The federal government is offering $700 million in funding for farmers and ranchers who prioritize the health of the land they work. It’s part of a pilot program facilitated by the Natural Resources and Conservation Service.
"It's gonna help those landowners that are interested improve soil health, water management and the natural vitality of our agriculture communities in Montana – which is huge," says Gayle Barry, state conservationist with the NRCS.
Barry explains through the new program, producers can submit a single application and get connected with the right funding opportunities. These programs will measure things like soil health, and help them track it along the way. Then, they get reimbursed for utilizing those practices.
"This is really a program that allows us to work even more closely with those folks who might already be doing something good and maybe want to do some more," Barry says. "Or if they haven't dipped their toe in the water yet and they're interested in just learning about it."
The program is part of the federal initiative to Make America Healthy Again, which says human health starts with our farms.
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Tariffs, market shifts and economic constraints hit Montana farmers hard last year. A recent analysis from agricultural economists counted six Chapter 12 farm bankruptcies in Montana in 2025 – triple the 2024 total. Farmers say without more support, the trend will continue. -
When farmers sell their crops, they usually receive six cents for every dollar you spend on the end product at the grocery store, according to federal data. But a new processing facility is giving farmers a chance to sell a particular crop locally. That could put more money in their pockets. -
Surging fuel and fertilizer costs due to the Iran war are hitting Montana farmers hard this spring. This comes on top of cost increases for machinery, labor and gas already in effect. Local producers are coping with the financial strain and looking to legislation aimed at alleviating it, for both farmers and consumers. -
Montana’s farmers have been hit particularly hard by the war in Iran. Price increases and market instability are straining producers already under pressure. A federal judge ruled a logging project near Whitefish violated federal environmental laws. A former Montana campaign consultant who pleaded guilty to embezzlement is now in custody. -
Montana Farmers Union is working to enhance legislative literacy in rural communities. Events demonstrate how to contact representatives and participate in the legislative session. Ag communities have been impacted by several state and federal policy changes in recent years.
