LaneCast Ag Podcast

Sec. of Ag Tom Vilsack & U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds

Sec. of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and South Dakota U.S. Senator Mike Rounds each join the “Agriculture Conversation” today. Sec. Vilsack discusses 30X30, cattle markets, wildfire management and the Biden Administration American Families Plan that many in agriculture fear will raise their taxes. Sen. Rounds discusses his bipartisan efforts in urging the Dept. of Justice to protect consumers and cattlemen from anticompetitive practices in the beef processing market.

Big Sky Nat ’l Heritage Area: Stockgrowers Protect Property Rights

The Montana Stockgrowers Association’s Jay Bodner discusses House Bill 554 that was signed into law by Gov Greg Gianforte. This law will require the Montana Legislature’s approval of National Heritage Areas (NHA) and National Trail Designation in Montana prior to a National Designation. MSGA led a diverse coalition to find a solution to address the concerns of many private property owners across Montana regarding the proposed Big Sky Country National Heritage Area (BSCNHA), an area encompassing all of Cascade County and parts of Chouteau and Lewis and Clark County.

What’s Going on with the Markets?

Across the countryside farmers are celebrating higher grain prices while ranchers experience lower futures and cash cattle prices. China’s record purchases of U.S. corn have many wondering how long with the rally last? How will it impact calf prices? Agriculture Economist, Dr. Gary Brester, Professor Emeritus of Montana State University’s College of Agriculture Economics and Economics joins the “Agriculture Conversation” to discuss these topics and many more hot button issues facing U.S. agriculture.

Grassroots Advocacy

The Montana Farm Bureau is celebrating its members during the month of May. From grassroots advocacy, membership benefits, and growing the Farm Bureau footprint, it is a busy time for the organization. MFBF’s Alena Standley joins the “Agriculture Conversation” from her family’s ranch. She discusses MFBF’s May Membership Month, advocacy in Helena, summer events and more!

Drought: Covering Your Risk

With a lack of precipitation, producers are faced with difficult decisions of finding grass, marketing and shipping calves earlier (and at lighter weights) or taking cattle or sheep to town. Producers are covering that risk with Pasture, Rangeland and Forage (PFR) insurance.Ranchers Gordon and Jared Clark with Silveus Insurance Group help ag producers protect up to 90% of normal rainfall on your grass and hayland.
To contact Gordon or Jared Clark call them at (806) 935-7777 or visit https://rainins.com/

Grizzly Bear Announcement Disappoints Ranchers

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced it will be recommending no change to the current listed status of the grizzly bear in the lower 48 states as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The Montana Stockgrowers Asso. Exec. V.P. Jay Bodner shares why his organization is deeply disappointed in the announcement.

Innovation on the Farm May Save on Taxes

Farmers and Ranchers are known for their innovations. But they may not know that their innovation could save them money during tax season. Wipfli’s Christina Schultz and Kendra Goodman share insight on Research and Development Tax Credit incentives for the agriculture industry. The conversation includes an overview of what the credit is, activities that qualify, and how to claim the credit.
https://www.wipfli.com/industries/agribusiness

Grain Talk: Vince Mattson

Chester, MT farmer Vince Mattson joins the podcast. The past Montana Grain Growers President shares an update on his winter wheat crop, MGGA’s legislative efforts, the importance of joining organizations like MGGA and much more!
https://www.mgga.org/join/

Feeding the Troops Farm Fresh Food

National Guard troops on duty in our Nation’s Capital have received farm-fresh food from farmers and ranchers. The donations came from members of Farmers Union and their business entity Farmers Union Enterprises (FUE). The groups made a donation of $50,000 to provide nutritious meals that were prepared by the Founding Farmers restaurants based in Washington D.C. State Farmers Union’s Presidents from Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin join the show to talk about the importance of food security for the nation and for our troops.
https://foodsecurityforus.com/

Legislation to Protect Private Property Rights

The Montana Stockgrowers Association is working with lawmakers and other groups to find solutions to address the concerns of many private property owners across Montana regarding the proposed Big Sky Country National Heritage Area. Rancher Dana Darlington, MSGA board member along with Raylee Honeycutt, MSGA Natural Resources Director share more on House Bill 554.