December 30 - January 2
*Extension Office Closed*
January 5 Small Business Webinar: Inventory Management and Supply Planning
January 9-13 MSU Extension Cropping Seminar Series
January 13-15 Bitterroot Stockgrowers Expo and Annual Banquet
January 16
*Extension Office Closed*
January 18 Reimaging Rural Inspiration Hour
January 19-20 Western Montana Grazing and Agriculture Conference
MonDAk Agriculture Research Summit
January 20 Abundant Connections Registration Deadline
January 25 Double Estate Planning for Caregivers Workshop
Tackling Housing Needs in Small Towns Webinar Series
January 27 Dining with Diabetes
Montana Ag Tech Innovation and Investment Summit
Fabulous Fridays
January 28 Montana's Next Generation Conference
February 3 Fabulous Fridays
February 4 Rocky Mountain Grange Square Dance
February 7 Food Hub Training Workshop Begins
February 11 Cowboy Ball
February 13 Abundant Connections
February 15 2023 Crop School
Bitterroot Events
|
|
2023 Western Montana Grazing and Agriculture Conference |
|
Western Montana Grazing and Agriculture Conference. January 19-20th, 2023
Join the Missoula Conversation District, Lake County Conservation District, MSU Extension, and the NRCS for a two day conference highlighting "innovations in agriculture."
This conference includes presentations and discussions on grazing, pasture management, rodent management, weed species management, value-added agricultural products, and small agricultural producers and farms. There will be something for everyone!
Speakers include local producers and statewide specialists.
Held at the Double Tree Edgewater in Missoula, MT. January 19-20th.
Registration includes lunch on Thursday, and light breakfast offerings both days.
Check out the agenda below. And follow the link to register for this great event. $50 per participant.
3 Pesticide Applicator credits available during the proceedings.
DRAFT AGENDA
Thursday, January 19th, 2023
8-9 am REGISTRATION
9-10:30 am KEYNOTE SPEAKER—Cory Miller, Grass Valley Farms, MT-On-Farm Innovations
10:30-10:45 am BREAK
10:45 am -12 pm BREAKOUT SESSION (1):
• Option 1: Technology in Ag: GPS Collars in Cattle Management
• Option 2: Value Added Ag/Small Scale Ag Innovation Panel: Local Ideas and Markets
12-1 pm LUNCH
1-2:15 pm • Weed Management in Perennial Pasture and Forage Production Systems: Tim Seipel, MSU Extension
2:30-3:30 pm BREAKOUT SESSION (3)
• Option 1: Innovations in Irrigation management: Barry Dutton, Blackfoot Challenge
• Option 2: Small Scale Ag Grazing: Justin Morris
3:30-4:30 Herbicide Efficacy Activity and Discussion-Tim Seipel and Noelle Orloff, MSU Extension
5 pm-7 pm Happy Hour at Conflux Brewing 210 North Pattee St. Missoula, MT—Food will be served!
Friday, January 20th, 2023
8-9 am BREAKFAST—Eggs, Bacon and all the fixings!
9-10:30 am—Management Considerations for the Columbia Ground Squirrel- Stephen Van Tassel, Montana Department of Agriculture
10:30-10:45 am BREAK
10:45-12:00 pm Horse Pasture Management Panel
|
|
MSU Extension Cropping Seminar Series |
|
Montana State University Extension will host its annual cropping seminar series Jan. 9-13, 2023, in the Golden Triangle area of north-central Montana. Speakers will cover topics such as cereal grain varieties, pulse management, soil fertility management and estate planning.
Interested individuals can attend seminars in Chester, Choteau, Conrad, Cut Bank, Fort Benton, Great Falls, Havre, Shelby and Stanford.
There is no charge for the seminars, and all agricultural producers are encouraged to attend. Seminars begin at 8:30 a.m., though the Great Falls seminar only will begin at 9:30 a.m.
Both commercial and private pesticide licensing recertification credits will be available.
