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Two looks at El Ni単o
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Ag producers could see less moisture El Niño bringing expectations of warmer, drier winter; almanacs have different prediction Tim Leeds tleeds@havredailynews.com With the strongest El Niño in nearly two decades expected to last through the winter months, local farmers and ranchers could be seeing less snowpack and possibly a dryer agricultural year, though experts say exactly what will come still is unknown. “El Niño is going to have an impact on our weather, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that we’re not going to have wintertype weather,” said Bob Hoenisch, National Weather Service meteorologist in Great Falls. “It just will affect, kind of, the overall average.” El Niño is a weather pattern in which the temperature of the water in the Pacific Ocean along the equator is warmer than normal. That typically brings a warmer and drier-than-normal weather pattern to the northwestern part of the United States, including Montana, and often cooler- and
wetter-than-normal patterns for the southeast and east. But that is contrasted by the forecast from The Old Farmer’s Almanac, which calls for a cold winter with a “slew of snow” predicted for the northern Plains and Pacific Northwest, as well as the prediction from the Farmer’s Almanac, which predicts near-normal winter temperatures with occasional bitter cold for the western Great Plains and milder-than-normal temperatures in the Rocky Mountains along with above-normal precipitation for the northern Great Plains states and in the Pacific Northwest.
Meteorologists look at the weather patterns But Weather Service and Weather Channel are betting on the temperatures at the equator bringing warmer, dryer weather to the region. A report from Weather Channel predicts much-warmer than normal temperatures for December across Montana and stretching into most of Wisconsin. That forecast predicts warmer-than-normal temperatures across most of the central part of the country from coast to coast, with cool to much-cooler temperatures
across the southern part of the United States. A National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration long-range forecast on the U.S. Drought Monitor shows that is expected to continue through at least March, with more normal temperatures returning to the central part of the northern United States by late spring or early summer. Warmer temperatures still are forecast in northwestern United States including in Montana West of the Continental Divide and into north-central Montana. The forecast predicts warmer temperatures will return to most of the state by the fall. The Drought Monitor forecast also calls for less precipitation than normal across Montana in the early winter, with more normal levels returning by late spring and early summer, although a dry spell is expected in western Montana in June and July.
A low-snow winter with some needed moisture over the summer In Montana so far, things already are starting to dry out.
The Montana current water supply and moisture condition map on the drought. mt.gov website shows extremely dry conditions along the Rocky Mountain Front from Glacier County to Powell County, and Lake County also in extemely dry conditions. The rest of the western part of the state and over to Broadwater and Gallatin counties is listed as in moderately dry conditions, as is Judith Basin County. Liberty and Chouteau counties, along with other counties just east of the Rocky Mountain Front, and most of the the southeastern quarter of the state are listed in slightly dry conditions. Hill and Blaine counties are among the quarter of the counties in the state listed as in near-average conditions Last winter produced odd water weather for the state. With low snowfall over the winter, drought conditions could have hit early, but high levels of rainfall at times helped offset that shortage. In north-central Montana, the moisture conditions depended on where people lived and what rain fell. By harvest-time this year, conditions varied greatly within counties, such as some portions of Hill County receiving enough rain to expect at least decent harvests — although hailstorms
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FARM & RANCH Moisture: Strongest El Niño system in almost two decades 11
December 2015
As to exactly how much snow
and cold the region will see, it’s still anyone’s guess. Meteorologist Hoenisch said the impact of El Niños is that the system typically raises the average temperature and drops the total amount of precipitation. Storms — and some cold weather — still can hit. The warm waters at the equatorial Pacific Ocean push across the northern part of the United States in an El Niño, generally keeping the cold air from pushing down from the north. “Oftentimes what happens is the storm track is split and you have storms that come into California and track across the southern part of country, but the northern portion of that split tends to kind of keep the coldest air in Canada and not so much dropping down into the north-central U.S.,” Hoenisch said. “It doesn’t mean that that can’t happen. It just won’t happen as often. So, instead of having multiple cold-air outbreaks we may only have a handful of times when we experience that really cold air, like subzero weather.” He said the El Niño system this year is strong — the strongest
recorded since 1997 — and is likely to persist through the winter. A few degrees of average warmer water temperatures over a long time can make a major difference, Hoenisch said. “Half-a-degree above the longterm average is considered warm,” he said. “It’s currently about 3 degrees above average, and that’s considered pretty significant.” In the shorter term, the Weather Channel forecast Nov. 23 called for colder weather — highs in 20s and 30s and lows in the teens and single digits — and a few snow storms in the last week of November. The forecast predicted continued highs in the 30s and 40s with lows in the 20s the first week of December, with no significant snow in that longer-range forecast. Havre Daily News reporter Pam Burke contributed to this article. Montana Drought and Water Supply site: http://drought.mt.gov National Drought Monitor: http:// droughtmonitor.unl.edu National Weather Service Great Falls page: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/tfx
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Moisture: Moisture levels in calendar year and water year above average destroyed that expectation for many in the region — while others were looking at yields pummeled by drought conditions. The region received fall rains that helped bring up the moisture levels going into the winter, however. At the Havre recording station at the Havre City-County Airport, Weather Service recorded 1.67 inches of precipitation for September compared to an average for the month of 1.12 inches. In October, the slightly drier month on average, Havre recorded 1.06 inches of precipitation compared to a norm of .58 inches. By late November, the total precipitation recorded in Havre was staying above the norm for the year, although precipitation coming less frequently was reducing the margin. By Nov. 23, Havre had received .30 inches of precipitation for the month — with snow in the forecast for the next few days — compared to an average of .33. For the calendar year, Havre was at 11.60 inches of precipitation, compared to an average of 10.60 for that date. For the water year, measured from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30, on Nov. 23 Havre was at 1.36 inches for the year compared with an average of .91 inches. Havre was just more than normal for the previous water year, recording 11.81 inches of precipitation by Sept. 30 with an average of 11.20.
