While in New Orleans, we invite you and a guest to attend the Montana Stockgrowers Association social event. We look forward to having you join us and connect with friends new and old!

Thursday, February 2, 2023 | 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Hilton Riverside
Grand Salon Sections 13 & 16
Two Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Thank you Rabo AgriFinance for sponsoring the Montana Stockgrowers Social!

Public hearing scheduled for proposed amendment to rules regarding Public Access Lands Agreements

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will hold a public hearing on Feb. 10 to consider an amendment to Public Access Lands Agreements. The meeting will begin at 2 p.m. and will be held through Zoom.

The Administrative Rules of Montana addressed in the proposed amendment are ARM 12.2.605, 12.2.606, 12.2.607 and 12.2.608. To review the amendment, click here:

Notice of Public Hearing in the matter of the amendment of ARM 12.2.605, 12.2.606, 12.2.607, and 12.2.608 pertaining to public access landagreements (PDF)

To join the Zoom meeting:

• Click here: https://mt-gov.zoom.us/j/85796318398?pwd=NHhnWmY2Z3lXRTIvdzc4ZUZXaS9NZz09, and enter passcode 777071; or
• Call: 206-337-9723, 213-338-8477 or 646-558-8656, enter meeting ID: 857 9631 8398, and passcode: 777071

The deadline for public comment is Feb. 13 at 5 p.m. Comments can be emailed to [email protected] with the subject line “PALA Rules.” Comments can also be mailed to PALA Rules, Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, Montana, 59601-0701.

Montana Board of Livestock Meeting 

The next Montana Board of Livestock meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm in the Montana Department of Livestock Conference Room #319, Scott Hart Building, 301 N. Roberts, Helena, MT. THE PUBLIC IS WELCOME TO ATTEND THIS MEETING IN PERSON, BUT ATTENDANCE WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE VIRTUALLY BY ZOOM. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE MEETING WILL BE LIVE-STREAMED ON THE BOL WEBSITE. 

The agenda will be posted to the Department of Livestock website at liv.mt.gov soon. For instructions on how to join the meeting virtually or, if you would like a printed copy of the agenda, please call 406-444-9321 or email at [email protected] 

2022-2023 Issues in Ranching Seminar Series

• November 1, 2022 – Agriculture Labor, Immigration, and Innovation (Dr. Diane Charlton, MSU). 
  • 12:00 pm
  • Virtual option available – click here
  • RM 138 Animal Bioscience Building
  • Agricultural labor, or the lack thereof, is on everyone’s radar. Join us as Dr. Charlton speaks on the changing nature of agricultural labor markets, addresses the impact of immigration policies on seasonal labor, and discusses whether technology could compensate for the labor shortage on American farms and ranches.
• December 6, 2022 – Developing a Ranch Internship Program (Taylre Sitz, Sitz Angus Ranch)
• January 10, 2023 – Structured Internship Programs for Ranches (MSU Dan Scott Program, DNRC Working Lands Internship, Quivira Coalition New Agrarian Program)
• February 7, 2023 – Veterans and Ranching – (Range 2 Range Partners)
• March 7, 2023 – Do You Have What it Takes to Be a Professional Ranch Manager? (Dan Leahy, Foundation for Ranch Management)

All seminars offered virtually at: https://animalrange.montana.edu/danscott/

Select seminars delivered in person in RM 138, Animal Bioscience Building, MSU Campus, Bozeman. For more information contact: Rachel Frost, [email protected], 406-994-3724.

NRCS is Accepting Applications for the Community Agriculture Initiative

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications for the Community Agriculture Initiative. This initiative supports the conservation efforts of Montana’s farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners from small acreage to large. NRCS accepts applications year-round, but applications for the current funding cycle must be submitted by Feb. 14, 2023.

“Agricultural producers of all sizes provide local, nutritious food to their communities. Through this initiative, NRCS is prioritizing assistance to first foods efforts, farm to table projects, and many other types of community agriculture,” said Tom Watson, NRCS State Conservationist for Montana. “This includes an expanded set of conservation practices tailored to the conservation needs of small-scale ag producers.

The small acreage activities make traditional conservation practices used at a large scale more applicable to operations of all sizes. For example, some payment rates are now based on square feet rather than acres of implementation for practices like grazing management, irrigation water management, pest management, and cover crops. In addition, some new practices have been added including low tunnel management and compost or compost plus biochar in small areas.

