Spring wheat production in Montana is forecast at 85.00 million bushels, up 6 percent from the July 1 forecast but down 11 percent from the 95.88 million bushels produced last year, the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service reported. Estimated acreage for harvest, at 2.50 million acres, is down 320,000 acres from the 2.82 million acres Read More…

Farmers and ranchers have long been in search of ways to limit the need for tillage and chemical herbicides on farmland, and two researchers in Montana State University’s College of Agriculture are working on a project that may provide a solution. With help from the Western Sustainable Agricultural Research and Education program, which is being Read More…

A local water rights group is encouraging anyone with a senior water right to pay close attention to their mailbox, according to a release from the Association of Gallatin Agricultural Irrigators, or AGAI. “You must be involved in the process to protect your water right,” AGAI organizers said. In case right holders are not aware, Read More…

The Montana Water Court could soon reach a turning point once all its old water rights cases are settled. But experts say that won’t be the end of the state’s water disputes. That’s why some lawmakers and lobbyists support mandating an interim study that will examine the future of the Montana Water Court and finding Read More…

Sreekala Bajwa, an expert in precision farming and the new vice president of agriculture at Montana State University, holds a sweeping vision for new role. “My vision is — and I’m still learning — is to really learn, talk to people and find out what the challenges are and where the opportunities are that we Read More…

HELENA — The old Western adage that “whiskey’s for drinking, water is for fighting over” is repeated so often it’s almost become a cliché. But water is always a hot topic in the Treasure State, and a classic Western water fight is playing out in the Legislature over a bill that would address who can Read More…

Late January storms saved the Gallatin River basin from dismal snowpack levels, but there is still a lot of time before the water season ends, according to the National Resources and Conservation Service. “Seventeen days. That’s how long the snowmobilers and skiers in the Gallatin River basin had to wait after the New Year started Read More…

The late Ron Ueland of Butte, a Montana State University football legend and giant in Montana agriculture, has been named the university’s 2018 Outstanding Agricultural Leader. “Ron was a champion of MSU and Montana agriculture for most of his very full, accomplished life,” said Charles Boyer, MSU vice president of agriculture of Ueland, who died Read More…

The Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame & Western Heritage Center (MCHF & WHC) announced the eleventh class of inductions into the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame. The inductees were chosen from a field of candidates nominated by the general public. Inductees are honored for their notable contributions to the history and culture of Montana. “Our Read More…

A philanthropic foundation dedicated to agricultural research and educational programs has funded a new academic seminar series at Montana State University. The Bair Ranch Foundation Seminar Series, housed in the Department of Animal and Range Sciences, part of MSU’s College of Agriculture, will bring nationally renowned experts in agricultural and natural resources to MSU and Read More…

Montana ranchers are encouraged to donate a steer for the benefit of the learning and development of next generation agricultural producers. Montana State University’s College of Agriculture is seeking donations of steers for its Steer-A-Year program. The program accepts donated steers, monetary support and feed. The donated steers allow students in the program to engage Read More…