What the winter will bring
Havre Daily News/file photo A snow-covered cow munches grass Dec. 3, 2013, in Beaver Creek Park south of Havre. While farmers almanacs are predicting cold, snowy weather for north-central Montana in the upcoming winter, National Weather Service and Weather Channel are prediciting that the strongest El Niño in nearly 20 years will, on average, bring above-normal temperatures and below-normal snowfall.
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NWS: Better living through weather security Homeland Security has upped threat level assessments of the terrorist organization El Niño — based on data from the security division of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and intel from their weather operatives in the eastern region of the Pacific Ocean. Unnamed sources at National Weather Security, a little-known, Homeland Security-funded arm of NOAA’s National Weather Service, have told Pamville News investigative reporters that the 2015-2016 winter will see more activity from El Niño. This event upswing is the largest seen for 18 years. “The last strong one like we’re seeing now was in 1997,” said Bob Hoenisch, who, due to Homeland secrecy policies, would only identify himself as a meteorologist for National Weather Service. A Nov. 19 report from Weather Security warns the public that El Niño’s activity will increase into the winter, with varying targets across the U.S. and subside in the spring. El Niño is known for its elaborate strikes using weather as a weapon. What people can expect from the El Niño terrorist cell is a two-
pronged attack on the Northern Hemisphere, Hoenisch said. Residents in the southern tier states will see increased storm activity with threats from increased rain and snow bombardments. Attacks in the northern states, such as Montana, will bring warmer and drier weather. It’s a more subtle threat, Homeland sources said, because the milder weather will lull people into complacency, then when the extreme cold attacks come they will be taken off guard. Plus, the source added, the longterm effects of drought can be devastating to the area. Due to increased border security, Homeland authorities said, very little cold weather is expected to slip across the border out of Canada into the north-central Montana region. “It doesn’t mean that that can’t happen; it just won’t happen as often,” Hoenisch said. “So instead of having multiple cold air outbreaks, we may only have a handful of times when we experience that really cold air, like subzero weather.” El Niño has splinter storm cells and weather event accomplices everywhere, Homeland and Weather
View from the North 40 Pam Burke Humor columnist Security officials have said in the past, and during heightened alerts security forces are taking all precautions. Though this is an international hunt, Canadian government officials and security forces will be expected to deal with El Niño’s cold air attacks with their own resources, said the unnamed official with Homeland Security. U.S. terrorism budget is tapped, with the largest portions earmarked for the Middle East, though troops and supplies can be deployed to help should an extreme emergency warrant them — in the northern states and Canada, should the U.S.’s northern neighbors need assistance. Analysts first picked up chatter about El Niño along the equator about a year ago. “There’s a lot of weather data
that’s obtained in the Pacific Ocean a lot from buoys from satellite measurement,” Hoenisch said, though he declined to offer more specifics in order to safeguard the identities of the Weather Security operatives in the eastern Pacific. Surveillance devices placed in the ocean at strategic levels from the surface to a depth of about 1,000 feet along the equator and the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean from about Central America to an area south of Hawaii have provided the bulk of the raw data, Hoenisch said. “They look at the temperature of the water out there and how it relates to what would be considered average,” he said in explanation of how the ongoing threat assessment is calculated. Analysts with Weather Security reported that El Niño operatives have raised water temperatures as much as 3 degrees Farenheit above the longterm average, Hoenisch said, and because water temperatures are less sensitive to temperature fluctuations, even a variation of half a degree is enough to alert security forces. A variance of 3 degrees is “pretty significant,” he added.
The U.S. will be on heightened alert into spring, said terrorist analysts who specialize in El Niño activities. People in the northern states, complacent from the warmer temperatures, will be especially vulnerable when El Niño operatives hit the area with dangerously low temperatures. These cold-air attacks are expected despite National Weather Security’s efforts to stop them. “I would stress that, even though we talked about the potential for it overall being warmer and drier, the impact of winter weather — even if we get less storm systems, less outbreaks of cold air — all it takes is one to have a big impact,” Hoenisch said in warning, “so there’s no reason to not prepare.” Thank you for reading Pamville News where our motto is: "Facts are just a portal to a world of fiction." See more on this winter's weather starting on page 2 of this publication. (Thank you to Bob Hoenisch, meteorologist with National Weather Service in Great Falls, for being brave enough to agree to an interview at pam@viewfromthenorth40. com.)
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Angus Heritage Foundation Recognizes Devoted Leaders
Hinsdale Resident Recognized for His Outstanding Contributions to the Angus Breed.
By: ANguS PROduCTiONS, iNC. FOR FARM & RANCH The Angus breed and the American Angus Association owe an incalculable debt to the many men and women who have worked tirelessly to make Angus cattle and the organization leaders in the beef cattle business. Each year, the Association recognizes breed leaders and their contributions by inducting individuals into the Angus Heritage Foundation. Four new additions were honored Nov. 5 during the Association’s Awards Recognition Breakfast, hosted as part of the Angus Means Business National Convention & Trade Show. Two of the four 2015 inductees hail from Montana, with one local rancher recognized for his contributions. Keith Stevenson and Hinsdale resident C.K. Allen. Read more about their contributions in the paragraphs that follow. Photo by Leann SchLeicher, anguS Media.
C.K. Allen, Hinsdale, Mont., was inducted into the Angus Heritage Foundation Nov. 5 during the American Angus Association’s Awards Recognition Breakfast, held in conjunction with the 2015 National Convention and Trade Show in Overland Park, Kan. Pictured, from left, are: Richard Wilson, Association interim CEO; C.K. Allen, recipient; and Madison Butler, 2015 Miss American Angus. The Angus Heritage Foundation recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to the advancement of the Angus breed and Association programs.
