September 15, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Western Ranchers Discuss Policy Priorities during Annual Meeting in Cody

PLC LogoWASHINGTON – The Public Lands Council hosted its annual meeting in Cody, Wyo., last week to discuss issues critical to the western ranching industry. Session topics included the need for modernization of the Endangered Species Act, sage grouse, invasive species, wildfire management, water rights issues, and management of wild horses among others. These hot button items drew a wide attendance and speakers from national affiliate organizations, the Western Governors’ Association, Western Resources Legal Center as well as Bureau of Land Management, the US Forest Service, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

“The western ranching industry is unique in the fact that it faces an added layer of federal bureaucracy in dealing with lands managed by the government,” said Dustin Van Liew, PLC executive director. “Nearly 22,000 ranchers utilize grazing permits to graze on federal lands equating to nearly 40 percent of western cow herd and 50 percent of the nation’s sheep herd spending some time on federal lands. I’m pleased this year’s meeting brought great insight and discussion to the table.”

The potential listing of the Greater Sage Grouse under the Endangered Species Act was top of mind, as the habitat improves and even thrives, specifically in properly-managed ranching areas. James Ogsbury, executive director of the Western Governors’ Association stressed the importance of individual state involvement in land management decisions such as the potential listing of the Sage Grouse, which would not only harm the ranching industry, but potentially halt the successful conservation programs already underway by ranchers and the states.

Western Resources Legal Center Executive Director Caroline Lobdell gave an eye-opening presentation on emerging issues in animal law. One particular issue of concern being tried in the courts, she said, is attributing human rights and personhood onto animals and livestock.

The Public Lands Endowment Trust allocated nearly a half a million dollars to invest in the protection, enhancement, and preservation of the western ranching industry, including a continuation of the communications project that serves to educate policy influencers and the public on the beneficial uses of grazing on federal lands. Since inception four years ago, the Trust has distributed over $1.3 million to projects across the west.

“Grazing continues to represent a multiple use that is essential to the livestock industry, wildlife habitat, open space, and the rural economies of many western communities,” said Van Liew. “This meeting always fosters insightful conversation about the future of the industry, and we greatly appreciate those who sacrifice their time and energy to join the meeting to shape the direction of our industry.”

September 11, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Public Lands Council Hosts Annual Meeting in Cody

PLC LogoCODY, Wyo. – Western ranchers are gathering this week in Cody, Wyo., for the 2015 Public Lands Council annual meeting. As the only organization in Washington D.C. solely dedicated to representing livestock ranchers who utilize public lands, PLC’s annual meeting will focus on legislative and regulatory updates. This year’s meeting has a schedule full of top-notch speakers covering a wide range of topics.

“Each year this meeting gets better, and this year will be no exception,” said Brenda Richards, PLC president. “Ranchers in the West have had some great wins over the past year, including the passage of key provisions of the Grazing Improvement Act, because of our strong membership base and the engagement of our organization. Annual meeting is an important event as we come together to discuss some of the hot-button issues going on in the industry and develop policy priorities.”

The sessions started Thursday and cover a range of topics including the need for modernization of the Endangered Species Act, invasive species, wildfire management, water rights issues, sage grouse, and management of wild horses, and include speakers from the Western Governors Association, Western Resources Legal Center, the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service as well as industry representatives.

“As has been the case in recent years, there continues to be no shortage of issues to discuss this year, and it’s important for ranchers to engage in the conversation that shape national policy decisions,” added Richards. “With many of the best and brightest minds in the public lands policy and management business here, it is set to be a beneficial and informative meeting.”

For more information about the meeting and learn more about the organization, visit www.publiclandscouncil.org.

September 11, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Researchers seek information from Montana cattle producers and veterinarians

5L Ranch red angus calf warm in strawResearchers from Montana State University Extension and Washington State University are asking Montana beef cattle producers and veterinarians to participate in a voluntary online survey to learn more about a novel form of neonatal calf pneumonia found in Montana.

