Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on a draft environmental assessment on a proposal for the annual release of penraised ring-necked pheasants on suitable state lands. FWP has administered a pheasant release program since 1987, which has involved releasing pen-raised pheasants on private lands for population augmentation and increased hunting opportunity. In March

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for its Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program. The deadline for applications is March 31, with an additional cycle deadline of June 30. The program offers loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations to provide microloans for microenterprise startups and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund and/or

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., has sent a letter to DirecTV CEO Bill Morrow raising concerns about the company’s decision to remove conservative network One America News Network (OAN) from their platform. “There has not been sufficient justification from DirecTV as to why OAN’s contract was not renewed by your company. A vague ‘routine internal review’ and the lack of transparency

Governor Greg Gianforte has announced the following appointments to state boards: Alfalfa Seed Committee Dallas Steiger, Hysham: With a lifetime of farming and ranching experience, Steiger remains actively engaged in the growing of alfalfa seed in Montana. Steiger’s term will run through Nov. 30, 2024. Justin Wiese, Malta: Reappointed to the Alfalfa Seed Committee, Wiese brings years of

The Montana Farm Bureau announces their ACE (Advocate. Communicate. Educate.) Leadership Program class for 2022. The fifth ACE program will empower Farm Bureau members to be confident, effective leaders in their county Farm Bureau and local communities. Advocacy follows leadership and with practiced, ever-evolving leadership skills, participants will be prepared to actively advocate on key industry

On Jan. 1, the Montana Department of Livestock Brand Rerecord period ended. Brand Rerecord is a one year period in which Montana brand owners renew their brands with the state to ensure an accurate record of livestock brands that are still in use. Brand Rerecord began in 1921 and occurs every 10 years. As of Jan. 1, 2021, there were 55,567 brands recorded with the Department of Livestock. By