LaneCast Ag Podcast

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.

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!

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/

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.

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

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/

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/

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.

Mr. Bill Jimmerson has taught and influenced thousands of Ag Education and FFA members for over 50 years. As an Ag Educator, FFA advisor and later on Montana State FFA Advisor, Mr. Jimmerson is a mover and shaker. Now retired, he shares a glimpse into his life’s work.

"Waiting for a Chinook" by Charlie Russell can be found hanging in the homes of many ranches across the state. It is a reminder of the power of Mother Nature. But it is also a reminder of a rancher’s commitment to their livestock and land no matter the weather. What is the history of the artwork? How did the Montana Stockgrowers Association come to own it? Jim Peterson, Rancher and Chairman of the CM Russell Museum along with Jim Steinbeisser President of the MT Stockgrowers share the history.