Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 28
Montana cattle producers and the Montana Department of Agriculture will be hosting an inbound Australian beef cattle trade mission for six days starting on March 10. The trade mission will work to maintain the strong relationship between Australian and Montanan beef producers, particularly with Montana’s high-quality beef genetic seedstock. “We had a productive trade mission attending the Beef Australia trade show two years ago and piqued their interest in Montana’s high-quality beef seedstock. This is an opportunity to show them our quality fi...
In agricultural circles pulse crops may be discussed without batting an eye. However, when most Montanans are asked what a pulse crop is they might say, ‘What are pulse crops?’ Pulses are annual leguminous crops such as lentils, beans, peas, and chickpeas. After 2016 was declared International Year of Pulses by the United Nations and Montana, again, led the nation in pulse production, the Montana Pulse Advisory Committee & Specialty Crop Block Grant Program are making a pitch to Montana consumers to integrate more pulses into their diet. “Fo...
Governor Steve Bullock and the Agriculture Development Council announced the recipients of $290,500 in grants and $121,500 in loans to agricultural businesses and organizations. A total of 12 businesses and organizations were awarded funds through the Growth Through Agriculture program (GTA) which was established by the legislature to strengthen and diversify Montana’s agricultural industry by developing new agricultural products and processes. “These grants and loans will help grow and expand agricultural businesses and organizations acr...
The Montana Agriculture in the Classroom program has released a comprehensive educational project on invasive species to help increase public awareness, identification, and reporting procedures. Species that are non-native to Montana, interfere and often destroy native plants, wildlife and livestock habitat, forests, waterways, and food crops. These species, which may not harm the environment in their native area, can cause destruction and major problems when introduced to a new environment. “The impact to agriculture and the environment can t...
Helena, Mont. – Severe weather is no stranger in Montana. The 2013 storms still remind farmers of the importance of having adequate coverage for this year’s crops. The Montana State Hail Insurance program is financially secure, and the staff is prepared to accept new policies through August 15th as well as answer any questions producers might have on coverage options. The maximum coverage rate for dry land is $75 per acre and $114 per acre for irrigated land. Rates vary by county depending on the hail loss history of the area; a detailed lis...
Helena, Mont.– Recent severe weather with hail has impacted farmers in the north-central regions of the state. Some areas reported up to golf ball sized hail that completely decimated some fields. Producers with state hail insurance should file a loss claim regardless of other insurance, and it must be mailed to the program within 14 days of the event. Forms are available online or by contacting the Montana State Hail Insurance Program toll free at (844) 515-1571 or (406) 444-5429. “The State Hail Insurance Program is here to assist pro...
Helena, Mont. – Severe weather is no stranger in Montana. The 2013 storms still remind farmers of the importance of having adequate coverage for this year’s crops. The Montana State Hail Insurance program is financially secure, and the staff is prepared to accept new policies through August 15th as well as answer any questions producers might have on coverage options. The maximum coverage rate for dry land is $75 per acre and $114 per acre for irrigated land. Rates vary by county depending on the hail loss history of the area; a detailed lis...
Helena, Mont. – Spring is a busy time of year for Montana farmers, with field preparation, planting decisions and seeding. It is also a time to start thinking about protecting crops from hail damage until fall harvest. The Montana State Hail Insurance program has provided hail insurance coverage to help Montana farmers manage hail risk for 98 years. For the 2015 season, producers can insure crops against hail damage at the maximum coverage rate of $75 per acre for dryland and $114 for irrigated land. Rates charged are a percentage of the i...
Helena, Mont., Last Friday, Governor Steve Bullock announced the publication of the first edition of the ‘Grown in Montana’ magazine at the Made in Montana Trade Show. The announcement was made in conjunction with the Main Street Montana Project to promote Montana agricultural products to local, national, and international markets. “This is part of our efforts with the Main Street Montana Project to promote agricultural products grown right here under the Big Sky. It covers some of the mainstays of Montana agriculture like beef, wheat, and b...
Helena, Mont., The Montana Department of Agriculture collected 29,853 pounds of waste pesticides from 95 participants in western Montana in 2014. The annual event has collected more than 485,500 pounds of waste pesticides since it began in 1994. “This program allows anyone who has waste or unusable pesticide to dispose of it properly and safely. The majority of participants have under 200 pounds of waste pesticides and are not sure how to get rid of it without going to the dump. People want to do the right thing and dispose of it a...
Helena, Mont., Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in chickens in Judith Basin County. This is the first case of HPAI reported in domestic poultry in Montana and comes less than a week after the disease was detected in a captive gyrfalcon in Flathead County. Avian influenza is an infectious viral disease of birds that can cause high mortality rates in domestic flocks. Avian influenza viruses rarely cause clinical signs in wild waterfowl, although raptors and wild game birds (pheasants, quail, turkey, and grouse) may be...
Helena, Mont. – Spring is a busy time of year for Montana farmers, with field preparation, planting decisions and seeding. It is also a time to start thinking about protecting crops from hail damage until fall harvest. The Montana State Hail Insurance program has provided hail insurance coverage to help Montana farmers manage hail risk for 98 years. For the 2015 season, producers can insure crops against hail damage at the maximum coverage rate of $75 per acre for dryland and $114 for irrigated land. Rates charged are a percentage of the i...
