The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s Rangeland Resources Program (RRP) promotes and advocates for healthy, sustainable rangelands that supports people, wildlife, recreation, clean water, and the natural scenic beauty of Montana.

News

Rancher urges Congress to address wildfires through grazing, land management Dr. Dave Daley, a leader in the California Cattlemen’s Association, Public Lands Council, and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) recently testified before the House Natural Resources Committee in a field hearing titled “Conservation in a Crown Jewel: A Discussion About Wildfires and Forest Management.” In his testimony, Dr. Daley pointed out that historic wildfire seasons in recent years have made even California realize the value livestock bring to wildfire resilience. “Wildfire resilience practices such as livestock grazing work, and confronted with the very real threat of worsening wildfire conditions, there ought to be bipartisan consensus endorsing these effective tools.”

Rangelands Provide Six Ecosystem Services As “ecosystem services” becomes a more common term heard amongst farmers, ranchers, and range stewards of all kinds, the Society for Range Management (SRM) set out to further define this broad term and how it applies to rangelands.  In a report released today titled, “Rangeland Ecosystem Services: Connecting Nature and People,” a SRM task force assessed five rangeland service areas including food and fiber, water, carbon, biodiversity, and wildlife.

Jeffers Cattle Company–Quadrupling Stocking Rate through Drought in the Chihuahuan Desert The Jeffers Cattle Company, owned by father Jaime Jeffers and Marcos Jeffers, is situated in the northwest corner of Chihuahua, Mexico near Tapiecitas. This 2,500-ha (6,250-acre) ranch is part of the larger family ranch where Jaime began practicing Holistic Management in 1985 and trading ideas with other Holistic Management Mexican ranchers and educators like Jesus Almeida. In 2011, Jaime and Marcos started their own cattle company and then faced four to five years of drought. Then in 2016 Marcos graduated from high school and he began adapting the practice of Holistic Management in a way that took into account the specific needs of their ranch.

Farewell & Thank you! Written by: Joel Thompson, 2023 Working Lands Intern A year ago, I was moving into the dorms at the University of Montana, starting my freshmen year, majoring in wildlife biology. I was states away from home and starting a whole new experience, but if someone told me I’d still be in Montana in the summer, I wouldn't have believed them, let alone if they told me I’d be ranching. But here I am, a year later after I just left my last ranch. While I thought the internship looked like a great opportunity to get outdoors, see Montana, and put in some hard work, I had one main reason for applying. The main reason is that I’m interested in becoming a game warden, so I thought the internship would be a great way to learn about the other side, one I’m not used to because I’m from the city. I know the importance of agency/landowner cooperation, if I want to be a game warden, I feel I should put myself in the shoes of those who I’d be serving and working with. The Working Lands Internship [Program] has been a truly incredible opportunity. When I found out I got hired I was beyond excited yet had no clue what to expect. I came into every ranch with an open mind and was ready to work. While I did a lot of work, I was able to learn a lot about hardships in ranching, the job, and the lifestyle, I got to learn how to use and operate a lot of equipment and learn about the environment and range sciences. But the most interesting thing I learned was the amount of conservational efforts the ranchers put in, not only on their land but also in the community. A lot of them foster more healthier habitats on the ground than I would've thought and that broke a lot of misconceptions I got from school and stereotypes one hears. There was a lot of hard but purposeful and fulfilling work this summer, and it helped me grow as a person, through knowledge and hard work, but also just the unique experience of living with six different families all in separate locations. I gained practical skills and knowledge in the field while being able to lend a helping hand. For all of this, I’m grateful to the DNRC for putting the program on and for hiring me, and I am especially grateful to the ranchers and their families who took me in this summer and taught me a lot about their lifestyle.

Public Lands Grazing Vital to the Rural West

Chances are, when you think of the West, images of cattle and horses and the ranchers that manage them are top of mind. For centuries, grazing livestock have been at the heart of rural economies across what is now the Western United States. Through these many generations, ranchers have contributed far more than their job titles indicate. They are county commissioners, teachers, bankers, truck drivers, energy workers, hunters, sportsmen and more – contributing directly to the stability and longevity of the communities in which they live. This article reviews the latest available economic metrics evaluating both direct and indirect benefits of livestock grazing on federally owned lands.

