Page 2 THE MONTANA STANDARD, BUTTE, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2011
THE MONTANA STANDARD, BUTTE, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2011 Page 3
Agriculture in Montana
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BY PAT HANSEN for The Montana Standard
A
griculture remains Montana’s number one industry, generating $2.8 billion annually, plus associated benefits, for rural communities and the state. According to the latest USDA statistics, the total value of agricultural products sold in 2009 was $2.8 billion. Livestock, poultry and their products generated $1.5 billion while crops, including nursery and greenhouse sales were $1.3 billion. In 2010, there were 29,400 farms and ranches in Montana with 60.8 million acres producing food and fiber, second only to Texas. The average farm size is 2,068 acres. Land use on farms and ranches includes 65.2 percent pasture and range, 29.7 percent cropland, 3.7 percent woodland and 1.4 percent other. It should be noted that pastures, range and cropland provide the wide open spaces and wildlife habitat that attract visitors to Montana, making tourism the second largest industry in the state. Visitors to Montana in 2009 spent $2.3 billion which is new money for Montana’s economy.
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Page 4 THE MONTANA STANDARD, BUTTE, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2011
One in five Montana workers is employed in agriculture or a related field. The average age of the principal operator is 58 years. Half of Montana’s operators make their living from the farm or ranch while others earn their primary revenue from off-farm jobs. This is likely attributed to the 13,100 small landowners who have less than 200 acres and generate less than $10,000 farm revenue, as well as some of the 9,300 producers who generate $10,000 to $99,999 in farm revenue from farms and ranches that average 1,200 acres in size.
Agriculture ... Continued from Page 3
PRIMARY AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS Montana’s top five agricultural products are wheat, cattle and calves, barley, hay and sugar beets. However, farming and ranching have become more diverse. Although wheat and beef account for three-fourths of the state’s agricultural
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THE MONTANA STANDARD, BUTTE, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2011 Page 5
Agriculture ... Continued from Page 4 receipts, crops such as peas and lentils are gaining significance. Montana is ranked second in the nation for production of barley for grain, dry edible peas and lentils. According to the latest USDA report, the value of Montana’s agricultural commodities exported during the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2009 totaled $928.7 million. Wheat and wheat products remain the state’s leading export making up 60 percent of the state’s agricultural exports and ranking Montana third in the nation for wheat production and export. According to the latest USDA inventor of Jan. 28, 2011, there are 2.5 million head of cattle in Montana. Cattle and calves are the leading livestock export. Feeds and fodders were the second leading crop export accounting for 19.7 percent of the total, while vegetables and preparations that include dry beans, dry peas, lentils and fall potatoes were third. Wind energy has become a new major source of income in some rural areas. In January 2005 there was only one megawatt of wind power on-line, but by July 2010, wind capacity was more than 386 megawatts.
SOUTHWEST MONTANA AND AGRICULTURE According to USDA statistics, the counties of Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Gallatin, Granite, Jefferson, Madison, Powell and Silver Bow account for 11 percent of the total state agricultural income or $310 million from livestock, crops and other farm income. Beaverhead County is the leading producer of cattle and calves in Montana. In January they had an inventory of 113,000 head. The eight counties had a total of 333,800 head in January, down from 376,200 in 2008, and 340,600 in 2009. Cattle numbers in Montana and the United States are the lowest they have been since the 1950s. Nevertheless, better genetics and management have resulted in the highest amount of beef production, experts say. Sheep production in Montana continues a steady decline with 230,000 head of sheep and lambs on hand on January 28, down from 245,000 last year. According to
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THE EIGHT COUNTIES IN SOUTHWEST MONTANA had a total of 333,800 head of cattle in January, down from 376,200 in 2008, and 340,600 in 2009.
