agriculture

A listener wants to know how many cattle die due to extreme cold each year in Montana. And what's the story behind "The Great Die-Up" of 1887?

A bill seeking to help food banks buy produce from local farmers and ranchers drew universal acclaim at its first hearing in the Montana Legislature Tuesday.

Food pantry operators have long said it’s a challenge to keep shelves stocked with fresh, nutritious produce. Now, a proposal in the Montana Legislature seeks to make that easier.

A recent agreement allowing farmers to repair their own high-tech John Deere agricultural equipment gets mixed reviews from Montana producers. Even the deal’s skeptics say it represents an important milestone for the growing ‘right-to-repair’ movement.

Our question this week comes from a listener in Helena named Bob Flipovich, who wants to know who owns the most water rights in Montana. Water rights determine who can take water out of our lakes and streams, and how much they can take.

Recent rain and snow improved drought conditions slightly in some parts of Montana. But it may not be enough to green up winter wheat fields that were planted last fall.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks says the three- to four-year-old bear killed four calves. A different grizzly was recently reported in the Augusta area, and state wildlife officials urge residents to continue to exercise caution.

More than half a dozen Montana meat processors are getting federal funding to boost local meatpacking.

It’s not easy being a rancher, and while some are giving up, others are trying to hold on in the face of stagnating cattle prices and industry consolidation. While retail beef prices are at record highs, cattle ranchers say those profits aren’t trickling down to them.

Russia, Ukraine and the United States are all top wheat exporters. The invasion will likely disrupt Black Sea trade routes. Right now, U.S grain producers are benefiting.