Glasgow Stockyards, Inc. Linda & Mark Nielsen, Owners Iva Murch, Manager 263-7529 Dean Barnes, Yard Manager 263-1175 Ed Hinton, Auctioneer 783-7285
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C.K. Allen, Montana As a former American Angus Association executive vice president, C.K. Allen has left a lasting impact on the business breed. Beginning in 1978, he served three years as the organization’s top official in Saint Joseph, Mo. Allen played an important role in several monumental accomplishments for the breed. He was part of the team that established the Certified Angus Beef® (CAB®) brand, purchased the Angus Journal, and started the Angus Foun-
dation and the junior Angus program, previously part of the Association’s activities department. A native of Virginia, Allen grew up on the family Hereford operation near Williamsburg and graduated with a degree in animal science from Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI) in Blacksburg. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he returned to VPI for his master’s degree and later earned a doctorate in ruminant nutrition from Michigan State University. Following his tenure with the American Angus Association, Allen joined the faculty at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Mo., where he taught beef production, meats, animal breeding and livestock marketing during his 20 years on campus. He also established the university’s first bull test. In 1977, he founded Woodland Farms, a purebred cattle-breeding operation that continued nearly 30 years. Allen was honored with the 2002 Pioneer Award from Certified Angus Beef LLC (CAB) and was also named the brand’s Seedstock Commitment to Excellence Award winner that same year. In 2009, Allen moved to Hinsdale, Mont., to be closer to his grandchildren and family. Naturally, he keeps a small Angus herd and continues his involvement through youth development in local 4-H and FFA programs.
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Farming Generations
CONTiNuEd FROM PAgE 8
Steve dewey, utah State univerSity, bugwood.org
See ANguS FOuNdATiON, Page 5
year. County committee members apply their knowledge and judgment to help FSA make important decisions on its commodity support programs; conservation programs; indemnity and disaster programs; emergency programs and eligibility. Producers must participate or cooperate in an FSA program to be eligible to vote in the county committee election. Approximately 1.9 million producers are currently eligible to vote. Farmers and ranchers who supervise and conduct the farming operations of an entire farm, but are not of legal voting age, also may be eligible to vote. Farmers and ranchers will begin receiving their ballots the week of Nov. 9. Ballots include the names of candidates running for the local committee election. FSA has modified the ballot, making it more easily identifiable and less likely to be overlooked. Voters who do not receive ballots in the coming week can pick one up at their local FSA office. Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked no later than Dec. 7, 2015. Newly elected committee members and their alternates will take office Jan. 1, 2016.
Cheatgrass
FFA, 4-H Help Young People Launch Careers in Ag
Farmers and Ranchers Have a Voice in Local Farm Program decisions JENNiFER COLE, FSA, BOzEMAN FOR FARM & RANCH WASHINGTON – Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini announced Nov. 7, that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin mailing ballots to eligible farmers and ranchers across the country for the 2015 FSA County Committee elections on Monday, Nov. 9. Producers must return ballots to their local FSA offices by Dec. 7, to ensure that their vote is counted. “County committee members represent the farmers and ranchers in their communities,” said Dolcini. “Producers elected to these committees have always played a vital role in local agricultural decisions. They are essential to the daily operation of nearly 2,200 offices across the country. It is a valued partnership that helps us better understand the needs of the farmers and ranchers we serve.” Nearly 7,700 FSA County Committee members serve FSA offices nationwide. Each committee has three to 11 elected members who serve three-year terms of office. One-third of county committee seats are up for election each
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courteSy of roubie younkin
Two generations of Montana ranchers—Chris Christensen and his mom donna Christensen—pose with some of their cattle near Hinsdale. ROuBiE yOuNKiN, MSu ExTENSiON AgENT FOR FARM & RANCH To say that the love of agriculture—either farming or ranching—is in one's veins may sound like a cliché, but the degree of truth runs deep. Montana can proudly claim several multigenerational operations that have weathered each storm and risen to the top, perhaps bruised and beaten, but able to hold their heads high as they move forward in this industry. The commitment to production agriculture has never been taken lightly. Not by the immigrants who brought their farming and livestock skills from their native countries and not by those who carry on their traditions using pro-
gressive technologies to achieve the same goal – feeding our people. Farmers and ranchers may choose different practices based on their locations and available resources, but they all work hard to care for animals and the land. The love of farming and ranching is passed down through the generations, not through tangible items alone, but through the investment of time, perseverance, discipline and patience. Establishing a work ethic is most effective when grandparents and parents work side by side with children. Feeding bum calves progresses naturally into feeding cows. Pulling weeds in the garden sparks interest in new and innovative crop pest controls. Fixing the combine in 100 degree weather is perceived as normal, as is checking
heifers at 20 below. For generations, parents have been shaping and molding the young lives they are raising into contributing members of their community who in turn raise their children with the same values and ideals. By keeping farms and ranches within the family generation after generation, agriculturists are able to maintain all-American family values. Generations of farmers and ranchers are the building blocks of communities at the local, national and even global communities. They have a vested interest in helping create strong, vibrant communities and serve in leadership positions ranging from elected officials to church councils. One of the most basic contributions farmers and ranchers make to local communities
dRiEd CHEATgRASS SEEd disease in livestock. It has been known to penetrate pet’s paws like a splinter and cause bad infections. It will cling to socks, shoelaces, and other soft materials, which allows it to travel to other places. OUR DEFENSE: Mechanical control begets disturbance which begets weeds. Mechanical control is effective but still allows the seeds to germinate. In addition, much of the ground is too rocky and rough to disc or plow. In areas that can be plowed, deep plow as to turn the soil completely over and bury the cheat grass seed too deep for it to germinate. The use of certain herbicides at light rates can kill the Cheatgrass without causing permanent damage to desirable species. Application in fall (when Cheatgrass is actively growing and native plants are dormant) is when you can choose from a small variety of herbicides. Once fall application has occurred you can replant desirable species in the early spring. When planting, make sure that you plant early enough to benefit from the spring showers. Many seeds can be obtained from local grain supply depots. Make plans now to treat this weed, and next year your field will once again be usable. There is some specialized usage of herbicides so consult with your local weed specialist. is managing a business that relies on local services and often creates job opportunities. As the age of farmers and ranchers climbs higher, investing in the development of the next generation increases in importance. Youth organizations like FFA and 4-H provide the opportunity for youth to gain skills in those areas of interest that can launch them into their career in farming and ranching. Farmers and ranchers have a vision for the future. They identify more advanced and consistent ways to produce their product. They appreciate educational opportunities to increase their knowledge base and share their wisdom with future generations while maintaining the level of integrity for which agriculture has developed a reputation.