the USDA report, the numbers of sheep in 2011 are two-thirds the number of 10 years ago when there were 360,000 head in the state. Valued at $119 a head in 2010, the price was significantly higher than the low of $80 a head in 2002, but lower than the high of 2006 when they were valued at $147 a head. Wool production averages 9.3 lbs. per head, pretty consistent for the
See AGRICULTURE, Page 6
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Page 6 THE MONTANA STANDARD, BUTTE, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2011
Agriculture ... Continued from Page 5 past 10 years but prices have increased dramatically from 45 cents per pound in 2001 to $1.60/lb. in 2010. The greatest challenge to sheep production is the percent of loss. According to the USDA report, 49,000 head, or 10 percent of the inventory, died last year. Causes of death included predators, illness and other factors. The number of sheep killed by predators was 17,800; the number one predator is the coyote, followed by fox, bears and dogs. Wolves and unknown predators were fourth, and mountain lions were fifth causes of predator loss. Lambing complications, weather, disease and other causes accounted for the death of 31,200 head. The number of hogs and pigs is 180,000 head in Montana according to the USDA report of Dec. 27, 2010, up about 5,000 head from the previous year. Of that number, 157,000 are market hogs, 5,000 more than last year, and 23,000 breeding pigs. Hay production in these eight counties is significant. In 2010 Gallatin county ranked second in the state in the production of 152,000 tons of alfalfa hay, Jefferson was third with 144,000 tons and Madison was sixth with 124,000 tons. The average price of all hay decreased $14 per ton, from the 2009 price of $81.50. Statewide, alfalfa hay sold for an average of $81 a ton, down $15, and the average price of all other hay was $84 a ton, down $12. A total of 537,000 tons of other hay was produced in the eight counties. Beaverhead led the state with 113,000 tons harvested from 51,000 acres. Powell county was 3rd in production with 45,000 tons followed by Madison county with 36,500 tons. Potato production in Montana continues steady with 11,500,000 planted last year, yielding an average of 325 hundred-weight (cwt) per acre. In 2009, 2.7 million cwt were sold and 250,000 cwt were used for seed. Gallatin County leads the state in potato production, harvesting 3,700 acres
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HAY PRODUCTION in the eight counties covered in this report totaled 775,550 tons in 2009. Powell County ranks third in the state in other types of hay, including native grass hay shown being stacked above with a beaverslide north of Avon.
producing 1.2 million hundred weight (cwt), a slight reduction in yield probably attributed to the wet, cold spring in 2010. Dry edible pea production for 2010 in Montana was 4.12 million cwt, up 38 percent from a year ago. Growers harvested 226,000 acres of dry peas with yields averaging 20 cwt per acre, compared to 13.3 cwt in 2009. According to the USDA report, Gallatin county farmers planted 1,900 acres of peas that yielded 2,000 lbs/acre for a total production of 38,000,000 lbs.
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THE MONTANA STANDARD, BUTTE, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2011 Page 7
Range Days coming to Deer Lodge in June First time for the event in western Montana BY PAT HANSEN for The Montana Standard
The 35th Annual Montana Range Days will be held in Deer Lodge June 13-15 at St. Mary’s Center with field activities at local ranches. John Hollenback, chair of the local committee said this is the first time Range Days has been held in western Montana. Organizers are expecting folks from across the state to attend the family-oriented event. “Our range is different from that of eastern Montana and a lot of people are really excited about coming,” Hollenback said. During Range Days there is something for everyone from age four to adult including workshops, tours and competition. Kids are divided by ages with activities appropriate for each group. Workshops will include: ■ Basic plant anatomy, identification of common rangeland vegetation and growth characteristics. ■ Geology, climate, vegetation and animal life associated with local rangelands. ■ How vegetation and forage production on range sites change over time with different grazing management, with a comparison of present day forage production to historic plant communities. ■ Calculate stocking rates and how to measure utilization of key forage species and discuss how grazing use affects range plants. ■ Do some range planning by considering a real-life ranch scenario and the range management decisions that maintain resources to keep the ranch in business. Tours being offered are:
COURTESY PHOTO
ELEMENTARY-AGED STUDENTS, the Superstarter group, listen to presentations at Montana Range Days in Miles City in June 2010.
