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Governor Gianforte Continues 56 County Tour, Emphasizing Support for Montana's Agricultural Producers

Governor Gianforte Continues 56 County Tour, Emphasizing Support for Montana's Agricultural Producers

Governor Greg Gianforte continued his 56 County Tour in Cascade and Judith Basin counties, meeting with local agricultural producers. During his visit, Governor Gianforte highlighted the importance of farmers and ranchers in feeding the world and their ongoing innovation to meet demand and add value to Montana agriculture. He toured Third Day Family Farms in Vaughn, a flower farm that produces flowers year-round for local sales and a subscription service. The Governor also visited Heartland Seed Company in Moccasin, a company that has produced high-quality seed and treatment solutions for farmers across the state for over 30 years. Supporting Montana producers and expanding value-added agriculture opportunities are top priorities for the Governor. His administration has also raised the exemption on Montana’s Business Equipment Tax, eliminating the tax for over 5,000 small businesses, farms, and ranches.

Governor Gianforte Honors Irvine Flats Ranchers for Sustainable Practices During 56-County Tour

Governor Gianforte Honors Irvine Flats Ranchers for Sustainable Practices During 56-County Tour

Governor Greg Gianforte, accompanied by First Lady Susan, visited the G&G Livestock ranch in Irvine Flats on August 13 as part of his sixth annual 56-county tour. The purpose of the visit was to honor the ranch for its sustainable operation. G&G Livestock is a multigenerational ranching operation owned by Lynn and Greg Gardner, their daughter Brittany Cathey, her husband Wacey, and their three children. In 2024, the family received the Montana Stockgrowers Association Stewardship Award for exemplifying environmental stewardship and demonstrating a commitment to sustainability improvements in the beef industry. The ranch utilizes a rest rotation and deferred rest rotation grazing practice, which allows pastures time to recover and grow, prioritizing pasture quality over the quantity of cows. Brittany and Wacey also operate Cathey Cattle Company, a ranch-to-table business selling grass-finished beef directly to local families and businesses.

Representative Dusty Johnson Discusses Farm Bill and South Dakota's International Trade Expansion

Representative Dusty Johnson Discusses Farm Bill and South Dakota's International Trade Expansion

Representative Dusty Johnson of South Dakota has engaged in discussions concerning the ongoing Farm Bill negotiations and the state's efforts to expand its international trade presence. Regarding the Farm Bill, Johnson commented on the current Senate package, suggesting it could pass in the House, but noted that significant concessions in the Senate might complicate its passage in the House. The Senate committee is expected to address the Farm Bill again next month. Concurrently, South Dakota is actively seeking to strengthen its international trade market, with representatives from nations like Israel and Kenya identifying potential opportunities. Elad Strohmayer, Consul General of Israel to the Midwest, highlighted Israel's interest in collaborating with South Dakota, particularly in Agtech and defense industries, citing the state's agricultural resources and entrepreneurial spirit. Similarly, Christopher Kirigua, a Kenyan Ambassador, sees mutual benefits in trade with South Dakota, focusing on agricultu...

Where's the beef ... from? Trump's mystery meat plan is a mess. | Opinion

Where's the beef ... from? Trump's mystery meat plan is a mess. | Opinion

Trump thinks he can buy off voters with lower-priced imported mystery meat? Cattle ranchers aren't happy about it, and we shouldn't be either.

Montana Governor Gianforte Addresses Tribal Concerns, Honors Veteran, and Promotes Agriculture During 56-County Tour

Montana Governor Gianforte Addresses Tribal Concerns, Honors Veteran, and Promotes Agriculture During 56-County Tour

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte recently concluded a segment of his annual 56-county tour, engaging with various communities and addressing key state issues. During a visit to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT), Governor Gianforte discussed a range of concerns, including the state's prison system, housing shortages, delays in Medicaid processing, a proposed mine near the Bitterroot, and a stalled land exchange. The Governor also recognized Staff Sergeant Greg Atherton with a Veteran Commendation for his extensive community service, which includes volunteering as an EMT, firefighter, CPR instructor, and patient care technician. Furthermore, Governor Gianforte participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Combined State Laboratories building in Bozeman, a facility dedicated to supporting Montana's agricultural producers through research, education, and diagnostic services. He also visited the G&G Livestock ranch in Irvine Flats to acknowledge its sustainable practices and highlighte...

