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NORTHERN AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTER
THEN and NOW
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NARC Field Day — Then and Now For its centennial milestone, Northern Ag Research Center is turning its 2015 Field Day, July 1, into a special celebration. Pam Burke community@havredailynews.com The annual Field Day at Montana State U n i ve r s i t y ' s N o r t h e r n A g r i c u l t u r a l Research Center south of Havre gives beef and crop producers, as well as interested visitors, a chance to tour the facility to see what the scientists are working on and hear presentations from specialists. Tour focuses this year include crop varieties, cattle mineral supplements, wheat sawfly control, controlling pink eye through advances in pest management, the affect of microbiomes in crops and range land, and a something more. “This year is going to be a little differ-
ent from previous Field Days in that we’re trying to go with a ‘then and now’ theme: what did we do then, how did we do it, what happened over time, where have we come and how did we get here,” said Darrin Boss, superintendent of the research center. In keeping with that theme, Boss said, NARC agronomy scientist Peggy Lamb planted an all-historical nursery of winter wheat, spring wheat and barley, along with the modern varieties planted for current studies. “Producers can go out in the field and say, hey, this one is 6 feet tall or 5 foot tall, or this is when we brought dwarfs into the program, to see where we’ve come in a hundred years of research,” Boss said. The beef operations side of the facility
will be offering a more hands-on experience with demonstrations of cattle handling using different modern, low-stress systems. “We’re going to be working cattle in a Bud box, we’re going to be working cattle in a Temple Grandin system and showing people different options they have, how, and the benefits of both,” Boss said. Boss said the theme and much of the Field Day activities are being driven by NARC’s advisory council, which comprises c ro p a n d b e e f p ro d u c e rs a c ro s s t h e research center’s north-central Montana region. These 16 ag production representatives from Hill, Blaine, Phillips, Chouteau and Liberty counties help guide future research at NARC based on producer concerns and disseminate research results to producers in their respective areas. The council not only wanted to see where the research center has been and what the scientists are doing now, but also where the science is going, so the Field Day activities are looking into “buzz things” five years out in the future, Boss added. These glimpses into the future include taking current technology and repurposing it for agricultural needs. NARC cropping systems specialist Kefyalew Desta will demonstrate how he
has started using digital cameras inserted into clear glass tubes underground to study root systems in the ground, as they are growing and developing, rather than having to pull the root samples out for the studies. Speakers will also talk about using unmanned aerial vehicles in both crop and beef production to study and map crops from the air, an angle which can better reveal areas of different kinds of plant stress, and to check cattle in pastures and corrals. Boss said Dan Long, a former agronomist at NARC, was attaching cameras to his own single-engine airplane and radio controlled airplanes to get those images for his studies at the research center before the era of drones and GoPro cameras. Boss is hoping to get Long back to NARC to talk about those early innovations in technology use. “It’s quite exciting,” Boss said, “and I’m really exited about that kind of component — the technology end of it.” But this 100th anniversary celebration won’t be all about the science, Boss added. Former NARC superintendent Don Anderson will be on hand to talk about the research center’s history, and Boss’ predecessor, Gregg Carlson, will be in atten-
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Havre Daily News/Jake Shane The Northern Agricultural Research Center’s newest facility, which houses offices, labs and a conference room, will be dedicated during the 2015 Field Day to former NARC Superintendent Gregg Carlson.
NARC Field Day: The event gets underway with ag demonstrations at 1 p.m. n Continued from page 3 the historic preservation groups utilizing it as a tourist attraction to an important part of the area's long history, the organizations have forged a unique bond. “It represents the fort and the relationship that we’ve had with both of those organizations,” Boss said, adding that “neither one of us would be here if we didn’t have a good relationship, so that’s a real celebration.” Registration for Field Day, a free event, begins at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, at the NARC facility six miles south of Havre
off U.S. Highway 87. The equipment show gets underway at 1 p.m. with the equipment show and ag demonstrations from several speakers. On-station research tours begin at 2:30 p.m. and an antique tractor parade at 4 p.m., with honoree Gregg Carlson and other dignitaries in the lead. Boss’ welcome speech begins at 4:15 p.m., followed by other guest speakers and presentations. At 5 p.m. attendees will start on the first round of barbecue dinners or go on one of the second set of tours, and 6:30 p.m. the tour-goers will get dinner and the other group a tour.
The Field Day program officially ends at 8 p.m., but Boss said scientists and staff
will still be available for more discussion or to revisit project cites.
Havre Daily News/File photo Tractor-pulled wagons take people on a tour of the Northern Agricultural Research Center grounds during its 2012 Field Day event.
NARC Field Day: ‘The big thing we've done this year, also, is we've combined with the Chamber’ n Continued from page 2 dance as the new NARC facility, started under Carlson, is dedicated in his name. Boss is working with Charlie Inman, a Hill County farmer who restores antique tractors and steam engines, to bring in a large display of early tractors and steam engines. The equipment on display, then, will span the era from the early 1900s to modern equipment used at the research center and brought in for a first-ever trade fair. “The big thing we’ve done this year, also, is we’ve combined with the Chamber,” Boss said. The Havre Area Chamber of Commerce’s Agri-Business Committee has been hosting the Field Day barbecue dinner for years, but this year, the Chamber’s role has expanded. The Chamber Agri-Business Committee usually holds its annual Ag Appreciation Banquet in the fall, but this year the dinner — which honors the area’s agricultural
industry and awards an Outstanding Agricultural Leader and an Outstanding Agricultural Advocate — will be held in conjunction with Field Day. The expanded pairing with the Chamber is also making possible the trade show, which is still taking vendors, and is expected to be an added draw for the barbecue dinner. Boss said he wouldn’t be surprised to see the usual average of 300 attendees get bumped up to 750 for this year’s special event. He added that he is excited to get this many producers together. As another nod to the then and now theme, NARC has gotten together with the Havre/Hill County Historic Preservation C o m m i s s i o n a n d Fo r t A s s i n n i b o i n e Preservation Association to reveal a special commemorative that honors their partnership at the historic Fort Assinniboine facility, as well as this 100th anniversary. With NARC utilizing the fort as a working ranch, farm and research facility and
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Collecting Evidence the Cow and the Sage 4-H Afterschool Growing to New Heights Grouse Coexist
BY ROUBIE YOUNKIN vALLEY COUNTY MSU EXTENSION FOR HI-LINE FARM AND RANCH wo programs, 4-H Afterschool Payback Minerals combined with Junior Master Gardeners teamed up to enhance for Timely Breed-back the after school hours for elementary youth and Healthy Weaned in the Hinsdale School. 4-H Afterschool is an educational program of Cooperative Calves in the Fall Extension designed to offer youth a safe, healthy, caring and enriching environment In Stock: Bagged or Bulk during the afterschool hours. The program Calf Creep Feed with Bovetec also strives to address the interests of youth to help put weight gain and meets their physical, cognitive, social and emotional needs. It is funded by the on your calves! Valley County Community Foundation and the Valley County 4-H Council. Smart-lic Supplement Tubs Junior Master Gardener uses the handsto keep your herd in top condition! on approach to engage children in learning experiences that promote a love of gardening, an appreciation for the environment and cultivates the mind. Hinsdale FFA Advisor Patti Armbrister and Valley County Extension Agent Roubie 1st Ave. North Younkin partnered to create a learning enviGlasgow, MT 59230 ronment for all interested Hinsdale elementary school students. The Hinsdale school Elevator • 228-4422 / Fertilizer Plant • 228-2571 greenhouse provided a perfect environment to explore the world of plants, insects and their own creativity. COURTESY ANDERSON Members learned theMILES basics of plant phOTOS bY ROUbIE YOUNkIN / fOR hI-LINE fARM AND RANCh growth, soil to characteristics andout beneficial This photo is of a sage grouse that is following a herd of cattle on Miles Anderson's land. Anderson said that ranchers need to continue be active and voice their insects. They tried new tastes and foods Salad Garden: Berkleywith Hillman, Ashton Smith, behind observations and concerns federal actions on the bird.them Lily Bear, CharLee McColly, Brinley Boreson and as learned the value of making healthy BaiLee McColly. BY BONNIE DAvIDSON and pay attention to the thingschoices. going on. The elementary students showed a HI-LINE FARM & RANCH Anderson said that he sawpositive the sage grouse number fall attitude toward fruitstart and to vegetable t’s a debate that’s not going anywhere, but some answers to what around 1994. In Canada theresnacks was awhile law suit for a lack action exploring newof foods andinfood the federal government decides will come at the end of summer. the area. He said he also saw acombinations. change in the land. Biologists decided The greater sage grouse is found in 11 western states. A large to put cows on the grass that wasYouth being who kept from grazing. participate in Tall, aftergrey school part of that territory covers sections of Valley County. and dying grass began to be grazed andbased over time theprojects land started to activities on 4-H and Junior Ranchers have been anxious about what naming the species en- heal. He said that he’s noticedMaster his cows have been coexisting with the Gardener curriculum show improved dangered could do to their livelihoods and their land. Many of the greater sage grouse. communication, decision-making, teamwork local ranchers have been working on ways to help ensure the species “I think cows can coexist with sage grouse,” and the other skills to lastAnderson a lifetime.said. “I Stop by and visit with us survives and thrives. noticed when checking the cows that the predators tend to stay away of now the Western Governors of the 11 states are working on and the birds stay near the cows.” about your Spring Needs an As initiative, while each state has been tackling their own ways to His thoughts were that the birds might be surviving with the help * Fertilizers protect the bird and work with ranchers and conservation groups. Gov. of cows, but ranchers needed to start keeping and collecting anecdotal Steve Bullock