At the seminars, an update on cereal grain varieties will be presented by Jed Eberly, assistant professor of agronomy and soil microbiology from the MSU Central Agricultural Research Center; Peggy Lamb, a research scientist coordinating the variety testing program at the MSU Northern Agricultural Research Center; and Wyatt Medina, a research associate coordinating on- and off-station variety trials under the supervision of Justin Vetch at the Western Triangle Agriculture Research Center. Presentations will address local test plot results and integrated pest management of wheat stem sawfly. Current collaborative research activities include variety development and testing of small grains and many other crops.
In addition, Kevin McPhee, professor of plant genetics and breeding at MSU, will present an update on pulse crop breeding for Montana. McPhee’s research goals include the development of high-yielding pulse crop (pea, lentil and chickpea) varieties using conventional breeding approaches. New varieties are targeted with good agronomic characteristics, resistance to disease and adaptability to environmental stresses present in Montana and regionally, McPhee said.
Soil fertility management will be presented by Clain Jones, MSU Extension soil fertility specialist, and Manbir Rakkar, assistant research professor at MSU. A variety of topics will be addressed, including the 4Rs (right source, right rate, right time and right place), acidity and volatilization of foliar applications. Rakkar’s research program is focused on resolving soil acidification issues. She is investigating various techniques to prevent, mitigate and adapt to soil acidification in Montana.
Estate planning will be presented by Marsha A. Goetting, professor and Extension family economics specialist. Goetting has authored more than 50 MontGuides and offers numerous educational programs that provide information on financial and estate planning. She has received state, regional and national awards for her programs.
Dates, locations and contact numbers for each cropping seminar are listed below:
Monday, Jan. 9:
- Great Falls: Great Falls College MSU’s Heritage Hall, 2100 16th Ave. S. Contact Rose Malisani at 406-454-6980.
Tuesday, Jan. 10:
- Choteau: Stage Stop Inn, 1005 Main Ave. Contact Jenn Swanson at 406-466-2491.
- Conrad: Pondera Shooting Sports Complex, 972 Granite Road. Contact Dan Severson at 406-271-4054.
Wednesday, Jan. 11:
- Cut Bank: Glacier County Library, 21 First Ave. SE. Contact Kari Lewis at 406-873-2239.
- Shelby: Comfort Inn, 455 McKinley Ave. Contact Kim Woodring at 406-424-8350.
Thursday, Jan. 12:
- Chester: United Methodist Church, 510 Monroe Ave. Contact Jesse Fulbright at 406-759-5625.
- Havre: Hill County Fairgrounds 4-H Chuckwagon, 1676 U.S. Highway 2 W. Contact Colleen Pegar at 406-400-2333.
Friday, Jan. 13:
- Fort Benton: Montana Agricultural Center, 1205 20th St. Contact Tyler Lane at 406-622-3751.
- Stanford: City Hall, 102 Central Ave. Contact Katie Hatlelid at 406-566-2277
|
|
Double Estate Planning for Caregivers
Event information
Date
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Time
2 - 3 p.m. Central time
Location
Webinar
Contact
Sara Croymans, Extension educator
This session will feature financial, estate/legacy and legal planning tools for those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or related dementia. The session will also provide tools for caregivers who face “double” planning (for themselves and their loved one who has some form of memory loss in the middle and late stages).
Presenter
Marsha A. Goetting, Montana State University Extension family economics specialist and professor, has received the Western Region Visionary Leadership and Distinguished team awards from Epsilon Phi. During the COVID pandemic, she provided webinars with over 7,450 participants. Goetting is a member of the Montana Alzheimer’s and related dementia workgroup. She is a member of the business, estates, trusts, taxes and real property section of the State Bar of Montana. She earned her doctorate from Iowa State University and her master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Kansas State University.
Audience
Anyone who is a caregiver
Cost
Free
Registration
Registration is required. The webinar will take place on Zoom.
Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting Julie Larson at larso143@umn.edu two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.
The UMN Wellbeing Program through the Office of Human Resources is offering 200 wellbeing points per webinar for employees and spouses covered by the University's medical insurance.
|
|
Reimaging Rural Inspiration Hour |
|
Making Things Happen in Small Towns.
The third Wednesday of each month from 11:30 - 12:45 via Webex.