The Community Agriculture Initiative is funded through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and builds on the previous high tunnel initiative. Find information about community agriculture on the NRCS Montana website at nrcs.usda.gov/montana under State Programs and Initiatives.

For more information about this initiative and how to apply, contact your local NRCS office. Get contact information at nrcs.usda.gov/contact.

2023 Livestock Per Capita Reporting

Report your livestock per capita online at https://mtrevenue.gov/livestock. After reporting, pay using your bank account (free) or credit/debit card (processing fees apply).
Reminders:

• Your report is due March 01, 2023 and payment is due by May 31, 2023
• You must file a return each year. Sending a check without a report will not be accepted as filing a report.
• If you do not own livestock this year, you must file a report with zero livestock owned, so we can update our records and you will not be estimated.
• Keep copies for your records.

Learn more about the livestock program by visiting our website.

Montana FSA Program Dates/Deadlines

USDA in Montana reminds agricultural producers of important Farm Service Agency (FSA) program dates. Contact your local service center to apply and with any questions. Visit online at farmers.gov and fsa.usda.gov.mt.

Aug. 31, 2022: Last day to bale hay on CRP for Non-emergency and Emergency Haying (requires prior approval).

Sept 30, 2022: Deadline to enroll in Continuous CRP programs, including SAFE

Oct 31, 2022: Deadline to enroll in Organic and Transitional Education Verification Program (OTECP) and Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP)

Jan 30, 2023: Deadline to request all ELAP assistance for 2022 calendar year losses.

Jan 30, 2023: Deadline to request LFP assistance for 2022 calendar year losses.

ELAP notice of loss must be filed within 30 days of when loss is apparent for livestock and farm-raised fish losses.

ELAP notice of loss must be filed within 15 days of when loss is apparent for honeybee losses.

LIP notice of loss must be filed within 30 days of when the loss is apparent.

Availability of Low-Interest Physical Loss Loans for Producers Affected by Natural Disasters

Availability of Low-Interest Physical Loss Loans for Montana Producers Affected by Natural Disasters

The Montana Master Hunter Program provides advanced hunter education that increases skills, competence, ethical behavior, and knowledge of agriculture and stewardship.

One Montana (1MT) launched the Master Hunter Program to help the State of Montana and private landowners improve wildlife management efforts by restoring the cooperation between hunters, private landowners, and game managers.

Find more info at www.mtmasterhunter.com

Comprehensive Water Review

Dedicated website is live now!

A website dedicated to the Comprehensive Water Review has been launched. The site details each of the identified key challenges and provides a single place for the public to learn more about upcoming events, find information, receive updates, and submit comments or questions.

Montana Rural Employment Opportunities

Because REO believes that everyone should have the opportunity for economic independence,

Rural Employment Opportunities (REO) provides outreach and services in all of Montana’s 56 counties to more than 400 adults and 900 children each year as they struggle to support themselves and their families. Through REO, Montana’s agricultural workers have access to educational programs to complete their high school credentials, children’s educational programs,  job training, and college certificates or degrees.  These opportunities lead to full-time employment, improved family income, and greater economic security.

Supporting Montana Agricultural Families

REO supports agricultural workers and their families with:

• Job search, placement and growth.
• Employment security and wage advancement.
• Funding for tuition, books and other related training costs

REO is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program and abides by all federal and state EOC regulations and laws.  Equal Opportunity is the law.  Program financed 100% with federal funds of $699,452 with 0% nongovernmental funds.

REO has operated this federal Department of Labor grant for over 30 years, serving farmworkers and their families across the state of Montana.  Through this grant, REO offers opportunities for farm workers, and/or their qualifying family members, to improve their earning capacity in agriculture or other career paths through education and training. REO staff members work closely with participants, helping them determine the best way to reach their educational and employment goals. The goal of the program is economic self-sufficiency and wages that allow workers to support and sustain their families.

Participants may choose to attend a vocational, technical, or trade school for short-term job training, work-related certification programs, college courses, or participate in an on-the-job training program or apprenticeship program. They may also work with REO for direct placement into the workforce. In addition, REO is able to support each participant with needed items for training or new employment such as tuition assistance, books, laptops, fuel vouchers, work clothing, and/or tools to help reach their goals.