yOu’RE REAdiNg Hi-LiNE FARM & RANCH – THE Ag MONTHLy FOR NORTHEAST & NORTH CENTRAL MONTANA
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CONTiNuEd FROM PAgE 5 Lesson” in their Ag-Ed class. The research gathered by the students resulted in a beef meal that included roast beef, green beans, potatoes, carrots, apples, and a wheat dinner roll. In the end, they found that the meal had traveled over 7,000 miles to get to the Hinsdale school cafeteria. Montana beef has been served at the school for four years now, and the “food miles” for the same meal are less than 900. Now that is carbon footprint reduction! The Hinsdale farm-to-school program will continue to perform taste testing of local foods in school even after the harvest-of-the-month program has ended. Ms. Armbrister believes the small amount of time it takes to teach kids how to eat healthy is minimal compared to the ever-lasting change it can have on our children’s lives. “If they plant [and] grow it, they eat it!” Armbrister says. As adults we need to get planting ideas, share knowledge, and pull together as schools and communities to make our futures healthier and happier. The kids love eating the local food they grow, and over time they are changing their food culture habits to improve their own health and their futures.
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Margo Salveson, assistant cook at the Hinsdale School, cooks up the the Montana lentils for the taste test.
Tips on How to Control Cheatgrass STONE TiHiSTA FOR FARM & RANCH
Take the Big Sky shortcut.
FARM FARM&&RANCH RANCH
December 2015 December 2015
Hinsdale School
The Enemy in your Backyard 406-747-5217 | 406-489-0165 Cell
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THE ENEMY: Cheatgrass, or Downey brome, (Bromus tectorum) is a winter annual grass. That is, it germinates from seed in early October and grows slowly throughout winter. It is a short plant (6-12 inches) with seed heads that hang down from one side off the top of the plant. The plants are bright green early in the spring, turning purple before it dies, and then a light brown by the first of June (which leads to its nickname - June grass). It is very easy to spot in late June and early July as it is the only dead plant with a feathery looking seed head. ITS ATTACK: Cheatgrass does not biodegrade over winter as do native grasses. This greatly adds to the fire fuel levels in our sagebrush habitats. When a fire starts, cheat grass burns hotter and faster than a normal fire. This changes the natural fire cycle from 30 years to 6 years, which takes out the brush and forb species. Then we are left with a solid stand of cheat grass. Cheatgrass is forage-able for a few weeks in the early spring, but later becomes unpalatable and can actually cause chewing See CHEATgRASS, Page 9
tom HeUtte, Usda Forest service, BUGwood.orG
iMMATuRE CHEATgRASS SEEd
Hinsdale students participating in the taste test and completing the computer survey (L-R) Kodi McColly, Halle Beil, and Layna Barrera
Hinsdale School Harvest-of-the-Month PATTi ARMBRiSTER FOR FARM & RANCH
Harvest of the Month is a pilot project that is getting kids to eat fresh locally-grown fruits and vegetables. Food grown in Montana! The Hinsdale Public School has been a pilot school for the program this year, which started in January and ends this December. Each month, the students receive nutritional education about the Harvest of the Month food item. The students taste-test items and complete computer surveys about their experience. For example: October is Kale month, November is Apple month, and December is Winter Squash (school grown
pumpkin will be tested). Each food is in season for the taste test and education. The information is gathered and will potentially be used to move the project from a pilot to a statewide project. The Hinsdale school wellness committee formed a team to do the harvest-of-the-month. Participating on the committee are head cook Joyce Leatherberry, assistant cook Margo Salveson, health teacher Ms. Beus, agriculture teacher Ms. Armbrister, and the elementary teachers. Ag-Ed education students help with the technology and the computer surveys. The 7/8 grade Ag-Ed classes help by being peer leaders for the
Angus Foundation CONTiNuEd FROM PAgE 4
K. GeorGe BecK & James seBastian, colorado state University, BUGwood.orG
MATuRE CHEATgRASS SEEd
Keith Stevenson, Montana Central Montana’s Judith Basin is where Keith Stevenson calls home. The area is historically renowned as prime cattle country, and Stevenson was born there as the young Angus breed slowly began to spread throughout the region. In many respects, he grew up right along with the family’s cattle operation, Stevenson Angus Ranch. This year marks the 55th annual production sale at the ranch, a tradition that started when Stevenson was a teenager. In 1967, he participated in the very first National Junior Angus Showmanship contest in Lexington, Ky., and would go on to serve the breed nationally on the American Angus Association’s Board
k-4 grade student participants. All of the k-4 students and the agriculture classes were part of the project. The majority of the foods were grown by the agriculture education students in their own school gardens (kale, summer squash, winter squash, greens, carrots and beets). The beef was Montana beef purchased from Bear Paw Meats in Chinook. Beef was the Harvest of the Month item for March, and over 95 percent of the students polled want more beef meals at school. The Hinsdale school started serving Montana beef dishes in their cafeteria after a “Food Miles See HiNSdALE SCHOOL, Page 8
of Directors, serving as president from 1992-1993. A graduate of Montana State University, Keith holds degrees in animal science and agriculture education. He was instrumental in establishing and hosting the first Montana Angus Tour in 1974, which has grown into one of the nation’s strongest state events. Today, Keith and his wife, Roberta, live only a few hundred yards from the house where he grew up, but the reach of their operation goes worldwide. The Stevensons have exported embryos and live cattle to every continent except Antarctica, and launched joint businesses in South America and Europe. He was recognized, along with his brother, Wayne, and mother, Jeanette, as the 1996 U.S. Livestock Man of the Year, presented during the National Western Stock Show. That same year, their operation was also recognized with the CAB Seedstock Producer Award.