January 18: “Supply and Demand of Leaders in Small Towns.” Benjamin Winchester, University of Minnesota Extension. Winchester's article can be found here.
February 15: “First Steps for Rehabing an Old Building.” Jason Seyler, MT DEQ and Cathy Barta, Snowy Mtn Devel.
March 15: “Re-Branding your Town: How to Start and Why.” Jennifer Anderson of Forsyth.
April 19: “Starting a New Festival: What Would Work? When to Plan? What do you Need?”
May 17: Tourism Grant Program (TGP) Info Session. The TGP is an easy-to-write grant for beautification or accessibility projects.
June 13 (Tuesday): Reimagining Rural In-Person Conference in Townsend, MT. Details coming soon.
July, August: Break for Summer.
September 20: “How to Get Started on a Trail or Walking Path in Your Town.”
October 18: “Reimagining Rural: What have Towns Accomplished and How to Apply.”
November 15: “Engaging Youth in Your Community.”
December 20: “Celebrate the Wins.” Hear what small towns accomplished this year and what is planned for next year.
|
|
Tackling Housing Needs in Small Towns Webinar Series |
|
MSU Extension is hosting a series of webinars focusing on tackling housing needs in small towns. The remaining webinars are scheduled to take place from 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. on Jan. 25. And Feb. 22. If you are interested in attending this webinar the registration portal can be found here. These webinars are an excellent opportunity to gather and discuss community housing issues.
Extension’s partner in this series is the statewide housing nonprofit corporation NeighborWorks Montana. NeighborWorks Montana has housing expertise but has struggled to make connections in rural communities. This webinar series hopes to make connections so people all over the state can receive the expert housing assistance they need. Contact Tara Mastel for any questions.
|
|
Montana's Next Generation Conference |
|
Food Hub Training Workshop |
|
Food Hub Training Workshop begins February 7, 2023
Montana local food producers and business entrepreneurs interested in community food hub start-ups are invited to participate in a free online Food Hub training workshop on Tuesdays from 12 – 1 p.m. on February 7th, 14th and March 7th, 14th and 21st, 2023. Please visit https://www.hopamountain.org/local-food-for-local-families for information on how to join this five-part training series offering education and discussion about what a food hub is, various potential business structures, available software for networking local food producers, hubs and buyers together, and an opportunity to hear from a panel of existing successful Montana food hub businesses.
Grassroots community food hub enterprises support Montana farmers, ranchers and value-add producers while helping ignite community economic development. Annika Charter-Williams, rancher and founding member of the Yellowstone Valley Food Hub in Billings says, "Our food hub played an important role in providing our community with local food during the pandemic. YVFH continued to grow and serve our surrounding community and local producers but not without growing pains and learning curves. We were lucky to have resources to turn to when making big decisions.”
The Food Hub training program is offered by Hopa Mountain in partnership with Mission West Community Development Partners and Local Food Marketplace and others. For additional information about rebuilding community food systems, please visit https://www.hopamountain.org/local-food-for-local-families or call Hopa Mountain’s main office at 406-586-2455.
|
|
Relying on Rural Resilience |
|
Relying on Rural Resilience Webinar:
Engaging rural Latinx immigrant families in health outreach
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
(12pm PST, 1pm MST, 2pm CST, 3pm EST)
1 CEU pending approved for Certified Family Life Educators through National Council on Family Relations
If you register, you will receive a reminder email with a link to join prior to the event.
Rural communities are not homogenous, thus engaging diverse audiences in outreach is important to individuals, families, and communities. Dr. Greder and colleagues will share key findings and lessons learned from community-based integrated research and health outreach with rural Latinx immigrant families in which they have been involved. Participants and presenters will then brainstorm additional strategies for successfully engaging rural Latinx and other immigrant families in outreach efforts in their communities.
This quarterly webinar series, Relying on Rural Resilience, highlights findings based on 20+ years of research with low-income, rural families across the United States. These results yield powerful information about actions that family outreach professionals can take to promote rural health and resilience. Presenters share key findings from the NC1011/NC1171 HATCH projects that spark facilitated breakout discussion among Extension and other family outreach professionals regarding how the findings can impact YOUR work and families in YOUR rural community.