Conservation & Partnerships

Society for Range Management to Recognize Ranchers for Stewardship Efforts Award Established by Generous Montana Rancher Chuck Jarecki The Society for Range Management (SRM) recently established the Chuck Jarecki Rancher Land Stewardship Award thanks to a generous donation by its namesake, Montana rancher Chuck Jarecki.  The award was created to recognize ranch operators who demonstrate outstanding rangeland stewardship and contribute to the ranching profession through local, state, and national service.  Since SRM’s formation in 1948, ranchers have played a critical role in the organization and those who exemplify the founding principles of SRM will now have the opportunity to be recognized for their dedication to the land.

Private Lands Partners Day 2023 Private Lands Partners Day returns to its original location in celebration of the 15th anniversary of the original meeting in 2008. The 1.5 million-acre Blackfoot watershed forms the southern end of the Crown of the Continent, one of the most ecologically intact ecosystems left on earth. Every species that was present when Meriwether Lewis made his return trip east along the Blackfoot River in 1806 still resides here today. Beginning at the Continental Divide east of Lincoln, the Blackfoot River runs 132 miles west to its confluence with the Clark Fork River just east of Missoula.

VALUABLE VALIDATION: Rangeland Analysis Platform Offers Ranchers Decision Support

Ranchers who carefully monitor and manage the range can often describe the changes they have seen over the course of several years. However, on a day-to-day basis, major changes to the landscape can be difficult to recognize and nearly impossible to quantify as some occur slowly and tend to go unobserved when viewing the range each day.

In the case of conifer encroachment on Kevin Koss’ ranch south of Malta, Montana, for many years it was largely unnoticed. But after what Koss called over a decade of “above average precipitation at different times of the year, but good years in all,” he “suddenly” observed “thousands of small trees from six inches tall to several feet high.”

Hoofin' It for Hunger Registration is Open

Hoofin' it for Hunger is coming back to Dillon!  We had a successful event in 2022 and we are hoping to make our race even better this year...all for a great cause! This year's race will take place at Depot Park on Saturday, September 9th. There will be 5k, 10k, and virtual runner races offered. 

Emergency Response Fundraiser for Hawai'i's Agriculture Community

Fueled by hurricane winds and drought conditions, catastrophic wildfires began on multiple islands in Hawaiʻi on August 8, 2023. The fires rapidly gained intensity leaving communities devastated throughout the state. Maui Island endured multiple uncontrolled fires leaving many homes, communities, businesses, and land devastated. Ranches and farms have also been burned. A few structures and piles of ash are what remains of historic Lāhainā town, and search and rescue efforts continue to find survivors. 

National Park Service releases a draft Environmental Impact Statement for Bison Management at Yellowstone National Park

The National Park Service (NPS) released today a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a Bison Management Plan at Yellowstone National Park. The Draft EIS introduces a broad range of actions for managing bison inside the park. This plan allows the NPS to evaluate bison management based on new scientific information and changed circumstances, explore ways to reduce bison being sent to slaughter, and to continue working closely with Tribal Nations and agency partners in management.

Expanding Markets Conference

The agenda is finalized, and planning is underway for the 2nd Annual Expanding Markets Conference at the Bighorn Resort in Billings, Montana, November 7th and 8th! You won't want to miss this one-of-a-kind event focusing on current and emerging market opportunities in the regenerative space. Listen to influential people in the regenerative marketplace, connect with potential buyers and shop industry vendor booths. Registration opens August 1st with limited ticket sales.

Agency Updates

NRCS Sets Conservation Program Funding Application Date for October 27, 2023

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Montana is accepting applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), and Wetlands Reserve Easements (WRE). To be considered for funding in the current cycle, producers and landowners should apply by October 27, 2023.

“NRCS provides funding and technical assistance to help farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners implement conservation practices that improve their environmental and economic sustainability,” said Tom Watson, NRCS State Conservationist for Montana. “Conservation work focused on local outcomes with the support of local partners and land managers achieves meaningful conservation across a landscape. These opportunities are open to ag operations of any scale.”

Montana Sage Grouse Habitat Conservation Program to Host a Stakeholder Workshop on September 8, 2023

The Sage Grouse Habitat Conservation Program (Program) will host a workshop meeting for interested stakeholders on September 8, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  The meeting will take place at the Helena DNRC Headquarters, Montana Room (1^st floor conference room).  The meeting will be streamed over Zoom and recorded.

The stakeholder workshop will give interested parties an opportunity to provide input as the Program reviews the application of the Net Present Value concept, specifically the 3% discount method, to the current pricing structure for credits and debits.