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54275 HWY 2 EAST 804 EAST 1ST AVENUE 21 W. 2ND STREET CIRCLE, MT 59215 PLENTYWOOD, MT 59254 CULBERTSON, MT 59218 GLASGOW, MT 59230 406-485-2145 406-228-2496 406-765-1531 406-787-6201 HWY 200 EAST
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54275 HWY 2 EAST 804 EAST 1ST AVENUE 21 W. 2ND STREET CIRCLE, MT 59215 PLENTYWOOD, MT 59254 CULBERTSON, MT 59218 GLASGOW, MT 59230 406-485-2145 406-228-2496 406-765-1531 406-787-6201 HWY 200 EAST
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What do “low cost” ag suppliers
CONTiNuEd FROM PAgE 5 Lesson” in their Ag-Ed class. The research gathered by the students resulted in a beef meal that included roast beef, green beans, potatoes, carrots, apples, and a wheat dinner roll. In the end, they found that the meal had traveled over 7,000 miles to get to the Hinsdale school cafeteria. Montana beef has been served at the school for four years now, and the “food miles” for the same meal are less than 900. Now that is carbon footprint reduction! The Hinsdale farm-to-school program will continue to perform taste testing of local foods in school even after the harvest-of-the-month program has ended. Ms. Armbrister believes the small amount of time it takes to teach kids how to eat healthy is minimal compared to the ever-lasting change it can have on our children’s lives. “If they plant [and] grow it, they eat it!” Armbrister says. As adults we need to get planting ideas, share knowledge, and pull together as schools and communities to make our futures healthier and happier. The kids love eating the local food they grow, and over time they are changing their food culture habits to improve their own health and their futures.
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We Can Only Continue To Provide Service In Our Communities If YOU Support Those Services! Patti arMbriSter / for farM & ranch.
Patti arMbriSter / for farM & ranch.
Margo Salveson, assistant cook at the Hinsdale School, cooks up the the Montana lentils for the taste test.
Tips on How to Control Cheatgrass STONE TiHiSTA FOR FARM & RANCH
Take the Big Sky shortcut.
FARM FARM&&RANCH RANCH
December 2015 December 2015
Hinsdale School
The Enemy in your Backyard 406-747-5217 | 406-489-0165 Cell
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THE ENEMY: Cheatgrass, or Downey brome, (Bromus tectorum) is a winter annual grass. That is, it germinates from seed in early October and grows slowly throughout winter. It is a short plant (6-12 inches) with seed heads that hang down from one side off the top of the plant. The plants are bright green early in the spring, turning purple before it dies, and then a light brown by the first of June (which leads to its nickname - June grass). It is very easy to spot in late June and early July as it is the only dead plant with a feathery looking seed head. ITS ATTACK: Cheatgrass does not biodegrade over winter as do native grasses. This greatly adds to the fire fuel levels in our sagebrush habitats. When a fire starts, cheat grass burns hotter and faster than a normal fire. This changes the natural fire cycle from 30 years to 6 years, which takes out the brush and forb species. Then we are left with a solid stand of cheat grass. Cheatgrass is forage-able for a few weeks in the early spring, but later becomes unpalatable and can actually cause chewing See CHEATgRASS, Page 9
tom HeUtte, Usda Forest service, BUGwood.orG
iMMATuRE CHEATgRASS SEEd
Hinsdale students participating in the taste test and completing the computer survey (L-R) Kodi McColly, Halle Beil, and Layna Barrera
Hinsdale School Harvest-of-the-Month PATTi ARMBRiSTER FOR FARM & RANCH
Harvest of the Month is a pilot project that is getting kids to eat fresh locally-grown fruits and vegetables. Food grown in Montana! The Hinsdale Public School has been a pilot school for the program this year, which started in January and ends this December. Each month, the students receive nutritional education about the Harvest of the Month food item. The students taste-test items and complete computer surveys about their experience. For example: October is Kale month, November is Apple month, and December is Winter Squash (school grown
pumpkin will be tested). Each food is in season for the taste test and education. The information is gathered and will potentially be used to move the project from a pilot to a statewide project. The Hinsdale school wellness committee formed a team to do the harvest-of-the-month. Participating on the committee are head cook Joyce Leatherberry, assistant cook Margo Salveson, health teacher Ms. Beus, agriculture teacher Ms. Armbrister, and the elementary teachers. Ag-Ed education students help with the technology and the computer surveys. The 7/8 grade Ag-Ed classes help by being peer leaders for the
Angus Foundation CONTiNuEd FROM PAgE 4
K. GeorGe BecK & James seBastian, colorado state University, BUGwood.orG
MATuRE CHEATgRASS SEEd
Keith Stevenson, Montana Central Montana’s Judith Basin is where Keith Stevenson calls home. The area is historically renowned as prime cattle country, and Stevenson was born there as the young Angus breed slowly began to spread throughout the region. In many respects, he grew up right along with the family’s cattle operation, Stevenson Angus Ranch. This year marks the 55th annual production sale at the ranch, a tradition that started when Stevenson was a teenager. In 1967, he participated in the very first National Junior Angus Showmanship contest in Lexington, Ky., and would go on to serve the breed nationally on the American Angus Association’s Board
k-4 grade student participants. All of the k-4 students and the agriculture classes were part of the project. The majority of the foods were grown by the agriculture education students in their own school gardens (kale, summer squash, winter squash, greens, carrots and beets). The beef was Montana beef purchased from Bear Paw Meats in Chinook. Beef was the Harvest of the Month item for March, and over 95 percent of the students polled want more beef meals at school. The Hinsdale school started serving Montana beef dishes in their cafeteria after a “Food Miles See HiNSdALE SCHOOL, Page 8
of Directors, serving as president from 1992-1993. A graduate of Montana State University, Keith holds degrees in animal science and agriculture education. He was instrumental in establishing and hosting the first Montana Angus Tour in 1974, which has grown into one of the nation’s strongest state events. Today, Keith and his wife, Roberta, live only a few hundred yards from the house where he grew up, but the reach of their operation goes worldwide. The Stevensons have exported embryos and live cattle to every continent except Antarctica, and launched joint businesses in South America and Europe. He was recognized, along with his brother, Wayne, and mother, Jeanette, as the 1996 U.S. Livestock Man of the Year, presented during the National Western Stock Show. That same year, their operation was also recognized with the CAB Seedstock Producer Award.
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Angus Heritage Foundation Recognizes Devoted Leaders
Hinsdale Resident Recognized for His Outstanding Contributions to the Angus Breed.
