Sorted by date Results 1 - 19 of 19
Helena, MT – As dry conditions persist throughout the state, the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) would like to remind farmers and ranchers that they can use the Hay Hotline, an online forum, to list their forage for sale or donation, and/or search listings for a variety of forage or pasture posted by other producers. “Dry conditions seem to be persisting, so the need for hay and pasture will be on everyone’s minds,” said MDA Director Christy Clark. “Our Hay Hotline is a free online listing page to find hay or pasture or list a need fo...
Helena, MT – For over 100 years, the Montana State Hail Insurance program has provided vital hail coverage to producers in every corner of the state. With planting season right around the corner, the Montana Department of Agriculture is reminding folks to contact the program and get covered. “The Montana State Hail Insurance Program was established over 100 years ago at the request of producers to fill coverage gaps in hail insurance. Due to the support of Montana producers, the program remains strong and to this day and is an effective too...
Helena, MT - On Monday, April 4, the Montana Department of Livestock (MDOL) implemented an updated policy for recording, transferring, and rerecording of brands. The policy was developed by a committee of state legislators, representatives of industry organizations, members of the Board of Livestock, and MDOL staff in response to the industry’s requests for increased availability of 2-character brands. Major changes include additional acceptable characters, more lenient format guidelines, and the elimination of over 40% of regional character c...
Helena, MT – The Department of Livestock (DOL) is asking Montanans to be aware that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been diagnosed in domestic poultry and wild birds in 18 states to date in 2022. HPAI spreads rapidly and is associated with severe disease and high death loss. Migratory waterfowl are the primary source for avian influenza (AI). The virus is shed in the feces, saliva, and other respiratory secretions of infected birds. Wild birds can carry the virus and appear healthy. Domestic poultry become infected through d...
Helena, MT – On Saturday, Jan. 1, the Montana Department of Livestock (MDOL) Brand Rerecord period ended. Brand Rerecord is a one-year period in which Montana brand owners renew their brands with the state to ensure an accurate record of livestock brands that are still in use. Brand Rerecord began in 1921 and occurs every ten years. As of Jan. 1, there were 55,567 brands recorded with the Department of Livestock. By Dec. 31, 2021, 47,663 brands were rerecorded. During the rerecord year, the Department of Livestock also recorded 1,000 new b...
Helena - The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for the 2022 hemp growing season after receiving federal approval from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for its state hemp production plan which took effect Jan. 1. “Montana’s hemp industry continues to advance and present opportunities for growers, especially with regard to fiber and grain,” said Christy Clark, Montana Department of Agriculture acting director. “Our department is proud to operate a hemp program that has been federally compliant...
Helena, MT - The Montana Pulse Crop Committee will meet in Great Falls at Best Western Heritage Inn beginning at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 9. To receive information to join the committee’s meeting on Nov. 9, please contact Dani Jones at [email protected]. The Montana Pulse Crop Committee’s mission is to invest in and deliver support for marketing, research, education, and policy development programming that improves return on investment for the pulse producers of Montana....
Helena, MT - As established in House Bill 93 signed during the 2021 legislative session, the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) can now certify additional materials, such as gravel, as being free of noxious weeds. Administrative rules for Noxious Weed Free Materials (MAR Notice No. 4-21-273) were recently adopted following a public hearing and comment period that received no comments, although industry groups have expressed support for certifying materials beyond forage. “Laying the groundwork for more materials to be certified as w...
Helena - As Montana agricultural producers strive to find adequate feed for livestock during severe drought conditions and a damaging wildfire season, the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) is issuing guidance for out-of-county or state shipments of hay to prevent the spread of noxious weeds and other invasive pests. “The need for hay far outweighs our supply right now in Montana,” said Acting Director Christy Clark. “We recognize the need to find hay for our producers, but there can be some very serious consequences if we don’t do our...
