DECEMBER 2020
Vol. XXI No. 11 P.O. Box 997 Conrad, MT 59425-0997
Phone 406-271-5533 Fax 406-271-5727 website: tradersdispatch.com
Montana hemp checkoff
The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) is reminding hemp growers and processors to submit their hemp checkoff payments before the end of the year. The Montana Hemp Advisory Committee will decide how to allocate the checkoff funds for research, market development and education to develop and enhance Montana’s hemp industry. Montana hemp growers voted to approve the nation’s first hemp checkoff earlier this year. The checkoff was established at 1% of the value of the crop being sold at the first point of sale. Hemp growers can self-assess for the 2020 crop year. However, if their hemp was sold to a Montana hemp processor, that processor is responsible for submitting the assessment. All of Montana’s checkoff programs are voluntary. As Montana’s Hemp Checkoff funds start to accrue, the Montana Hemp Advisory Committee will make decisions on how to allocate those funds towards the program goals of research, market development and education. Hemp growers and members of the public can join the committee’s public meetings during which funding opportunities
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MERRY CHRISTMAS BEST WISHES FROM THE STAFF AT THE TRADER’S DISPATCH
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PRODUCTION SALES
Dec 15, Flesch Angus, Great Falls MT................................................................A3 Jan 15, Diamond Bar S Simmental & SimAngus, Great Falls MT.....................A4 Jan 30, Bobcat Angus, Great Falls MT................................................................A7 Feb 20, Sparks Herefords, Plevna MT...............................................................A11 Mar 15, Sun River Red Angus, Great Falls MT...................................................A8 Mar 15, Whistling Winds Angus, Inc, Hingham...................................................A5
CWD detection in Flathead County game farm
On November 19 the Montana Department of Livestock received notification that a single game farm animal in Flathead County was confirmed positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). This is the second detection of CWD in domestic cervids in Montana this year. The CWD positive animal was found as a result of mandatory surveillance of all age eligible animal mortalities in game farm animals in Montana. Montana’s CWD Herd Certification Program requires all animals greater than 12 months of age to be tested. The CWD positive animal was not exhibiting any clinical signs of CWD but was found dead on the affected premises. The infection was confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa through the identification of the prion in tissue samples collected from the animal. The Department has placed the herd under quarantine and is conducting an epidemiological investigation. Montana law requires CWD positive game farm herds to undergo complete depopulation and post-mortem testing of the herd, or quarantine of the entire herd for a period of five years from the last CWD positive case. State Veterinarian Dr. Marty Zaluski stated, “An epidemiologic investigation will be conducted, but at this time, the source of the disease is unknown.” Zaluski added, “We will look at historical animal movements associated with CONTINUED ON PAGE A3
PRIVATE TREATY
Feddes Herefords, Manhattan MT.....................................................................A11 J Bar E Ranch, Plentywood MT.........................................................................A11 McMurry Cattle, Billings MT..............................................................................A11 Sleeping Willow Ranch, Stevensville MT..........................................................A10 Thomas Herefords, Gold Creek MT...................................................................A11 Wichman Herefords, Moore MT.........................................................................A11
Open signup for the CRP and CRP Grasslands in early 2021
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the 2021 signup periods for general Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and CRP Grasslands offers. General signup for CRP will be open from January 4, 2021 to February 12, 2021; signup for CRP Grasslands runs from March 15, 2021 to April 23, 2021. Both programs are competitive and provide annual rental payments for land devoted to conservation purposes. “The Conservation Reserve Program and the many focused programs that come under it, like CRP Grasslands, are some of our most critical tools we have to help producers better manage their operations while conserving natural resources,” said State Executive Director Lois Van MARK. “As one of our nation’s largest conservation endeavors, CRP has proven to protect our Nation’s valuable resources; and next year’s signup gives our farmers and ranch-
ers an opportunity to enroll in CRP for the first time or continue their participation for another term. Enrollment Options CRP-General Signup Through CRP, farmers and ranchers establish long-term, resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or trees, to control soil erosion, improve water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat on cropland. Farmers and ranchers who participate in CRP help provide numerous benefits to the nation’s environment and economy. CRP general signup is held annually. The competitive general signup includes increased opportunities for enrollment of wildlife habitat through the State Acres For Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) initiative. Grasslands Signup CRP Grasslands helps landowners and CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
ADVERTISING DEADLINE
The deadline for January issue is WEDNESDAY, Dec. 30 Advertiser Index B1 Recipe Patch A24 Email: advertising@tradersdispatch.com Website: www.tradersdispatch.com