established a greater sage grouse habitat conservation evidence to show the experts. He also spoke of something that the Cou* Soil Sampling program last year, and created a committee to take a look at impacts rier reported in the Farm and Ranch edition last year while talking with *Chemicals and conservation. rancher and former Fish, Wildlife and Parks employee Ron Stoneberg, While the politicians continue to seek a solution, the ranchers back that the birds need a bare spot to dance during mating season, and the *Seed & Seed Treatments are paying attention to the birds. Their mating season happened cows help graze the land to create that space. We are your dealer for home earlier this spring. The sage grouse problem came up frequently durOne of his biggest arguments was the number of predators in the 341 3rd Ave. S. • Glasgow, MT 59230 ing the Valley County Grazing Districts annual meeting in February. area. He said that they have been watching the coyote kills and 60 seed corn & alfalfa of the speakers during that meeting was Miles Anderson from Fir percent of the coyotes killed had sage hen chicks in their stomachs. – Round-Up Ready We put a © Varieties – One Mountain, Saskatchewan. Anderson explained that his ranch is just on Anderson caught a few photos where the sage grouse looked to be little magic in the other side of the border, and he can see Opheim from his hills. following the cows as they grazed. He believes that there’s a correlaHe continued on that he has deep ties to Valley County, but the tion and that the birds are learning to re-adapt to new environmental everything we do! sage grouse issue didn’t just stop at the border. He asked those at the factors. Some conservationists claim that the growths of farms and ranches Glasgow – 228-2571 meeting, and later during a phone interview that people stay involved We’re More Than A Newspaper! 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federal officials will decide whether or not to list the bird. Montana’s plan will require CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 state agency compliance and will provide a have created a loss in habitat. Heavy droughts regulatory structure on development of new and fire season wracking through Utah, Idaho, sage grouse habitat. The state has spent an California and Nevada could clearly be caus- estimated $1.5 million during the past four ing a shift in the numbers. years and over $6 million between 2000 and tion was the American Fork Ranch, a comMONTANA STOCKGROWERS What is coming up next is finding out if 2014. mercial cow-calf operation in Wheatland and FOR HI-LINE FARM & RANCH o you know a Montana rancher Sweet Grass counties. The American Fork is who is a leader in stewardship owned by the Stevens family and is managed and sustainability, implementing by Jed and Annie Evjene, long-time active conservation practices to ensure the social, members of MSGA. economic, and environmental sustainability Over the past 17 years, the Stevens and of their operation? Encourage them to apply Evjene families have focused on establishfor the Montana Environmental Stewardship ing relationships among all key aspects of Award, presented by the Montana Stockgrow- the ranch: rangeland, water, crop production, ers Association (MSGA). Applications for the cattle herd, wildlife, cottonwood forests, 2015 award are due June 30. employees, family, community and the beef Each year, MSGA honors Montana ranches industry to integrate a model of sustainability. U.S.exemplify DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE has awarded more that environmental stewardship and Montana These cooperative efforts havethan led to$340 relationHI-LINE FARM & RANCH thousand in Value-Added Producer Grants demonstrate commitment toward improved ships and projects in coordination with profesgriculture Secretary Tom Vil-Thissince 2009. Last year Woolly Bugger sustainability within their communities. sionals from numerous universities, state and sack announced that USDAwho is areStudios, in Sheridan, was award recognizes Montana ranchers federalInc. agencies, area andMontana state Stockgrower making $30 million available awarded $15,750 to assist in starting a at the forefront in conservation and steward- organizations, and several youth programs. nationally farmers, ranchers food forcheese Today, making ship andtoare willing to serve asand examples theoperation. American Fork Ranch is home to entrepreneurs to develop new product “Agriculture is the of economic pillar other ranchers. a diverse population plant species andofmanlines. “Montana Funding will be made available Montana, representing more than $3.9 ranchers are leaders in this aged wildlife populations. Intensivebilrecord through USDA’s Producer lion keeping, of the state’s Domestic country when itValue-Added comes to being stewards of over aGross decade of rangeProduct monitoring, Grant program. and water 17% of the jobs,” said Director our(VAPG) environment and conserving the natural development projects and Preite. weed man“Farmers and ranchers are creative “To say that these available dollars are that resources that help make Montana such a agement have led to pasture conditions people who, with a little help, can put that important to the growth of Montana’s great state to live in,” said Gene Curry, MSGA promote diverse plant species and thick stands creativity to work and improve the bottom agricultural industry and economy,grazing. is President and rancher from Valier. “We are of stockpiled forage forits year-round line asking for their operations,” Vilsack said. almost an understatement.” the community to get involved in help- A heavy focus on riparian area management “Value-Added Producer Grants enable Producer a ing us identify ranches that really go above Value-Added has allowed for recoveryGrants of plantare species, themand to develop new product to grow key Cottonwood element of forest the USDA’s Yourwater beyond when it comeslines to environmental regrowth,Know improved theirstewardship businesses and their contribuFarmer, Know Foodwildlife Initiative, which and expand conservation in their local quality and Your enhanced habitat, even in tionsareas.” to our nation’s economy. This support coordinates the Department’s work the presence of livestock grazing. on lois especially important for beginning farmcal andRanches regionalwishing food systems. Last year’s recipient of the ESAP recognito applySecretary for the 2015 ers, military veterans engaging in farming Vilsack has identified local and regional and smaller farm operations participating food systems as one of the four pillars of in the local and regional food system.” rural economic development. More information on how to apply is on Congress increased funding for the page 26528 of the May 8 Federal Register. VAPG program when it passed the 2014 The deadline to submit paper applications Farm Bill. That law builds on historic is July 7. Electronic applications submitted economic gains in rural America over the through grants.gov are due July 2. past six years, while achieving meaningful VAPG grants can be used to develop reform and billions of dollars in savings new product lines from raw agricultural for taxpayers. products or additional uses for already Since the bill’s enactment, USDA has developed product lines. Military veter- made significant progress to implement ans, socially disadvantaged, and begin- each provision of this critical legislation, ning farmers and ranchers; operators of including expanding access to rural credit, small- and medium-sized family farms and developing new markets for rural-made ranches; farmer and rancher cooperatives; products, and investing in infrastructure, and applicants that propose mid-tier value housing and community facilities to help chain projects are given special priority in improve the quality of life in rural Ameriapplying for VAPGs. Additional priority is ca. For more information, visit www.usda. given to group applicants who seek fund- gov/farmbill. ing for projects that “best contribute” to President Obama’s historic investments creating or increasing marketing opportu- in rural America have made our rural comnities for these type of operators. munities stronger. Under his leadership, Since 2009, USDA has awarded 853 these investments in housing, community Value-Added Producer Grants totaling facilities, businesses and infrastructure $104.5 million. Approximately 19 percent have empowered rural America to continue of the grants and 13 percent of total fund- leading the way – strengthening America’s ing has been awarded to beginning farm- economy, small towns and rural commuers and ranchers. During the 2013-2014 nities. funding cycle, nearly half of VAPG awards For more information on the VAPG went to farmers and ranchers developing program in Montana, visit Value-Added products for the local food sector. Producer Grants or www.rd.usda.gov/mt.
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Sage Grouse
USDA Assists Small and Emerging NEWTON INC. Montana Stockgrowers Seeking Applications forMOTORS, Native American Businesses in Montana & USED TRUCKSNorthwest AND CARS 2015 Environmental StewardshipNEW Award
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ESAP award and recognition are asked to HI-LINE FARM & RANCH complete an application packet (available Native American Community Development at mtbeef.org), due to MSGA by June 30. Corporation Financial Services, Inc. (NACDC FSI), a Nominations can be submitted by contacting Microenterprise Development Organization (MDO) the MSGA office. Ranches must be a member located in Browning, Montana, has been awarded a 440 Highway 2 West • Glasgow Across from the Fairgrounds of the Montana Stockgrowers Association to • USDA Rural Development Rural Microentrepreneur 406-228-9325 • 406-228-4381 • 1-800-255-1472 qualify for the award. Assistance Program (RMAP) loan and grant. This is Family owned The ranch chosen for the award willby be thetheNewton first RMAPBoys! awarded to a Native American operated MDO in Montana. announced at MSGA’s Annual Convention Rent A Car See Doug, Andy, Terry, Kenny or Ted! RMAPs allow MDOs, like NACDC FSI, to and Trade Show in Billings, Dec. 3-5 at the MetraPark in Billings. The Montana ESAP make small microloans ($50,000 or less) and provide winner will then prepare their application for business based training and technical assistance to Forcompetition, Sale At Private Treaty qualified businesses with no more than 10 employees the Regional and National Award in rural areas. Performance Tested which is typically due in early March of the Real People Herbals and R Snack Shop are two following year. Since 1992, Montana Stockgrowers has such Native American businesses that are directly benfrom— thisPolled funding. Real People Herbals, owned Black black) honored 22 state winners, ten& of Red whom(mostly went efiting by a member of the Blackfeet Tribe. R Snack Shop, also & Two Year Olds on to win the regional awardYearlings and two named owned by a member of the Blackfeet Tribe, has plans to national award —Satisfaction winners. To learn more, expand & Calving EasetheGuaranteed— menu and possibly the hours of operation. R visit mtbeef.org, or contact Ryan Goodman Snack Shop has been in business for 30 years. at ryan@mtbeef.org or (406) 442-3420. The USDA Rural Development has a number of proMontana Stewardship Award grams for assisting businesses economic growth Dale &Environmental Cindy Andersen Cell:and 765-7836 is funded in part by Montana Beef Producers in Montana. Last year USDA Rural Development 406-286-5602 765-7834 Reserve, Montana with Checkoff Dollars. invested more than $291 million in rural Montana.
