Hi-Line Farm & Ranch Sept 2016

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State from Around Around the the State State State FFA FFA Conventions Conventions Draws Draws Students Students from

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Creed third place place winner winner and and greenhand greenhandsecond secondplace placewinner winnerMickayla MickaylaJohnson Johnsonaccepting acceptingan anaward awardatatthe the Creed third state convention in Billings. state convention in Billings. competing they went went to to various various workshops workshopspresented presentedby bypast paststate stateofficers officersand andeven evennational nationalofficers. officers. competing they Three of our younger members, Elise Strommen, Chaykota Christensen and Halle Beil Three of our younger members, Elise Strommen, Chaykota Christensen and Halle Beil seaN r HeaVey / for farm & raNCH served on the courtesy corp and helped out with contests whenever needed. Our five seon the the courtesy corp and helped out with contests whenever needed. Our five seGlasgow's Sean Heavey has both images printed here (above and below) on display at the Lewistown Artserved Center through month of September. The State (Future Farmers of American) FFA Convention was held in Billings on March 25 28. niors, Lukas Johnson, Brett Johnson, Dallas Capdeville, Kyle Albus and Wyatt PattiThe State (Future Farmers of American) FFA Convention was held in Billings on March 25 - 28. niors, Lukas Johnson, Brett Johnson, Dallas Capdeville, Kyle Albus and Wyatt PattiOver to State CDEs, from Writer’s Group,in Lewistown Woodcarvto be after Linda,their the State executive director, It’s a challenge to photograph cold,night. with were awarded their State Farmer Degrees at at the the State Degree Degree dinner on onthe Friday night. Over1,500 1,500FFA FFAmembers membersfrom fromaround aroundthe thestate stategathered gathered to compete compete inthe State CDEs, ranging ranging from son son were awarded Farmer Degrees State dinner Friday ers and the Central Montana Community There saw an article the Great Falls Tribune did the isolated feeling one gets from a Johnson winter mechanics were over 500 members, advisors and their families attending that dinner. Mickayla mechanicstotopublic publicspeaking. speaking. There were over 500 members, advisors and their families attending that dinner. Mickayla Johnson ConcertCache Association callingin venue competed on me after I opened the gallery in Glasgow. storm.” Ten Younkin, competed mechanfor star star greenhand and received received secondplace. place. Shealso alsocompeted competedwith withother othercreed creedspeakers speakers Tenmembers membersofofthe theHinsdale Hinsdalechapter, chapter,including includingSophomore Sophomore Cache Younkin,all competed inthe mechancompeted for greenhand and second She home. She read the article, visited my website We’ll have to wait and see what this ics, agronomy, farm business management, star greenhand and state creed speaking. When they weren’t from around the state and received third. ics, agronomy, CONTINUED farm business management, FROM PAGE 11 star greenhand and state creed speaking. When they weren’t from around the state and received third. According to Heavey, “The show came and called me to see if I was interested.” winter holds, but photography fans would do Asked what he’ll be working on as the well to take in Heavey’s latest evolutions in weather turns colder, Heavey replied, “I’m technique, which involve printing on metal. looking forward to the leaves changing and The Lewistown show opened Sept. 2 and making a few trips to see how the years have runs through the end of the month. changed my favorite homesteads. For the For more information, visit lewistownartGetting winter, I really want to capture a good storm center.org or call 406-538-5162. Explore the Gettingback backand andforth forthto toBillings Billingsminus minusthe thedrive drivejust justmakes makes Getting back and forth to Billings minus the drive just makes ** with blowing snow and blizzard conditions. artist's work online at seanheavey.com. sense. sense.Next Nexttime, time,hop hopon onone oneof ofour ourfast, fast,daily dailyﬂights ﬂightsand and

Lukas LukasJohnson, Johnson,Brett BrettJohnson, Johnson,Dallas DallasCapdeville, Capdeville,Kyle KyleAlbus, Albus,Wyatt WyattPattison Pattisonand andAdvisor Advisor Patti Patti Armbrister Armbrister at at the state convenstion in Billings. the state convenstion in Billings. WYATT WYATTPATTISON PATTISON HINSDALE HINSDALECHAPTER CHAPTERREPORTER REPORTER

Heavey

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ANDREWMCKEAN MCKEAN/ /FOR FORTHE THEHI-LINE HI-LINEFARM FARM&&RANCH RANCH ANDREW

Lih-An Yang, Merlin, Iris and Ellis Ellis McKean McKean work workon onclearing clearingout outaabeaver beaverdam damalong alongthe theLittle LittleBrazil BrazilCreek, Creek, southwest of Glasgow.

Bullsales salesremain remainstrong strongand andthe themarket market Bull remainsatataasteady steadyhigh high//Page Page2 2 remains

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The Month in Weather

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Heavey Featured in Lewistown Gallery Show

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a bolt of lightening touches down on the hi-Line (above). COver: Sean heavey also provided the art for this month's cover photo with an image from his currently-running gallery show at the Lewistown art Center. 5-year average for both. ginevra KirKLand Likewise, hay production continues ahead FOr Farm & ranCh Yes, it was warm out there, with enough of normal and “livestock producers may overrain to keep things moving along. August was winter more calves than usual due to relatively a productive month around the state, although inexpensive feed prices.” Precipitation continues to be low, though it has been hotter and drier than average statewide. The state high temperature of 97 degrees Valley County is still far ahead of the game, was reached in Wolf Point, while the state low and hot, dry weather continues through much of the state. was 21 degrees in Wisdom. Severe weather throughout the state in the The USDA reports that averages of small grain harvest are up, with “82 percent of bar- past month has resulted in 209 hail warnings, ley, 66 percent of Durum wheat, 83 percent of 207 wind warnings and six tornado warnoats, and 73 percent of spring wheat harvested ings. The outlook for September is to have by (this) week’s end.” Range and pasture continues to deteriorate on-and-off cold fronts waving through, but with “31 percent rated good to excellent which “nothing extreme,” according to the National was better than last year’s 21 percent but below Weather Service. For up-to-the-minute predictions and longthe 5-year average of 36 percent.” Producers continue to move animals off range forecasts and overviews, please visit the summer pastures with 20 percent of cattle and Climate Prediction Center at www.cpc.ncep. 20 percent of sheep moved, well ahead of the noaa.gov/.

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glasgow's whitney paju typically photographs horses, cattle, and other animals found in art with western motifs. this duckling, however, was just too adorable to pass up.

seaN r HeaVey / for farm & raNCH

Sean R. Heavey is known for his amazing pictures of storms and weather systems in Northeast Montana, but even partially sunny skies (above) make good art sometimes, as do scenes like the homestead pictured below.