Participants in this webinar will:
- Learn about key findings from community-based integrated research and outreach with rural Latinx immigrant families.
· Identify additional strategies for successfully engaging rural Latinx and other immigrant families in outreach efforts in their communities.
Featured Presenters:
Kimberly Greder, PhD
Professor of Human Development and Family Studies and
Family Wellbeing Extension Specialist
Iowa State University
Rosario Garcia Fino, MA, tLMHC
Mental Health Counselor, Green Counseling Service, Waterloo, Iowa
Community-based interviewer, Rural Iowa Latinx Family Health Project
This series is sponsored by the Multistate Research Project NC-1171: Individual, family, and community factors associated with resilience in diverse, rural, low-income families (2019-2024), and funded in part by the Multistate Research Fund through USDA-NIFA and by grants to project members at participating institutions.
|
|
A Fabulous Fridays webinar titled What Factors Decide Who Receives Your Property After You Die will be held on January 27, 2023 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.
The property of Montanans who do not have a written will or a trust is distributed according to the “law of intestate succession.” However, Montanans need to understand how they have titled their property could over-ride this law. And they need to realize that beneficiary designations cannot be “undone” with a written will or trust. Be sure the assets you have worked so hard to acquire pass to people you want instead of being decided by the Montana Legislature.
The hosts for the series are Marsha Goetting, MSU Extension Professor and Extension Family Economics Specialist and Mandie Reed, MSU Extension Wheatland County Agent.
A Fabulous Fridays webinar titled Save More Money For Your Heirs By Avoiding Probate will be held on February 3, 2023 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.
Learn how you can pass property to your heirs without probate and save your estate money. Montanans can add Payable on Death (POD) designations on their checking and savings accounts and CDs at banks and credit unions. Transfer on Death (TOD) registrations can be added to your stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. A Transfer on Death Deed can be filed on real property to avoid probate. And now Montanans can have a Beneficiary designation on their vehicle and vessel titles. Learn how these designations over-ride a written will.
The hosts for the series are Marsha Goetting, MSU Extension Professor and Extension Family Economics Specialist and Mandie Reed, MSU Extension Wheatland County Agent.
|
|
Preparing for Winter Livestock Needs
Megan Van Emon, Extension Beef Cattle Specialist
Although we’ve had snow on the ground for a month, it seems that winter is beginning to set in. This is a great time to assess not only your cow herd but also your feed inventory and other resources. Weather plays a critical role in how we feed our cows.
In general, a 1,400-pound cow in good body condition during the last 90 days of gestation requires a little over 2 pounds of protein and 14.5 pounds of energy. Low-quality forages in the pasture do not meet the minimum requirements, especially protein, of the cows this time of year. Therefore, supplementation is needed keep cows in good body condition prior to calving, which impacts lactation, calf health, and production. An accurate inventory of all feeds should be collected to determine if additional feeds need to be purchased. As an example, if a 1,400-pound cow eats between 30-35 pounds of feed each day, she will consume approximately 960 pounds of feed in 1 month. Depending on the weather and individual calving season, cows could be fed 60-90 days, which equates to 1,920 to 2,880 pounds of feed for a single cow. Another way of considering your inventory is at a minimum, approximately 2 bales weighing 1,400 pounds per cow for a 3-month feeding period.
This is a basic feed inventory method; it does not account for changes in weather conditions when additional feed may be needed to maintain the cow herd. As the temperature decreases as winter progresses, cows require more nutrients to maintain production and fetal development. Therefore, as a general rule of thumb it is recommended to have at least 2 years of stockpiled forage on-hand to account for additional feed needed and/or to prepare for the next drought.
This is also a good time to assess the cow herd and how/when feeding adjustments should occur to maintain production. Following weaning, cow nutrient requirements are at the lowest throughout the year. This is an excellent opportunity to add additional body condition on thin cows before late gestation and prior to deep winter. Maintaining an optimum body condition score of 5 to 6 aids in fetal development, calf immune status, milk quality and quantity, and uterine involution post-calving. Assessing the cow herd also aids in determining how to best use the feed inventory and identify which groups of cattle that may require more feed or a more nutrient dense diet. Young cows (2-3 years old), first-calf heifers, and poor conditioned cows tend to require a more nutrient dense diet than mature cows in good condition.