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Collecting Evidence the Cow and the Sage 4-H Afterschool Growing to New Heights Grouse Coexist
BY ROUBIE YOUNKIN vALLEY COUNTY MSU EXTENSION FOR HI-LINE FARM AND RANCH wo programs, 4-H Afterschool combined with Junior Master Gardeners teamed up to enhance the after school hours for elementary youth in the Hinsdale School. 4-H Afterschool is an educational program of Cooperative Extension designed to offer youth a safe, healthy, caring and enriching environment during the afterschool hours. The program also strives to address the interests of youth and meets their physical, cognitive, social and emotional needs. It is funded by the Valley County Community Foundation and the Valley County 4-H Council. Junior Master Gardener uses the handson approach to engage children in learning experiences that promote a love of gardening, an appreciation for the environment and cultivates the mind. Hinsdale FFA Advisor Patti Armbrister and Valley County Extension Agent Roubie Younkin partnered to create a learning environment for all interested Hinsdale elementary school students. The Hinsdale school greenhouse provided a perfect environment to explore the world of plants, insects and their own creativity. Members learned the basics of plant phOTOS bY ROUbIE YOUNkIN / fOR hI-LINE fARM AND RANCh COURTESY ANDERSON growth, soil characteristics andMILES beneficial insects. triedtonew tastes Salad Hillman, Smith, behind Lily Bear, CharLee McColly, Brinley Boreson ThisGarden: photo isBerkley of a sage grouse Ashton that is following a herdthem of cattle on Miles Anderson's land. Anderson saidand that ranchers needThey to continue be active andand voicefoods out their as learned the value of making healthy BaiLee McColly. and concerns with federal actions on the bird. observations choices. The elementary students showed a BY BONNIE DAvIDSON and pay attention to thepositive things going on.toward fruit and vegetable attitude HI-LINE FARM & RANCH Anderson said that snacks he sawwhile the sage grousenew number to fall exploring foods start and food t’s a debate that’s not going anywhere, but some answers to what around 1994. In Canada there was a law suit for a lack of action in combinations. the federal government decides will come at the end of summer. the area. He said he also saw a change the land. Biologists decided Youth who in participate in after school The greater sage grouse is found in 11 western states. A large to put cows on the grassactivities that wasbased beingon kept from grazing. grey 4-H projects and Tall, Junior part of that territory covers sections of Valley County. and dying grass began Master to be grazed and curriculum over time the land started to Gardener show improved Ranchers have been anxious about what naming the species en- heal. He said that he’s noticed his cows decision-making, have been coexisting with the communication, teamwork dangered could do to their livelihoods and their land. Many of the greater sage grouse. and other skills to last a lifetime. local ranchers have been working on ways to help ensure the species “I think cows can coexist with the sage grouse,” Anderson said. “I survives and thrives. noticed when checking the cows that the predators tend to stay away As of now the Western Governors of the 11 states are working on and the birds stay near the cows.” an initiative, while each state has been tackling their own ways to His thoughts were that the birds might be surviving with the help protect the bird and work with ranchers and conservation groups. Gov. of cows, but ranchers needed to start keeping and collecting anecdotal Steve Bullock established a greater sage grouse habitat conservation evidence to show the experts. He also spoke of something that the Couprogram last year, and created a committee to take a look at impacts rier reported in the Farm and Ranch edition last year while talking with and conservation. rancher and former Fish, Wildlife and Parks employee Ron Stoneberg, While the politicians continue to seek a solution, the ranchers back that the birds need a bare spot to dance during mating season, and the home are paying attention to the birds. Their mating season happened cows help graze the land to create that space. earlier this spring. The sage grouse problem came up frequently durOne of his biggest arguments was the number of predators in the ing the Valley County Grazing Districts annual meeting in February. area. He said that they have been watching the coyote kills and 60 One of the speakers during that meeting was Miles Anderson from Fir percent of the coyotes killed had sage hen chicks in their stomachs. Mountain, Saskatchewan. Anderson explained that his ranch is just on Anderson caught a few photos where the sage grouse looked to be the other side of the border, and he can see Opheim from his hills. following the cows as they grazed. He believes that there’s a correlaHe continued on that he has deep ties to Valley County, but the tion and that the birds are learning to re-adapt to new environmental sage grouse issue didn’t just stop at the border. He asked those at the factors. meeting, and later during a phone interview that people stay involved Some conservationists claim that the growths of farms and ranches Please See SAGE GROUSE, Page 5 Patti: BaiLee McColly, Berkley Hillman and Patti Armbrister
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USDA Assists Small and Emerging Sage Grouse Montana Stockgrowers Seeking Applications for Native American Businesses in NEWTON MOTORS, INC. Northwest Montana 2015 Environmental Stewardship Award NEW & USED TRUCKS AND CARS
federal officials will decide whether or not to list the bird. Montana’s plan will require CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 state agency compliance and will provide a have created a loss in habitat. Heavy droughts regulatory structure on development of new and fire season wracking through Utah, Idaho, sage grouse habitat. The state has spent an U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE California and Nevada could clearly be caus- estimated $1.5 million during the past four MONTANA STOCKGROWERS tion was the American Fork Ranch, a com- ESAP award and recognition are asked to HI-LINE FARM & RANCH ing a shift in the numbers. years and over $6 million between 2000 and FOR & RANCH cow-calf operation in Wheatland and complete an application packet (available Native American Community Development What is HI-LINE comingFARM up next is finding out if mercial 2014.Grass counties. The American Fork is at mtbeef.org), due to MSGA by June 30. o you know a Montana rancher Sweet Corporation Financial Services, Inc. (NACDC FSI), a who is a leader in stewardship owned by the Stevens family and is managed Nominations can be submitted by contacting Microenterprise Development Organization (MDO) and sustainability, implementing by Jed and Annie Evjene, long-time active the MSGA office. Ranches must be a member located in Browning, Montana, has been awarded a conservation practices to ensure the social, members of MSGA. of the Montana Stockgrowers Association to USDA Rural Development Rural Microentrepreneur Highway 2 West • Glasgow • Across from the Fairgrounds economic, and environmental sustainability Over the past 17 years, the Stevens and qualify for the440 award. Assistance Program (RMAP) loan and grant. This is 406-228-9325 • 406-228-4381 1-800-255-1472 of their operation? Encourage them to apply Evjene families have focused on establishThe ranch chosen for the award will be the first RMAP•awarded to a Native American operated in Montana. Family owned MDO by the Newton Boys! for the Montana Environmental Stewardship ing relationships among all key aspects of announced at MSGA’s Annual Convention RMAPsKenny allow MDOs, like NACDCRent FSI, to Award, presented by the Montana Stockgrow- the ranch: rangeland, water, crop production, and Trade Show in Billings, Dec. 3-5 at Andy, the A Car See Doug, Terry, or Ted! ers Association (MSGA). Applications for the cattle herd, wildlife, cottonwood forests, MetraPark in Billings. The Montana ESAP make small microloans ($50,000 or less) and provide 2015 award are due June 30. employees, family, community and the beef winner will then prepare their application for business based training and technical assistance to Each year, MSGA honors Montana ranches industry to integrate a model of sustainability. the Regional and National Award competition, qualified businesses with no more than 10 employees in rural areas. Treaty ForofSale Private that exemplify environmental stewardship and These cooperative efforts have led to relation- which is typically due in early March the At U.S. DEPARTMENT AGRICULTURE has more $340 following year. Real People Herbals and R Snack Shop are two Performance Tested demonstrate commitmentOFtoward improved ships Montana and projects in awarded coordination withthan profesFARMcommunities. & RANCH thousand Value-Added Producer sustainability HI-LINE within their This sionals from in numerous universities, stateGrants and Since 1992, Montana Stockgrowers has such Native American businesses that are directly bengriculture Secretary Tomare Vil- federal sinceagencies, 2009. Last year Woolly Bugger honored 22 state winners, ten of whom went efiting from this funding. Real People Herbals, owned award recognizes Montana ranchers who area and state Stockgrower by a member of the — Blackfeet Tribe. R Snack Shop, also sack announced that USDA is Studios, Inc. in Sheridan, Montana &named Red (mostly black) Polled at the forefront in conservation and steward- organizations, and several youth programs.was on to win the regional awardBlack and two owned by a member of the Blackfeet Tribe, has plans to making $30 million available awarded $15,750 to assist in starting a ship and are willing to serve as examples for Today, the American Fork Ranch is home to national award winners. To learn more, & Yearlings Two Olds expand theYear menu and possibly the hours of operation. R nationally cheesepopulation making operation. other ranchers.to farmers, ranchers and food a diverse of plant species and man- visit mtbeef.org, or contact Ryan Goodman —Satisfaction & Calving Ease Guaranteed— Snack Shop has been in business for 30 years. entrepreneurs to develop new product “Agriculture is the economic pillar of “Montana ranchers are leaders in this aged wildlife populations. Intensive record at ryan@mtbeef.org or (406) 442-3420. The USDA Rural Development has a number of prolines.when Funding willtobe made available Montana, more than $3.9 bil- Montana Environmental Stewardship Award country it comes being stewards of keeping, overrepresenting a decade of range monitoring, grams for assisting businesses and economic growth through USDA’s Value-Added Producer lion of the state’s Gross Domestic Product our environment and conserving the natural water development projects and weed man- is fundedDale in part Montana Beef Producers in Montana. Last year USDA Cell: Rural Development &by Cindy Andersen 765-7836 Grant (VAPG) program. and 17% of the saidconditions Director Preite. resources that help make Montana such a agement have led jobs,” to pasture that with Checkoff Dollars. invested more than $291 million in rural Montana. 406-286-5602 765-7834 Reserve, Montana “Farmers andsaid ranchers are MSGA creative promote “To say that plant these available dollars great state to live in,” Gene Curry, diverse species and thick standsare people who, with a little putare that of important to thefor growth of Montana’s President and rancher from help, Valier.can “We stockpiled forage year-round grazing. Hilltop Alliance 9205 creativity to work and improve the bottom agricultural industry and its economy, is at asking the community to get involved in help- A heavy focus on riparian area management line for their operations,” Vilsack said. almost an understatement.” ing us identify ranches that really go above has allowed for recovery of plant species, at Infinity Angus Ranch Grants enable Cottonwood Value-Added Producer Grantswater are a and“Value-Added beyond when itProducer comes to environmental forest regrowth, improved them to develop new product grow quality key element of the USDA’s Know Private stewardship and conservation inlines their tolocal and enhanced wildlife habitat, evenYour in LindaBy & Mark Nielsen, Treaty at the ranch Serving AreA ✯ their businesses and expand their contribuFarmer, Know Your Food Initiative, which areas.” the presence of livestock grazing. 15Owners miles south of Peerless, MT iveStock P roducerS L tions to our nation’s economy. This support coordinates the Department’s work on loIva Murch, Manager Last year’s recipient of the ESAP recogniRanches wishing to apply for the 2015 ByMiner Private Treaty Edwin is especially important for beginning farm- cal and regional food systems. Secretary 263-7529 For 69 YeArS! Semen Dr. Monica Haaland at the ranch 15 miles available ers, military veterans engaging in farming Vilsack has identified local and regional Dean Barnes, Yard Manager 1946 - 2015 cell 893-7788 • home 893-4456 263-1175 and smaller farm operations participating food systems as one of the four pillars of south of Peerless, MT BW WW YW $BEEF Ed Hinton, Auctioneer in the local and regional food system.” rural economic development. -2.3 +61 +99 +$63.90 Hilltop Trojan 8245 Windy 078 783-7285 More information on how to apply is on Congress increased funding for the owned with Hilltop Angus BDAR New Day Y100 Infinitys Upward 2300 page 26528 of the May 8 Federal Register. VAPG program when it passed the 2014 Edwin Miner June 2015 July (cont.) The deadline to submit paper applications Farm Bill. That law builds on historic Hilltop2015 Trojan 8245 Dr. Monica Haaland Thursday Thursday is July 7. Electronic applications submitted economic gains in rural America over the Windy 078 cell 893-7788 through grants.gov are due July 2. past six years, while achieving meaningful BDAR New Day Y100 All Class Cattle Auctionhome 893-4456 NO AUCTION VAPG grants can be used to develop reform and billions of dollars in savings Infinitys Upward 2300 new product lines from raw agricultural for taxpayers. Cow/Calf Pair Special Aerial & Ground Application products or additional uses for already Since the bill’s enactment, USDA has All Class Cattle Auction & All Class Cattle Auction developed product lines. Military veter- made significant progress to implement 2 Turbine Air Tractors ans, socially disadvantaged, and begin- each provision of this critical legislation, AUCTION 2 JD 4830NOSelf-propelled Sprayers All Class Cattle Auction ning farmers and ranchers; operators of including expanding access to rural credit, small- and medium-sized family farms and developing new markets for rural-made Case 4430 Sprayer ranches; farmer and rancher cooperatives; products, and investing in infrastructure, Pre 4th Dry Cow Special Auction August 2015 All GPS equipped Thursday and applicants that propose mid-tier value housing and community facilities to help & All Class Cattle Auction chain projects are given special priority in improve the quality of life in rural AmeriAll Class Cattle Auction applying for VAPGs. Additional priority is ca. For more information, visit www.usda. given to group applicants who seek fund- gov/farmbill. July 2015 Thursday ing for projects that “best contribute” to President Obama’s historic investments NO AUCTION ✔ Competitive prices on Chemicals creating or increasing marketing opportu- in rural America have made our rural comNO AUCTION and Application nities for these type of operators. munities stronger. Under his leadership, Early Yearling Since 2009, USDA has awarded 853 these investments in housing, community ✔ Pre-Harvest Desicating & All Class Cattle Auction Dry Cow Special Value-Added Producer Grants totaling facilities, businesses and infrastructure Applications & All Class Cattle Auction $104.5 million. Approximately 19 percent have empowered rural America to continue ✔ Saturday Or any other Applications that need NO AUCTION of the grants and 13 percent of total fund- leading the way – strengthening America’s to be done. ing has been awarded to beginning farm- economy, small towns and rural commuSheridan County and Guests ers and ranchers. During the 2013-2014 nities. ✔ Round-Up work Consignor Auction funding cycle, nearly half of VAPG awards For more information on the VAPG 406-228-9306 went to farmers and ranchers developing program in Montana, visit Value-Added P.O. Box 129 • Glasgow,–MT 59230406-747-3301 • gsi@nemont.netor • www.glasgowstockyards.com Call Roy Mehling office cell 406-480-5907 products for the local food sector. Producer Grants or www.rd.usda.gov/mt. Please call in consignments so buyers can be notified.