JAMES WALLING FOR FARM & RANCH Readers of the Courier and Farm & Ranch will be familiar with the work of photographer Sean R. Heavey. In many ways, his gallery on 2nd Avenue in Glasgow’s downtown is the heart of the visual arts community in Valley County. For the month of September, Heavey’s work will be on display at the Lewistown Arts Center, making his Hi-Line patrons and supporters proud with the award-winning artist’s first gallery show in over four years outside the Glasgow area. Located on the corner of Main Street and 4th Avenue in Lewistown, LAC is a hub of arts activity in area, with the Community Labyrinth Garden, the Central Montana See HEAVEY, Page 12

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Above All, Be Kind: A Farm Wife's Perspective

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Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame Announces 2016 Inductions

Hattie Maria (Webb) Dear, Cascade and Jules Klint “Duke” Gustafson, Great Falls. District 6 (Fergus, Golden Valley, Judith The Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame & Basin, Musselshell, Petroleum, & Wheatland Western Heritage Center (MCHF & WHC) has Counties): Living Award – Clinton H. “Clint” announced the ninth class of inductions into & Sharon E. (Henderson) Martin, Lewistown. the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame. The in- Legacy Award – George R. “Sonny” Smith, ductees were chosen from a field of candidates Grass Range and William “Bill” Skelton, nominated by the general public. Inductees are Stanford. District 7 (Big Horn, Carbon, Stillwater, honored for their notable contributions to the Sweet Grass, & Yellowstone Counties): Living history and culture of Montana. “Our volunteer trustees around Montana Award – Henry & Lorraine Valgamore, Big vote on nominations that come from the dis- Timber. Legacy Award – Ella Maude (Daylong) trict in which they reside,” said Helena State Huntington, Billings and High Bird - Dr. Joseph “Joe” Medicine Crow, Farm agent and MCHF Crow Agency. & WHC President Jeff District 8 (BroadwaBolstad. “It gives the loter, Jefferson, & Lewis cal communities a strong and Clark Counties): voice in who will repreLiving Award – Jack Lesent them in the Montana roy “Doc” Rea, Helena. Cowboy Hall of Fame. Legacy Award – Frank The Hall of Fame exJames “Gary” Cooper, ists to honor those who Helena and Robert F. have made an impact “Bob” Morgan, Helena. in their part of the state District 9 (Gallatin, and represent Montana’s Meagher, & Park Counauthentic heritage for ties): Living Award – future generations.” James Earl “Jimmy” SarThe MCHF & WHC razin, Wilsall. Legacy board of directors has Award – Gerard “Bud” designated 12 trustee Story Burkhart, Bozedistricts across the state man and “Indian Jack” from which up to 20 Hart, Livingston. trustees may be appointcOURESTY PHOTO District 10 (Flathead, ed. Nomination criteria william Standing, also known as “Fire Bear” was established by the board a noted artist from poplar, mt. he was born near Lake, Lincoln, & Sandfor the Class of 2016 Oswego, mt on the Fort peck indian reservation ers Counties): Legacy inductions allowed the on July 27, 1904. the painter was 46 years-old Award – Lester P. “Les” election of up to one when he died in an automobile accident June Baldwin, Polson and The Park Saddle Horse Living Inductee and two 27, 1951. Company, Glacier NaLegacy Inductees from tional Park. each of the 12 districts. District 11 (Mineral, Missoula, & Ravalli The 2016 inductees into the Montana CowCounties): Living Award – Arnold D. “Smoke” boy Hall of Fame are: District 1 (Daniels, Phillips, Roosevelt, Elser, Missoula. Legacy Award – Charles James Sheridan, & Valley Counties): Living Award “Charlie” Yerian, Corvallis and Elton Vanleir – Edgar Richardson, Scobey. Legacy Award Brechbill, Stevensville. District 12 (Deer Lodge, Beaverhead, Silver – Fire Bear - William Standing, Oswego and Bow, Granite, Madison, & Powell Counties): Tande Ranch, Scobey. District 2 (Dawson, Garfield, McCone, Living Award – Paul Irving Greany, DrumPrairie, Richland, & Wibaux Counties): Living mond. Legacy Award – Donald Philip “Don” Award – Lawrence C. “Buck” Roberts, Wibaux. Harrington, Dillon and Samuel Russel “Sam” Legacy Award – William James “Bill” Brown, McDowell, Wisdom. Since the initial round of inductions to Sr., Sand Springs and Paul Kasten, Brockway. District 3 (Carter, Custer, Fallon, Powder the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2008, River, Rosebud, & Treasure Counties): Living including this year’s inductions, 274 inductees Award – William Jr. “Chuck” Hubing, Miles have been honored. Full biographies for past City. Legacy Award – Gary Grant Gatlin, Broa- inductees are available on the MCHF & WHC’s website, montanacowboyfame.org. dus and Johnny Morris, Broadus. For more information about the Montana District 4 (Blaine, Chouteau, Hill, & Liberty Counties): Living Award – Aaron “Duke” Cowboy Hall of Fame & Western Heritage CenPursley, Big Sandy. Legacy Award – Gordon ter, or for more details on the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame inductees, please contact Christy Charles “Buck” Boyce, Havre. District 5 (Cascade, Glacier, Pondera, Teton, Stensland by calling (406) 653-3800, emailing & Toole Counties): Living Award – Donald Christy@montanacowboyfame.org, or visiting Patrick Hogan, Great Falls. Legacy Award – montanacowboyfame.org. ChriSty StenSLand FOr Farm & ranCh

Courtesy of Crystal laumeyer

Sandy Laumeyer is surrounded by her grandkids. Standing (l-r): Trace, Ellie (front), Taylor, Sandy, Caden, Cooper, Walker and Denton. meals out to the field, helped fix equipELIZABETH SHIPSTEAD ment, ran to town for parts, pulled calves, FOR FARM & RANCH fed cows, and worked in town when things got tough. Sandy Laumeyer grew up in a small When I asked her what she considered agriculture-based town in southeast Iowa. the title for her role in their operation she She said she didn’t ever think that she said she preferred “domestic goddess” but wanted to become a farmwife. She wanted that she felt her role couldn’t be summed to be a teacher. Her experience with farm- up in one title. ing was at her uncle’s farm where she The Laumeyers grew wheat, oats and experienced the joy of hard work. barley, in addition to other crops such as Sandy was never one to shirk from hard mustard, safflower, spelt, and millet. They work and she took her father’s words of also raised a variety of cows including wisdom to heart. She always willingly registered polled Herefords and several and consistently pursued learning new other breeds that were considered “exotic” things and treating others with kindness. at the time. Before Sandy met her husband, Francis, Sandy had many stories to share but she worked in the hay division at the John one that really stood out to me was about Deere Company in Iowa. Francis’ brother the winter calving of ‘78 to ‘79. Sandy worked with her, so when Francis came explained that it started snowing on Nov. out to visit, they met and dated. 9 and they still had lots of snow covering After a short time visiting via phone, the ground in May. they wed. Not only did Sandy take on a According to Sandy, there were many role that she never thought she would, but calves to doctor, and several had to be she left family behind and moved several brought into the house. She said she states away. couldn’t tell at times whether the house Francis and Sandy had four children smelled more like Lysol or sick calves. and the couple farmed and ranched north Sandy and I talked for quite a while about of Nashua for many years. When I asked the resilience, strength and creativity that Sandy about her role in their operation, she is necessary for any woman in agriculture. said she did whatever needed to be done, She explained that it’s not easy being a when it needed to be done. She did the farm wife as sometimes you can be met books, raised the kids, cleaned the house, with a condescending attitude. But she welcomed neighbors for get-togethers, ran

