agriculture

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.

It takes speed, stamina and livestock savvy when it comes to auctioning cattle. And Steve Goedert is one of the best in the country.

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte has appointed a director to the state Department of Agriculture.

The Montana agriculture department is accepting applications for a new grant program targeting investments in value-added agricultural products, like wheat milled into flour for baked goods or malted barley for beer.

An agricultural grant and loan program in Montana has received a record number of applications this year.

As farmers are wrapping up wheat harvest, they are seeing lower yields as a result of drought conditions. But higher wheat prices may help some producers offset the losses.