These are a couple of things to consider as we prepare for the winter months and feeding season. Please give Megan Van Emon call, 406-874-8286, or email, megan.vanemon@montana.edu for more information. Or contact your local Extension agent with additional questions.
2022 Steer of Merit Certifications
MSU Extension and MSGA announce 2022 Steer of Merit certifications
Megan Van Emon, Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, Montana State University
It was great to be back in Billings and present the Top 5 winners at the Montana Stockgrowers Association Convention on December 8th. We presented the Top 5 winners of the carcass and ultrasound steer of merit contests at the Best of Beef Luncheon.
Montana State University Extension and MSGA distinguished 154 “Steers of Merit” out of 1,288 entries for 2022. Out of 555 steers entered in the Carcass Division, 78 were deemed Steers of Merit. In the Ultrasound Division, 76 out of 734 entries received the distinction. The number of Steer of Merit certifications for 202 declined slightly compared to 2021. More counties continue to participate in the ultrasound contest this year due to the lack of packing plant facilities and space.
The top five steer entries in the Ultrasound Division were: 1) Kayli Cook, Montana Fair (Vanek Club Calves, breeder) 2) Sy Carda, Richland County (Brent Carda, breeder); 3) Dani Hess, Montana Fair (Shay Family Livestock, breeder); 4) Dallas Berkram, Marias Fair (Diamond Box Livestock, breeder); and 5) MaRae Smail, Marias Fair (Dunbar Brothers, breeder).
The top five steer entries in the Carcass Division were: 1) Shelby Taylor, Lake County (Shelby Taylor, breeder); 2) Ladahlia Hook, Flathead County (Toby Hook, breeder); 3) Colton Noyes, Broadwater County (KD Cattle Co, breeder); 4) Samuel Simonson, Phillips County (Shon Simonson, breeder); and 5) Isaac Eaton, Prairie County (Frank Eaton & Sons, breeder).
The Montana Steer of Merit program was initiated in 1967 as a joint effort between the Montana Stockgrowers Association and Montana State University Extension. The program was designed to measure, record, and improve carcass characteristics in beef cattle. Data from these carcasses has been summarized and analyzed statistically. Over time, significant increases have been made in quality grade and in yield grade, or cutability, indicating that cattle can be selected for leaner carcasses with higher cutability and still maintain high quality grade as reflected by marbling.To be designated a Steer of Merit, carcasses are evaluated by a qualified individual using information that relates to yield of lean meat and eating quality. Beef carcasses must meet criteria set by the Steer of Merit Committee in the areas of hot carcass weight, dressing percent, fat thickness over 12th rib (back fat), rib eye area, yield grade, percent cutability, and quality grade. Computer software programs help compile data and rank carcasses for state and county awards. Data is also analyzed periodically to track genetic and feed management progress. The minimum standards for Steer of Merit are reviewed each year and the program is updated to meet the changing industry standards.
For more information about the Steer of Merit program call Megan Van Emon, Montana State Extension Beef Cattle Specialist at (406) 874-8286.
|
|
FREE counseling services to ANY Montanan working in Agriculture
|
|
|
|
A grant from the USDA, the MT Dept of Ag is now providing FREE counseling services to ANY Montanan working in Agriculture. These services are being provided by Frontier Psychiatry:
Please note that we are all working together - the MSU Extension Farm Stress Team, MT Dept of Ag and Northern Broadcasting. To get the word out about this voucher program, as well as other farm stress resources that already exist across the state, Northern Broadcasting came up with a campaign titled, 'Beyond the Weather'. So if you hear of that online or on the radio, know that we are all working together!