By: ANguS PROduCTiONS, iNC. FOR FARM & RANCH The Angus breed and the American Angus Association owe an incalculable debt to the many men and women who have worked tirelessly to make Angus cattle and the organization leaders in the beef cattle business. Each year, the Association recognizes breed leaders and their contributions by inducting individuals into the Angus Heritage Foundation. Four new additions were honored Nov. 5 during the Association’s Awards Recognition Breakfast, hosted as part of the Angus Means Business National Convention & Trade Show. Two of the four 2015 inductees hail from Montana, with one local rancher recognized for his contributions. Keith Stevenson and Hinsdale resident C.K. Allen. Read more about their contributions in the paragraphs that follow. Photo by Leann SchLeicher, anguS Media.
C.K. Allen, Hinsdale, Mont., was inducted into the Angus Heritage Foundation Nov. 5 during the American Angus Association’s Awards Recognition Breakfast, held in conjunction with the 2015 National Convention and Trade Show in Overland Park, Kan. Pictured, from left, are: Richard Wilson, Association interim CEO; C.K. Allen, recipient; and Madison Butler, 2015 Miss American Angus. The Angus Heritage Foundation recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to the advancement of the Angus breed and Association programs.
Glasgow Stockyards, Inc. Linda & Mark Nielsen, Owners Iva Murch, Manager 263-7529 Dean Barnes, Yard Manager 263-1175 Ed Hinton, Auctioneer 783-7285
2015 – 2016 December, January & February Schedule
December 2015
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C.K. Allen, Montana As a former American Angus Association executive vice president, C.K. Allen has left a lasting impact on the business breed. Beginning in 1978, he served three years as the organization’s top official in Saint Joseph, Mo. Allen played an important role in several monumental accomplishments for the breed. He was part of the team that established the Certified Angus Beef® (CAB®) brand, purchased the Angus Journal, and started the Angus Foun-
dation and the junior Angus program, previously part of the Association’s activities department. A native of Virginia, Allen grew up on the family Hereford operation near Williamsburg and graduated with a degree in animal science from Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI) in Blacksburg. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he returned to VPI for his master’s degree and later earned a doctorate in ruminant nutrition from Michigan State University. Following his tenure with the American Angus Association, Allen joined the faculty at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Mo., where he taught beef production, meats, animal breeding and livestock marketing during his 20 years on campus. He also established the university’s first bull test. In 1977, he founded Woodland Farms, a purebred cattle-breeding operation that continued nearly 30 years. Allen was honored with the 2002 Pioneer Award from Certified Angus Beef LLC (CAB) and was also named the brand’s Seedstock Commitment to Excellence Award winner that same year. In 2009, Allen moved to Hinsdale, Mont., to be closer to his grandchildren and family. Naturally, he keeps a small Angus herd and continues his involvement through youth development in local 4-H and FFA programs.
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Farming Generations
CONTiNuEd FROM PAgE 8
Steve dewey, utah State univerSity, bugwood.org
See ANguS FOuNdATiON, Page 5
year. County committee members apply their knowledge and judgment to help FSA make important decisions on its commodity support programs; conservation programs; indemnity and disaster programs; emergency programs and eligibility. Producers must participate or cooperate in an FSA program to be eligible to vote in the county committee election. Approximately 1.9 million producers are currently eligible to vote. Farmers and ranchers who supervise and conduct the farming operations of an entire farm, but are not of legal voting age, also may be eligible to vote. Farmers and ranchers will begin receiving their ballots the week of Nov. 9. Ballots include the names of candidates running for the local committee election. FSA has modified the ballot, making it more easily identifiable and less likely to be overlooked. Voters who do not receive ballots in the coming week can pick one up at their local FSA office. Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked no later than Dec. 7, 2015. Newly elected committee members and their alternates will take office Jan. 1, 2016.
Cheatgrass
FFA, 4-H Help Young People Launch Careers in Ag
Farmers and Ranchers Have a Voice in Local Farm Program decisions JENNiFER COLE, FSA, BOzEMAN FOR FARM & RANCH WASHINGTON – Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini announced Nov. 7, that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin mailing ballots to eligible farmers and ranchers across the country for the 2015 FSA County Committee elections on Monday, Nov. 9. Producers must return ballots to their local FSA offices by Dec. 7, to ensure that their vote is counted. “County committee members represent the farmers and ranchers in their communities,” said Dolcini. “Producers elected to these committees have always played a vital role in local agricultural decisions. They are essential to the daily operation of nearly 2,200 offices across the country. It is a valued partnership that helps us better understand the needs of the farmers and ranchers we serve.” Nearly 7,700 FSA County Committee members serve FSA offices nationwide. Each committee has three to 11 elected members who serve three-year terms of office. One-third of county committee seats are up for election each
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courteSy of roubie younkin
Two generations of Montana ranchers—Chris Christensen and his mom donna Christensen—pose with some of their cattle near Hinsdale. ROuBiE yOuNKiN, MSu ExTENSiON AgENT FOR FARM & RANCH To say that the love of agriculture—either farming or ranching—is in one's veins may sound like a cliché, but the degree of truth runs deep. Montana can proudly claim several multigenerational operations that have weathered each storm and risen to the top, perhaps bruised and beaten, but able to hold their heads high as they move forward in this industry. The commitment to production agriculture has never been taken lightly. Not by the immigrants who brought their farming and livestock skills from their native countries and not by those who carry on their traditions using pro-
gressive technologies to achieve the same goal – feeding our people. Farmers and ranchers may choose different practices based on their locations and available resources, but they all work hard to care for animals and the land. The love of farming and ranching is passed down through the generations, not through tangible items alone, but through the investment of time, perseverance, discipline and patience. Establishing a work ethic is most effective when grandparents and parents work side by side with children. Feeding bum calves progresses naturally into feeding cows. Pulling weeds in the garden sparks interest in new and innovative crop pest controls. Fixing the combine in 100 degree weather is perceived as normal, as is checking
heifers at 20 below. For generations, parents have been shaping and molding the young lives they are raising into contributing members of their community who in turn raise their children with the same values and ideals. By keeping farms and ranches within the family generation after generation, agriculturists are able to maintain all-American family values. Generations of farmers and ranchers are the building blocks of communities at the local, national and even global communities. They have a vested interest in helping create strong, vibrant communities and serve in leadership positions ranging from elected officials to church councils. One of the most basic contributions farmers and ranchers make to local communities
dRiEd CHEATgRASS SEEd disease in livestock. It has been known to penetrate pet’s paws like a splinter and cause bad infections. It will cling to socks, shoelaces, and other soft materials, which allows it to travel to other places. OUR DEFENSE: Mechanical control begets disturbance which begets weeds. Mechanical control is effective but still allows the seeds to germinate. In addition, much of the ground is too rocky and rough to disc or plow. In areas that can be plowed, deep plow as to turn the soil completely over and bury the cheat grass seed too deep for it to germinate. The use of certain herbicides at light rates can kill the Cheatgrass without causing permanent damage to desirable species. Application in fall (when Cheatgrass is actively growing and native plants are dormant) is when you can choose from a small variety of herbicides. Once fall application has occurred you can replant desirable species in the early spring. When planting, make sure that you plant early enough to benefit from the spring showers. Many seeds can be obtained from local grain supply depots. Make plans now to treat this weed, and next year your field will once again be usable. There is some specialized usage of herbicides so consult with your local weed specialist. is managing a business that relies on local services and often creates job opportunities. As the age of farmers and ranchers climbs higher, investing in the development of the next generation increases in importance. Youth organizations like FFA and 4-H provide the opportunity for youth to gain skills in those areas of interest that can launch them into their career in farming and ranching. Farmers and ranchers have a vision for the future. They identify more advanced and consistent ways to produce their product. They appreciate educational opportunities to increase their knowledge base and share their wisdom with future generations while maintaining the level of integrity for which agriculture has developed a reputation.