GRIZZLY BEAR EUTHANIZED DUE TO CATTLE DEPREDATION IN SOUTHERN PARK COUNTY

A grizzly bear was euthanized Friday after a cattle depredation on private land in the Tom Miner Basin.

Following the depredation, Wildlife Services with the U.S. Department of Agriculture captured the bear on Aug. 10. The bear—a 20-year-old male—was identified as having been captured and relocated previously due to cattle depredations. It also had significant tooth decay. Bears in this condition will sometimes prey on cattle as an obtainable food source, especially if they have a history of conflicts with livestock.

Considering these factors, and in consultation with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks euthanized the bear on Aug. 11.

MT FWP Restrictions & Closures Due to Drought and Wildfire Risk

To protect the resources of Montana and to mitigate the potential start of wildfires, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has enacted closures of state parks, limited fishing hours and closed fishing access sites. To learn more about closures, click the link below.

ANTELOPE QUOTA RANGES ALLOW FOR BIOLOGISTS TO TAILOR LICENSE NUMBERS TO HERD HEALTH

Two weeks ago, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ biologists were busy flying over Montana’s prairies counting pronghorn, or antelope. This week antelope licenses were drawn for the upcoming hunting season. These two circumstances are directly related and demonstrate how work on the ground directly affects hunters and the opportunities they have each fall.

First, it’s important to set the stage.

Every two years, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission establishes a quota range for most species of game animals, including antelope. This range is based on recommendations from FWP biologists. For example, biologists can recommend a quota of 150 antelope and a range of 100 to 200. This allows FWP to adjust quotas within the range quickly based on herd populations and health.

FWP COMPLETES ELK AND DEER HUNTER OPINION SURVEYS

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks recently completed extensive public opinion surveys of elk and deer hunters in Montana to gauge their satisfaction with hunting and harvest opportunities. The surveys were each sent to 5,000 randomly selected resident hunters.

The elk survey allowed FWP to take the first comprehensive look at elk hunter opinions. Overall, 73 percent of the respondents from this survey are satisfied with elk management in Montana. Generally, hunters surveyed were also satisfied with current elk hunting regulations and support the timing of the current general elk hunting season.

FWP seeking public comment on several environmental assessments

 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on several environmental assessments (EAs). For more information, including how to submit comments, click on the link provided or visit fwp.mt.gov/public-notices.

USDA Partners with Community College Alliance for Agriculture Advancement to Strengthen America’s Rural Workforce

Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Round of Investments in Wildfire Protection through Community Wildfire Defense Grants

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service is again accepting applications for the Community Wildfire Defense Grant program. Now in its second year, this competitive program funded by President Biden’s historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is designed to assist at-risk communities, including Tribal communities, non-profit organizations, state forestry agencies and Alaska Native Corporations with planning for and mitigating wildfire risks. Applications will be accepted for 90 days.

Montana Hay Hotline

The Montana Department of Agriculture’s Hay Hotline is an online portal where producers can donate, buy, or sell hay. Individuals needing donated hay or producers wanting to donate hay can go to the portal using the button " Go to the Hay Hotline Application Now" and create a listing by selecting “Create an Account”. Once created you will have access to "My Hay listings." Individuals can also search existing listings to see what is currently available.

USDA To Provide Additional Financial Assistance to Qualifying Guaranteed Farm Loan Borrowers Facing Financial Risk

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it will begin providing additional, automatic financial assistance for qualifying guaranteed Farm Loan Programs (FLP) borrowers who are facing financial risk. The announcement is part of the $3.1 billion to help certain distressed farm loan borrowers that was provided through Section 22006 of the Inflation Reduction Act.

USDA Announces August 2023 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for August 2023, which are effective Aug. 1, 2023. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.   

 COCO will be releasing the Fall 2023 request for concept papers on Friday, September 29. The AIM program accelerates fire adaptation concepts and reduces the risk from wildfire by funding nonprofit, capacity-building programs across the U.S. The AIM team will be hosting an informational webinar on Thursday, October 5, 2023, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM MT. 

Podcast Corner

Ep 127: Did you know this… about Section 1031 (Property Exchange)?

Capital Gains Taxes… it’s a subject that is a part of the conversation in ranching families when there is a desire to divest of ranch land.  And if the land is sold outright, it leaves the seller liable for Capital Gains Taxes. This is where Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code comes in.  Dal Houston, attorney from Alva, OK is my as we go through the details of using a 1031… but even more than a way to defer capital gains, it can be an Investment Tool.

Plus, the history and the future of cattle identification with AllFlex’s Austin Woltemath.