Courtesy of Crystal laumeyer

Sandy and Francis sit with their grandkids. Pictured (l-r) standing: Trace, Walker, Denton. Seated: Cooper, Ellie Taylor, Sandy, Francis and Caden. didn’t let that slow her down and she really impressed upon me that no matter what people think, it is important to keep moving forward and be confident in what you know. Her best tips, especially when filling the role of a “go-fer” for parts were: Get a parts manual for each of your pieces of equipment, have your husband show you the parts that he is wanting in the book, make him show you where the parts are on the piece of equipment, and don’t take any guff when you get to town. Sandy explained that farm wives are built-in hired hands, and suggested they be willing to learn and ask lots of questions before starting new ventures. She also recommends farm wives learn their husband’s cap or hand signals. She and I had quite a laugh over this as she recounted the story of her first time pulling her husband and his tractor out of the corrals with a standard transmission pick up. I think every farm wife can relate to the experience. I asked Sandy specifically about the social opportunities that she experienced when they were farming. I often hear of, and have experienced myself, feeling a bit isolated and lonely. Sandy indicated that there were many opportunities for socializing back when they were farming and said there were many times that neighbors gathered together to help each other when

times got hard. The women would also celebrate each others birthdays by bringing food items to the home of the birthday girl and visiting for an hour or two. She spoke of playing cards and simply taking time to visit together as family or with friends. Because there’s always work to be done, “you just have to take the time to have fun and visit”. Her tips for farm wives today is to simply take the time to socialize and if there aren’t already opportunities to do so, then create something. “All it takes is two people,” she said. She also encouraged us to let go of the perceived necessities of having the perfect setting, food or situation such as a perfectly clean house. She said nobody cares, so move past it. Sandy shared a few final thoughts with me as we ended our visit. She said she stands by her faith and when she reaches her limit, she says, “I’ve done everything I can do, now it’s up to You (God)!” She said it is important to set the world aside and focus on family, friends, and community. She feels a willingness to work hard is important in addition to educating yourself and finding ways to get around challenges by thinking outside the box. She said, “Be stubborn and stand your ground, but above all, be kind!”

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The rule change and emerging technology could make drones more attractive tools for farmers

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Harvest Life Alice Miller for the Havre Daily News Last harvest I cooked, occasionally moved vehicles and kept tabs on our then infant. None of it felt important or useful. The abrupt exit from being in the middle of everything and having a purpose as a reporter felt like being banished to the kitchen. I don’t take the lifestyle change for granted and feel guilty for even wanting to complain. I mean, I did ask for it when we moved back to the farm last June so we could have more time as a family. I’m sure many women would love to have the same opportunity. The truth is: I’m not a good farmwife. I get frustrated by the required flexibility, I’m a terrible housekeeper, I never seem to make enough food, and I’m perpetually mad at myself for getting upset over so many trivial things. You just have to show up, my husband told me about helping in the field. So this year I offered. And offered. And offered. And threw a temper tantrum about feeling dismissed then was asked if I wanted to learn how to drive combine. And darn it if I didn’t say yes, despite having a toddler to take care of and harvest help staying in our basement. By Day Two I wanted to throw a second tantrum to get back to the kitchen but squelched the urge. I was already embarrassed by my first outburst demanding to be taken seriously. I’d never make it to the field again if I didn’t grit through it this time. I had forgotten how relentless harvest is. When combines aren’t rolling, it’s because

you’re fixing something. Progress was slow the first day as we shuffled and fine-tuned equipment to set the stage for a smooth harvest. When the other truck drivers were busy helping organize

equipment, I took a full tandem truck to the auger and learning to drive a combine was history. It was like picking up where I left off — I drove tandem four summers ago and hadn’t

Photos by Alice Miller

since. However, it took me a while to adjust to the semi truck — just ask the grain bin I hit with the trailer. Despite many humbling missteps, learning the ropes invigorated me. The hardest part was keeping up with all the little things that I’ve felt chaffed by doing the past year because I felt they were unimportant. Make lunches. Mop the floor. Plan your daughter’s birthday party and get mad at your husband for not planning yours even though he’ll still be cutting. Then get mad at him for planning one the day before you planned your daughter’s. Line up a babysitter then figure out what to do when she cancels. Mow the grass so the rattlesnakes don’t move in to eat all the mice that have made themselves at home since we’ve disappeared to the field. Thankfully, it turned out that driving a truck made me dispensable at times; some days they didn’t need me at all. I was able to come in with the supper wagon most nights, allowing me time with our daughter before putting her to bed and then tackling (part of) the list of chores. A few nights, though, I was out until everyone else. On the third-in-a-row of such nights a friend who stayed with us for a few days and watched our daughter said she hoped I wasn’t offended she had done some laundry and cleaned the house. There was a time I would have been, but this time I almost cried with relief. I still prefer fieldwork, but I now see how everything works together. It’s all important, and it’s all valued, especially by me.

dedicated to overseeing drones. Recently, Danny Royer, the new vice president of technology at Bowles, stood at the tailgate of his pickup studying live images transmitted to the screen of his tablet as a drone buzzed 300 feet overhead. Rows of mature tomato plants appeared on the screen in glowing burnt orange, indicating warmer, drier areas, while dark patches of purple showed the cool moist soil hidden below the plants. After taking the images back to his office to analyze them, he decided there were no leaks to repair, but the soil needed to be enriched in places to help the field grow evenly. M o n d a y, t h e F e d e r a l Av i a t i o n Administration was scheduled to ease the rules so that operators of commercial drones that weigh less than 55 pounds will no longer need to go through the long, expensive process of earning an airplane pilot's license. Instead, they will have to take a written test — but not an actual flying test at the controls of a plane — and will be issued a drone license for $150. The rule change and emerging technology could make drones more attractive tools for farmers, said Brandon Stark, director of the U n i ve rs i t y o f C a l i fo r n i a ' s C e n t e r o f Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Safety, based at the Merced campus. However, he said that until federal regulators clarify parts of the new rules, commercial drones must continue to fly below 400 feet, limiting their use on very large fields. Stark is seeking what he calls the Holy Grail of drone use in agriculture — enabling them to directly diagnose what ails a tree, whether it's deficiencies in water or nutrients, or a pest — without having to send a person into the field. "We're just getting started," Stark said. "The research is really still in its infancy."