Monday — Montana Correctional Enterprises Tuesday a.m. — Integrative Vegetation Management (sheep grazing/helicopter operation) Tuesday p.m. — Old Prison and Montana Auto Museum See RANGE DAYS, Page 8
Page 8 THE MONTANA STANDARD, BUTTE, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2011
Range Days ... Continued from Page 7 Wednesday — Sun Mountain Lumber Mill and Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site.
BUCKAROO TO WRANGLER ACTIVITIES ■ Buckaroos, age 4-6, will have fun and learn about rangeland environment while their parents attend workshops and contests. ■ The 7-8 year-old Ecosystem Explorers will be introduced to rangeland components through fun games and activities. ■ Superstarters, age 9-11, will learn rangeland ecology and basic plant identification. ■ Wranglers, age 12-13, will have hands-on activities related to plant anatomy, ID, and range management.
YOUTH AND ADULT ACTIVITIES High school students can register as FFA or Open Youth, 4-Hers compete as Open Youth. They may enter as teams, but FFA Chapters may enter only one team, with all members from that chapter. The youth will rotate through workshops with instruction from specialists in each topic. Top Greenhand (age 14) and Top Range Hand (15-19 years) will receive Montana Silversmith belt buckles based on scores from their contests. Adults will rotate through workshops along with the youth. Adults may choose to attend tours any of the three days and still participate in workshops or contests.
stocking rate and utilization. Three $1,000 scholarships will be awarded. Applications are due April 30, by registering at www.montanarangedays.org. Continuing education credits will also be offered. The Deer Lodge Valley Conservation District, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and Northern Ag Network are hosting the event in 2011 and again in 2012. “It takes a lot of work to put Range Days on,” said committee chair John Hollenback, “and we really encourage people to participate.”
Before June 1: Individuals $35, family $85. After June 1: Individuals $40, family $90 The registration fee includes workshop materials and six meals. There are a number of camping and motel lodging facilities in the area. Camping will also be available at School District No.1. Registration forms and more information are available on the website: www.montanarangedays.org.
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THE MONTANA STANDARD, BUTTE, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2011 Page 9
Wily wolf causes stress BY PAT HANSEN of The Montana Standard
C
attle stressed by the presence of wolves may lose weight. And, a 20 to 40 pound weight loss per animal can make the difference between profit and loss on a bunch of calves or yearlings at market time. Joe Rambler, a UM graduate student, is gathering data from producers and extension agents in a scientific study of impacts from wolves on livestock besides direct depredation. He is currently working with 21 producers, but needs 30 to 40 for the study and would especially like to visit with producers who have had depredation or presumed depredation. Area ranchers recently participated in Deer Lodge in panel discussion on wolf issues. The panel included Tracy Manley, a fourth generation rancher from Helmville, Liz Bradley, FWP wolf management specialist, Ovando rancher Wayne Slaght, Montana Stockgrowers’ Natural Resource Director Jay Bodner, and George Edwards, Deptartment of Livestock Loss Mitigation Coordinator. Tracy Manley said activity of the “wily wolf” near his 200 cow herd resulted in 77 not being bred or aborting their calves. He added that management of cattle with wolf pressure is more challenging “because the cattle don’t want to stay where we want them.”