We have updated our website at www.reomontana.org.  On Facebook, we have pages for “Rural Employment Opportunities”, “REO Southwest Montana”, “REO Northwest & North Central Montana”, and “REO Eastern Montana”.

USDA Working with Cooperative Development Centers to Expand Economic Opportunities for Rural Montanans

BOZEMAN, Mont., April 6, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that the department is accepting applications through the Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG)program to help Cooperative Development Centers improve the economic condition of rural areas by assisting individuals and businesses in the startup, expansion, or operational improvement of rural cooperatives and other mutually-owned businesses.

In Montana, USDA Rural Development has worked closely with Mission West Community Development Partners and the Montana Cooperative Development Center to provide funding through the RCDG program which, in turn, has been used to provide expertise and technical assistance to Montana businesses.

As a Regional Economic Development Organization, Mission West Community Development Partners provides community and economic development efforts to help businesses in Lake, Mineral and Sanders counties, as well as the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, grow and prosper.

“Our Cooperative Development Center is a key part of how we’re working to support and sustainably develop the economies of rural western Montana,” noted Mission West Community Development Partners Cooperative Development Center Director, Kaylee Thornley. “Through the USDA Rural Cooperative Development Grant program, Mission West has been able to provide technical assistance and training to 33 cooperatives in starting or expanding their business in the last two years.”

Rural Cooperative Development Grants may be used by Rural Cooperative Development Centers to fund operations such as conducting feasibility studies, developing business plans, providing leadership and operational improvement training, and facilitating strategic planning.

“As an example, through RCDG funding, Mission West assisted the Ronan Cooperative Brewery in successfully opening as Montana’s first cooperative brewery in 2020, contributing to the revitalization of Ronan’s rural Main Street,” added Thornley. “And, earlier this year, Mission West continued to assist the co-op brewery after its opening by providing technical assistance to expand its digital marketing presence to increase sales.”

The Montana Cooperative Development Center (MCDC) works with new and existing cooperatives and other groups to evaluate cooperative business models and strategies to meet their objectives.

“Montana Cooperative Development Center has proudly received RCDG funding for several years,” stated Montana Cooperative Development Center’s Executive Director, Tracy McIntyre.  “Our work across Montana shows the vastness of how cooperatives can address community and economic needs. We are working on developing cooperatives to address critical issues facing our state, including (but not limited to) childcare, housing, food and meat processing, food distribution, and workforce conversions to employee ownership.”

MCDC is the only statewide resource for cooperative development.  With financial assistance from state and federal sources, including previous USDA Rural Cooperative Development Grants, MCDC is able to offer services at little or no cost to project groups across the state.

“MCDC also works with all existing cooperatives and supports the work of the Montana Telecommunication Association and telecommunication cooperatives on broadband adoption and deployment. And, through the Socially Disadvantaged Group Grant, which is another USDA Rural Development program, MCDC is providing technical assistance to our Indigenous communities,” McIntyre added.

To learn more about business investment resources for Montana’s rural areas, contact Montana’s Business and Cooperative Programs Director, Lad Barney, at (406) 309-3350 or [email protected]

Additional information on the required materials and how to apply for the RCDG program are available on page 19842 of the April 6, 2022, Federal Register.

If you would like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.

WASHINGTON, May 4, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has updated three key crop insurance options for livestock producers: the Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP), Livestock Gross Margin (LGM), and Livestock Risk Protection (LRP). USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) revised the insurance options to reach more producers, offer greater flexibility for protecting their operations, and ultimately, better meet the needs of the country’s swine, dairy, and cattle producers. The updates were published last week for the 2023 crop year, which begins July 1, 2022.

“Great and sound customer service is the most important thing we can provide our nation’s producers, making sure the programs and products we offer give them the most useful tools for covering their risks,” said RMA Administrator Marcia Bunger. “Agriculture is not a static industry, and these updates reflect the importance we place on always knowing the evolving needs of producers and offering the most people the best risk management tools we can.”

DRP is designed to insure against unexpected declines in the quarterly revenue from milk sales relative to a guaranteed coverage level; LGM protects against the loss of gross margin (or livestock’s market value minus feed costs); and LRP provides protection against price declines.