Rachel Endecott, MSU Extension beef specialist, and colleagues at WSU said that a unique form of neonatal calf pneumonia has been diagnosed in several Montana beef herds over the last 6-8 years. The majority of affected calves are relatively normal at birth, but go on to develop signs of pneumonia within the first 1-4 days of life and die due to respiratory failure, Endecott said. A small proportion of calves with this problem are born dead, she added.

Samples from these animals have been submitted to veterinary diagnostic laboratories where they were diagnosed with pneumonia, but a specific cause was not identified, according to Endecott. Researchers believe that affected herds typically experience a three to five percent (or greater) increase in calf losses associated with this problem the first year it is recognized, and 0.5-1.0 percent greater calf losses in subsequent calving years. Endecott said more information is needed to better understand the problem.

MSU Extension and WSU researchers will use the data collected through these surveys to help investigate the prevalence of this unique form of neonatal calf pneumonia in Montana and better estimate its impact on producers, Endecott said. The survey results will then be used to help guide a study to determine the cause of the disease and develop a treatment and/or management strategy to prevent calf losses.

Endecott noted the survey should take only a couple of minutes.

“We appreciate the involvement of all beef cattle producers and veterinarians in helping us better understand this illness so that we can manage it appropriately,” Endecott said.

The surveys can be found online at http://animalrangeextension.montana.edu/beef.

Contact: Rachel Endecott, (406) 994-3747 or [email protected]

September 8, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

State Adds Three New Invasive Plants to Noxious Weed List

Common Reed (Phragmites australis) - Click image to learn more

Common Reed (Phragmites australis) – Click image to learn more

The State of Montana updated the Montana State Noxious Weed List to include three new plants and shifted the priorities of three existing weeds effective July, 2015.

Noxious weeds are invasive plants that have been determined to have the potential to or have actual detrimental impacts to Montana’s environment and economy. Propagation of these state listed noxious weeds is prohibited by law. They are prioritized by the establishment of the weed and management criteria.

“Noxious weeds can impact the ecology of local areas in many ways and they can have a large impact on Montana’s agricultural sector. We update the list to reflect the highest priority noxious weeds that we try to prevent from becoming established or propagated within the state,” said Statewide Noxious Weed Coordinator Dave Burch.

One new plant was added to the priority 1A list, Common reed (Phragmites australis ssp. australis), which has been detected within the state. A priority 1A listing means the weeds are not present or have a very limited presence in Montana. If a weed is designated as a priority 1A it requires preventive measures, education about the noxious weed and eradication if detected.

“It’s extremely important that we do all we can to prevent, educate and, if necessary, eradicate any new priority 1A noxious weeds; based on their invasive behavior in nearby states, we believe that they can have a very detrimental effect on our landscape.  We often rely on eyes and ears out in the field to help manage and prevent noxious weeds from becoming established, so it is important to know the state’s priority noxious weeds, and help identify and inform weed managers,” said Jane Mangold, Associate Professor and MSU Extension Invasive Plant Specialist.

Brazilian waterweed (Egeria densa) and Parrot Feather Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum aquaticum or M. brasiliense) were added to the Regulated Plant List. Regulated plants require that none are sold or transported in Montana. Eurasian watermilfoil and Flowering rush were moved to a Priority 2A, while Hoary alyssum was moved to Priority 2B. Follow the link to view the current Montana Noxious Weed list: agr.mt.gov/agr/Programs/Weeds/PDF/2015WeedList.pdf

The Montana Department of Agriculture’s mission is to protect producers and consumers, and to enhance and develop agriculture and allied industries. For more information on the Montana Department of Agriculture, visit agr.mt.gov.

MSU Extension is a statewide educational outreach organization that applies unbiased, research-based university resources to address practical needs. For more information on MSU Extension, visit www.msuextension.org.

September 6, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Cattle Markets See Slight Correction, Continued Downward Pressure

Drought Monitor Update September 3

Montana Drought Monitor September 3

Montana Drought Monitor Update, September 3, 2015. Click image to learn more.

Moderate to Extreme drought continues along and west of the Divide, now covering 40% of the state. A continuing lack of precipitation across western Montana prompted a slight eastward shift of all drought categories.