D
All In One Convenient Location
USDA Announces $30 Million Available for Food Entrepreneurs and Agricultural Producers to Develop New Products
A
Gelbvieh & Balancer Bulls Praise The Lord Gelbvieh
BLACK ANGUS BULLS
BLACK ANGUS BULLS
Glasgow Inc. InfinityStockyards, Angus
Ranch2015
Spring Schedule June – July – August
16 Service 4 Mehling Spraying 23 11 18
30
25
6
2
9
11
13 20 27
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MosquitoSeason SeasonComes Comeswith withWarmer WarmerWeather Weather Mosquito
Later, lonesome road. Later, lonesome road. Whywhen drive you when you can our fast,flights daily flights Why drive can hop onhop oneon ofone our of fast, daily to Billings? Make theof most yourand time, and the enjoy the ride. to Billings? Make the most youroftime, enjoy ride.
Havre HavreGlasgow Glasgow Wolf Point Wolf Point SidneySidney Glendive Glendive
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capeair.com 800-CAPE-AIR capeair.com 800-CAPE-AIR *Fares areto subject to availability and other conditions. Fares maywithout change notice, withoutand notice, andguaranteed are not guaranteed until ticketed. *Fares are subject availability and other conditions. Fares may change are not until ticketed.
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The flowers thespurge, leafy spurge, is known the "devil of all weeds." The flowers of the of leafy which which is known as the as "devil of all weeds."
Enemy: Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) TheThe Enemy: Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula)
anywhere you not want COUNTY MOSqUITO grow grow anywhere you do notdowant it. it. vALLEYvALLEY COUNTY WEED WEED MOSqUITO Attack: This is plant is to toxic to animals most animals AND WEED DISTRICT Attack: This plant toxic most AND WEED DISTRICT that The milky juice is known to cause HI-LINE FARM & RANCH that eat it.eat Theit.milky juice is known to cause HI-LINE FARM & RANCH trategy: the devil serious eye damage in humans and animals. trategy: This This is theisdevil of allof all serious eye damage in humans and animals. that most usface. will face. alsocause can cause blisters around theoflips of weedsweeds that most of us of will It ItItalsoIt can blisters around the lips very deep root,grow can grow animals. The plant rapidly becomes a solid has a has verya deep root, can up up animals. The plant rapidly becomes a solid to 30-feet. This perennial spreads monoculture of which no other to 30-feet. This perennial plant plant spreads by by monoculture of which no other plantsplants can can creeping andlaunch can launch its seeds to invade. can single handily takedesirout desircreeping roots roots and can its seeds up to upinvade. It canItsingle handily take out 15-feet. The seeds are mostly by small able grasses, and shrubs, and trees. 15-feet. The seeds are mostly spreadspread by small able grasses, forbs forbs and shrubs, and trees. canup send up a runner from the of Idaho, Montana, andDakotas the Dakotas birds.birds. In factInitfact can itsend a runner from the Parts Parts of Idaho, Montana, and the root as as deep as 10-feet. very distinct lost thousands of acres of to land root as deep 10-feet. It hasIta has verya distinct have have lost thousands of acres of land thisto this yellow/green the flower invader. yellow/green color color at the at flower head,head, whichwhich nasty nasty invader. be most noticeable long distances. Defense: Defense: This plant is extremely difficult can becan most noticeable from from long distances. This plant is extremely difficult The plant produces a milky juice throughout to control its extensive very extensive root sysThe plant produces a milky juice throughout to control due todue its to very root systhe entire has dark narrow tem. It takes the tools our weed the entire plant.plant. It hasItdark greengreen narrow tem. It takes all thealltools in ourinweed tool tool simple that originate the main to control it. Some have goats tried goats simple leavesleaves that originate from from the main box tobox control it. Some have tried and and thesummer late summer the plant insects, and many stem.stem. In theInlate the plant loses loses its its sheep,sheep, othersothers utilizeutilize insects, and many utilizeutilize and leaves behind to orange herbicides. Theis,fact all these combined leavesleaves and leaves behind a redatored orange herbicides. The fact all is, these combined is is It grows dry areas and moist best other than keeping it from invading. stem.stem. It grows in dryinareas and moist areas areas best other than keeping it from invading. and non-disturbed and disturbed For questions you have may have and non-disturbed areas areas and disturbed areas areas For questions you may aboutabout local local and ditch and roadsides and riparian noxious call the Valley County and ditch banksbanks and roadsides and riparian noxious weedsweeds call the Valley County WeedWeed and gardens and lawns. Basically Control at 406-228-6237. areas areas and gardens and lawns. Basically it willit will Control at 406-228-6237.
SS
/ pLAINS, MT CREDITCREDIT TERRY TERRY gLASE gLASE / pLAINS, MT
YOU’RE READING HI-LINE FARM & RANCH – THE AG MONTHLY NORTHEAST & NORTH CENTRAL MONTANA. YOU’RE READING HI-LINE FARM & RANCH – THE AG MONTHLY FORFOR NORTHEAST & NORTH CENTRAL MONTANA.
phOTOS bY bONNIE DAvIDSON / hI-LINE fARMRANCh AND RANCh phOTOS bY bONNIE DAvIDSON / hI-LINE fARM AND
Standing is abreeding total breeding for mosquito This puddle small puddle of water in a residential areas theofeast of Glasgow. Mosquito Standing water water that isthat a total groundground for mosquito larvae.larvae. This small of water was inwas a residential areas to theto east Glasgow. Mosquito and Director Weed Director suggests treating any standing or reducing the amount of standing in and fieldsaroudn and aroudn the home. and Weed Stone Stone TihistaTihista suggests treating any standing water,water, or reducing the amount of standing water water in fields the home. BY BONNIE DAvIDSON Residents can remove any standing making BY BONNIE DAvIDSON Residents can remove any standing water,water, making sure sure HI-LINE & RANCH if there is water a ditch, it’s moving. Stagnant HI-LINE FARM FARM & RANCH that ifthat there is water alongalong a ditch, it’s moving. Stagnant he weather is warmer, the are kidsout areofout of school is more attractive for mosquitoes to breed. Making he weather is warmer, the kids school waterwater is more attractive for mosquitoes to breed. Making and everyone out enjoying the outdoors sure you’re not over watering and garden, and everyone is outisenjoying the outdoors whilewhile sure you’re not over watering your your lawn lawn and garden, and and the wind is blowing still blowing and there’s few less sure there’s that there’s drainage to ditches and other the wind is still and there’s a fewa less beingbeing sure that drainage to ditches and other waterwater to swat. the Hi-Line everyone knows sources can keep help keep the mosquitoes at bay. peskypesky bugs bugs to swat. AlongAlong the Hi-Line everyone knows sources can help the mosquitoes at bay. and dreads mosquito season arrives. mosquitoes lay their the larvae can hatch and dreads whenwhen mosquito season arrives. WhenWhen mosquitoes lay their eggs,eggs, the larvae can hatch Last was year awas a particularly bad season, mosquito anywhere between anddays. 20 days. Asdays the days Last year particularly bad season, with with mosquito anywhere between threethree and 20 As the growgrow repellent doubling in Glasgow in August and Sepwarmer and temperatures dropping they’ll repellent sales sales doubling in Glasgow in August and Sepwarmer and temperatures stop stop dropping they’ll beginbegin to to tember. One interesting fact many not know, produce rapidly. Tihista said treating that treating tember. One interesting fact many mightmight not know, is thatis that produce muchmuch moremore rapidly. Tihista said that rain rain mosquitoes actually blood, they actually barrels, or other be standing mosquitoes aren’taren’t actually eatingeating your your blood, they actually barrels, or other areasareas wherewhere therethere mightmight be standing waterwater feednectar. off nectar. Female mosquitoes actually useblood the blood can as easy as taking stop the hardware feed off Female mosquitoes actually use the can be asbe easy as taking a stopa to thetohardware store.store. to with help with breeding. Residents can sand add sand to areas low areas the lawn to help breeding. Residents can add to low in thein lawn to to To prevent annoying swarms that cause to swat prevent standing becoming an attractive To prevent thosethose annoying swarms that cause you toyou swat prevent standing waterwater becoming an attractive area area for for at yourself, and maybe at your mosquitoes. Keeping cut short can as help as well, at yourself, and maybe swat swat at your lovedloved ones ones each each year, year, mosquitoes. Keeping your your grassgrass cut short can help well, the Valley County Control Director Tihista and changing outwater the water in baths bird baths the Valley County WeedWeed Control Director StoneStone Tihista and changing out the in bird everyevery sevenseven days,days, explains that there are some simple residents or every the weather is much warmer explains that there are some simple thingsthings residents can can or every threethree days days whenwhen the weather is much warmer can can to. weed The weed district started surveillance in mid-May prevent breeding. old tires canpunctured be punctured to. The district started surveillance in mid-May and and help help prevent breeding. Any Any old tires can be to to they’ll spraying off surveillance. drainage of water that collect, may collect, to ensure they’ll start start spraying basedbased off surveillance. allowallow drainage of water that may or to or ensure that that they survey you might see out netsasout as they not stagnate. WhenWhen they survey areas,areas, you might see nets they waterwater does does not stagnate. see many how many mosquitoes they might The em- Tihista Tihista offered one tip lastfor tip ticks. for ticks. She suggested try totry seetohow mosquitoes they might catch.catch. The emoffered one last She suggested ployees also stand in a field andthemselves use themselves products that have nothing less 20 than 20 percent deettoand to ployees mightmight also stand out inout a field and use products that have nothing less than percent deet and as and baitcount and count how many mosquitoes it toclothes the clothes andthe notskin. the skin. For more informaas bait how many mosquitoes mightmight take atake bite.a bite. applyapply it to the and not For more informaTihista said they’ve already treated problem tion or questions mosquito district, Tihista said they’ve already treated somesome problem areasareas tion or questions aboutabout your your local local mosquito district, call call and they’re out checking ditches and other the Valley County Mosquito and Weed Control District and they’re out checking ditches and other areasareas wherewhere the Valley County Mosquito and Weed Control District at at they might find standing 406-228-6237. they might find standing water.water. 406-228-6237. The valley Mosquito and Department Weed Department hascollecting been collecting The valley CountyCounty Mosquito and Weed has been mosquito and allowing them to to hatch to determine mosquito larvaelarvae and allowing them to hatch determine which which of the of the 51 species that reside in Montana thearea. local area. 51 species that reside in Montana are in are the in local
TT
YOU’RE READING HI-LINE FARM & RANCH – THE AG MONTHLY NORTHEAST & NORTH CENTRAL MONTANA. YOU’RE READING HI-LINE FARM & RANCH – THE AG MONTHLY FORFOR NORTHEAST & NORTH CENTRAL MONTANA.
