agriculture

After months of pleading from the nation’s agricultural sector, the federal government says farmers and ranchers will get much needed financial aid at the end of the year. Numerous federal policy changes this year led to record-high costs for things like fertilizer and equipment.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation held its 106th annual conference this week. Farmers gathered to vote on how their organization should lobby on state and federal issues.

A nonprofit nature reserve in Montana is suing the state. American Prairie argues the state needs to decide whether to grant their six-year-old request for permits to graze bison on state lands.

Country of origin labeling helps consumers know where the food they’re buying came from. It’s required for products such as fruits and vegetables, and proteins like seafood and chicken. Missing from that list since 2015 are pork and beef.

The agriculture industry is facing acute challenges: high input costs, tariffs, and a lack of federal support. The state faces limitations as it tries to help. MTPR’s Victoria Traxler spoke with Montana Department of Agriculture Director Jillien Streit to learn more.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday that it’s partially reopening local offices that help farmers get federal financial support. That’s happening as Montana’s farmers say they’re on the brink of disaster.

Drought experts say unpredictable precipitation patterns are making drought forecasts more difficult.

Many U.S. Department of Agriculture services are frozen as a result of the government shutdown. The freeze could have significant impacts for Montana’s farmers.

Many of Montana’s wheat producers have struggled with drought for five straight years. Now they’re facing economic headwinds because of President Trump’s tariffs.

Public comment period opens for proposed Medicaid work requirements. Chippewa Cree Tribe awarded $2.5 million for hepatitis C treatment. Missoula County awarded $1.2 million for wildfire mitigation. Trump administration appoints new director of Montana's Rural Development office. UM, MSU report growth in enrollment and student retention