Recent days have brought beneficial precipitation for western Washington (1.5 inches), northern Montana (2-4 inches). This combined with cooler temperatures and higher elevation snow have brought some fire and smoke relief for the region. As of Sunday afternoon, several fires are listed as active in Montana. Many areas west of the Divide remain in Stage II fire restrictions.

View the most current Montana conditions from the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Montana Weekly Auction Report – September 4

Market: Billings Livestock, Public Auction Yards, Miles City

Receipts: 2,103; Last Week 1,529; Last Year 1,087

Compared to last report: Yearling feeder steers and heifers were too lightly tested in any one particular weight category for an accurate market trend, however steady to firm undertones were noticed on steers and steady to weak undertones were noticed on heifers. Quality this week was mixed with both average plain made offerings and very high quality fancy strings of both young calves and yearlings. Weigh-up conditions for yearlings were average to below average at times with many offerings coming straight off grass pushing some fill. Flesh conditions were very light to moderate. Flesh conditions varied drastically this week due to variable pasture and range conditions across the state. Demand for most feeder cattle was moderate, with moderate to good demand seen at times for higher quality offerings.

Weigh-up cows sold with light to moderate demand throughout the week. Weigh-up conditions were average to below average with many cows coming out of very dry country. Quality this week was mostly below average to average and notably higher than last week. Demand for Slaughter cows was mostly moderate with packers showing more willingness to purchase higher quality cows. Slaughter cows sold mostly steady on like quality. Feeding cow buyers showed some increased interest this week as higher quality cattle came through the ring.

A smaller run of cull bulls was seen this week, and many of these bulls were destined to be put on feed. Slaughter bulls sold mostly 3.00 lower. 2-3 year old cows sold with good demand this week as buyers fought over limited offerings.

Read more in USDA’s latest Montana Weekly Market Report.

National Feeder & Stocker Cattle Summary – September 4

Receipts This Week:  Total 211,300 – 140,700 (Auctions); 54,400 (Direct); 16,200 (Video/Internet)

Compared to last week: yearlings traded mostly steady to 3.00 higher (mostly early to midweek) with calves selling steady to 5.00 higher. Several auctions late in the week mostly in the Northern Plains were 5.00-10.00 lower when compared to two weeks ago. After last week’s emotional and very draining week of trading with big moves to the downside in the commodity and equity markets feeder cattle and fed cattle prices were some of the biggest victims of the purge. Calf and yearling prices definitely had room to correct higher; which at most auctions showed some stability and strength this week. The best demand for yearlings remains in the Northern Plains and the availability of yearling cattle is very tight which has created a good competition from cattle buyers needing to procure yearling cattle.

The fall run will soon be underway and usually calf prices feel the pressure as they are pulled off grass as receipts increase with many unweaned and fleshy calves coming to market. For the most part, feeder cattle prices are still feeling pressure from the losses of current fed cattle prices. We have previously seen huge premiums carried by the feeder cattle to the fat cattle and are starting to see a reality check as feeders are seeing prices dropping faster than the fats. Packers are seeing some decent margins, but want to keep those as long as possible, while feedyards are trying to get some of it back; fighting lower bids.

Fears of China’s financial concerns continue to bleed over into U.S. equity and commodity markets which produce a risk mentality for many of the agriculture markets and outlook for livestock prices. The velocity of last week’s sell-off should not be a surprise, but it does leave an impression on the markets. This keeps traders’ attitudes, positions and frame of minds changing fast and in a hurry.

Auction volume included 53% weighing over 600 lbs and 36% heifers.

Read more from the USDA’s latest National Feeder & Stocker Cattle Summary.

Weekly Montana Hay Report – September 4

Compared to last week: Alfalfa was fully steady this week on moderate demand and light movement as many producers are in the fields harvesting other crops. Grass hay experienced much of the same movement volumes as alfalfa. Hay prices across the state have remained steady over the last few weeks. Rain is forecasted and currently falling over much of the northern half of the state and is a very welcomed sight for many dry areas. Much of the central part of the state received rain over the weekend making it hard for producers to put up third cutting. Smoky conditions from wildfires has eased some within the last week.