AP Photo/Scott Smith Danny Royer, right, vice president of technology at Bowles Farming Co., pilots a drone over a tomato field July 25 near Los Banos, Calif., as college intern Christian Cambrelen watches. The farm hired Royer this year to oversee drones equipped with a state-of-the-art thermal camera that scan from a bird's-eye view for cool, soggy patches where a gopher may have chewed through the buried drip irrigation line and caused a leak of the precious resource. On the farm's 2,400-acre tomato crop alone, this year drones could detect enough leaks to save water needed to sustain more than 550 families of four for a year.

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In drought, drones help California farmers save every drop SCOTT SMITH Associated Press LOS BANOS, Calif. — A drone whirred to life in a cloud of dust, then shot hundreds of feet skyward for a bird's-eye view of a vast tomato field in California's Central Valley, the nation's most productive farming region. Equipped with a state-of-the-art thermal camera, the drone crisscrossed the field, scanning it for cool, soggy patches where a gopher may have chewed through the buried drip irrigation line and caused a leak. In the drought-prone West, where every drop of water counts, California farmers are in a constant search for ways to efficiently use the increasingly scarce resource. Cannon Michael is putting drone technology to work on his fields at Bowles Farming Co. near Los Banos, 120 miles southeast of San Francisco. About 2,100 companies and individuals have federal permission to fly drones for farming, according to the drone industry's Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International. Federal regulators planned to relax the rules Monday on commercial drones, a move that could spur even greater

use of such aircraft on farms. Michael is descended from Henry Miller, a renowned cattle rancher, farmer and Western landowner who helped transform semi-arid central California into fertile farmland 150 years ago by building irrigation canals, some still flowing today. Six generations later, Michael farms a 17-square-mile portion of that same land, growing melons, carrots, onions, cotton and almonds, while carrying on in the same pioneering spirit as Miller. "I've always been a big fan of technology," said Michael, 44, mindful of how climate change is making water more precious. "I think it's really the only way we're going to stay in business." On his 2,400-acre tomato crop alone, Michael estimates that this year his leakdetecting drones could save enough water to sustain more than 550 families of four for a year. California endured the driest four-year period on record before a relatively wet and snowy winter this year overflowed some reservoirs in the northern part of the state. Southern California, however, remains dry, and the statewide drought has not ended.

Beyond California, drones are becoming fixtures on farms in places such as Canada, Australia, South Africa and Latin America as they become more affordable and easier to use, said Ian Smith of DroneDeploy, a San Francisco-based industry leader in drone software development. A farmer can order a commercial-grade drone online for $2,000 and receive it in the mail days later, he said. Its video camera is then paired up with a smartphone or computer tablet that is used to control the drone. "Hook it up to a smartphone. Boom. Take off and you're in business," Smith said. Many farmers, however, have yet to grasp the full potential beyond capturing video images of crops or using infrared cameras to spot color variations in the plants that can signal a problem. Few have used technology and invested in it to the degree Michael has. This year he began using the thermal camera, which can cost up to $10,000 and can show moisture variations in soil. He also created a new management position at his company

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Governor's order seeks to make Minnesota more bee-friendly STEVE KARNOWSKI Associated Press MINNEAPOLIS — Gov. Mark Dayton sought Friday to extend a little Minnesota nice to the state's declining honeybee population by issuing an executive order limiting certain pesticides that harm them, a step advocates said positions the state as a leader in protecting pollinating insects critical to the nation's food supply. In making the announcement at the Minnesota State Fair, the Democratic governor stressed the importance of pollinators to the state's $90 billion agriculture sector. The class of insecticides known as neonicotinoids, or "neonics," is one of several factors that have been blamed for falling pollinator populations, along with parasites such as mites, diseases and poor nutrition. About one-third of the human diet comes from plants pollinated by insects, and honeybees do about 80 percent of that work. "We want to work cooperatively with user groups," Dayton said at a news conference. "We're not trying to ban anybody's practices or businesses, but there's a lot more we can do, all of us, more sensibly, with better awareness, to protect the pollinators." Dayton's order directs the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to require veri-

fication that any application of neonicotinoid pesticides is necessary due to imminent threats of significant crop losses. It also creates a task force to study issues impacting pollinators and to recommend long-term solutions. State government will set up an interagency team on pollinator protection. The governor also ordered state agencies to lead by example on the 8 million acres of land they manage statewide. Those steps will include turning highway rights-of-way into better habitat, with more of the kinds of plants pollinators crave. Neonicotinoid-treated plants and pesticides will be prohibited in the 40-acre State Capitol complex, and pollinator-friendly plants will be included in the Capitol's landscaping plan. The order incorporates most of the recommendations from a special review that the state agriculture department conducted of neonicotinoids. But some of Dayton's proposals require legislative approval, including giving the state authority to regu l a t e n e o n i c o t i n o i d - t r e a t e d s e e d s. Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson said about 80 percent of seeds planted today are treated with the insecticides. University of Minnesota bee expert Marla Spivak said the governor's order

"puts Minnesota miles ahead of all the other states in our nation. ... Some may think that these actions go too far, but I honestly don't know a farmer, a nursery operator, a grower, a pesticide applicator that wants to kill a bee or monarch while they're controlling their crop pests." The Pesticide Action Network welcomed the moves toward using neonicotinoids as a last resort and the steps toward regulating pesticide-coated seeds. Organizer Lex Horan said in a statement that it ensures "bee-harming pesticides won't be used unnecessarily." Bayer Crop Science, the top manufacturer of neonicotinoid pesticides, said it supports state efforts to protect pollinator health. Spokesman Jeff Donald pointed to a line in the state's review that said, "When properly applied, the risks associ-

ated with neonicotinoid use in general — and seed treatments in particular — can be offset by their benefits." Kevin Paap, president of the Minnesota Farm Bureau, said every farm can find a place for pollinator-friendly plants such as milkweed and flowers, but farmers still need the flexibility to use modern technology. Neonicotinoid insecticides are "very important," to agriculture he said. Biotechnology now builds insect resistance into corn and other crops, sharply reducing the need for pesticides, but it doesn't eliminate the need, he said. "We certainly can have a balance with the pollinators and neonics and make that work," Paap said.

