NOVEMBER 2017
Vol. XVIII No. 10 P.O. Box 997 Conrad, MT 59425-0997
Phone 406-271-5533 Fax 406-271-5727 website: tradersdispatch.com E-MAIL: advertising@tradersdispatch.com
Farm/ranch legacy planning workshops set
By NDSU Extension Service After many good years in agriculture, some retirement-age farmers and ranchers may be thinking that now is a good time to exit the industry while letting the next generation shoulder the brunt of uncertainty in today’s agricultural environment. “Preparing the next generation to weather this uncertain environment is an important part of these potential retirements and important to the future farm/ranch legacy,” says Carrie Johnson, the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension Service’s personal and family finance specialist. Recognizing the needs of farming and ranching families in this situation, NDSU Extension will offer Design Your Succession Plan (DYSP) workshops at a variety of locations throughout the state in the next several months. The curriculum includes a module developed specifically for those considering transitioning away from full-time farming or ranching. “Very often, the two or more generations already are working together but have not yet taken the steps toward succession planning,” Johnson says. “It is often one of those things all parties know they should be doing, but they just haven’t gotten around to it, or they don’t know where or how to start.” DYSP workshops help farm and ranch families think about what they want for their business, explore the options and consider the consequences of each option before making any decisions. Some may wish to transfer a viable business to the next generation. Others may wish to divide the farm or ranch assets and want to determine an acceptable way to do that. “Family farms and ranches are the family legacy,” Johnson says. “DYSP workshops give the owner and his/her identified successor generation an opportunity to begin shaping the future ownership of the family farm or ranch.” Family discussions about the future of the family farm can be difficult conversations. DYSP workshop participants learn how to start and sustain those discussions and get started on developing a succession plan. They also learn about choosing and preparing to work with legal and financial professionals who will help make sure the plan is workable. “I felt this was what I really needed,” says David Miller, a Donnybrook-area producer who attended the workshops. “It gave me a road map to do what I want to do.” CONTINUED ON PAGE A3
AUCTION SALES
Nov. 1-16, Musser Bros Auction, Ag & Contractor Equipment, Online........... A7 Nov. 1-29, Musser Bros Auction, Rosebud County Ranch Online................... A7 Nov. 18, Polensky Auction Service, Sioux County Road Equipment, Selfridge, North Dakota..................................................................................................... A5 Nov. 20-28, Kinsey Aucitoneers & Real Estate, Online Land......................... A10 Nov. 28, Agri Affiliates Inc, Dupree Farms Real Estate, Dupree, South Dakota..A12
Fall Ranching Seminar
A predator survey and cow size and range conditions are among topics at the Fall Ranching Seminar Thursday, November 16, in Meeteetse, Wyoming. Sessions are 1-4:30 p.m. at the Meeteetse Conservation District, 1906 State St. Other topics are larkspur poisoning and alfalfa weevil, said Jeremiah Vardiman, University of Wyoming Extension educator based in Park County. Those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP by November 13 to 307-754-8836. UW Extension and the Meeteetse Conservation District are hosts
A million acres scorched by wildfires By Dana Rogge, FSA Public Affairs Specialist
Dry conditions plagued Montana this summer, with multiple wildfires torching over 1 million acres throughout the state. The largest fire, the Lodgepole Complex fire, impacted over 270,000 acres. Recent rain and snow, and the forecast for continued precipitation, help to suppress the fires and provide welcome relief for Montana residents. Fires aren’t too uncommon in Montana, but this year’s fire season has been different. Spring brought plenty of moisture from an abundant snow-pack and provided adequate moisture for grass growth. The moisture quickly depleted leaving most of the state in drought condition. “Ranchers saw this as great grass and feed. Firefighters saw it as fuel,” said Dennis Garcia, Farm Service Agency (FSA) county executive director for Glacier County, Montana. Garcia was activated to serve
PRIVATE TREATY
Beery’s Land & Livestock Co., Vida..............................A9 Darlington Cattle Company, Belt.................................A12 Feddes Herefords, Manhattan.......................................A9 J Bar E Ranch, Plentywood...........................................A9 McMurry Cattle, Billings.................................................A9 Thomas Herefords, Gold Creek.....................................A9 Wichman Herefords, Moore...........................................A9
PRODUCTION SALES
Nov. 29, Brillhart Ranch Co., Huntley............................A9. Dec. 1, Harmon Angus, Lavina......................................A3. Dec. 2, Montana’s Choice - Simmental, Billings...........A4. Jan. 23, 2018, Churchill Cattle Co, Manhattan..............A9. Sept. 21, 2018, Churchill Cattle Co, Manhattan............A9
in the National Guard during the wildfire suppression efforts near Lolo, Montana. FSA provides assistance to farmers and ranchers who have been impacted by natural disasters, including wildfires, by administering a suite of safety-net programs to help producers recover from eligible losses, such as the Livestock Indemnity Program, the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program, and the Tree Assistance Program. The programs can assist farmers and ranchers who lost livestock, grazing land, fences or eligible trees, bushes and vines as a result of the qualifying natural disaster. In addition, the FSA Emergency Conservation Program provides funding and technical assistance for farmers and ranchers to rehabilitate farmland damaged by natural disasters. Low-interest emergency loans are available to help producers recover from production and physical losses. Compensation is also available to producers who purchased coverage through the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program, which protects non-insurable crops (including native grass for grazing) against natural disasters that result in lower yields, crop losses or prevented planting. As a result of the ongoing drought condiCONTINUED ON PAGE A2
Advertiser Index Page B1 Recipe Patch Page A45
Deadline for December issue is November 29