  • Alfalfa:
    • Supreme: Small Squares, 200.00-225.00
    • Good: Large Squares, 150.00-170.00
    • Fair: Large Squares, 115.00-140.00; Large Rounds, 120.00
  • Grass:
    • Alfalfa Mix Good: Large Rounds: 125.00-140.00
    • Good: Large Rounds, 120.00
    • Fair: Large Rounds, 100.00
  • Timothy Grass:
    • Premium: Small Squares, 180.00-225.00
    • Good: Large Rounds, 120.00; Small Squares, 150.00
  • Barley Straw:
    • Large Squares, 40.00-55.00

Read more from the USDA’s latest Weekly Montana Hay Report.

September 4, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Internship Opportunities Available for the Cattle Industry Convention

National Cattlemens Beef USA logoDENVER – Applications are now being accepted for the 2016 Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Trade Show internships. If you are a college junior or above and are interested in being a part of the cattle industry’s largest event you are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA, a passion for the cattle and agricultural industry and the ability to travel to San Diego Jan. 25-30. NCBA President, Philip Ellis, said this internship is a great opportunity for college students to gain first-hand experience and network with leaders from every segment of the cattle and beef industry.

“Convention interns will benefit from a behind the scenes look at the cattle industry’s most prestigious event,” said Ellis. “The skills they are able to take from their experience and the contacts they make during this internship will last a lifetime.”

Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show interns are vital to the success of the event and a valued member of the team. Student interns will help many different NCBA staff members with a variety of meetings and events. Students should be prepared for a wide range of responsibilities from overseeing committee sign-in to working closely with the NCBA Political Action Committee and Cattlemen to Cattlemen television program.

“In addition to working with leaders in the cattle industry, the convention internship gives student the opportunity to meet and work with other young people from across the country,” said Ellis. “I would strongly recommend anyone who is interested to apply for this one-of-a-kind opportunity.”

Applications for the Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show internship are due by Oct. 1. For more information and to apply click here or go to www.BeefUSA.org and click on careers. Apply today and get ready to Set Sail for San Diego.

August 28, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

USDA Invests an Additional $211 Million for Sage Grouse Conservation Efforts

PLC LogoWASHINGTON – Yesterday, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the Natural Resources Conservation Service will continue its partnership with ranchers to invest in efforts for the conservation of Sage Grouse habitat. The four-year strategy will invest approximately $211 million in conservation efforts on public and private lands throughout the 11 Western states. The Public Lands Council and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association appreciate the NRCS’s commitment to a continued partnership with ranchers.

“Ranchers across the West appreciate the continued partnership with NRCS through the Sage Grouse Initiative,” said Brenda Richards, PLC president and rancher from southern Idaho. “As the original stewards of our Western lands, ranchers work day-in and day-out to maintain healthy rangelands and conserve our natural resources for the generations to come. The Sage Grouse Initiative has proven itself to be a win-win for livestock producers and the grouse, and the partnership through 2018 will support the continuation of the successful conservation efforts already underway.”

The sage grouse is found in eleven states across the western half of the United States, including California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming and encompasses 186 million acres of public and private land. In 2010, the Sage Grouse Initiative launched and has helped ranchers implement increased conservation efforts on their land, benefiting both the grouse habitat and rangeland for livestock ranchers.

The Sage Grouse, due to frivolous lawsuit and litigation, is currently at risk of being listed under the Endangered Species Act. However, the ESA has become one of the most economically damaging laws facing our nation’s livestock producers and is great need of modernization. When species are listed as “threatened” or “endangered” under the ESA, the resulting use-restrictions placed on land and water, the two resources upon which ranchers depend for their livelihoods, are crippling. The ESA has not been reauthorized since 1988 and NCBA and PLC believe the rather than listing the grouse under the ESA, efforts like the Sage Grouse Initiative will benefit the bird more and prove that listing is not the answer.

“The Endangered Species Act is outdated and has proven itself ineffective,” said Philip Ellis, who ranches in Wyoming. “Of the 1,500 domestic species listed since 1973, less than two percent have ever been deemed recovered. With this partnership, voluntary conservation efforts have increased, ranchers remain on the land, and wildlife habitat is thriving. In fact, Interior Secretary Jewell announced this year that through working with ranchers and other stakeholders in Nevada and California, the Bi-State Sage Grouse population was no longer at risk and was not listed under the ESA. This is prime example of how land management and conservation efforts should be made, in partnership with those that know the land the best.”