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MosquitoSeason SeasonComes Comeswith withWarmer WarmerWeather Weather Mosquito
Later, lonesome road. Later, lonesome road. Whywhen drive you when you can our fast,flights daily flights Why drive can hop onhop oneon ofone our of fast, daily to Billings? Make theof most yourand time, and the enjoy the ride. to Billings? Make the most youroftime, enjoy ride.
Havre HavreGlasgow Glasgow Wolf Point Wolf Point SidneySidney Glendive Glendive
52 52
$$
*
*
from from
each way each way including taxes and fees including all taxesalland fees
BillingsBillings
phOTOS COURTESY MONTANA wEEDCONTROL AND CONTROL / CREDIT phOTOS COURTESY MONTANA wEED AND / CREDIT kELvINkELvIN ChAU ChAU
the ride. Enjoy Enjoy the ride.
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Havre News Havre DailyDaily News Color Color Ad Ad
The flowers thespurge, leafy spurge, is known the "devil of all weeds." The flowers of the of leafy which which is known as the as "devil of all weeds."
Enemy: Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) TheThe Enemy: Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula)
anywhere you not want COUNTY MOSqUITO grow grow anywhere you do notdowant it. it. vALLEYvALLEY COUNTY WEED WEED MOSqUITO Attack: This is plant is to toxic to animals most animals AND WEED DISTRICT Attack: This plant toxic most AND WEED DISTRICT that The milky juice is known to cause HI-LINE FARM & RANCH that eat it.eat Theit.milky juice is known to cause HI-LINE FARM & RANCH trategy: the devil serious eye damage in humans and animals. trategy: This This is theisdevil of allof all serious eye damage in humans and animals. that most usface. will face. alsocause can cause blisters around theoflips of weedsweeds that most of us of will It ItItalsoIt can blisters around the lips very deep root,grow can grow animals. The plant rapidly becomes a solid has a has verya deep root, can up up animals. The plant rapidly becomes a solid to 30-feet. This perennial spreads monoculture of which no other to 30-feet. This perennial plant plant spreads by by monoculture of which no other plantsplants can can creeping andlaunch can launch its seeds to invade. can single handily takedesirout desircreeping roots roots and can its seeds up to upinvade. It canItsingle handily take out 15-feet. The seeds are mostly by small able grasses, and shrubs, and trees. 15-feet. The seeds are mostly spreadspread by small able grasses, forbs forbs and shrubs, and trees. canup send up a runner from the of Idaho, Montana, andDakotas the Dakotas birds.birds. In factInitfact can itsend a runner from the Parts Parts of Idaho, Montana, and the root as as deep as 10-feet. very distinct lost thousands of acres of to land root as deep 10-feet. It hasIta has verya distinct have have lost thousands of acres of land thisto this yellow/green the flower invader. yellow/green color color at the at flower head,head, whichwhich nasty nasty invader. be most noticeable long distances. Defense: Defense: This plant is extremely difficult can becan most noticeable from from long distances. This plant is extremely difficult The plant produces a milky juice throughout to control its extensive very extensive root sysThe plant produces a milky juice throughout to control due todue its to very root systhe entire has dark narrow tem. It takes the tools our weed the entire plant.plant. It hasItdark greengreen narrow tem. It takes all thealltools in ourinweed tool tool simple that originate the main to control it. Some have goats tried goats simple leavesleaves that originate from from the main box tobox control it. Some have tried and and thesummer late summer the plant insects, and many stem.stem. In theInlate the plant loses loses its its sheep,sheep, othersothers utilizeutilize insects, and many utilizeutilize and leaves behind to orange herbicides. Theis,fact all these combined leavesleaves and leaves behind a redatored orange herbicides. The fact all is, these combined is is It grows dry areas and moist best other than keeping it from invading. stem.stem. It grows in dryinareas and moist areas areas best other than keeping it from invading. and non-disturbed and disturbed For questions you have may have and non-disturbed areas areas and disturbed areas areas For questions you may aboutabout local local and ditch and roadsides and riparian noxious call the Valley County and ditch banksbanks and roadsides and riparian noxious weedsweeds call the Valley County WeedWeed and gardens and lawns. Basically Control at 406-228-6237. areas areas and gardens and lawns. Basically it willit will Control at 406-228-6237.
SS
/ pLAINS, MT CREDITCREDIT TERRY TERRY gLASE gLASE / pLAINS, MT
YOU’RE READING HI-LINE FARM & RANCH – THE AG MONTHLY NORTHEAST & NORTH CENTRAL MONTANA. YOU’RE READING HI-LINE FARM & RANCH – THE AG MONTHLY FORFOR NORTHEAST & NORTH CENTRAL MONTANA.
phOTOS bY bONNIE DAvIDSON / hI-LINE fARMRANCh AND RANCh phOTOS bY bONNIE DAvIDSON / hI-LINE fARM AND
Standing is abreeding total breeding for mosquito This puddle small puddle of water in a residential areas theofeast of Glasgow. Mosquito Standing water water that isthat a total groundground for mosquito larvae.larvae. This small of water was inwas a residential areas to theto east Glasgow. Mosquito and Director Weed Director suggests treating any standing or reducing the amount of standing in and fieldsaroudn and aroudn the home. and Weed Stone Stone TihistaTihista suggests treating any standing water,water, or reducing the amount of standing water water in fields the home. BY BONNIE DAvIDSON Residents can remove any standing making BY BONNIE DAvIDSON Residents can remove any standing water,water, making sure sure HI-LINE & RANCH if there is water a ditch, it’s moving. Stagnant HI-LINE FARM FARM & RANCH that ifthat there is water alongalong a ditch, it’s moving. Stagnant he weather is warmer, the are kidsout areofout of school is more attractive for mosquitoes to breed. Making he weather is warmer, the kids school waterwater is more attractive for mosquitoes to breed. Making and everyone out enjoying the outdoors sure you’re not over watering and garden, and everyone is outisenjoying the outdoors whilewhile sure you’re not over watering your your lawn lawn and garden, and and the wind is blowing still blowing and there’s few less sure there’s that there’s drainage to ditches and other the wind is still and there’s a fewa less beingbeing sure that drainage to ditches and other waterwater to swat. the Hi-Line everyone knows sources can keep help keep the mosquitoes at bay. peskypesky bugs bugs to swat. AlongAlong the Hi-Line everyone knows sources can help the mosquitoes at bay. and dreads mosquito season arrives. mosquitoes lay their the larvae can hatch and dreads whenwhen mosquito season arrives. WhenWhen mosquitoes lay their eggs,eggs, the larvae can hatch Last was year awas a particularly bad season, mosquito anywhere between anddays. 20 days. Asdays the days Last year particularly bad season, with with mosquito anywhere between threethree and 20 As the growgrow repellent doubling in Glasgow in August and Sepwarmer and temperatures dropping they’ll repellent sales sales doubling in Glasgow in August and Sepwarmer and temperatures stop stop dropping they’ll beginbegin to to tember. One interesting fact many not know, produce rapidly. Tihista said treating that treating tember. One interesting fact many mightmight not know, is thatis that produce muchmuch moremore rapidly. Tihista said that rain rain mosquitoes actually blood, they actually barrels, or other be standing mosquitoes aren’taren’t actually eatingeating your your blood, they actually barrels, or other areasareas wherewhere therethere mightmight be standing waterwater feednectar. off nectar. Female mosquitoes actually useblood the blood can as easy as taking stop the hardware feed off Female mosquitoes actually use the can be asbe easy as taking a stopa to thetohardware store.store. to with help with breeding. Residents can sand add sand to areas low areas the lawn to help breeding. Residents can add to low in thein lawn to to To prevent annoying swarms that cause to swat prevent standing becoming an attractive To prevent thosethose annoying swarms that cause you toyou swat prevent standing waterwater becoming an attractive area area for for at yourself, and maybe at your mosquitoes. Keeping cut short can as help as well, at yourself, and maybe swat swat at your lovedloved ones ones each each year, year, mosquitoes. Keeping your your grassgrass cut short can help well, the Valley County Control Director Tihista and changing outwater the water in baths bird baths the Valley County WeedWeed Control Director StoneStone Tihista and changing out the in bird everyevery sevenseven days,days, explains that there are some simple residents or every the weather is much warmer explains that there are some simple thingsthings residents can can or every threethree days days whenwhen the weather is much warmer can can to. weed The weed district started surveillance in mid-May prevent breeding. old tires canpunctured be punctured to. The district started surveillance in mid-May and and help help prevent breeding. Any Any old tires can be to to they’ll spraying off surveillance. drainage of water that collect, may collect, to ensure they’ll start start spraying basedbased off surveillance. allowallow drainage of water that may or to or ensure that that they survey you might see out netsasout as they not stagnate. WhenWhen they survey areas,areas, you might see nets they waterwater does does not stagnate. see many how many mosquitoes they might The em- Tihista Tihista offered one tip lastfor tip ticks. for ticks. She suggested try totry seetohow mosquitoes they might catch.catch. The emoffered one last She suggested ployees also stand in a field andthemselves use themselves products that have nothing less 20 than 20 percent deettoand to ployees mightmight also stand out inout a field and use products that have nothing less than percent deet and as and baitcount and count how many mosquitoes it toclothes the clothes andthe notskin. the skin. For more informaas bait how many mosquitoes mightmight take atake bite.a bite. applyapply it to the and not For more informaTihista said they’ve already treated problem tion or questions mosquito district, Tihista said they’ve already treated somesome problem areasareas tion or questions aboutabout your your local local mosquito district, call call and they’re out checking ditches and other the Valley County Mosquito and Weed Control District and they’re out checking ditches and other areasareas wherewhere the Valley County Mosquito and Weed Control District at at they might find standing 406-228-6237. they might find standing water.water. 406-228-6237. The valley Mosquito and Department Weed Department hascollecting been collecting The valley CountyCounty Mosquito and Weed has been mosquito and allowing them to to hatch to determine mosquito larvaelarvae and allowing them to hatch determine which which of the of the 51 species that reside in Montana thearea. local area. 51 species that reside in Montana are in are the in local
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Collecting Evidence the Cow and the Sage 4-H Afterschool Growing to New Heights Grouse Coexist
BY ROUBIE YOUNKIN vALLEY COUNTY MSU EXTENSION FOR HI-LINE FARM AND RANCH wo programs, 4-H Afterschool combined with Junior Master Gardeners teamed up to enhance the after school hours for elementary youth in the Hinsdale School. 4-H Afterschool is an educational program of Cooperative Extension designed to offer youth a safe, healthy, caring and enriching environment during the afterschool hours. The program also strives to address the interests of youth and meets their physical, cognitive, social and emotional needs. It is funded by the Valley County Community Foundation and the Valley County 4-H Council. Junior Master Gardener uses the handson approach to engage children in learning experiences that promote a love of gardening, an appreciation for the environment and cultivates the mind. Hinsdale FFA Advisor Patti Armbrister and Valley County Extension Agent Roubie Younkin partnered to create a learning environment for all interested Hinsdale elementary school students. The Hinsdale school greenhouse provided a perfect environment to explore the world of plants, insects and their own creativity. Members learned the basics of plant phOTOS bY ROUbIE YOUNkIN / fOR hI-LINE fARM AND RANCh COURTESY ANDERSON growth, soil characteristics andMILES beneficial insects. triedtonew tastes Salad Hillman, Smith, behind Lily Bear, CharLee McColly, Brinley Boreson ThisGarden: photo isBerkley of a sage grouse Ashton that is following a herdthem of cattle on Miles Anderson's land. Anderson saidand that ranchers needThey to continue be active andand voicefoods out their as learned the value of making healthy BaiLee McColly. and concerns with federal actions on the bird. observations choices. The elementary students showed a BY BONNIE DAvIDSON and pay attention to thepositive things going on.toward fruit and vegetable attitude HI-LINE FARM & RANCH Anderson said that snacks he sawwhile the sage grousenew number to fall exploring foods start and food t’s a debate that’s not going anywhere, but some answers to what around 1994. In Canada there was a law suit for a lack of action in combinations. the federal government decides will come at the end of summer. the area. He said he also saw a change the land. Biologists decided Youth who in participate in after school The greater sage grouse is found in 11 western states. A large to put cows on the grassactivities that wasbased beingon kept from grazing. grey 4-H projects and Tall, Junior part of that territory covers sections of Valley County. and dying grass began Master to be grazed and curriculum over time the land started to Gardener show improved Ranchers have been anxious about what naming the species