Here is the 'Beyond the Weather' landing page: https://agr.mt.gov/FRSAN (If you explore this site, you'll see links to mini-grant opportunities, and more farm stress resources).
|
|
|
|
MonDak Agriculture Research Summit |
|
Montana State University’s Eastern Agricultural Research Center and its partners will hold the 2023 MonDak Agriculture Research Summit on Thursday, Jan. 19, in Sidney. At the event, which aims to encourage interaction between farmers and ranchers, scientists from three partner facilities will report on agricultural research underway in eastern Montana and western North Dakota.
The summit is coordinated by North Dakota State University’s Williston Research Extension Center, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Northern Plains Agricultural Research Lab in Sidney, and the Eastern Agricultural Research Center, which is one of seven statewide facilities in the MSU College of Agriculture’s Department of Research Centers.
The event will include research talks on dryland and irrigated crops; addressing pests such as grasshoppers and wheat stem sawfly; weed management; and water and soil health. It will also allow for one-on-one discussions with scientists to share questions and research needs. A morning poster session will give attendees time to browse additional research projects underway.
The free summit will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Richland County Fairgrounds Event Center at 2118 W. Holly St. in Sidney. Lunch will be provided courtesy of the Northern Pulse Growers Association. Other sponsors for the event include the city of Williston, Sustainable Oils, Sidney Sugars Inc., Agri-Industries and the Montana-Dakota Beet Growers Association.
Up to three private applicator credits are available for Montana producers attending this event.
Advance registration is encouraged. For more information or to register online, visit tinyurl.com/2023agsummit or contact Marley Manoukian, MSU Extension agriculture agent in Sidney/Richland County, at marley.manoukian@montana.edu or 406-433-1206 (office) or 406-489-1914 (cell).
Contact: Marley Manoukian, MSU Extension agriculture agent in Sidney/Richland County, marley.manoukian@montana.edu or 406-433-1206 (office) or 406-489-1914 (cell)
|
|
9% of adults in Montana are diagnosed with diabetes and 34.7% have pre-diabetes (higher than normal blood glucose). We have a program that can help these Montanans to feel more comfortable in understanding and managing their health. It is also a great opportunity to educate and build in supports from loved ones attending too. Dining with Diabetes (DWD) is a National Extension developed program that allows you flexibility while ensuring participants have research-based skills and knowledge in diabetes management. It is 4 weekly or bi-weekly sessions with a 5th session follow up.
Please look through the training syllabus attached if you are interested in providing these classes in your community. This is intended for Agents interested in facilitating the DWD course in the next 6-12 months. Community partners are also encouraged to join and can facilitate WITH an Extension Agent co-facilitator.
This course would begin January 27 virtually and have live meetings from 9-11am MST Feb 9, Feb 23, March 9, March 23, April 6.
|
|
Montana Ag Tech Innovation and Investment Summit |
|
The Montana Department of Agriculture, Montana State University College of Agriculture, Montana Agricultural Business Association, and Montana Agricultural Business Foundation announce the inaugural Montana Ag Tech Innovation & Investment Summit set for January 24, 2023 in Great Falls, MT. The intent of the Summit is to bring cutting-edge technology and innovation to the forefront of Montana’s agricultural economy.
You can participate in the Summit by applying for Montana Agricultural Speed Pitch Competition, setting up a booth, or just attending. For more information on the Summit, go to: https://www.mtagtechinvest.io/.
|
|
Introducing Abundant Connections, hosted by Abundant Montana and Montana Farm to School! Abundant Connections is a virtual event throughout the week of February 13th. The intent of this event is to provide a platform to help foster new relationships between Montana producers and buyers (including schools!) that will lead to sales opportunities, support our Montana food economy, and get more Montana produced food to Montanans.
This project is supported in part by the Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
|
|
2023 Crop School on Wednesday, February 15th from 9:30 am – 3:00 pm at Headwaters Livestock Auction near Three Forks.
This year’s Crop School has a focus on soil health. We received a grant from Western SARE to bring Anthony Bly, a Soils Health Specialist from South Dakota State University, to the event. He will be discussing soil health principles and using manure as fertilizer. Additionally, we have a local grower, Franck Groenewag with Living Sky Grains (formally Wheat Montana Farms), who will discuss how he has been incorporating soil health principles into his operation. To round out the event, we have speakers on water quality and pesticide use and a cropland insect update. Pesticide applicator credits will be offered.
