 - The Montana Department of Livestock has received a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) for Santa’s reindeer, and they are cleared for arrival on rooftops and lawns across Mo...

Funding Bill: What did Congress Include for Agriculture?

December 22, 2024- The legislation also includes more than $100 billion in disaster aid and $10 billion in economic aid to farmers, as well as extension of the farm bill through Sept. 30, 2025. Overal...

Corn Growers Win Dispute with Mexico Over GM Corn Ban

In a major win for the nation’s corn growers, a dispute panel ruled today that Mexico violated its commitments under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement when it issued a decree that banned genet...

U.S. Congresswoman Boebert Calls on Haaland to Update RMPs, Pause Additional Colorado Wolf Releases

In a letter sent Dec. 13, Congresswoman Lauren Boebert insisted that the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, and other offices that operate under Federal Land Policy and Management...

Thriving in Uncertainty: Beef Demand and Cattle Prices

December 15, 2024 - Dr. Nevil Speer, a renowned industry consultant, shared his insights on the state of beef demand, tightening cattle supplies, and the critical role of global trade.

Stockgrowers Launches Leadership, Legacy and the Land Video Series in Partnership with Stockman Bank

December 13, 2024 - The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA), in partnership with Stockman Bank and Western Ag Network, today launched a new video series Leadership, Legacy and the Land which showc...

High number of lost and stolen cattle in western Colorado

In western Colorado, an unusually large number of cattle have turned up missing this fall and five producers have reported lost or stolen cattle to brand inspectors. According to Colorado Brand Commis...

Biden Administration Wants to Protect Monarch Butterfly With Endangered Species Act

The Biden administration wants to protect the monarch butterfly and has proposed listing it as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, announcing on Tuesday the opening of a public hear...

Will Winter’s Wrath be Unleashed in 2025?

December 9, 2024 - Lane Nordlund sits down with agricultural meteorologist Brian Bledsoe who shares a forecast into what farmers and ranchers can expect across the western U.S. in 2025.

Ag's Global Game: Trade and Trends with Gregg Doud

December 9, 2024 - During the 140th Montana Stockgrowers Association Annual Convention, attendees were treated to an impressive lineup of speakers, including former U.S. Trade Representative for Agric...

RMFU Convention in the books

Franke said there was ample discussion about President elect Trump’s nominations for his cabinet, including the Secretary of Agriculture and the Sec. of the Interior North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.

Federal Judge in Texas Blocks Federal Corporate Reporting Rules

A federal court in Texas has blocked rules for the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), including the provisions that required farmers, ranchers and other businesses to provide their ownership informatio...

Biden Administration proposes 7,700-sq. miles in Colorado for critical lynx habitat

The proposed critical habitat rule is subject to a public comment period through Jan. 28, 2025. The Southern Rockies proposal includes portions of the following counties: Archuleta, Boulder, Chaffee,...

Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner Declines – Remains Higher Than Pre-Pandemic Levels

Cooking a Thanksgiving feast for your friends and family will cost less than last year but will still be more expensive than before the pandemic. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 39th annual Than...

Minnesota Turkeys Pardoned by President Biden

National Turkey Federation (NTF) Chairman John Zimmerman presented the National Thanksgiving Turkeys named Peach and Blossom to President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. today during the National Thanksgiving Tu...