Learn more about the USDA NRCS Sage Grouse Initiative programs here.

August 26, 2015 1 Comment Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Federal judge denies injunction to stop sheep grazing in Gravelly Mountains

IMG_0589In July, U.S. District Court Judge Brian Morris denied a preliminary injunction to block sheep grazing on two U.S. Forest Service allotments in the Gravelly Mountains in southwestern Montana. The injunction was sought by the Gallatin Wildlife Association (GWA) and would have affected permittees Helle Livestock and Rebish/Konen Livestock Limited Partnership. The decision is significant because it demonstrates that the Court is thus far unconvinced by GWA’s claims and presently finds the group unlikely to succeed on the merits of the case.

GWA claimed an injunction was necessary to prevent irreparable harm to grizzly bears and bighorn sheep, as well as its members’ recreational and aesthetic values. In a memorandum explaining his decision to deny the injunction, Judge Morris highlighted the fact that domestic sheep have grazed in the Gravelly Mountains since the 1860s and seven domestic sheep grazing allotments have been managed there since the 1920s. He stated, “Gallatin fails to explain how this historical grazing apparently has not caused irreparable harm, yet allowing grazing to occur during the 2015 grazing season would cause irreparable harm.”

Judge Morris also pointed out that Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks introduced the Greenhorn herd of bighorns sheep into the Gravelly Mountains just 12 years ago. A distance of six to 17 miles separates the bighorn sheep herd from one of the grazing allotments. No commingling has occurred to-date and no bighorn sheep have been removed or died due to domestic sheep grazing. Regarding grizzly bears, Judge Morris repeated his belief that GWA had failed to provide evidence why this year would be any more irreparably harmful to grizzly bears than the past 150 years of sheep grazing.

In the overarching case, GWA brought suit against the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) challenging the Annual Operating Instructions, the 2009 Revised Forest Plan, USFWS’s 2013 Biological Opinion for the Revised Forest Plan, and the Forest Service’s failure to prepare supplemental National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis on specific Allotment Management Plans. GWA alleges that the Forest Service has violated NEPA, the Endangered Species Act, and the National Forest Management Act. Seven grazing allotments in the Gravelly Mountains are at issue in the case. The Helles and Rebish/Konen Livestock, as permittees, were allowed to intervene.

Under the Administrative Procedure Act, the Court must defer to the agencies’ judgment, and will only set aside their decisions if it determines their actions were “arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law.” 5 U.S.C. 706(2)(A). The Court’s preliminary review in the context of the injunction decision revealed no such issues.

The Court did express concerns about the Forest Service failing to include a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between itself, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and the permittees as part of its final Environmental Impact Statement. The MOU prohibits the Forest Service from changing the domestic sheep grazing, but any of the parties can terminate the agreement at any time. The fact that the MOU was eventually acknowledged, “tempers the Court’s concern,” according to the memorandum. However, this issue could have an impact on GWA’s claims in regards to NEPA violations.

In the memorandum, Judge Morris emphasized the challenge for federal land managers to balance the “seeming incompatibility of grizzly bear and bighorn sheep with domestic sheep.” He stated that the issues presented by GWA will likely remain beyond this grazing season and the Court will carefully examine the issues raised by the case. However, an injunction to halt grazing this season was not warranted.

By Ariel Overstreet-Adkins, law student at the University of Montana School of Law

August 22, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Cattle on Feed Up 3 Percent, Smoke Impedes Second Hay Cutting

Drought Monitor Update August 20

Montana Drought Monitor August 20

Montana Drought Monitor Update, August 20, 2015. Click image to learn more.

Extreme drought continues to hold its grip on portions of far Western Montana where fire danger remains immediate concern. Warm, dry air continued to dominate the West. Click here to hear from Idaho ranchers impacted by the large Soda Fire.

California continues to deal with its ongoing drought. Water managers and farmers are adapting their practices to help conserve water and reduce economic loss in the state.