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In drought, drones help California farmers save every drop SCOTT SMITH Associated Press LOS BANOS, Calif. — A drone whirred to life in a cloud of dust, then shot hundreds of feet skyward for a bird's-eye view of a vast tomato field in California's Central Valley, the nation's most productive farming region. Equipped with a state-of-the-art thermal camera, the drone crisscrossed the field, scanning it for cool, soggy patches where a gopher may have chewed through the buried drip irrigation line and caused a leak. In the drought-prone West, where every drop of water counts, California farmers are in a constant search for ways to efficiently use the increasingly scarce resource. Cannon Michael is putting drone technology to work on his fields at Bowles Farming Co. near Los Banos, 120 miles southeast of San Francisco. About 2,100 companies and individuals have federal permission to fly drones for farming, according to the drone industry's Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International. Federal regulators planned to relax the rules Monday on commercial drones, a move that could spur even greater

use of such aircraft on farms. Michael is descended from Henry Miller, a renowned cattle rancher, farmer and Western landowner who helped transform semi-arid central California into fertile farmland 150 years ago by building irrigation canals, some still flowing today. Six generations later, Michael farms a 17-square-mile portion of that same land, growing melons, carrots, onions, cotton and almonds, while carrying on in the same pioneering spirit as Miller. "I've always been a big fan of technology," said Michael, 44, mindful of how climate change is making water more precious. "I think it's really the only way we're going to stay in business." On his 2,400-acre tomato crop alone, Michael estimates that this year his leakdetecting drones could save enough water to sustain more than 550 families of four for a year. California endured the driest four-year period on record before a relatively wet and snowy winter this year overflowed some reservoirs in the northern part of the state. Southern California, however, remains dry, and the statewide drought has not ended.

Beyond California, drones are becoming fixtures on farms in places such as Canada, Australia, South Africa and Latin America as they become more affordable and easier to use, said Ian Smith of DroneDeploy, a San Francisco-based industry leader in drone software development. A farmer can order a commercial-grade drone online for $2,000 and receive it in the mail days later, he said. Its video camera is then paired up with a smartphone or computer tablet that is used to control the drone. "Hook it up to a smartphone. Boom. Take off and you're in business," Smith said. Many farmers, however, have yet to grasp the full potential beyond capturing video images of crops or using infrared cameras to spot color variations in the plants that can signal a problem. Few have used technology and invested in it to the degree Michael has. This year he began using the thermal camera, which can cost up to $10,000 and can show moisture variations in soil. He also created a new management position at his company

n Continued on page 9

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Governor's order seeks to make Minnesota more bee-friendly STEVE KARNOWSKI Associated Press MINNEAPOLIS — Gov. Mark Dayton sought Friday to extend a little Minnesota nice to the state's declining honeybee population by issuing an executive order limiting certain pesticides that harm them, a step advocates said positions the state as a leader in protecting pollinating insects critical to the nation's food supply. In making the announcement at the Minnesota State Fair, the Democratic governor stressed the importance of pollinators to the state's $90 billion agriculture sector. The class of insecticides known as neonicotinoids, or "neonics," is one of several factors that have been blamed for falling pollinator populations, along with parasites such as mites, diseases and poor nutrition. About one-third of the human diet comes from plants pollinated by insects, and honeybees do about 80 percent of that work. "We want to work cooperatively with user groups," Dayton said at a news conference. "We're not trying to ban anybody's practices or businesses, but there's a lot more we can do, all of us, more sensibly, with better awareness, to protect the pollinators." Dayton's order directs the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to require veri-

fication that any application of neonicotinoid pesticides is necessary due to imminent threats of significant crop losses. It also creates a task force to study issues impacting pollinators and to recommend long-term solutions. State government will set up an interagency team on pollinator protection. The governor also ordered state agencies to lead by example on the 8 million acres of land they manage statewide. Those steps will include turning highway rights-of-way into better habitat, with more of the kinds of plants pollinators crave. Neonicotinoid-treated plants and pesticides will be prohibited in the 40-acre State Capitol complex, and pollinator-friendly plants will be included in the Capitol's landscaping plan. The order incorporates most of the recommendations from a special review that the state agriculture department conducted of neonicotinoids. But some of Dayton's proposals require legislative approval, including giving the state authority to regu l a t e n e o n i c o t i n o i d - t r e a t e d s e e d s. Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson said about 80 percent of seeds planted today are treated with the insecticides. University of Minnesota bee expert Marla Spivak said the governor's order

"puts Minnesota miles ahead of all the other states in our nation. ... Some may think that these actions go too far, but I honestly don't know a farmer, a nursery operator, a grower, a pesticide applicator that wants to kill a bee or monarch while they're controlling their crop pests." The Pesticide Action Network welcomed the moves toward using neonicotinoids as a last resort and the steps toward regulating pesticide-coated seeds. Organizer Lex Horan said in a statement that it ensures "bee-harming pesticides won't be used unnecessarily." Bayer Crop Science, the top manufacturer of neonicotinoid pesticides, said it supports state efforts to protect pollinator health. Spokesman Jeff Donald pointed to a line in the state's review that said, "When properly applied, the risks associ-

ated with neonicotinoid use in general — and seed treatments in particular — can be offset by their benefits." Kevin Paap, president of the Minnesota Farm Bureau, said every farm can find a place for pollinator-friendly plants such as milkweed and flowers, but farmers still need the flexibility to use modern technology. Neonicotinoid insecticides are "very important," to agriculture he said. Biotechnology now builds insect resistance into corn and other crops, sharply reducing the need for pesticides, but it doesn't eliminate the need, he said. "We certainly can have a balance with the pollinators and neonics and make that work," Paap said.

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Harvest Life Alice Miller for the Havre Daily News Last harvest I cooked, occasionally moved vehicles and kept tabs on our then infant. None of it felt important or useful. The abrupt exit from being in the middle of everything and having a purpose as a reporter felt like being banished to the kitchen. I don’t take the lifestyle change for granted and feel guilty for even wanting to complain. I mean, I did ask for it when we moved back to the farm last June so we could have more time as a family. I’m sure many women would love to have the same opportunity. The truth is: I’m not a good farmwife. I get frustrated by the required flexibility, I’m a terrible housekeeper, I never seem to make enough food, and I’m perpetually mad at myself for getting upset over so many trivial things. You just have to show up, my husband told me about helping in the field. So this year I offered. And offered. And offered. And threw a temper tantrum about feeling dismissed then was asked if I wanted to learn how to drive combine. And darn it if I didn’t say yes, despite having a toddler to take care of and harvest help staying in our basement. By Day Two I wanted to throw a second tantrum to get back to the kitchen but squelched the urge. I was already embarrassed by my first outburst demanding to be taken seriously. I’d never make it to the field again if I didn’t grit through it this time. I had forgotten how relentless harvest is. When combines aren’t rolling, it’s because

you’re fixing something. Progress was slow the first day as we shuffled and fine-tuned equipment to set the stage for a smooth harvest. When the other truck drivers were busy helping organize

equipment, I took a full tandem truck to the auger and learning to drive a combine was history. It was like picking up where I left off — I drove tandem four summers ago and hadn’t

