Articles written by jayson o neill


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  • Specialty Crop Funding Available, MT Dept. of Ag is Accepting Grant Applications

    Jayson O Neill|Mar 12, 2014

    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...

  • Montana Hail Program Pays Out Record Amount 186% of Premiums Paid in 2013

    Jayson O Neill|Mar 5, 2014

    Montana’s hail insurance program paid out record amounts in 2013. Due to the costs associated with the extensive crop damage, the hail board voted to not offer refunds to farmers this year. After issuing 2,082 polices last year, the Montana Department of Agriculture and the hail board covered 1,046 losses totaling more than $14 million from hail events. In the program’s 98 year history, Montana hail program experienced the worst loss on record. “The bottom-line is Montana had a bad hail year. With sound fiscal management and a strong reser...

  • New Montana Wheat and Barley Bureau Chief Announced

    Jayson O Neill|Jan 29, 2014

    Montana Department of Agriculture Director Ron de Yong announced the selection of Collin Watters as the new wheat and barley bureau chief. This position also serves as the executive vice president of the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee. Official duties begin on January 27, 2014. “It is an honor to announce that Collin Watters will be the new wheat and barley bureau chief,” said Director de Yong. “With the department since 2005, Collin comes with an extensive background and familiarity of Montana agriculture, serving as the agriculture marke...