yOu’RE REAdiNg Hi-LiNE FARM & RANCH – THE Ag MONTHLy FOR NORTHEAST & NORTH CENTRAL MONTANA
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Moisture: Moisture levels in calendar year and water year above average destroyed that expectation for many in the region — while others were looking at yields pummeled by drought conditions. The region received fall rains that helped bring up the moisture levels going into the winter, however. At the Havre recording station at the Havre City-County Airport, Weather Service recorded 1.67 inches of precipitation for September compared to an average for the month of 1.12 inches. In October, the slightly drier month on average, Havre recorded 1.06 inches of precipitation compared to a norm of .58 inches. By late November, the total precipitation recorded in Havre was staying above the norm for the year, although precipitation coming less frequently was reducing the margin. By Nov. 23, Havre had received .30 inches of precipitation for the month — with snow in the forecast for the next few days — compared to an average of .33. For the calendar year, Havre was at 11.60 inches of precipitation, compared to an average of 10.60 for that date. For the water year, measured from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30, on Nov. 23 Havre was at 1.36 inches for the year compared with an average of .91 inches. Havre was just more than normal for the previous water year, recording 11.81 inches of precipitation by Sept. 30 with an average of 11.20.
What the winter will bring
Havre Daily News/file photo A snow-covered cow munches grass Dec. 3, 2013, in Beaver Creek Park south of Havre. While farmers almanacs are predicting cold, snowy weather for north-central Montana in the upcoming winter, National Weather Service and Weather Channel are prediciting that the strongest El Niño in nearly 20 years will, on average, bring above-normal temperatures and below-normal snowfall.
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NWS: Better living through weather security Homeland Security has upped threat level assessments of the terrorist organization El Niño — based on data from the security division of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and intel from their weather operatives in the eastern region of the Pacific Ocean. Unnamed sources at National Weather Security, a little-known, Homeland Security-funded arm of NOAA’s National Weather Service, have told Pamville News investigative reporters that the 2015-2016 winter will see more activity from El Niño. This event upswing is the largest seen for 18 years. “The last strong one like we’re seeing now was in 1997,” said Bob Hoenisch, who, due to Homeland secrecy policies, would only identify himself as a meteorologist for National Weather Service. A Nov. 19 report from Weather Security warns the public that El Niño’s activity will increase into the winter, with varying targets across the U.S. and subside in the spring. El Niño is known for its elaborate strikes using weather as a weapon. What people can expect from the El Niño terrorist cell is a two-
pronged attack on the Northern Hemisphere, Hoenisch said. Residents in the southern tier states will see increased storm activity with threats from increased rain and snow bombardments. Attacks in the northern states, such as Montana, will bring warmer and drier weather. It’s a more subtle threat, Homeland sources said, because the milder weather will lull people into complacency, then when the extreme cold attacks come they will be taken off guard. Plus, the source added, the longterm effects of drought can be devastating to the area. Due to increased border security, Homeland authorities said, very little cold weather is expected to slip across the border out of Canada into the north-central Montana region. “It doesn’t mean that that can’t happen; it just won’t happen as often,” Hoenisch said. “So instead of having multiple cold air outbreaks, we may only have a handful of times when we experience that really cold air, like subzero weather.” El Niño has splinter storm cells and weather event accomplices everywhere, Homeland and Weather
View from the North 40 Pam Burke Humor columnist Security officials have said in the past, and during heightened alerts security forces are taking all precautions. Though this is an international hunt, Canadian government officials and security forces will be expected to deal with El Niño’s cold air attacks with their own resources, said the unnamed official with Homeland Security. U.S. terrorism budget is tapped, with the largest portions earmarked for the Middle East, though troops and supplies can be deployed to help should an extreme emergency warrant them — in the northern states and Canada, should the U.S.’s northern neighbors need assistance. Analysts first picked up chatter about El Niño along the equator about a year ago. “There’s a lot of weather data
that’s obtained in the Pacific Ocean a lot from buoys from satellite measurement,” Hoenisch said, though he declined to offer more specifics in order to safeguard the identities of the Weather Security operatives in the eastern Pacific. Surveillance devices placed in the ocean at strategic levels from the surface to a depth of about 1,000 feet along the equator and the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean from about Central America to an area south of Hawaii have provided the bulk of the raw data, Hoenisch said. “They look at the temperature of the water out there and how it relates to what would be considered average,” he said in explanation of how the ongoing threat assessment is calculated. Analysts with Weather Security reported that El Niño operatives have raised water temperatures as much as 3 degrees Farenheit above the longterm average, Hoenisch said, and because water temperatures are less sensitive to temperature fluctuations, even a variation of half a degree is enough to alert security forces. A variance of 3 degrees is “pretty significant,” he added.
