Understanding Water Access in Montana Agriculture
Water policy continues to be one of the most important and complex issues impacting Montana agriculture. Access to reliable water sources is essential for livestock production, rural development, and the long-term sustainability of family ranching operations.
Water Educational Series
The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) will host a four-part webinar series this fall focused on Montana water law, water right administration, and the water policy issues expected to shape the 2027 Montana Legislative Session. The series is designed to help agricultural water users, ranchers, landowners, and water right holders better understand Montana’s water system and the issues that could affect water rights and agricultural operations.
Montana Water Law 101
- Presenter: Abby Brown, Attorney at Law, Parsons Behle and Latimer PC
- Watch the recording below
Adjudication, Permitting, and the District Court
- Presenter: Abby Brown, Attorney at Law, Parsons Behle and Latimer PC
- Watch the recording below
Water Right Administration and Water Commissioners
- October 28 | 7:00 p.m.
- Presenter: Julie Nordlund, Attorney at Law, Jardine, Stephenson, Blewett & Weaver, P.C.
- This session will focus on how Montana’s water rights are administered and enforced. The webinar will explore the roles of the Montana Water Court, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), and District Courts, as well as how water rights are administered on the ground. Participants will also learn about the responsibilities of water commissioners in managing water use among water right holders, how water disputes are addressed, and what water users should know about protecting and exercising their water rights.
- Learn More
- Register Now
Water Policy and the 2027 Legislative Session
- November 4 | 7:00 p.m.
- Presenters: Raylee Honeycutt, MSGA Executive Vice President, and Abby Brown, Attorney at Law, Parsons Behle and Latimer PC
- The final webinar will look ahead to the 2027 Montana Legislative Session and the key water policy issues expected to be considered by the Montana Legislature. The discussion will explore proposed changes to Montana’s water laws, potential impacts on water rights and agricultural producers, and the policy discussions shaping the upcoming session. Participants will gain a better understanding of the legislative process, key water policy proposals, and ways to stay informed and engaged as the session approaches.
- Learn More
- Register Now
Water Webinar Library
Understanding Water Access in Montana
In this recorded session, the presenter provides an overview of the Montana Water Use Act, explaining how exempt wells work, why they matter to ranchers and rural communities, and how they interact with Montana’s water rights system and administrative processes. This educational resource is designed to make a complex topic more accessible and give producers practical insight into an issue that directly affects agricultural operations across the state.
Montana Water Law 101
This recording covers the fundamentals of Montana’s water rights system and the laws that shape how water is used across the state. Topics include types of water rights, priority dates, and basic concepts of Montana water law. Viewers will gain a better understanding of how water laws may affect agricultural water users and why staying informed is important for protecting water rights and planning for the future.
Adjudication, Permitting, and the District Court
In this recorded session, the presenter covers three important components of Montana’s water rights system. The presentation explains the adjudication process in the Montana Water Court and what it means for existing water rights, provide an overview of the permitting process for new or changed water uses and exceptions to the permit process, and discuss the role of District Courts in Montana water law. Viewers will gain a clearer understanding of how these processes work together and what they may mean for agricultural water users and water-right holders.
Other Resources
in Montana Water Law
History of Exempt Wells in Montana