During the next 6-10 days, chances are likely Montana will experience warmer than normal temperatures with a strong ridge holding its grip on the West.

View the most current Montana conditions from the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Montana Weekly Auction Report – August 21

Market: Public Auction Yards, Miles City

Receipts: 2,398; Last Week NA; Last Year NA

Compared to last report: The majority of feeder cattle offered this week were yearlings. Quality this week was average to attractive with a few long strings of very attractive yearlings. Yearlings offered this week come both off grass as well as out of backgrounding lots. Overall flesh conditions were light to moderate this week. Even backgrounded yearlings were in light to moderate flesh and sold equally as well as grass cattle.

Weigh-up cows sold overall with light to moderate demand on mostly light offerings. Demand for Slaughter cows was light to moderate this week with the best demand seen for boning and lean cows. Fleshy breaking cows sold on light demand as packer buyer back off on these offerings. This allowed for feeding cow buyers to purchase some of these offerings to return to the country to feed. A large run of cull bulls continues to come to town after the breeding season. Many of these bulls in very light to light flesh.

Read more in USDA’s latest Montana Weekly Market Report.

August Cattle On Feed Report

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 10.0 million head on August 1, 2015. The inventory was 3 percent above August 1, 2014.

Placements in feedlots during July totaled 1.55 million head, 1 percent below 2014. Net placements were 1.49 million head. During July, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 365,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 235,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 327,000 head, and 800 pounds and greater were 620,000 head. Placements are the lowest for July since the series began in 1996.

Marketings of fed cattle during July totaled 1.73 million head, 3 percent below 2014. Marketings are the lowest for July since the series began in 1996.

Read more from USDA’s latest Cattle on Feed Report.

National Feeder & Stocker Cattle Summary – August 21

Receipts This Week:  Total 178,200 – 136,300 (Auctions); 24,500 (Direct); 17,400 (Video/Internet)

Compared to last week: calves and yearlings traded weak to 5.00 lower with a number of instances 10.00 lower from midweek on. Direct sales traded steady to 2.00 lower early in the week, then turning 3.00-7.00 lower late week. Cattle futures seem to keep the focus on the bearish side, not wanting to show much life. Cattle futures on Wednesday reared their ugly head closing with sharp triple-digit losses, making new lows for the month. Market psychology keeps focus on negative fundamentals, with plentiful supplies and lower prices for competing meats, struggling outside markets, lower meat exports and the focus of trading the market on what is happening right now.

In the next 30-45 days auctions should see a good number of feeder cattle moving off pasture into feed yards. Unless the fed cattle market gets a move up the feeder cattle market won’t be able to maintain the premiums that has been paid for yearlings and calves the previous months.Time is running out to take advantage of summer grilling demand and with the fed cattle market remaining stagnant, cut-out values have made some steady gains over the last couple of weeks heading into Labor Day Weekend.

Auction volume included 54 percent weighing over 600 lbs and 36 percent heifers.

Read more from the USDA’s latest National Feeder & Stocker Cattle Summary.

Weekly Montana Hay Report – August 21

Compared to last week: Alfalfa was steady this week as rains across the northern and eastern parts of the state over the past few weeks have eased some forage concerns. The urgency to find hay seen earlier in the month seems to have scaled back as pasture and range conditions have improved. Demand for Alfalfa was moderate this week. Grass hay experienced many of the same issues as lighter demand was seen across the state this week. Many producers seem willing to wait this out and see if market conditions improve as we head into fall.

The western half of the state continues to remain in extreme drought conditions and wildfires continue to plague the area. Hay to ship to this region of the state remains in good demand and has helped provide some stability to the rest of the state’s hay markets. Additionally, the wildfires have caused smoky conditions for much of the central and eastern half of the state causing low visibility conditions. This has impeded many finishing up second cutting or starting on third as hazy, overcast conditions make for longer dry times.