en- heal. He said that he’s noticed his cows decision-making, have been coexisting with the communication, teamwork dangered could do to their livelihoods and their land. Many of the greater sage grouse. and other skills to last a lifetime. local ranchers have been working on ways to help ensure the species “I think cows can coexist with the sage grouse,” Anderson said. “I survives and thrives. noticed when checking the cows that the predators tend to stay away As of now the Western Governors of the 11 states are working on and the birds stay near the cows.” an initiative, while each state has been tackling their own ways to His thoughts were that the birds might be surviving with the help protect the bird and work with ranchers and conservation groups. Gov. of cows, but ranchers needed to start keeping and collecting anecdotal Steve Bullock established a greater sage grouse habitat conservation evidence to show the experts. He also spoke of something that the Couprogram last year, and created a committee to take a look at impacts rier reported in the Farm and Ranch edition last year while talking with and conservation. rancher and former Fish, Wildlife and Parks employee Ron Stoneberg, While the politicians continue to seek a solution, the ranchers back that the birds need a bare spot to dance during mating season, and the home are paying attention to the birds. Their mating season happened cows help graze the land to create that space. earlier this spring. The sage grouse problem came up frequently durOne of his biggest arguments was the number of predators in the ing the Valley County Grazing Districts annual meeting in February. area. He said that they have been watching the coyote kills and 60 One of the speakers during that meeting was Miles Anderson from Fir percent of the coyotes killed had sage hen chicks in their stomachs. Mountain, Saskatchewan. Anderson explained that his ranch is just on Anderson caught a few photos where the sage grouse looked to be the other side of the border, and he can see Opheim from his hills. following the cows as they grazed. He believes that there’s a correlaHe continued on that he has deep ties to Valley County, but the tion and that the birds are learning to re-adapt to new environmental sage grouse issue didn’t just stop at the border. He asked those at the factors. meeting, and later during a phone interview that people stay involved Some conservationists claim that the growths of farms and ranches Please See SAGE GROUSE, Page 5 Patti: BaiLee McColly, Berkley Hillman and Patti Armbrister
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USDA Assists Small and Emerging Sage Grouse Montana Stockgrowers Seeking Applications for Native American Businesses in NEWTON MOTORS, INC. Northwest Montana 2015 Environmental Stewardship Award NEW & USED TRUCKS AND CARS
federal officials will decide whether or not to list the bird. Montana’s plan will require CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 state agency compliance and will provide a have created a loss in habitat. Heavy droughts regulatory structure on development of new and fire season wracking through Utah, Idaho, sage grouse habitat. The state has spent an U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE California and Nevada could clearly be caus- estimated $1.5 million during the past four MONTANA STOCKGROWERS tion was the American Fork Ranch, a com- ESAP award and recognition are asked to HI-LINE FARM & RANCH ing a shift in the numbers. years and over $6 million between 2000 and FOR & RANCH cow-calf operation in Wheatland and complete an application packet (available Native American Community Development What is HI-LINE comingFARM up next is finding out if mercial 2014.Grass counties. The American Fork is at mtbeef.org), due to MSGA by June 30. o you know a Montana rancher Sweet Corporation Financial Services, Inc. (NACDC FSI), a who is a leader in stewardship owned by the Stevens family and is managed Nominations can be submitted by contacting Microenterprise Development Organization (MDO) and sustainability, implementing by Jed and Annie Evjene, long-time active the MSGA office. Ranches must be a member located in Browning, Montana, has been awarded a conservation practices to ensure the social, members of MSGA. of the Montana Stockgrowers Association to USDA Rural Development Rural Microentrepreneur Highway 2 West • Glasgow • Across from the Fairgrounds economic, and environmental sustainability Over the past 17 years, the Stevens and qualify for the440 award. Assistance Program (RMAP) loan and grant. This is 406-228-9325 • 406-228-4381 1-800-255-1472 of their operation? Encourage them to apply Evjene families have focused on establishThe ranch chosen for the award will be the first RMAP•awarded to a Native American operated in Montana. Family owned MDO by the Newton Boys! for the Montana Environmental Stewardship ing relationships among all key aspects of announced at MSGA’s Annual Convention RMAPsKenny allow MDOs, like NACDCRent FSI, to Award, presented by the Montana Stockgrow- the ranch: rangeland, water, crop production, and Trade Show in Billings, Dec. 3-5 at Andy, the A Car See Doug, Terry, or Ted! ers Association (MSGA). Applications for the cattle herd, wildlife, cottonwood forests, MetraPark in Billings. The Montana ESAP make small microloans ($50,000 or less) and provide 2015 award are due June 30. employees, family, community and the beef winner will then prepare their application for business based training and technical assistance to Each year, MSGA honors Montana ranches industry to integrate a model of sustainability. the Regional and National Award competition, qualified businesses with no more than 10 employees in rural areas. Treaty ForofSale Private that exemplify environmental stewardship and These cooperative efforts have led to relation- which is typically due in early March the At U.S. DEPARTMENT AGRICULTURE has more $340 following year. Real People Herbals and R Snack Shop are two Performance Tested demonstrate commitmentOFtoward improved ships Montana and projects in awarded coordination withthan profesFARMcommunities. & RANCH thousand Value-Added Producer sustainability HI-LINE within their This sionals from in numerous universities, stateGrants and Since 1992, Montana Stockgrowers has such Native American businesses that are directly bengriculture Secretary Tomare Vil- federal sinceagencies, 2009. Last year Woolly Bugger honored 22 state winners, ten of whom went efiting from this funding. Real People Herbals, owned award recognizes Montana ranchers who area and state Stockgrower by a member of the — Blackfeet Tribe. R Snack Shop, also sack announced that USDA is Studios, Inc. in Sheridan, Montana &named Red (mostly black) Polled at the forefront in conservation and steward- organizations, and several youth programs.was on to win the regional awardBlack and two owned by a member of the Blackfeet Tribe, has plans to making $30 million available awarded $15,750 to assist in starting a ship and are willing to serve as examples for Today, the American Fork Ranch is home to national award winners. To learn more, & Yearlings Two Olds expand theYear menu and possibly the hours of operation. R nationally cheesepopulation making operation. other ranchers.to farmers, ranchers and food a diverse of plant species and man- visit mtbeef.org, or contact Ryan Goodman —Satisfaction & Calving Ease Guaranteed— Snack Shop has been in business for 30 years. entrepreneurs to develop new product “Agriculture is the economic pillar of “Montana ranchers are leaders in this aged wildlife populations. Intensive record at ryan@mtbeef.org or (406) 442-3420. The USDA Rural Development has a number of prolines.when Funding willtobe made available Montana, more than $3.9 bil- Montana Environmental Stewardship Award country it comes being stewards of keeping, overrepresenting a decade of range monitoring, grams for assisting businesses and economic growth through USDA’s Value-Added Producer lion of the state’s Gross Domestic Product our environment and conserving the natural water development projects and weed man- is fundedDale in part Montana Beef Producers in Montana. Last year USDA Cell: Rural Development &by Cindy Andersen 765-7836 Grant (VAPG) program. and 17% of the saidconditions Director Preite. resources that help make Montana such a agement have led jobs,” to pasture that with Checkoff Dollars. invested more than $291 million in rural Montana. 406-286-5602 765-7834 Reserve, Montana “Farmers andsaid ranchers are MSGA creative promote “To say that plant these available dollars great state to live in,” Gene Curry, diverse species and thick standsare people who, with a little putare that of important to thefor growth of Montana’s President and rancher from help, Valier.can “We stockpiled forage year-round grazing. Hilltop Alliance 9205 creativity to work and improve the bottom agricultural industry and its economy, is at asking the community to get involved in help- A heavy focus on riparian area management line for their operations,” Vilsack said. almost an understatement.” ing us identify ranches that really go above has allowed for recovery of plant species, at Infinity Angus Ranch Grants enable Cottonwood Value-Added Producer Grantswater are a and“Value-Added beyond when itProducer comes to environmental forest regrowth, improved them to develop new product grow quality key element of the USDA’s Know Private stewardship and conservation inlines their tolocal and enhanced wildlife habitat, evenYour in LindaBy & Mark Nielsen, Treaty at the ranch Serving AreA ✯ their businesses and expand their contribuFarmer, Know Your Food Initiative, which areas.” the presence of livestock grazing. 15Owners miles south of Peerless, MT iveStock P roducerS L tions to our nation’s economy. This support coordinates the Department’s work on loIva Murch, Manager Last year’s recipient of the ESAP recogniRanches wishing to apply for the 2015 ByMiner Private Treaty Edwin is especially important for beginning farm- cal and regional food systems. Secretary 263-7529 For 69 YeArS! Semen Dr. Monica Haaland at the ranch 15 miles available ers, military veterans engaging in farming Vilsack has identified local and regional Dean Barnes, Yard Manager 1946 - 2015 cell 893-7788 • home 893-4456 263-1175 and smaller farm operations participating food systems as one of the four pillars of south of Peerless, MT BW WW YW $BEEF Ed Hinton, Auctioneer in the local and regional food system.” rural economic development. -2.3 +61 +99 +$63.90 Hilltop Trojan 8245 Windy 078 783-7285 More information on how to apply is on Congress increased funding for the owned with Hilltop Angus BDAR New Day Y100 Infinitys Upward 2300 page 26528 of the May 8 Federal Register. VAPG program when it passed the 2014 Edwin Miner June 2015 July (cont.) The deadline to submit paper applications Farm Bill. That law builds on historic Hilltop2015 Trojan 8245 Dr. Monica Haaland Thursday Thursday is July 7. Electronic applications submitted economic gains in rural America over the Windy 078 cell 893-7788 through grants.gov are due July 2. past six years, while achieving meaningful BDAR New Day Y100 All Class Cattle Auctionhome 893-4456 NO AUCTION VAPG grants can be used to develop reform and billions of dollars in savings Infinitys Upward 2300 new product lines from raw agricultural for taxpayers. Cow/Calf Pair Special Aerial & Ground Application products or additional uses for already Since the bill’s enactment, USDA has All Class Cattle Auction & All Class Cattle Auction developed product lines. Military veter- made significant progress to implement 2 Turbine Air Tractors ans, socially disadvantaged, and begin- each provision of this critical legislation, AUCTION 2 JD 4830NOSelf-propelled Sprayers All Class Cattle Auction ning farmers and ranchers; operators of including expanding access to rural credit, small- and medium-sized family farms and developing new markets for rural-made Case 4430 Sprayer ranches; farmer and rancher cooperatives; products, and investing in infrastructure, Pre 4th Dry Cow Special Auction August 2015 All GPS equipped Thursday and applicants that propose mid-tier value housing and community facilities to help & All Class Cattle Auction chain projects are given special priority in improve the quality of life in rural AmeriAll Class Cattle Auction applying for VAPGs. Additional priority is ca. For more information, visit www.usda. given to group applicants who seek fund- gov/farmbill. July 2015 Thursday ing for projects that “best contribute” to President Obama’s historic investments NO AUCTION ✔ Competitive prices on Chemicals creating or increasing marketing opportu- in rural America have made our rural comNO AUCTION and Application nities for these type of operators. munities stronger. Under his leadership, Early Yearling Since 2009, USDA has awarded 853 these investments in housing, community ✔ Pre-Harvest Desicating & All Class Cattle Auction Dry Cow Special Value-Added Producer Grants totaling facilities, businesses and infrastructure Applications & All Class Cattle Auction $104.5 million. Approximately 19 percent have empowered rural America to continue ✔ Saturday Or any other Applications that need NO AUCTION of the grants and 13 percent of total fund- leading the way – strengthening America’s to be done. ing has been awarded to beginning farm- economy, small towns and rural commuSheridan County and Guests ers and ranchers. During the 2013-2014 nities. ✔ Round-Up work Consignor Auction funding cycle, nearly half of VAPG awards For more information on the VAPG 406-228-9306 went to farmers and ranchers developing program in Montana, visit Value-Added P.O. Box 129 • Glasgow,–MT 59230406-747-3301 • gsi@nemont.netor • www.glasgowstockyards.com Call Roy Mehling office cell 406-480-5907 products for the local food sector. Producer Grants or www.rd.usda.gov/mt. Please call in consignments so buyers can be notified.