“Wolves came through an elk herd and into the yard and killed calves,” he said. “Wild game in the area doesn’t mean they will eat wild meat.” Liz Bradley said the FWP is trying to deal with very real conflicts on the ground. “The wolf recovery goal was reached in 2002 and our goal is to try to get them delisted so we have more tools to work with,” she said. “Keeping a good count is a big part of it, so it’s important that people call when they see a wolf. In the meantime we are still managing the wolf issue by targeting offending wolves who return to the kill.” Preventive measures including range riders and human presence help deter wolves and are good for early detection she said. Wayne Slaght is resigned to the fact that “wolves are not going to leave and we need to learn to live with them.” He compared the wolf issue with concern about noxious weeds a few years ago and how the formation of weed boards is helping mitigate that problem. Slaght
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Wolf ... Continued from Page 9 believes that predator boards working together would be helpful in dealing with wolf, lion and bear issues. “Joe’s study is a start, but it isn’t the answer,” Slaght said. “We need to look at the whole picture. Getting wolves delisted is important, with wildlife groups and stock growers working together to encourage Congressional action.” Wolf populations are above the sustainable numbers in Montana, Idaho, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Arizona. Jay Bodner said, “Around the country environmental groups want them to be debated within the endangered species act, but from a landowner standpoint, unless we can get Congressional action, delisting will not happen. In the short term, Montana is under dual classification with two different sets of rules to manage them, and that’s not fair for landowners or FWP.” Established in 2008, the Montana Department of Livestock Loss Reduction and Mitigation Board (LLRM) works to minimize losses by reimbursing producers for confirmed or probable losses as determined by USDA-Wildlife Services. LLRM coordinator George Edwards said, “The key is getting to the animal as quickly as possible. If you suspect a livestock loss due to wolf predation, call the USDA-Wildlife Services to investigate the kill.” Edwards said, “For every one kill reported there may be as many as eight not confirmed. We know you are suffering, but the board is only authorized to pay on wolf loss, not lion or bear, and cannot pay unless the investigation verifies a wolf kill.” A claim is processed the same day it is received. Last year LLRM paid $145,000 for the loss of 370 animals. “The board is trying to help as best as we can,” Edwards said. For more information call (406) 444-5609. OFFER ENDS MARCH 31ST
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The Deer Lodge FFA recently hosted an open house potluck dinner and award ceremony at the Vo-Ag building. Agriculture is the nation’s largest employer, with more than 24 million people working in some phase. FFA prepares members for more than 300 careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. During the FFA program, star creed speaker Daniel Beck talked of his faith in the future of agriculture, born not of words, but of deeds. Beck works with his parents and sisters on the family ranch along the Little Blackfoot River west of Avon. He said that to live and work on a good farm, or to be engaged in other agricultural pursuits, is pleasant as well as challenging. Beck said he DANIEL BECK, left, is star creed knows the joys and discomforts of agriculspeaker for the Deer Lodge FFA. tural life, yet holds a fondness for it, even during times of discouragement. The FFA creed emphasizes leadership,
See FFA, Page 11
THE MONTANA STANDARD, BUTTE, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2011 Page 11
FFA ... Continued from Page 10 respect, the ability to work efficiently and to think clearly as progressive agriculturists for individual benefit and the public in producing and marketing products of their toil. For 25 years Advisor Bill Lombardi has inspired and encouraged students at PCHS while providing them an opportunity to learn about agriculture through science-based classroom instruction and hands-on experiences. His goal is to prepare students to be productive members of society and to instill in them a strong sense of the importance of the need to have a qualified workforce in the agricultural industries. Lombardi says, “I can motivate and teach my students best when they can see the application of the agricultural principals we cover.” The Greenhand FFA degree is given to students who have learned basics about the FFA program and are enrolled in agriculture education and have made plans for their supervised agricultural experience (SAE).
About FFA ■ There are 523,309 FFA members, aged 12-21, in 7,487 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. ■ 38 percent of FFA members are female; women hold more than 50 percent of state leadership positions ■ 89 percent of FFA members are in grades 9-12; 6 percent are in grades 7-8; 5 percent are high school graduates ■ 27 percent of FFA members live in rural farm areas; 39 percent live in rural non-farm areas with the remaining 34 percent of members living in urban and suburban areas.
The Star Greenhand award was presented to Aaron Heggelund who has shown proficiency in sheep production and mechanics. He earned the Haywood Sheep Award in 2010. Greenhand degrees were also presented to Daniel Beck and Jake Logan. The Chapter FFA Degree is given to the
See FFA, Page 12
DEER LODGE FFA president Theresa Lombardi, above right, presents the Star Chapter Degree award to Annie Lombardi, recognizing her work experience at the FFA farm and success with her sheep production project.
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Page 12 THE MONTANA STANDARD, BUTTE, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2011
FFA ...
GREENHAND DEGREE recipients at the award ceremony were, from left, Jake Logan, Star Greenhand Aaron Heggelund and Daniel Beck.