Photos by Alice Miller

since. However, it took me a while to adjust to the semi truck — just ask the grain bin I hit with the trailer. Despite many humbling missteps, learning the ropes invigorated me. The hardest part was keeping up with all the little things that I’ve felt chaffed by doing the past year because I felt they were unimportant. Make lunches. Mop the floor. Plan your daughter’s birthday party and get mad at your husband for not planning yours even though he’ll still be cutting. Then get mad at him for planning one the day before you planned your daughter’s. Line up a babysitter then figure out what to do when she cancels. Mow the grass so the rattlesnakes don’t move in to eat all the mice that have made themselves at home since we’ve disappeared to the field. Thankfully, it turned out that driving a truck made me dispensable at times; some days they didn’t need me at all. I was able to come in with the supper wagon most nights, allowing me time with our daughter before putting her to bed and then tackling (part of) the list of chores. A few nights, though, I was out until everyone else. On the third-in-a-row of such nights a friend who stayed with us for a few days and watched our daughter said she hoped I wasn’t offended she had done some laundry and cleaned the house. There was a time I would have been, but this time I almost cried with relief. I still prefer fieldwork, but I now see how everything works together. It’s all important, and it’s all valued, especially by me.

dedicated to overseeing drones. Recently, Danny Royer, the new vice president of technology at Bowles, stood at the tailgate of his pickup studying live images transmitted to the screen of his tablet as a drone buzzed 300 feet overhead. Rows of mature tomato plants appeared on the screen in glowing burnt orange, indicating warmer, drier areas, while dark patches of purple showed the cool moist soil hidden below the plants. After taking the images back to his office to analyze them, he decided there were no leaks to repair, but the soil needed to be enriched in places to help the field grow evenly. M o n d a y, t h e F e d e r a l Av i a t i o n Administration was scheduled to ease the rules so that operators of commercial drones that weigh less than 55 pounds will no longer need to go through the long, expensive process of earning an airplane pilot's license. Instead, they will have to take a written test — but not an actual flying test at the controls of a plane — and will be issued a drone license for $150. The rule change and emerging technology could make drones more attractive tools for farmers, said Brandon Stark, director of the U n i ve rs i t y o f C a l i fo r n i a ' s C e n t e r o f Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Safety, based at the Merced campus. However, he said that until federal regulators clarify parts of the new rules, commercial drones must continue to fly below 400 feet, limiting their use on very large fields. Stark is seeking what he calls the Holy Grail of drone use in agriculture — enabling them to directly diagnose what ails a tree, whether it's deficiencies in water or nutrients, or a pest — without having to send a person into the field. "We're just getting started," Stark said. "The research is really still in its infancy."

AP Photo/Scott Smith Danny Royer, right, vice president of technology at Bowles Farming Co., pilots a drone over a tomato field July 25 near Los Banos, Calif., as college intern Christian Cambrelen watches. The farm hired Royer this year to oversee drones equipped with a state-of-the-art thermal camera that scan from a bird's-eye view for cool, soggy patches where a gopher may have chewed through the buried drip irrigation line and caused a leak of the precious resource. On the farm's 2,400-acre tomato crop alone, this year drones could detect enough leaks to save water needed to sustain more than 550 families of four for a year.

Visit our website today to view all past issues of the Hi-Line Farm & Ranch www.havredailynews.com

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Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame Announces 2016 Inductions

Hattie Maria (Webb) Dear, Cascade and Jules Klint “Duke” Gustafson, Great Falls. District 6 (Fergus, Golden Valley, Judith The Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame & Basin, Musselshell, Petroleum, & Wheatland Western Heritage Center (MCHF & WHC) has Counties): Living Award – Clinton H. “Clint” announced the ninth class of inductions into & Sharon E. (Henderson) Martin, Lewistown. the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame. The in- Legacy Award – George R. “Sonny” Smith, ductees were chosen from a field of candidates Grass Range and William “Bill” Skelton, nominated by the general public. Inductees are Stanford. District 7 (Big Horn, Carbon, Stillwater, honored for their notable contributions to the Sweet Grass, & Yellowstone Counties): Living history and culture of Montana. “Our volunteer trustees around Montana Award – Henry & Lorraine Valgamore, Big vote on nominations that come from the dis- Timber. Legacy Award – Ella Maude (Daylong) trict in which they reside,” said Helena State Huntington, Billings and High Bird - Dr. Joseph “Joe” Medicine Crow, Farm agent and MCHF Crow Agency. & WHC President Jeff District 8 (BroadwaBolstad. “It gives the loter, Jefferson, & Lewis cal communities a strong and Clark Counties): voice in who will repreLiving Award – Jack Lesent them in the Montana roy “Doc” Rea, Helena. Cowboy Hall of Fame. Legacy Award – Frank The Hall of Fame exJames “Gary” Cooper, ists to honor those who Helena and Robert F. have made an impact “Bob” Morgan, Helena. in their part of the state District 9 (Gallatin, and represent Montana’s Meagher, & Park Counauthentic heritage for ties): Living Award – future generations.” James Earl “Jimmy” SarThe MCHF & WHC razin, Wilsall. Legacy board of directors has Award – Gerard “Bud” designated 12 trustee Story Burkhart, Bozedistricts across the state man and “Indian Jack” from which up to 20 Hart, Livingston. trustees may be appointcOURESTY PHOTO District 10 (Flathead, ed. Nomination criteria william Standing, also known as “Fire Bear” was established by the board a noted artist from poplar, mt. he was born near Lake, Lincoln, & Sandfor the Class of 2016 Oswego, mt on the Fort peck indian reservation ers Counties): Legacy inductions allowed the on July 27, 1904. the painter was 46 years-old Award – Lester P. “Les” election of up to one when he died in an automobile accident June Baldwin, Polson and The Park Saddle Horse Living Inductee and two 27, 1951. Company, Glacier NaLegacy Inductees from tional Park. each of the 12 districts. District 11 (Mineral, Missoula, & Ravalli The 2016 inductees into the Montana CowCounties): Living Award – Arnold D. “Smoke” boy Hall of Fame are: District 1 (Daniels, Phillips, Roosevelt, Elser, Missoula. Legacy Award – Charles James Sheridan, & Valley Counties): Living Award “Charlie” Yerian, Corvallis and Elton Vanleir – Edgar Richardson, Scobey. Legacy Award Brechbill, Stevensville. District 12 (Deer Lodge, Beaverhead, Silver – Fire Bear - William Standing, Oswego and Bow, Granite, Madison, & Powell Counties): Tande Ranch, Scobey. District 2 (Dawson, Garfield, McCone, Living Award – Paul Irving Greany, DrumPrairie, Richland, & Wibaux Counties): Living mond. Legacy Award – Donald Philip “Don” Award – Lawrence C. “Buck” Roberts, Wibaux. Harrington, Dillon and Samuel Russel “Sam” Legacy Award – William James “Bill” Brown, McDowell, Wisdom. Since the initial round of inductions to Sr., Sand Springs and Paul Kasten, Brockway. District 3 (Carter, Custer, Fallon, Powder the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2008, River, Rosebud, & Treasure Counties): Living including this year’s inductions, 274 inductees Award – William Jr. “Chuck” Hubing, Miles have been honored. Full biographies for past City. Legacy Award – Gary Grant Gatlin, Broa- inductees are available on the MCHF & WHC’s website, montanacowboyfame.org. dus and Johnny Morris, Broadus. For more information about the Montana District 4 (Blaine, Chouteau, Hill, & Liberty Counties): Living Award – Aaron “Duke” Cowboy Hall of Fame & Western Heritage CenPursley, Big Sandy. Legacy Award – Gordon ter, or for more details on the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame inductees, please contact Christy Charles “Buck” Boyce, Havre. District 5 (Cascade, Glacier, Pondera, Teton, Stensland by calling (406) 653-3800, emailing & Toole Counties): Living Award – Donald Christy@montanacowboyfame.org, or visiting Patrick Hogan, Great Falls. Legacy Award – montanacowboyfame.org. ChriSty StenSLand FOr Farm & ranCh

