JM Peck

More than half a million acres in southwest Montana have been impacted by conifer expansion. It used to be that fires would come through these landscapes and burn back the trees, but that natural cycle isn’t happening anymore. Now, more trees are encroaching into traditional sagebrush habitat, and that has impacts on our water supply.

Farming and ranching combined generate billions of dollars in revenue and employ tens of thousands of Montanans. They’re also on the cusp of a generational sea change. One listener wants to know how young people are being encouraged and prepared for life as a farmer or rancher.