Continued from Page 11 chapter’s top members. This year’s Star Chapter Degree went to Annie Lombardi, recognizing her work experience at the school farm and the progress and successes she has had with her sheep production SAE. To receive the Chapter Degree a member must be an ag-ed student with an approved SAE in operation where they have earned or invested at least $150 or worked at least 45 hours outside of scheduled class time. A chapter degree recipient also demonstrates leadership by participating in the planning and implementation of FFA chapter activities and leading group discussions and/or meetings. The candidate also has completed a minimum of 10 hours of community service activities.
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Students evaluate stream, riparian areas BY PAT HANSEN of The Montana Standard
The physical structure of the stream is affected by meandering curves combined with riparian vegetation — grasses, shrubs and trees. A riparian zone or buffer area is the interface between land and a river or stream and may be natural or engineered for soil stabilization or restoration. Riparian buffers, both the grassed and forested portions, are extremely important for a healthy stream. They serve to slow water velocity, trap excessive sedimentation, filter surface runoff, provide water storage and aquifer recharge, regulate stream temperature, supply shelter and food for aquatic animals, fish and wildlife, contribute to nearby property values, and offer recreational opportunities.
STREAM AND RIPARIAN ASSESSMENT Throughout the West, public and private land managers are being asked to improve or maintain riparian habitat and stream water quality. Those who live and work on the land can usually tell the health of riparian sites, but it is often difficult to quantify changes. The Natural Resource and Conservation Service (NRCS) has developed a practical way of assessing riparian and stream health on a working ranch. The assessment is relatively quick and easy. It does not require precise measurement, but relies on visual estimations. Last fall, 50 Powell County High School juniors and seniors in earth science and advanced biology field science had a hands-on experience along Dry Cottonwood
Banking
PAT HANSEN PHOTO
POWELL COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL earth science students spend a hands-on field day assessing reaches along Dry Cottonwood creek and its riparian area.
Creek south of Deer Lodge when they conducted an assessment along four reaches of the stream. With guidance from their teachers and several natural resource experts the students answered 10 questions based on the standard
See RIPARIAN, Page 14
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Riparian ... Continued from Page 13 NRCS assessment format. It is recommended the length of a reach being evaluated include at least one channel meander. Two or more are preferable because bank cutting will be overestimated if the reach is located mostly on an outside curve and underestimated if it is mostly on an inside curve. Also, the riparian zone width must be considered on both sides of the stream, if both are under the same management. During their field day, the students evaluated four 300-foot reaches of Dry Cottonwood, scoring each question from six (best) to zero (worst) and writing comments about their observations. Evaluations included: Amount of erosion, if any, caused by human causes — livestock grazing, recreation, roads and industrial activities. Predominate type of aquatic life and fish habitat — deep and shallow pools, security cover, woody debris and undercut banks Major alteration of flows that negatively impact aquatic life habitats — flow alterations upstream, irrigation, ponds and/or seasonal dewatering. Amount of the floodplain and streambanks covered by plants. Type and amount of streambank vegetation with a
deep, binding root mass – ferns, sedges, rushes, fescue and wildrye bunch grass, etc. Percent of disturbance-induced undesirable herbaceous species – cheatgrass, clovers, dandelions, cockleburrs, etc. Percent of site covered by noxious weeds — noxious weeds indicate a degrading ecosystem. Types and ages of woody riparian species — alder, willows, cottonwood, quaking aspen, red-osier dogwood, chokecherry, etc. Amount of browse utilization on trees and shrubs by livestock and wildlife The scores were totaled for all the factors rated, and that total was divided by a perfect score of 100. A less than perfect score is not necessarily cause for concern. Ratings of individual factors will help detect strengths or weaknesses of a site and determine management options. A single evaluation provides a rating at only one point in time. To measure trends, an assessment must be conducted on a reach over a number of years during the same time of year. The evaluation should be conducted when most plants can be identified and not during peak spring runoff or immediately after a major storm. Also consider operations management when assessing trends on rotational grazing systems, avoid comparing a rating after a season of use one year to a rating another year after a season of rest. For more information about stream and riparian assessment contact your local NRCS office or Conservation District.
A HEALTHY riparian zone along Hoyt Creek near Ovando.
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