Cyndi Johnson

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.

After months of strained economic conditions for farmers, the Trump administration in December announced a $12 billion aid package as a way to help. Details of that aid have begun to roll out.

The federal government says it will give farmers $12 billion in aid payments early next year. State agriculture leaders are torn on the plan.

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.

Montana’s early season snowpack is currently above normal throughout the state and farmers who’ve been struggling with historic drought conditions are thrilled.