AoR 109: Atmospheric Water Generation and Rangeland Grazing with David Stuckenberg Livestock distribution is the key to good grazing, and water is the limiting factor to distribution. What if you could have water anywhere, produced from air? Genesis Systems, a company founded by Dave Stuckenberg, now offers atmospheric water generation devices that could revolutionize grazing management. This sounds like science fiction, but there's no fiction, only cool science.

Plant of the Month

Prairie Smoke Common Names: Prairie Smoke. Old Man's Whiskers, Torch Flower Scientific Name: Geum triflorum Lifecycle: Native Perennial Leaves: basal clumps of up to 20 in. across, leaves are ferny, blue-green, and hairy. Leaves turn deep red in fall and are sometimes evergreen. Flower: reddish-purple, bell-shaped flowers that hang in groups of three. Clumps of feathery, plumed, pink-gray fruits stay on the plant much of the summer. After fertilization, the bell-like flowers turn upward and plumes begin to grow from the pistils which have a plume of smoke appearance which indicates its name, "prairie smoke." Stems: Up to 18 in. tall. Distribution: Northern Great Plains, Northern Rocky Mountains and Intermountain regions of the western United States. Fun facts: Native Americans valued Prairie Smoke for a variety of medicinal uses. The roots and foliage could be steeped in a tea for sore throats, stomach issues, and abdominal cramps. Uses Grazing/rangeland/wildlife: Prairie smoke is one of the earliest blooming prairie plants and is an important food for bumble bees, which are the only pollinators strong enough to open the flower and reach the pollen.  Photo: Matt Lavin, Flickr

Research Center

Montana State University:

Animal & Range Science 

MSU Extension:

Updated MontGuides

University of Montana:

Rangeland Analysis Platform

Reversing Tree Encroachment Increases Usable Space for Sage-Grouse during the Breeding Season

USDA-Agricultural Research Service

Scientific Discoveries 2022

Rangeland Resources & Systems Research, Fort Collins, CO:

• Physiological trait networks have potential to predict maize growth in contrasting environments
• Disease and weather induce rapid shifts in a rangeland ecosystem mediated by a keystone species (Cynomys ludovicianus)

Livestock and Range Research Laboratory, Miles City, MT:

• Mineral nitrogen and microbial responses to soil heating in burned grassland
• Fuel properties of effective greenstrips in simulated cheatgrass fires

Pest Management Research, Sidney, MT:

• How soil carbon fractions relate to soil properties and crop yields in dryland cropping systems?
• Herbivory changes biomass allocation but does not induce resistance among ramets of an invasive plant

USDA- Wildlife Services:

• Genetic Biocontrol for Invasive Species 

US Forest Service Research & Development: 

Research topic: Fire

Research topic: Water, Air, & Soil

September

• 7 - Turner Tour (Turner, MT)
  For details click here

• Stick Leg Ranch Soil Crawl (Valier, MT)
  Click here for details

• 8 - Sage Grouse Habitat Program Meeting (Helena, MT)
  For more information click here

• 9 - Hoofing it for Hunger (Dillon, MT)
  Additional details 

• 12 - Ruminating on Grazing (Harlowton, MT)
  Click here for more information 

• 13-14 - MISC September Meeting (Missoula, MT & Virtual)
  To register click here

• 20 - Pasture Crawl & Greenhouse Tour (Baker, MT)
  Call or text (406) 977-2531 to RSVP

• 21 - Lewis & Clark County "Day on the Range" deadline
  Email chris@lewisandclark.cd.org for more information

• 21 - Montana Board of Livestock Meeting (Helena, MT)
  Click here for additional details

October

• 3-5 - Private Lands Partners Day (Missoula, MT)
  Registration details

• 5 - AIM workshop
  Click here for additional information

• 17-18 - Rangeland Resource Committee Planning Meeting
  Boulder, Montana

November

• 1-3 - Regenerative Conference (Santa Fe, NM)
  For registration details click here

• 7 - Expanding Markets Conference (Billings, MT)
  Click here for additional information

Contacts

Stacey Barta, State Coordinator for Rangelands
(406) 594-8481
SBarta@mt.gov

Shantell Martin, Program Specialist
(406) 531-4584
shantell.frame-martin2@mt.gov

Rangeland Resources Committee:

Diane Ahlgren, Chair
John Hollenback, Vice Chair
Sigurd Jensen
Jim Anderson
Leah Lewis
Ron Devlin