Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks biologists completed their surveys of the Missouri River Breaks elk hunting districts 621, 622, 631, and 632 in February. Overall, the surveys showed that elk numbers are over the current population objectives for each respective portion of the Breaks. These elk surveys are done on an every-other-year basis in conjunction with bighorn sheep surveys. The surveys

To protect the public and staff from the spread of COVID-19, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks closed its offices around the state to the public as of Friday, March 20. “With license sales and applications, traffic through our offices has been robust even with warnings about social distancing and public safety due to COVID-19,” said FWP director Martha Williams. “FWP will continue to sell

Paul Harvey’s So God Made a Farmer, presented at the 1978 National FFA Convention, brings tears to the eyes of those of us who know those men (and women). Many of us can picture our fathers, grandfathers, husbands and sons in that exact role, exhibiting strength and fortitude to carry the weight of their operations, their livelihood and their families on their shoulders, seemingly tirelessly.

The Montana Historical Society is now accepting applications for the Centennial Farm and Ranch program. New inductees will receive a framed certificate signed by the governor, recognition at the “Ag Day” ceremony in the State Capitol during the 2021 legislative session, the ranch/ farm history printed online and in our periodic Centennial Farm and Ranch yearbook, and a durable roadside sign.

In March, Montana Farmers Union members and staff attended the 118th national Farmers Union Convention in Savannah, GA. More than 500 Farmers Union members from across the country convened. The delegation elected Rob Larew to succeed Roger Johnson as president and re-elected Patty Edelburg to serve as NFU vice president. “The reason for Farmers Union’s longstanding success — and the

A group of individuals and organizations from across Montana, led by Montana State University Extension, are collaborating to provide resources and solutions for farmers and ranchers under stress. “We know from various research that there is a high level of stress in life, specifically among farmers and ranchers in rural areas like Montana,” said Michelle Grocke, health and wellness specialist

penhaver. Delegates representing Montana included Jeri Copenhaver, Helena; Tyce Erickson, Dutton; Lilly Green, Great Falls; Kirby Hancock, Bozeman; Cory Kelly, Chester; Paul Neubauer, Havre; Maggie Shane, Floweree; Walter Schweitzer, Geyser; Will Downs, Molt; and Jan Tusick, Polson. Each year, MFU takes a youth delegate to expose them to the policy making process and provide a voice for the

to suicide prevention best practices — we can start some crucial conversations about mental health in rural Montana, reduce stigma and save lives.” Darla Tyler-McSherry, a member of the Montana Farm/Ranch Stress Prevention Advisory Council and director of student health at Montana State University Billings, said goals for the website include bringing attention to the issue of suicide in

U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced that the Small Business Administration declared an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration for 30 Montana counties in response to the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus, which will provide much-needed economic support for Montana’s main street businesses. The affected counties are: Flathead, Gallatin, Missoula, Sheridan, Silver Bow, Wheatland,