Livestock and Streams
Learn some things about getting the most and best use out of the productive areas next to lakes, streams and ponds (called riparian areas).
MSU extension offers a very comprehensive guide to grazing management and care on their website. Streamside Management for Farms and Streams
Cows and Fish
Why are riparian areas important to farmers and ranchers? And what are they anyway? Riparian areas are the zones of water-loving vegetation adjacent to streams, rivers, wetlands, ponds and lakes. They are important to farmers and ranchers because they provide forage, shade, and many other not-so-obvious important functions. Learn the how and why of management in riparian areas. Cows and Fish
Equine Extension
Learn the ins and outs of having horses.
Opportunities exist for training in horsemanship. Information about diseases, boarding & keeping horses and grazing can be found at the Equine Extension link
Smart Water Use on Your Farm or Ranch
Learn about innovative water management strategies for agricultural settings in a report published by SAN (Sustainable Ag Network) http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Bulletins/National-SARE-Bulletins/Smart-Water-Use-on-Your-Farm-or-Ranch
Agricultural Water Conservation Clearinghouse
Go to the Ag Support page on our website to learn more.
Planting Guide
Get climatological data and planting guide to help you know when to plant your crops.
See statistical information about the local climate to help you know when its safe to plant your crops. Check out the Garden Guide link.
News for Ranchers & Farmers
- More on Cover Cropping "Cover crops a good step toward soil and livestock health" is the name of this informational article from the High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal. Check it out and the related articles by clicking the link here....
- Water Policy Interim Committee Meeting The group will hold a meeting in Kalispell this summer to gather public comment on legislative proposals regarding exempt wells.
- Research Reveals Benefits of Rain-Fed Winter Cover Crops Even farmers in areas with just seven inches of rain per year can reap the benefits of winter cover crops without irrigation, University of California research has found. Growing a winter cover crop helps retain soil nitrogen, improves water infiltration,...
- Pollinators have Preferences A recent study done in the UK has shown that some plants are disproportionately linked to important food webs.
- Montana Specialty Crop Grants The Montana Department of Agriculture is seeking proposals for projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Projects must qualify in one or more of the following areas: increasing nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops; im...