The U.S. will be on heightened alert into spring, said terrorist analysts who specialize in El Niño activities. People in the northern states, complacent from the warmer temperatures, will be especially vulnerable when El Niño operatives hit the area with dangerously low temperatures. These cold-air attacks are expected despite National Weather Security’s efforts to stop them. “I would stress that, even though we talked about the potential for it overall being warmer and drier, the impact of winter weather — even if we get less storm systems, less outbreaks of cold air — all it takes is one to have a big impact,” Hoenisch said in warning, “so there’s no reason to not prepare.” Thank you for reading Pamville News where our motto is: "Facts are just a portal to a world of fiction." See more on this winter's weather starting on page 2 of this publication. (Thank you to Bob Hoenisch, meteorologist with National Weather Service in Great Falls, for being brave enough to agree to an interview at pam@viewfromthenorth40. com.)
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Ag producers could see less moisture El Niño bringing expectations of warmer, drier winter; almanacs have different prediction Tim Leeds tleeds@havredailynews.com With the strongest El Niño in nearly two decades expected to last through the winter months, local farmers and ranchers could be seeing less snowpack and possibly a dryer agricultural year, though experts say exactly what will come still is unknown. “El Niño is going to have an impact on our weather, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that we’re not going to have wintertype weather,” said Bob Hoenisch, National Weather Service meteorologist in Great Falls. “It just will affect, kind of, the overall average.” El Niño is a weather pattern in which the temperature of the water in the Pacific Ocean along the equator is warmer than normal. That typically brings a warmer and drier-than-normal weather pattern to the northwestern part of the United States, including Montana, and often cooler- and
wetter-than-normal patterns for the southeast and east. But that is contrasted by the forecast from The Old Farmer’s Almanac, which calls for a cold winter with a “slew of snow” predicted for the northern Plains and Pacific Northwest, as well as the prediction from the Farmer’s Almanac, which predicts near-normal winter temperatures with occasional bitter cold for the western Great Plains and milder-than-normal temperatures in the Rocky Mountains along with above-normal precipitation for the northern Great Plains states and in the Pacific Northwest.
Meteorologists look at the weather patterns But Weather Service and Weather Channel are betting on the temperatures at the equator bringing warmer, dryer weather to the region. A report from Weather Channel predicts much-warmer than normal temperatures for December across Montana and stretching into most of Wisconsin. That forecast predicts warmer-than-normal temperatures across most of the central part of the country from coast to coast, with cool to much-cooler temperatures
across the southern part of the United States. A National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration long-range forecast on the U.S. Drought Monitor shows that is expected to continue through at least March, with more normal temperatures returning to the central part of the northern United States by late spring or early summer. Warmer temperatures still are forecast in northwestern United States including in Montana West of the Continental Divide and into north-central Montana. The forecast predicts warmer temperatures will return to most of the state by the fall. The Drought Monitor forecast also calls for less precipitation than normal across Montana in the early winter, with more normal levels returning by late spring and early summer, although a dry spell is expected in western Montana in June and July.
A low-snow winter with some needed moisture over the summer In Montana so far, things already are starting to dry out.
The Montana current water supply and moisture condition map on the drought. mt.gov website shows extremely dry conditions along the Rocky Mountain Front from Glacier County to Powell County, and Lake County also in extemely dry conditions. The rest of the western part of the state and over to Broadwater and Gallatin counties is listed as in moderately dry conditions, as is Judith Basin County. Liberty and Chouteau counties, along with other counties just east of the Rocky Mountain Front, and most of the the southeastern quarter of the state are listed in slightly dry conditions. Hill and Blaine counties are among the quarter of the counties in the state listed as in near-average conditions Last winter produced odd water weather for the state. With low snowfall over the winter, drought conditions could have hit early, but high levels of rainfall at times helped offset that shortage. In north-central Montana, the moisture conditions depended on where people lived and what rain fell. By harvest-time this year, conditions varied greatly within counties, such as some portions of Hill County receiving enough rain to expect at least decent harvests — although hailstorms
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FARM & RANCH Moisture: Strongest El Niño system in almost two decades 11
December 2015
As to exactly how much snow
and cold the region will see, it’s still anyone’s guess. Meteorologist Hoenisch said the impact of El Niños is that the system typically raises the average temperature and drops the total amount of precipitation. Storms — and some cold weather — still can hit. The warm waters at the equatorial Pacific Ocean push across the northern part of the United States in an El Niño, generally keeping the cold air from pushing down from the north. “Oftentimes what happens is the storm track is split and you have storms that come into California and track across the southern part of country, but the northern portion of that split tends to kind of keep the coldest air in Canada and not so much dropping down into the north-central U.S.,” Hoenisch said. “It doesn’t mean that that can’t happen. It just won’t happen as often. So, instead of having multiple cold-air outbreaks we may only have a handful of times when we experience that really cold air, like subzero weather.” He said the El Niño system this year is strong — the strongest
recorded since 1997 — and is likely to persist through the winter. A few degrees of average warmer water temperatures over a long time can make a major difference, Hoenisch said. “Half-a-degree above the longterm average is considered warm,” he said. “It’s currently about 3 degrees above average, and that’s considered pretty significant.” In the shorter term, the Weather Channel forecast Nov. 23 called for colder weather — highs in 20s and 30s and lows in the teens and single digits — and a few snow storms in the last week of November. The forecast predicted continued highs in the 30s and 40s with lows in the 20s the first week of December, with no significant snow in that longer-range forecast. Havre Daily News reporter Pam Burke contributed to this article. Montana Drought and Water Supply site: http://drought.mt.gov National Drought Monitor: http:// droughtmonitor.unl.edu National Weather Service Great Falls page: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/tfx
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December 2015
FARM & RANCH
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Two looks at El Ni単o
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