Dry Lightning Threatens to Ignite New Northwest Wildfires

Dry Lightning Threatens to Ignite New Northwest Wildfires

A potent Pacific storm is set to unleash dry thunderstorms across a wide swath of the northwestern United States this weekend, encompassing Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, Montana, and Wyoming. This weather event is particularly concerning because the lightning strikes are expected to occur with little to no accompanying rain, a phenomenon known as dry lightning. The landscape in these states is currently tinder-dry, making it highly susceptible to ignition from lightning. This elevated fire risk is amplified by gusty and unpredictable winds that could rapidly spread any new wildfires and impede firefighting efforts. The current wildfire season has already been exceptionally severe, with U.S. wildfires burning nearly 170% of the 10-year average. The dry thunderstorms pose a significant threat to communities, infrastructure, and natural resources in these fire-prone areas. Residents are urged to stay informed about local weather alerts and fire danger levels, and to be prepared for potential wildfire inc...

Sean Duffy’s National Vacation Is Peak MAGA Cringe

Sean Duffy’s National Vacation Is Peak MAGA Cringe

A Catholic reality TV couple taking a cross-country trip with their nine kids would be great TV if it didn't feature the Transportation Secretary selling out his office

Deer Creek Fire in Lincoln County, Montana, Expands to 600 Acres, Drawing Extensive Response

Deer Creek Fire in Lincoln County, Montana, Expands to 600 Acres, Drawing Extensive Response

The Deer Creek Fire, located approximately 6 miles north of Happy’s Inn in the Pleasant Valley area of Lincoln County, Montana, has grown to an estimated 600 acres. The wildfire, burning in timber, was initially reported around 1:15 p.m. on Thursday. In response, a large contingent of initial attack resources was deployed, including six engines, two Type 2 helicopters, one Type 1 helicopter, and an air attack platform. Additionally, an excavator and logging equipment are being utilized, and large and very large airtankers are operating in the vicinity to aid in suppression efforts. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Officials have requested that the public avoid the Pleasant Valley area to ensure emergency access for responders and have advised residents and visitors to expect visible smoke and increased aircraft activity throughout the evening.

Trump to pause tariffs on ground beef imports in bid to lower prices

Trump to pause tariffs on ground beef imports in bid to lower prices

President Trump announced plans to lower tariffs on imported ground beef, upsetting some of his own supporters in cattle ranching states.

Trump announces plan to lower beef prices, but ranchers and some Republicans are already balking

Trump announces plan to lower beef prices, but ranchers and some Republicans are already balking

President Donald Trump has announced his administration will temporarily allow more beef imports into the U.S. without triggering higher tariffs

Kansas State University Highlights Agritourism as Key for Farm Income Diversification and Local Economic Growth

Kansas State University Highlights Agritourism as Key for Farm Income Diversification and Local Economic Growth

Kansas State University's Kansas Local Foods program is promoting agritourism as a vital strategy for agricultural producers to diversify their income and stimulate local economies. Agritourism connects consumers directly with farms through various recreational, entertainment, and educational activities. These activities can include outdoor recreation, farming and ranching experiences, visits to historic or cultural attractions on working farms, and opportunities to shop, dine, or stay in rural settings. The program emphasizes that agritourism helps consumers understand the value of agriculture and supports Kansas agricultural producers. Businesses engaged in agritourism in Kansas can register with Kansas Tourism to access promotional benefits and limited liability coverage, provided they display appropriate signage. Registrations for these businesses must be renewed every five years, ensuring ongoing compliance and participation in the state's agritourism initiatives. K-State Extension provides various re...

California Agritourism Industry Experiences Significant Growth, Poised for Further Expansion

California Agritourism Industry Experiences Significant Growth, Poised for Further Expansion

California's agritourism sector has seen substantial growth, with the number of farms and ranches offering agritourism opportunities increasing by nearly 87% between 2007 and 2022. This expansion has transformed agritourism into a $100 million industry, with expectations for continued exponential growth. The University of California’s Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) defines agritourism as a commercial enterprise on a working farm, ranch, or agricultural plant designed for visitor enjoyment and supplemental income. Examples range from U-pick farms and farm tours to educational workshops, olive oil tastings, and farm stand visits. The 2026 California Agritourism Summit, scheduled for September 23-25 in Paso Robles, aims to connect agricultural producers, tourism professionals, and public agencies to discuss the future of the industry and foster collaboration. The summit will feature panels, breakout sessions, roundtable discussions with experts, and farm tours.