  • Alfalfa:
    • Supreme: Small Squares, 200.00-225.00
    • Good: Large Squares, 150.00-170.00
    • Fair: Large Squares, 115.00-140.00; Large Rounds, 120.00
  • Grass:
    • Good: Large Rounds, 120.00
    • Fair: Large Rounds, 100.00
  • Timothy Grass:
    • Premium: Small Squares, 180.00-210.00
    • Good: Large Rounds, 120.00; Small Squares, 150.00

Read more from the USDA’s latest Weekly Montana Hay Report.

August 18, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Catastrophic Wildfires Across the West Bring Attention to Need for Management

PLC LogoWASHINGTON – As massive wildfires blaze across the West this week, the need to address the increasing wildfire threat is even more apparent. According to the Agriculture and Interior Departments, there are currently 19,000 interagency personnel fighting wildfires across 13 states. The Soda Fire that burned across southern Idaho and eastern Oregon consumed roughly 300,000 acres of rangeland, threatening the homes and lives of residents, livestock and wildlife.

While Washington bureaucrats call for more funds to suppress the growing fires, the Public Lands Council and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association sent a letter to the White House today stressing the importance of proper natural resource management in order to help prevent these catastrophic events in our nation’s forests and rangeland which are managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, wildfire suppression now costs the agency more than $1 billion annually and for the first time in its 110-year history, the agency is spending more than half of its budget on wildfire suppression. When the cost of suppression exceeds the budgeted amount, USFS is forced to reallocate funds from other programs to cover the cost of fire suppression, known as fire-borrowing. While PLC and NCBA believe that having fire suppression funds available to cover the cost of fighting fire and prevent fire-borrowing is important, the organizations firmly believe that proper forest and rangeland management is the key to reducing catastrophic wildfires in the first place.

PLC President Brenda Richards said the mismanagement of federally-owned forests and rangelands has created great economic hardship and danger for ranchers that depend upon the land.

“This year’s fire season has proven once again the federal mismanagement of our forests and rangeland,” said Richards, whose ranch has suffered damage in the current Idaho/Oregon fire. “The livestock industry and rural economies will spend decades attempting to recover from the millions of dollars’ worth of infrastructure damage and forage loss that have been the result of catastrophic wildfire in recent weeks and years, not to mention the loss of valuable wildlife habitat. Because of frivolous litigation and attempts to keep peace with extremists, our government agencies have hampered the most natural and cost-effective wildfire prevention techniques, and subsequently put the lives of ranching families like mine and others in rural communities at risk.”

As the letter stresses, natural forest fires were nature’s tool to burn the underbrush and smaller trees, creating less competition for resources and resulting in healthier forests. Due to population growth and urban sprawl, people now live in the natural path of fires and as a result humans must take over managing the resources. However, Philip Ellis, NCBA president from Chugwater, Wyo., said with 82 million acres of Forest Service land at an elevated risk of catastrophic wildfires, insect, or disease outbreak, it is clear the federal agencies tasked to manage our forests are failing to exercise their responsibility.

“We have seen more red tape and regulation than ever before, and our natural resources are paying the heavy price,” said Ellis. “This administration continues to push the best caretakers off the land, and now it’s up to Congress to rein the agencies in. As Congress continues discussions to address the lack of stewardship these agencies have shown to the land and natural resources, we encourage them to find a solution that will help prevent these wildfires, rather than simply throwing more money in the attempt to control them after the fact.”

PLC and NCBA strongly supported H.R. 2647 introduced by Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) which passed the House on a bipartisan vote, and continues to support S. 1691 introduced by Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) which saw a hearing in July. These bills would require the Forest Service to treat a minimum of 2 million acres with mechanical treatment or prescribed burns each year, with reduced NEPA requirements for these projects. Further, this legislation would discourage frivolous litigation by requiring litigants to post a bond equal to the estimated costs of court proceedings and would require an arbitration process to precede the lawsuit. The legislation would also prevent fire borrowing and stop the federal agencies from raiding accounts necessary for proper forest and range management. PLC and NCBA encourage the Senate to take up this legislation and pass it without delay and call for federal land management agencies to streamline regulations that will allow for active management of forests and rangelands and discontinue harmful closed-door settlements with litigious radical groups that seek to see non-management on all lands across the west – the very action which leads to catastrophic wildfire.

–Press Release, Public Lands Council