Producers will now have more flexibility for DRP, LGM, and LRP, when indemnities are used to pay premiums, which can help producers manage their operation’s cash flow. With these updates, producers can now have both LGM and LRP policies, although they cannot insure the same class of livestock for the same time period or have the same livestock insured under multiple policies.

Additional updates by insurance option include:

Dairy Revenue Protection

• Dairy producers are now able to continue coverage even if they experience a disaster, such as a barn fire, at their operation.

Livestock Gross Margin

• Cattle, Dairy, and Swine coverage has been expanded, making it available in all counties in all 50 states.

Livestock Risk Protection

• Insurance companies are now required to pay indemnities within 30 days, rather than the previous 60 days, following the receipt of the claim form.

• Head limits have been increased:

oFed Cattle: 12,000 head per endorsement and 25,000 head per crop year

oFeeder Cattle: 12,000 head per endorsement and 25,000 head per crop year

oSwine: 70,000 head per endorsement and 750,000 head per crop year

• The termination date under LRP has been extended from June 30 to August 31

• Location reporting requirements have been relaxed to list only state and county, instead of the precise legal location.

Learn more on RMA’s Livestock Insurance Plans webpage. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator.

More Information

These improvements to livestock insurance options build on other efforts by USDA to improve programs for livestock producers. Recently, USDA expanded the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish to cover transportation costs of livestock to feed as well as feed to livestock. And USDA expanded Dairy Margin Coverage to enable dairy producers to enroll supplemental coverage.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.

Online Modules Now Available for Calf Care and Quality Assurance Program

DENVER, May 11, 2022 – Farmers and ranchers raising calves now have access to the free Calf Care and Quality Assurance (CCQA) program online at www.calfcareqa.org. CCQA promotes a way of thinking that prompts calf raisers to approach management decisions with thoughtfulness and an appreciation for the responsibility they have to their animals, consumers, the environment and the broader cattle industry in the United States.

“Healthy calves are the cornerstone of every beef, dairy and veal facility,” said Trey Patterson, Wyoming rancher and chair of the Beef Quality Assurance Advisory Group. “Committing to calf health management is the right thing to do for calves, producers and consumers, and completing CCQA’s online modules is an easy way to demonstrate that commitment.”

The program was developed with an understanding of the diversity of calf-raising enterprises, being science and outcomes based while maintaining facility type and size neutrality. While the practices identified in the animal care reference manual are not the only practices that can meet the desired outcomes, the program provides a framework that serves as a resource for anyone working in the calf-raising industry. In addition to the manual, online modules and self-assessment tools, CCQA will release an audit tool later this year. Completion of the CCQA online modules provides certification equivalent to Beef Quality Assurance certification.

Certification through CCQA helps ensure optimal calf health and welfare and is the first, collaborative educational tool that provides guidelines for calf raisers. The CCQA program is a joint initiative led by NCBA’s Beef Checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program and the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program, managed by the National Milk Producer’s Federation (NMPF) with support from the Dairy Calf and Heifer Association, and the Beef Checkoff-funded Veal Quality Assurance (VQA) program.

“Certification programs such as CCQA establish guidelines and standards that help earn the public’s trust, demonstrating that beef and dairy producers share their values and are committed not only to quality animal care, but also to ensuring safe, wholesome meat and milk,” said Patterson.

For more information, visit www.calfcareqa.org.

Montana Meat & Poultry Inspection Bureau Cooperative Interstate Shipping Program FAQ

Question:        What is the Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) Program?
Answer:           The CIS program allows selected “state inspected” establishments to ship their selected products across state lines. This program is voluntary.

Question:        Who can apply for CIS?
Answer:           Any licensed establishment who has had a state Grant of Inspection for at least 90 days and has no more than 25 employees. The establishment needs a satisfactory Food Safety Assessment on record with no outstanding issues and the ability to take measures to completely separate CIS inspected products from all other activities with the establishment.

Question:        Who may not apply for CIS?
Answer:           Any establishment under USDA Grant of inspection. Any state inspected facility with over 25 employees.

Question:        I currently have a custom processing plant. Can I join CIS?
Answer:           Yes, however, you will need to maintain a state grant of inspection for 90 days before applying to enter the CIS program.

Question:        I am an eligible plant owner, what should I do first?
Answer:           Refer to FSIS Directive 5740.1 which describes the CIS process.