Helena - As severe drought conditions and wildfires persist across the state, the Montana Department of Agriculture is reminding agricultural producers of the availability of the Hay Hotline, an online tool that connects those interested in buying, selling, or donating hay or pasture. The Hay Hotline allows producers to enter new listings with descriptions of the forage they have available to sell or donate. It also provides users with an option to search for available hay or pasture. The online tool is maintained by the Montana Department of...
Helena - As severe drought conditions and wildfires persist across the state, the Montana Department of Agriculture is reminding agricultural producers of the availability of the Hay Hotline, an online tool that connects those interested in buying, selling, or donating hay or pasture. The Hay Hotline allows producers to enter new listings with descriptions of the forage they have available to sell or donate. It also provides users with an option to search for available hay or pasture. The online tool is maintained by the Montana Department of...
Helena - The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) is pleased to announce its plans to prioritize mental health through a comprehensive program aimed at alleviating stress for Montana farmers and ranchers. The Montana Department of Agriculture recently secured a $500,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN), a program authorized through the Farm Bill to connect individuals engaged in farming, ranching, and other agriculture-related occupations to stress assistance p...
Helena - The Montana Department of Agriculture is reminding producers to participate in the upcoming Wheat and Barley Varieties Survey conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). “This year’s varieties survey will give our breeding program unique and widespread insight into the characteristics that are truly important to Montana farmers,” said Cassidy Marn, Montana Wheat and Barley Committee executive vice president. “With producer checkoff dollars helping to fund breeding...
As farmers prepare for spring planting, the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee is reminding producers to ensure that wheat shipments destined for export are buckwheat-free. In light of the ongoing global pandemic, food safety has become one of the most important factors for purchasers of ingredients. Montana exports 60-80% of its wheat to countries located in the Pacific Rim. Since Asian countries are large importers of Montana wheat, it is important that producers and handlers understand the serious health risk and potential economic impact po...
As farmers prepare for spring planting, the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee is reminding producers to ensure that wheat shipments destined for export are buckwheat-free. In light of the ongoing global pandemic, food safety has become one of the most important factors for purchasers of ingredients. Montana exports 60-80% of its wheat to countries located in the Pacific Rim. Since Asian countries are large importers of Montana wheat, it is important that producers and handlers understand the serious health risk and potential economic impact po...
Helena, MT - The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) is reminding hemp growers and processors to submit their hemp checkoff payments before the end of the year. The Montana Hemp Advisory Committee will decide how to allocate the checkoff funds for research, market development and education to develop and enhance Montana’s hemp industry. Montana hemp growers voted to approve the nation’s first hemp checkoff earlier this year. The checkoff was established at 1% of the value of the crop being sold at the first point of sale. Hemp growers can s...
Helena, MT – The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) is currently recruiting for open positions on its Noxious Weed Seed Free Forage Advisory Council. The following council terms are currently vacant: • Certified Weed Seed Free Forage Producer (Eastern Region) • Certified Weed Seed Free Forage Producer (Any Region) • Outfitter’s or Guide’s Organization • Certified Weed Seed Free Forage Producer (Central Region) • Western County Weed District Representative • Eastern County Weed District Representative • Forage Product Processor Members o...
Helena, MT – The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) is currently recruiting for open positions on its Noxious Weed Seed Free Forage Advisory Council. The following council terms are currently vacant: • Certified Weed Seed Free Forage Producer (Eastern Region) • Certified Weed Seed Free Forage Producer (Any Region) • Outfitter’s or Guide’s Organization • Certified Weed Seed Free Forage Producer (Central Region) • Western County Weed District Representative • Eastern County Weed District Representative • Forage Product Processor Members o...
Helena, MT – In light of recent severe weather events, the Montana State Hail Program reminds producers that now is an opportune time to make sure crops are covered. Staff is available to accept policies, file claims, and to answer any questions producers might have regarding coverage options. Producers can insure crops against hail damage at the maximum coverage rate of $75 per acre for dryland and $114 per acre for irrigated land. Rates charged are a percentage of the insured amount and vary by county. A detailed list of rates by county a...