Courtesy of Crystal laumeyer

Sandy Laumeyer is surrounded by her grandkids. Standing (l-r): Trace, Ellie (front), Taylor, Sandy, Caden, Cooper, Walker and Denton. meals out to the field, helped fix equipELIZABETH SHIPSTEAD ment, ran to town for parts, pulled calves, FOR FARM & RANCH fed cows, and worked in town when things got tough. Sandy Laumeyer grew up in a small When I asked her what she considered agriculture-based town in southeast Iowa. the title for her role in their operation she She said she didn’t ever think that she said she preferred “domestic goddess” but wanted to become a farmwife. She wanted that she felt her role couldn’t be summed to be a teacher. Her experience with farm- up in one title. ing was at her uncle’s farm where she The Laumeyers grew wheat, oats and experienced the joy of hard work. barley, in addition to other crops such as Sandy was never one to shirk from hard mustard, safflower, spelt, and millet. They work and she took her father’s words of also raised a variety of cows including wisdom to heart. She always willingly registered polled Herefords and several and consistently pursued learning new other breeds that were considered “exotic” things and treating others with kindness. at the time. Before Sandy met her husband, Francis, Sandy had many stories to share but she worked in the hay division at the John one that really stood out to me was about Deere Company in Iowa. Francis’ brother the winter calving of ‘78 to ‘79. Sandy worked with her, so when Francis came explained that it started snowing on Nov. out to visit, they met and dated. 9 and they still had lots of snow covering After a short time visiting via phone, the ground in May. they wed. Not only did Sandy take on a According to Sandy, there were many role that she never thought she would, but calves to doctor, and several had to be she left family behind and moved several brought into the house. She said she states away. couldn’t tell at times whether the house Francis and Sandy had four children smelled more like Lysol or sick calves. and the couple farmed and ranched north Sandy and I talked for quite a while about of Nashua for many years. When I asked the resilience, strength and creativity that Sandy about her role in their operation, she is necessary for any woman in agriculture. said she did whatever needed to be done, She explained that it’s not easy being a when it needed to be done. She did the farm wife as sometimes you can be met books, raised the kids, cleaned the house, with a condescending attitude. But she welcomed neighbors for get-togethers, ran

Courtesy of Crystal laumeyer

Sandy and Francis sit with their grandkids. Pictured (l-r) standing: Trace, Walker, Denton. Seated: Cooper, Ellie Taylor, Sandy, Francis and Caden. didn’t let that slow her down and she really impressed upon me that no matter what people think, it is important to keep moving forward and be confident in what you know. Her best tips, especially when filling the role of a “go-fer” for parts were: Get a parts manual for each of your pieces of equipment, have your husband show you the parts that he is wanting in the book, make him show you where the parts are on the piece of equipment, and don’t take any guff when you get to town. Sandy explained that farm wives are built-in hired hands, and suggested they be willing to learn and ask lots of questions before starting new ventures. She also recommends farm wives learn their husband’s cap or hand signals. She and I had quite a laugh over this as she recounted the story of her first time pulling her husband and his tractor out of the corrals with a standard transmission pick up. I think every farm wife can relate to the experience. I asked Sandy specifically about the social opportunities that she experienced when they were farming. I often hear of, and have experienced myself, feeling a bit isolated and lonely. Sandy indicated that there were many opportunities for socializing back when they were farming and said there were many times that neighbors gathered together to help each other when

times got hard. The women would also celebrate each others birthdays by bringing food items to the home of the birthday girl and visiting for an hour or two. She spoke of playing cards and simply taking time to visit together as family or with friends. Because there’s always work to be done, “you just have to take the time to have fun and visit”. Her tips for farm wives today is to simply take the time to socialize and if there aren’t already opportunities to do so, then create something. “All it takes is two people,” she said. She also encouraged us to let go of the perceived necessities of having the perfect setting, food or situation such as a perfectly clean house. She said nobody cares, so move past it. Sandy shared a few final thoughts with me as we ended our visit. She said she stands by her faith and when she reaches her limit, she says, “I’ve done everything I can do, now it’s up to You (God)!” She said it is important to set the world aside and focus on family, friends, and community. She feels a willingness to work hard is important in addition to educating yourself and finding ways to get around challenges by thinking outside the box. She said, “Be stubborn and stand your ground, but above all, be kind!”

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The Month in Weather

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Heavey Featured in Lewistown Gallery Show

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a bolt of lightening touches down on the hi-Line (above). COver: Sean heavey also provided the art for this month's cover photo with an image from his currently-running gallery show at the Lewistown art Center. 5-year average for both. ginevra KirKLand Likewise, hay production continues ahead FOr Farm & ranCh Yes, it was warm out there, with enough of normal and “livestock producers may overrain to keep things moving along. August was winter more calves than usual due to relatively a productive month around the state, although inexpensive feed prices.” Precipitation continues to be low, though it has been hotter and drier than average statewide. The state high temperature of 97 degrees Valley County is still far ahead of the game, was reached in Wolf Point, while the state low and hot, dry weather continues through much of the state. was 21 degrees in Wisdom. Severe weather throughout the state in the The USDA reports that averages of small grain harvest are up, with “82 percent of bar- past month has resulted in 209 hail warnings, ley, 66 percent of Durum wheat, 83 percent of 207 wind warnings and six tornado warnoats, and 73 percent of spring wheat harvested ings. The outlook for September is to have by (this) week’s end.” Range and pasture continues to deteriorate on-and-off cold fronts waving through, but with “31 percent rated good to excellent which “nothing extreme,” according to the National was better than last year’s 21 percent but below Weather Service. For up-to-the-minute predictions and longthe 5-year average of 36 percent.” Producers continue to move animals off range forecasts and overviews, please visit the summer pastures with 20 percent of cattle and Climate Prediction Center at www.cpc.ncep. 20 percent of sheep moved, well ahead of the noaa.gov/.