Question:        What regulations should I review before requesting the on-site visit?
Answer:           FSIS Directive 5740.1: Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program

9 CFR Part 313: Humane Handling of Livestock

9 CFR part 416: Sanitation

9 CFR Part 417: Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points

9 CFR Part 500: Rules of Practice

*For plants with poultry* 9 CFR Part 381: Poultry Products Inspection Regulations

Question:        What will the process involve?
Answer:           The basics will include:

• • • • Review of establishments hazard analysis and HACCP plans for all applicable processes
      • Review of recall plan, food defense plan and labels.
      • Onsite review of facility will be completed by state inspection staff.
      • Entrance meeting with USDA official will be scheduled to review: employee numbers, labels, facilities and equipment and product processes to finalize establishment is able to meet basic requirements.
      • If requirements are not met the representative will discuss with plant and state inspection staff what is necessary for eligibility. If USDA standards are not met by the second visit the establishment may not reapply for one year.

Question:        Once I am in the CIS program, where can I ship my products?
Answer:           Anywhere within the United States.

Question:        Who will be my inspector if I enter this program?
Answer:           A state of Montana Department of Livestock inspector will still be the regular inspector. A federal inspector will conduct less frequent, unscheduled inspections as well.

Question:        Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
Answer:           Interested facilities should contact the Department of Livestock at 406-444-5202 or [email protected]

Additional information regarding the CIS Program can be found at:
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/inspection/apply-grant-inspection/state-inspection-programs/cooperative-interstate-shipping-program

NCBA Seeking Summer Public Policy Interns for D.C. Office

WASHINGTON (September 19, 2022) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), in conjunction with the Public Lands Council (PLC), is now accepting applications for public policy internships in the NCBA Washington, D.C., office for summer 2023.

Interns will have the opportunity to engage with NCBA and PLC staff on several fronts, including policy, communications and membership, and will work closely with the D.C. lobbying and regulatory teams to advance policies important to the beef and sheep industries.

Key responsibilities for public policy interns include participating in lobbying efforts, communicating with NCBA and PLC members, reviewing Federal Register notices, participating in meetings with federal agencies, collaborating with Congressional and agency staff, and other duties as assigned.

Applicants must be a junior or senior undergraduate student, or a graduate student. A background in agriculture or the beef industry is preferred. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be available for the duration of the internship (May 2023 – August 2023). Successful applicants will also have excellent research, writing and communications skills.

NCBA and PLC are affiliate organizations working on behalf of cattle producers and ranching families across the country. NCBA represents cattle producers and advocates for federal policy while PLC specifically represents livestock producers that hold federal grazing permits. Together, NCBA and PLC represent the cattle and sheep industries and producers who operate on both public and private lands.

Interested students should apply here or visit the careers page of ncba.org. Questions about the internship program may be directed to Justyn Tedder ([email protected]).

 Working Lands Internship Program

Applications are due February 1, 2023 

The Montana Rangeland Resources Committee and the Rangeland Resources Program at DNRC are excited to announce a unique opportunity for students. 

 The successful applicants will have the opportunity to spend 2 weeks at each of the 6 host/mentor’s ranch operations. This internship is designed to offer beginning agriculturalists, natural resource and range specialists, biologists, soils majors or any student looking into natural resources, the real-world and hands-on experience implementing the educational tools already gained to a ranching operation. This paid internship will last for three months during the summer where interns will work and learn from mentoring ranchers from across the state of Montana. A monthly wage will be paid with room and board provided by the mentoring/host ranch. 

Students majoring in any natural resource related field are recommended to apply for this opportunity. 

 Please note that the Internship Program is not designed solely as a working ranch hand position, but students will be responsible to help in any way possible throughout the summer doing various chores that are necessary for daily ranch operations. Interns will have the opportunity to learn about rangeland monitoring, plant and weed identification, rotational grazing, ranch economics, erosion control, habitat conservation and much more. There will be two parts to the application process for the Internship Program; approval of the application and a 2 part interview. 

Internship Highlights: 

• Free housing plus wages
• Networking with ranchers, agency personnel and more
• Hands-on working lands experience in a ranch environment 

 Applications and additional information at: https://dnrc.mt.gov/Conservation/Conservation-Programs/Rangeland-Resources/montana-working-lands-internship-programs 

 Contact: Stacey Barta | [email protected] | 406-594-8481