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Collecting Evidence the Cow and the Sage 4-H Afterschool Growing to New Heights Grouse Coexist
BY ROUBIE YOUNKIN vALLEY COUNTY MSU EXTENSION FOR HI-LINE FARM AND RANCH wo programs, 4-H Afterschool Payback Minerals combined with Junior Master Gardeners teamed up to enhance for Timely Breed-back the after school hours for elementary youth and Healthy Weaned in the Hinsdale School. 4-H Afterschool is an educational program of Cooperative Calves in the Fall Extension designed to offer youth a safe, healthy, caring and enriching environment In Stock: Bagged or Bulk during the afterschool hours. The program Calf Creep Feed with Bovetec also strives to address the interests of youth to help put weight gain and meets their physical, cognitive, social and emotional needs. It is funded by the on your calves! Valley County Community Foundation and the Valley County 4-H Council. Smart-lic Supplement Tubs Junior Master Gardener uses the handsto keep your herd in top condition! on approach to engage children in learning experiences that promote a love of gardening, an appreciation for the environment and cultivates the mind. Hinsdale FFA Advisor Patti Armbrister and Valley County Extension Agent Roubie 1st Ave. North Younkin partnered to create a learning enviGlasgow, MT 59230 ronment for all interested Hinsdale elementary school students. The Hinsdale school Elevator • 228-4422 / Fertilizer Plant • 228-2571 greenhouse provided a perfect environment to explore the world of plants, insects and their own creativity. COURTESY ANDERSON Members learned theMILES basics of plant phOTOS bY ROUbIE YOUNkIN / fOR hI-LINE fARM AND RANCh growth, soil to characteristics andout beneficial This photo is of a sage grouse that is following a herd of cattle on Miles Anderson's land. Anderson said that ranchers need to continue be active and voice their insects. They tried new tastes and foods Salad Garden: Berkleywith Hillman, Ashton Smith, behind observations and concerns federal actions on the bird.them Lily Bear, CharLee McColly, Brinley Boreson and as learned the value of making healthy BaiLee McColly. BY BONNIE DAvIDSON and pay attention to the thingschoices. going on. The elementary students showed a HI-LINE FARM & RANCH Anderson said that he sawpositive the sage grouse number fall attitude toward fruitstart and to vegetable t’s a debate that’s not going anywhere, but some answers to what around 1994. In Canada theresnacks was awhile law suit for a lack action exploring newof foods andinfood the federal government decides will come at the end of summer. the area. He said he also saw acombinations. change in the land. Biologists decided The greater sage grouse is found in 11 western states. A large to put cows on the grass that wasYouth being who kept from grazing. participate in Tall, aftergrey school part of that territory covers sections of Valley County. and dying grass began to be grazed andbased over time theprojects land started to activities on 4-H and Junior Ranchers have been anxious about what naming the species en- heal. He said that he’s noticedMaster his cows have been coexisting with the Gardener curriculum show improved dangered could do to their livelihoods and their land. Many of the greater sage grouse. communication, decision-making, teamwork local ranchers have been working on ways to help ensure the species “I think cows can coexist with sage grouse,” and the other skills to lastAnderson a lifetime.said. “I Stop by and visit with us survives and thrives. noticed when checking the cows that the predators tend to stay away of now the Western Governors of the 11 states are working on and the birds stay near the cows.” about your Spring Needs an As initiative, while each state has been tackling their own ways to His thoughts were that the birds might be surviving with the help * Fertilizers protect the bird and work with ranchers and conservation groups. Gov. of cows, but ranchers needed to start keeping and collecting anecdotal Steve Bullock established a greater sage grouse habitat conservation evidence to show the experts. He also spoke of something that the Cou* Soil Sampling program last year, and created a committee to take a look at impacts rier reported in the Farm and Ranch edition last year while talking with *Chemicals and conservation. rancher and former Fish, Wildlife and Parks employee Ron Stoneberg, While the politicians continue to seek a solution, the ranchers back that the birds need a bare spot to dance during mating season, and the *Seed & Seed Treatments are paying attention to the birds. Their mating season happened cows help graze the land to create that space. We are your dealer for home earlier this spring. The sage grouse problem came up frequently durOne of his biggest arguments was the number of predators in the 341 3rd Ave. S. • Glasgow, MT 59230 ing the Valley County Grazing Districts annual meeting in February. area. He said that they have been watching the coyote kills and 60 seed corn & alfalfa of the speakers during that meeting was Miles Anderson from Fir percent of the coyotes killed had sage hen chicks in their stomachs. – Round-Up Ready We put a © Varieties – One Mountain, Saskatchewan. Anderson explained that his ranch is just on Anderson caught a few photos where the sage grouse looked to be little magic in the other side of the border, and he can see Opheim from his hills. following the cows as they grazed. He believes that there’s a correlaHe continued on that he has deep ties to Valley County, but the tion and that the birds are learning to re-adapt to new environmental everything we do! sage grouse issue didn’t just stop at the border. He asked those at the factors. Some conservationists claim that the growths of farms and ranches Glasgow – 228-2571 meeting, and later during a phone interview that people stay involved We’re More Than A Newspaper! Please See SAGE GROUSE, Page 5 Sales: Gilbert – 263-2571
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federal officials will decide whether or not to list the bird. Montana’s plan will require CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 state agency compliance and will provide a have created a loss in habitat. Heavy droughts regulatory structure on development of new and fire season wracking through Utah, Idaho, sage grouse habitat. The state has spent an California and Nevada could clearly be caus- estimated $1.5 million during the past four ing a shift in the numbers. years and over $6 million between 2000 and tion was the American Fork Ranch, a comMONTANA STOCKGROWERS What is coming up next is finding out if 2014. mercial cow-calf operation in Wheatland and FOR HI-LINE FARM & RANCH o you know a Montana rancher Sweet Grass counties. The American Fork is who is a leader in stewardship owned by the Stevens family and is managed and sustainability, implementing by Jed and Annie Evjene, long-time active conservation practices to ensure the social, members of MSGA. economic, and environmental sustainability Over the past 17 years, the Stevens and of their operation? Encourage them to apply Evjene families have focused on establishfor the Montana Environmental Stewardship ing relationships among all key aspects of Award, presented by the Montana Stockgrow- the ranch: rangeland, water, crop production, ers Association (MSGA). Applications for the cattle herd, wildlife, cottonwood forests, 2015 award are due June 30. employees, family, community and the beef Each year, MSGA honors Montana ranches industry to integrate a model of sustainability. U.S.exemplify DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE has awarded more that environmental stewardship and Montana These cooperative efforts havethan led to$340 relationHI-LINE FARM & RANCH thousand in Value-Added Producer Grants demonstrate commitment toward improved ships and projects in coordination with profesgriculture Secretary Tom Vil-Thissince 2009. Last year Woolly Bugger sustainability within their communities. sionals from numerous universities, state and sack announced that USDAwho is areStudios, in Sheridan, was award recognizes Montana ranchers federalInc. agencies, area andMontana state Stockgrower making $30 million available awarded $15,750 to assist in starting a at the forefront in conservation and steward- organizations, and several youth programs. nationally farmers, ranchers food forcheese Today, making ship andtoare willing to serve asand examples theoperation. American Fork Ranch is home to entrepreneurs to develop new product “Agriculture is the of economic pillar other ranchers. a diverse population plant species andofmanlines. “Montana Funding will be made available Montana, representing more than $3.9 ranchers are leaders in this aged wildlife populations. Intensivebilrecord through USDA’s Producer lion keeping, of the state’s Domestic country when itValue-Added comes to being stewards of over aGross decade of rangeProduct monitoring, Grant program. and water 17% of the jobs,” said Director our(VAPG) environment and conserving the natural development projects and Preite. weed man“Farmers and ranchers are creative “To say that these available dollars are that resources that help make Montana such a agement have led to pasture conditions people who, with a little help, can put that important to the growth of Montana’s great state to live in,” said Gene Curry, MSGA promote diverse plant species and thick stands creativity to work and improve the bottom agricultural industry and economy,grazing. is President and rancher from Valier. “We are of stockpiled forage forits year-round line asking for their operations,” Vilsack said. almost an understatement.” the community to get involved in help- A heavy focus on riparian area management “Value-Added Producer Grants enable Producer a ing us identify ranches that really go above Value-Added has allowed for recoveryGrants of plantare species, themand to develop new product to grow key Cottonwood element of forest the USDA’s Yourwater beyond when it comeslines to environmental regrowth,Know improved theirstewardship businesses and their contribuFarmer, Know Foodwildlife Initiative, which and expand conservation in their local quality and Your enhanced habitat, even in tionsareas.” to our nation’s economy. This support coordinates the Department’s work the presence of livestock grazing. on lois especially important for beginning farmcal andRanches regionalwishing food systems. Last year’s recipient of the ESAP recognito applySecretary for the 2015 ers, military veterans engaging in farming Vilsack has identified local and regional and smaller farm operations participating food systems as one of the four pillars of in the local and regional food system.” rural economic development. More information on how to apply is on Congress increased funding for the page 26528 of the May 8 Federal Register. VAPG program when it passed the 2014 The deadline to submit paper applications Farm Bill. That law builds on historic is July 7. Electronic applications submitted economic gains in rural America over the through grants.gov are due July 2. past six years, while achieving meaningful VAPG grants can be used to develop reform and billions of dollars in savings new product lines from raw agricultural for taxpayers. products or additional uses for already Since the bill’s enactment, USDA has developed product lines. Military veter- made significant progress to implement ans, socially disadvantaged, and begin- each provision of this critical legislation, ning farmers and ranchers; operators of including expanding access to rural credit, small- and medium-sized family farms and developing new markets for rural-made ranches; farmer and rancher cooperatives; products, and investing in infrastructure, and applicants that propose mid-tier value housing and community facilities to help chain projects are given special priority in improve the quality of life in rural Ameriapplying for VAPGs. Additional priority is ca. For more information, visit www.usda. given to group applicants who seek fund- gov/farmbill. ing for projects that “best contribute” to President Obama’s historic investments creating or increasing marketing opportu- in rural America have made our rural comnities for these type of operators. munities stronger. Under his leadership, Since 2009, USDA has awarded 853 these investments in housing, community Value-Added Producer Grants totaling facilities, businesses and infrastructure $104.5 million. Approximately 19 percent have empowered rural America to continue of the grants and 13 percent of total fund- leading the way – strengthening America’s ing has been awarded to beginning farm- economy, small towns and rural commuers and ranchers. During the 2013-2014 nities. funding cycle, nearly half of VAPG awards For more information on the VAPG went to farmers and ranchers developing program in Montana, visit Value-Added products for the local food sector. Producer Grants or www.rd.usda.gov/mt.