This event is hosted by MSU Extension Offices in Broadwater, Gallatin and Madison/Jefferson Counties. There is a free lunch catered by The Rancher’s Table thanks to our sponsors: Circle S Seeds, Headwaters Flying Service, Rocky Mountain Supply, Harrison Elevator and Ag Depot. Please RSVP to 406.266.9242 or broadwater@montana.edu by Tuesday, January 31 to guarantee your lunch.
|
|
Funding for Farmers and Ranchers |
|
Funding for Farmers and Ranchers to Implement Innovative Water Projects
The LOR Foundation (https://lorfoundation.org) recently announced a new initiative, Field Work (https://lorfoundation.org/field-work/), to provide funding for farmers and ranchers to implement innovative approaches to using water in agriculture. Farmers and ranchers in rural parts of Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming are eligible for up to $10,000. The hope is that this real-world research will reveal solutions that can be used throughout the West to grow food while contending with unprecedented drought.
· Who Can Apply: LOR’s Field Work initiative is open to farmers and ranchers in rural areas and on tribal lands in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming. Applicants must have independent authority to make changes to water use on the land.
· What Can Be Funded: Projects that improve outcomes in the following areas are eligible: water efficiency, water reliability, water quality, crop yield or crop diversification, and labor efficiency. Projects must be completed in 2023 and must include a commitment and plan for reporting learnings.
· Important Dates to Know: LOR will begin accepting project proposals Feb. 1, and will accept proposals through Feb. 22. Applicants will be notified by March 15.
Please also join us for an informational webinar on either January 19th at 3:00pm MT or January 24th at 3:00pm MT. The same information will be shared at both sessions. Registration in advance is required.
· Click here to register for the January 19th, 3:00pm MT Informational Webinar
· Click here to register for the January 24th, 3:00pm MT Informational Webinar
Have specific questions about Field Work, your application, or want to discuss your project with LOR staff? Please either email us at connect@lorfoundation.org or schedule time during our open office hours in February after the application opens. Office hours will be held in 15-minute increments on February 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, & 17 between 2:00pm and 4:00pm MT. You can schedule a time for a Zoom meeting during those windows by clicking here.
|
|
Rocky Mountain Grange Square Dance for Western Agriculture Research Center |
|
Kid's Studio - Ice Painting!
- Saturday, January 21, 2023
- 10:00 AM 11:00 AM
- open-ended
- 201 Daly AvenueHamilton, MT, 59840
Drop in for this hour-long exploration of free-range artmaking. Kiersten will guide your budding creative through a new art-making process each kid’s studio (and make space for their individual needs and curiosities). This week’s focus will be ice painting.
Every first Saturday of the month. Limited spots!
$15 per child. Scholarships available.
To register, please venmo the class fee to @Kiersten-Owings on Venmo or email kierstenaowings@gmail.com
|
Celebrate the arts every 2nd Saturday of the month from 11am - 3pm downtown Hamilton.
|
|
A day filled with brilliant speakers, thought-provoking video and mind-blowing conversation in OUR community! We are hosting a TEDx event in Hamilton - TEDxHieronymus Park - a dynamic gathering in OUR community that will unleash new ideas, inspire and inform.
Our third annual event themed "RISE" will be held on January 27, 2023 from 9am-4pm (Check-in opens at 8am) at the Bitterroot River Inn. Lunch will be provided to participants and the audience. We will be featuring community members with innovative ideas to share for an exceptional day of learning and inspiration in Hamilton, MT.
Learn more at our website, and to purchase tickets!
|
|
MSU Ravalli County Extension
Office Staff
|
|
 |
MSU Extension Agent
Agriculture, Horticulture
& Natural Resources
|
|
|
|
|
MSU/Ravalli County Extension Office
215 S. 4th Street, Ste G
Hamilton, MT 59840
Phone: 406.375.6611
Connect on Facebook
The Montana State University Extension is an ADA/EO/AA/Veteran’s Preference Employer and Provider of Educational Outreach.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
