Grazing, technology team to reduce wildfire fuels

 Tiffany Kozsan | Jun 14, 2021 Western-Farmer Stockman

 widespread problem on Western rangelands is frequent and large wildfires, often due to cheatgrass. Doctoral student Tracy Shane, with the University of Nevada, Reno College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources, recently began a project using cutting-edge technology to see how sheep and cattle grazing might help control cheatgrass.

Cheatgrass is an invasive species from Eurasia that spreads quickly and is extremely flammable. It also creates its own safe space to grow – the more dead cheatgrass and additional plant material left on the ground, the more easily cheatgrass establishes over time.

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Montana Range Tour

September 8th & 9th, 2021 Malta

The Montana Range Tour September 8th & 9th will not disappoint.  The Phillips Conservation District and partners have put together an amazing agenda, which includes E-Collars-Virtual grazing, dung beetles, drones, conservation projects, and keynote speaker, Dr. Dave Naugle.  The 2021 Leopold Conservation Award Winner will also be announced the evening of the 8th.  Cost is $70 for the 2 days and details can be found at 2021 Montana Range Tour.  

Guidelines for preventing accidents while haying this summer

By Austin Grazier, Director, Montana Agriculture Safety Program

Operating large machinery has never been my strong suit. I am accident prone, the least bit mechanically inclined, and to be quite frank, not the greatest operator. My family in Townsend and my old bosses could attest (sorry Jim and Jess). So, I am writing this article for all the people like me who should take extra care when driving tractors; who need the constant reminder to slow down; the reminder to take off those dang spurs; and when in doubt, shove the tractor in neutral and hit the brakes.

Mid-June and early July marks the beginning of haying season on Montana’s farms and ranches. It is extremely busy, where 18-hour days are not uncommon, and hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment is being used all over the ranch. In 2019, farms and ranches were the most fatal occupational location in Montana with the majority of those fatalities involving a tractor, pickup, or four-wheeler. This is the time of year we see an increase in machine related accidents and injuries, so share this article with everyone working on your farm or ranch.

Maintaining equipment is crucial for safe operation. Ensuring tractors, balers, rakes, swathers, and other equipment is in good condition can alleviate a lot of stress and lost time. By preventing breakdowns, you can ensure more time to operate safely and efficiently, versus rushing and trying to beat the rain (Lord willing we get some).

• Check and replace broken and worn parts
• Grease all moving components
• Shields and guards are there for your safety; replace broken ones and put them back on after removing

When operating haying equipment, it’s important to recognize the risks involved with haying. These include being run over, entanglement with the power take-off (PTO), and serious cuts or lacerations from sharp components. As owners or managers, be sure to train employees and family members how to operate equipment properly, discuss the hazards, and follow the safety tips below:

• Ensure PTOs and hydraulic equipment is stopped and isolated before working on or around the machinery.
• Keep clear and out of the path of running equipment.
• Maintain a proper setting and speed, and only travel at a speed that the equipment can handle.
• Never try to unplug a baler until the tractor is completely shut off and the PTO is disengaged.
• Be sure every tractor has a charged fire extinguisher and first aid kit.
• Always supervise inexperienced operators.
• If you get out of the tractor or machinery to fix something, take the keys with you to prevent someone starting the equipment when you’re under it.

Stacking and storing hay presents its own set of unique dangers. These include falling from elevation, being crushed by falling bales or suspended loads, and contact with machinery in operation. Reduce the chance of an accident occurring by following these safety guidelines:

• Keep foot traffic out of the loading/unloading/stacking zone.
• Keep stacks straight, if they begin to lean, unstack and start again.
• Use equipment that is large and powerful enough to handle the bales.
• When working on top of stacks, remain clear of edges and ensure a safe method to access the top of the stack.
• Never stand underneath a suspended load.

Minimizing risks, reducing costs, and increasing profits are staples in the agriculture industry. However, many do not realize that increasing safety is a key aspect in reducing costs and minimizing risks. By cultivating a culture of safety on your farm or ranch you can minimize lost time from injuries, reduce your liability, and most importantly keep yourself, your family, and your employees from being injured or killed. For more information visit www.mtagrisafety.com or contact Austin Grazier (406) 587-3153.

Working Lands Intern

This is the 2nd of four "in their own words" articles submitted by the class of 2021 interns.

Leah Fisher- June 2021

My name is Leah Fisher, I am a Working Lands intern and Rangeland Management student at Montana State University. I am looking forward to experiencing six different ranch operations across Montana this summer. This program has given me the opportunity to learn about the rancher’s perspective and management of the land, and to better understand what it takes to produce. This has been valuable to me as my goal is to become a range specialist for an agency. I believe that agriculture on public land is important, and I am interested in the ecological relationships between livestock and the landscape.

So far, I have helped with various ranch work from branding to haying and have been able to connect with employees of other land management organizations. One of my most memorable experiences so far has been gathering cattle using horses out of large pastures and finding straggling pairs hidden in hills and coulees, and then spending the day branding. This was one of my favorite moments as someone who has grown up around animals. It was a long, exciting day of wrestling calves, learning how to use nordforks, and I even had the opportunity to rope and drag out of the branding pen. I also really appreciated being able to see pasture in various stages of grazing and rest while out doing things like spraying weeds, fixing fence, and moving cattle. This was a helpful and led to learning about rotational grazing plans, and how grazing management varies depending on the ranch and the location throughout the state. I am eager to continue getting real-world experience with range monitoring, grazing management, plant identification, and more- all knowledge that I will take with into my future career.