Helena, Mont., Following an official announcement by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, Montana agriculture will now have $1.3 million in federal grant funding available through the Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) program. With the announcement of additional funding available, the Montana Department of Agriculture is extending the deadline to submit an application to April 22, 2015. “With this additional funding from USDA, Montana can continue to develop specialty crops grown in our state, expand their markets, and create jobs. Based o...
Helena, Mont., Governor Steve Bullock welcomed a Capitol full of people to celebrate National Ag Day with state legislators, the department of agriculture, state agriculture organizations, and agriculture advocates. The all-Montana meal with items such as beef brisket, baked ham, roasted lamb and potato salad with local potatoes fed hungry legislators. "It's a great day to celebrate National Ag Day in Montana, and remember all that farmers and ranchers do to ensure that we have abundant, safe,...
Helena, Mont., Montana’s Corn Advisory Committee will be holding a public hearing to receive relevant input from growers, producers, and first purchasers regarding the creation of a proposed corn check-off program to support corn research and production education in Montana. The department of agriculture has received a petition containing more than 25 signatures from corn growers throughout the state proposing a corn check-off program to advance corn research and production education in the state. The committee and representatives from the d...
Helena, Mont. – In a rare opportunity to participate in Montana’s rapidly expanding beef genetics export market, the Montana Department of Agriculture is seeking two representatives from the Montana beef genetics industry to join in a trade mission to Australia in May. Australia is currently Montana’s second largest customer for beef semen purchases, yet Montana has never been on a trade mission to the country. “This is an exciting opportunity to grow in an important market and build on existing relationships,” said Marty Earnheart, Meats and...
Public Information Specialist/Special Projects Helena, Mont. – After record hail crop damage and claims last year, the 2014 season has been below average in reported damage so far this year. The last day for producers with state hail insurance to file a hail loss claim is October 1, 2014. “This year has been fairly quiet compared to last year. We’ve had a few events around the state, but to date we are below average. The department wants to remind producers that if they experienced any hail damage and have coverage through the state, they...
The Agriculture Development Council is requesting grant and loan applications for the Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) program to help strengthen and diversify Montana’s agricultural industry through new agricultural products and processes. Over $330,000 was awarded last application cycle. “The grants and loans the Agriculture Development Council approve through the GTA program have helped dozens of businesses get the capital they need to grow and create jobs while adding value to our agriculture sector,” said Governor Steve Bullock. “With...
Bee Swarms are a natural process and good for bee health. MT ranked #2 in honey production. As summer approaches, bees may look for a new home by swarming. Honey bee swarms are a natural process, and when one is found, a licensed beekeeper is the best bet to have it removed safely. "Swarms can be intimidating but it is rare for swarming bees to sting. Swarming is how bees make new bees," Lay explained. "About half the colony leaves with the old queen and as much honey as they can eat. They'll...
The U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agriculture Statistics Service (USDA NASS) released the final 2012 Ag Census Report today, including information on agriculture in Montana. The full report can be found at agcensus.usda.gov/index . The USDA NASS takes a complete count of America’s farms and ranches and the people who operate them every five years. The last survey was conducted in 2007. “Agriculture is a foundation of Montana’s economy with over $4.2 billion in agricultural products produced in 2012. This report allows us to exami...
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that Montana will receive more than $986,000 from the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBG). Montana’s increase in funding is largely due to the additional acres of dry peas and lentils planted. The previous award amount was $305,000. The application deadline remains 5 p.m. on May 21, 2014. Specialty crops are fruits and vegetables, culinary and medicinal herbs, horticultural, and nursery crops, including floriculture. Eligible plants must be intensively cultivated and used by people for food, m...
Today, Governor Bullock, the Montana Department of Agriculture and the Agriculture Development Council announced the recipients of $333,404 in funding for agricultural related projects. “We are pleased to announce the Growth Through Agriculture award recipients. These 17 projects aim to enhance agriculture, grow our rural economy and create jobs. When we add value to our agricultural products in Montana, more money stays in the local community and on Main Street,” said Governor Steve Bullock. The Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) program provide...
The Montana Department of Agriculture announced the award of over $1.4 million in grant funds for the development and implementation of noxious weed management programs. “We all have a stake in combating the spread of noxious weeds at a statewide level. The Noxious Weed Management Advisory Council has a unique opportunity to look holistically at the state’s noxious weeds and fund areas that are going to be the most effective. This year the council reviewed over $2 million in proposals and awarded more than $1.4 million in funds for edu...
On Monday, the Montana Hail Board voted to expand coverage, including a slight increase in premiums on hail insurance. At producers’ request and with the authority granted in House Bill 189, the board voted unanimously to increase per-acreage coverage on non-irrigated land from $50 to $75 and on irrigated land from $76 to $114 or a 50% increase in coverage. “Producers were looking for increased coverage and the legislature granted the board authority last session. The board was happy to provide the coverage and unanimously pass the mot...
The Montana Department of Agriculture announced that funding is available and applications will be accepted to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. After receiving funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the state will disburse $305,000 to successful applicants through a competitive grant process. Specialty crops are fruits and vegetables, culinary and medicinal herbs, dried fruits, horticultural, and nursery crops, including floriculture. Eligible plants must be intensively cultivated and used by people for...