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glasgow's whitney paju typically photographs horses, cattle, and other animals found in art with western motifs. this duckling, however, was just too adorable to pass up.

seaN r HeaVey / for farm & raNCH

Sean R. Heavey is known for his amazing pictures of storms and weather systems in Northeast Montana, but even partially sunny skies (above) make good art sometimes, as do scenes like the homestead pictured below.

JAMES WALLING FOR FARM & RANCH Readers of the Courier and Farm & Ranch will be familiar with the work of photographer Sean R. Heavey. In many ways, his gallery on 2nd Avenue in Glasgow’s downtown is the heart of the visual arts community in Valley County. For the month of September, Heavey’s work will be on display at the Lewistown Arts Center, making his Hi-Line patrons and supporters proud with the award-winning artist’s first gallery show in over four years outside the Glasgow area. Located on the corner of Main Street and 4th Avenue in Lewistown, LAC is a hub of arts activity in area, with the Community Labyrinth Garden, the Central Montana See HEAVEY, Page 12

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www.glasgowcourier.com www.glasgowcourier.com

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State from Around Around the the State State State FFA FFA Conventions Conventions Draws Draws Students Students from

"Above All, be Kind"

Bulls Stay Stay Steady Steady Bulls ShipStead interviewS Sandy Laumeyer - page 10

FOR THE HI-LINE FARM & RANCH FOR THE HI-LINE FARM & RANCH

Creed third place place winner winner and and greenhand greenhandsecond secondplace placewinner winnerMickayla MickaylaJohnson Johnsonaccepting acceptingan anaward awardatatthe the Creed third state convention in Billings. state convention in Billings. competing they went went to to various various workshops workshopspresented presentedby bypast paststate stateofficers officersand andeven evennational nationalofficers. officers. competing they Three of our younger members, Elise Strommen, Chaykota Christensen and Halle Beil Three of our younger members, Elise Strommen, Chaykota Christensen and Halle Beil seaN r HeaVey / for farm & raNCH served on the courtesy corp and helped out with contests whenever needed. Our five seon the the courtesy corp and helped out with contests whenever needed. Our five seGlasgow's Sean Heavey has both images printed here (above and below) on display at the Lewistown Artserved Center through month of September. The State (Future Farmers of American) FFA Convention was held in Billings on March 25 28. niors, Lukas Johnson, Brett Johnson, Dallas Capdeville, Kyle Albus and Wyatt PattiThe State (Future Farmers of American) FFA Convention was held in Billings on March 25 - 28. niors, Lukas Johnson, Brett Johnson, Dallas Capdeville, Kyle Albus and Wyatt PattiOver to State CDEs, from Writer’s Group,in Lewistown Woodcarvto be after Linda,their the State executive director, It’s a challenge to photograph cold,night. with were awarded their State Farmer Degrees at at the the State Degree Degree dinner on onthe Friday night. Over1,500 1,500FFA FFAmembers membersfrom fromaround aroundthe thestate stategathered gathered to compete compete inthe State CDEs, ranging ranging from son son were awarded Farmer Degrees State dinner Friday ers and the Central Montana Community There saw an article the Great Falls Tribune did the isolated feeling one gets from a Johnson winter mechanics were over 500 members, advisors and their families attending that dinner. Mickayla mechanicstotopublic publicspeaking. speaking. There were over 500 members, advisors and their families attending that dinner. Mickayla Johnson ConcertCache Association callingin venue competed on me after I opened the gallery in Glasgow. storm.” Ten Younkin, competed mechanfor star star greenhand and received received secondplace. place. Shealso alsocompeted competedwith withother othercreed creedspeakers speakers Tenmembers membersofofthe theHinsdale Hinsdalechapter, chapter,including includingSophomore Sophomore Cache Younkin,all competed inthe mechancompeted for greenhand and second She home. She read the article, visited my website We’ll have to wait and see what this ics, agronomy, farm business management, star greenhand and state creed speaking. When they weren’t from around the state and received third. ics, agronomy, CONTINUED farm business management, FROM PAGE 11 star greenhand and state creed speaking. When they weren’t from around the state and received third. According to Heavey, “The show came and called me to see if I was interested.” winter holds, but photography fans would do Asked what he’ll be working on as the well to take in Heavey’s latest evolutions in weather turns colder, Heavey replied, “I’m technique, which involve printing on metal. looking forward to the leaves changing and The Lewistown show opened Sept. 2 and making a few trips to see how the years have runs through the end of the month. changed my favorite homesteads. For the For more information, visit lewistownartGetting winter, I really want to capture a good storm center.org or call 406-538-5162. Explore the Gettingback backand andforth forthto toBillings Billingsminus minusthe thedrive drivejust justmakes makes Getting back and forth to Billings minus the drive just makes ** with blowing snow and blizzard conditions. artist's work online at seanheavey.com. sense. sense.Next Nexttime, time,hop hopon onone oneof ofour ourfast, fast,daily dailyﬂights ﬂightsand and

Lukas LukasJohnson, Johnson,Brett BrettJohnson, Johnson,Dallas DallasCapdeville, Capdeville,Kyle KyleAlbus, Albus,Wyatt WyattPattison Pattisonand andAdvisor Advisor Patti Patti Armbrister Armbrister at at the state convenstion in Billings. the state convenstion in Billings. WYATT WYATTPATTISON PATTISON HINSDALE HINSDALECHAPTER CHAPTERREPORTER REPORTER

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capeair.com capeair.com 800-CAPE-AIR capeair.com 800-CAPE-AIR 800-CAPE-AIR *Fares subjecttoto availability and other conditions. notice, and are not guaranteed until ticketed. *Fares aresubject toavailability availabilityand andother otherconditions. conditions.Fares Faresmay maychange changewithout without notice, and are not guaranteed until ticketed. *Fares are may change without notice, and are not guaranteed until ticketed.

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Lih-An Yang, Merlin, Iris and Ellis Ellis McKean McKean work workon onclearing clearingout outaabeaver beaverdam damalong alongthe theLittle LittleBrazil BrazilCreek, Creek, southwest of Glasgow.

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