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ESAP award and recognition are asked to HI-LINE FARM & RANCH complete an application packet (available Native American Community Development at mtbeef.org), due to MSGA by June 30. Corporation Financial Services, Inc. (NACDC FSI), a Nominations can be submitted by contacting Microenterprise Development Organization (MDO) the MSGA office. Ranches must be a member located in Browning, Montana, has been awarded a 440 Highway 2 West • Glasgow Across from the Fairgrounds of the Montana Stockgrowers Association to • USDA Rural Development Rural Microentrepreneur 406-228-9325 • 406-228-4381 • 1-800-255-1472 qualify for the award. Assistance Program (RMAP) loan and grant. This is Family owned The ranch chosen for the award willby be thetheNewton first RMAPBoys! awarded to a Native American operated MDO in Montana. announced at MSGA’s Annual Convention Rent A Car See Doug, Andy, Terry, Kenny or Ted! RMAPs allow MDOs, like NACDC FSI, to and Trade Show in Billings, Dec. 3-5 at the MetraPark in Billings. The Montana ESAP make small microloans ($50,000 or less) and provide winner will then prepare their application for business based training and technical assistance to Forcompetition, Sale At Private Treaty qualified businesses with no more than 10 employees the Regional and National Award in rural areas. Performance Tested which is typically due in early March of the Real People Herbals and R Snack Shop are two following year. Since 1992, Montana Stockgrowers has such Native American businesses that are directly benfrom— thisPolled funding. Real People Herbals, owned Black black) honored 22 state winners, ten& of Red whom(mostly went efiting by a member of the Blackfeet Tribe. R Snack Shop, also & Two Year Olds on to win the regional awardYearlings and two named owned by a member of the Blackfeet Tribe, has plans to national award —Satisfaction winners. To learn more, expand & Calving EasetheGuaranteed— menu and possibly the hours of operation. R visit mtbeef.org, or contact Ryan Goodman Snack Shop has been in business for 30 years. at ryan@mtbeef.org or (406) 442-3420. The USDA Rural Development has a number of proMontana Stewardship Award grams for assisting businesses economic growth Dale &Environmental Cindy Andersen Cell:and 765-7836 is funded in part by Montana Beef Producers in Montana. Last year USDA Rural Development 406-286-5602 765-7834 Reserve, Montana with Checkoff Dollars. invested more than $291 million in rural Montana.
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Havre Daily News/Jake Shane The Northern Agricultural Research Center’s newest facility, which houses offices, labs and a conference room, will be dedicated during the 2015 Field Day to former NARC Superintendent Gregg Carlson.
NARC Field Day: The event gets underway with ag demonstrations at 1 p.m. n Continued from page 3 the historic preservation groups utilizing it as a tourist attraction to an important part of the area's long history, the organizations have forged a unique bond. “It represents the fort and the relationship that we’ve had with both of those organizations,” Boss said, adding that “neither one of us would be here if we didn’t have a good relationship, so that’s a real celebration.” Registration for Field Day, a free event, begins at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, at the NARC facility six miles south of Havre
off U.S. Highway 87. The equipment show gets underway at 1 p.m. with the equipment show and ag demonstrations from several speakers. On-station research tours begin at 2:30 p.m. and an antique tractor parade at 4 p.m., with honoree Gregg Carlson and other dignitaries in the lead. Boss’ welcome speech begins at 4:15 p.m., followed by other guest speakers and presentations. At 5 p.m. attendees will start on the first round of barbecue dinners or go on one of the second set of tours, and 6:30 p.m. the tour-goers will get dinner and the other group a tour.
The Field Day program officially ends at 8 p.m., but Boss said scientists and staff
will still be available for more discussion or to revisit project cites.
Havre Daily News/File photo Tractor-pulled wagons take people on a tour of the Northern Agricultural Research Center grounds during its 2012 Field Day event.
NARC Field Day: ‘The big thing we've done this year, also, is we've combined with the Chamber’ n Continued from page 2 dance as the new NARC facility, started under Carlson, is dedicated in his name. Boss is working with Charlie Inman, a Hill County farmer who restores antique tractors and steam engines, to bring in a large display of early tractors and steam engines. The equipment on display, then, will span the era from the early 1900s to modern equipment used at the research center and brought in for a first-ever trade fair. “The big thing we’ve done this year, also, is we’ve combined with the Chamber,” Boss said. The Havre Area Chamber of Commerce’s Agri-Business Committee has been hosting the Field Day barbecue dinner for years, but this year, the Chamber’s role has expanded. The Chamber Agri-Business Committee usually holds its annual Ag Appreciation Banquet in the fall, but this year the dinner — which honors the area’s agricultural
industry and awards an Outstanding Agricultural Leader and an Outstanding Agricultural Advocate — will be held in conjunction with Field Day. The expanded pairing with the Chamber is also making possible the trade show, which is still taking vendors, and is expected to be an added draw for the barbecue dinner. Boss said he wouldn’t be surprised to see the usual average of 300 attendees get bumped up to 750 for this year’s special event. He added that he is excited to get this many producers together. As another nod to the then and now theme, NARC has gotten together with the Havre/Hill County Historic Preservation C o m m i s s i o n a n d Fo r t A s s i n n i b o i n e Preservation Association to reveal a special commemorative that honors their partnership at the historic Fort Assinniboine facility, as well as this 100th anniversary. With NARC utilizing the fort as a working ranch, farm and research facility and
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NARC Field Day — Then and Now For its centennial milestone, Northern Ag Research Center is turning its 2015 Field Day, July 1, into a special celebration. Pam Burke community@havredailynews.com The annual Field Day at Montana State U n i ve r s i t y ' s N o r t h e r n A g r i c u l t u r a l Research Center south of Havre gives beef and crop producers, as well as interested visitors, a chance to tour the facility to see what the scientists are working on and hear presentations from specialists. Tour focuses this year include crop varieties, cattle mineral supplements, wheat sawfly control, controlling pink eye through advances in pest management, the affect of microbiomes in crops and range land, and a something more. “This year is going to be a little differ-
ent from previous Field Days in that we’re trying to go with a ‘then and now’ theme: what did we do then, how did we do it, what happened over time, where have we come and how did we get here,” said Darrin Boss, superintendent of the research center. In keeping with that theme, Boss said, NARC agronomy scientist Peggy Lamb planted an all-historical nursery of winter wheat, spring wheat and barley, along with the modern varieties planted for current studies. “Producers can go out in the field and say, hey, this one is 6 feet tall or 5 foot tall, or this is when we brought dwarfs into the program, to see where we’ve come in a hundred years of research,” Boss said. The beef operations side of the facility
will be offering a more hands-on experience with demonstrations of cattle handling using different modern, low-stress systems. “We’re going to be working cattle in a Bud box, we’re going to be working cattle in a Temple Grandin system and showing people different options they have, how, and the benefits of both,” Boss said. Boss said the theme and much of the Field Day activities are being driven by NARC’s advisory council, which comprises c ro p a n d b e e f p ro d u c e rs a c ro s s t h e research center’s north-central Montana region. These 16 ag production representatives from Hill, Blaine, Phillips, Chouteau and Liberty counties help guide future research at NARC based on producer concerns and disseminate research results to producers in their respective areas. The council not only wanted to see where the research center has been and what the scientists are doing now, but also where the science is going, so the Field Day activities are looking into “buzz things” five years out in the future, Boss added. These glimpses into the future include taking current technology and repurposing it for agricultural needs. NARC cropping systems specialist Kefyalew Desta will demonstrate how he
has started using digital cameras inserted into clear glass tubes underground to study root systems in the ground, as they are growing and developing, rather than having to pull the root samples out for the studies. Speakers will also talk about using unmanned aerial vehicles in both crop and beef production to study and map crops from the air, an angle which can better reveal areas of different kinds of plant stress, and to check cattle in pastures and corrals. Boss said Dan Long, a former agronomist at NARC, was attaching cameras to his own single-engine airplane and radio controlled airplanes to get those images for his studies at the research center before the era of drones and GoPro cameras. Boss is hoping to get Long back to NARC to talk about those early innovations in technology use. “It’s quite exciting,” Boss said, “and I’m really exited about that kind of component — the technology end of it.” But this 100th anniversary celebration won’t be all about the science, Boss added. Former NARC superintendent Don Anderson will be on hand to talk about the research center’s history, and Boss’ predecessor, Gregg Carlson, will be in atten-
n Continued on page 3
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THEN and NOW