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By Mary Rumph, MSU Powder River Extension Agent The warmer weather has positively affected the outlook of many on the up-coming calving season. For many producers, calving season will be in full swing in six to eight weeks. The following are some tips to offer in preparation for calving. If you haven’t already done so, now is a good time to prepare for the increased workload by checking calving equipment and facilities. Take time to do a walk-through and inspection of your calving facilities: Are the calving pens and working equipment ready f...
Courtesy PR Extension Office Now that we are a few weeks into the winter season, it is probably a good time to assess not only your cow herd but also your feed inventory and other resources, according to Megan Van Emon, MSU Extension Beef Cattle Specialist. “Weather plays a critical role in how we feed our cows,” explained Emon. Emon encourages producers to consider the following guidelines: 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 en...
By PR Extension Office Identifying and managing invasive grassy weeds; feeding your cattle for best possible breed-up; and shelterbelt recovery following drought will all be addressed at the annual MSU Extension Ag Winter Series scheduled for Tuesday, January 17th, 2023, according to Powder River Extension Agent Mary Rumph. The program will begin at noon and be held at the Broadus Community Center. Three private applicator recertification credits will be available, in addition to valuable information for local producers, said Rumph. Recent w...
Helena, Mont. – On Thursday, December 15, the Montana Department of Livestock (MDOL) confirmed that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) killed a small backyard poultry flock in Flathead County. This case marks the 16th HPAI affected flock in the state since the start of the outbreak in March. The 2022 HPAI variant continues to have a significant effect on commercial and backyard flocks, with over 56 million birds in 47 states affected nationally. Avian influenza is an infectious viral disease of birds that can cause high mortality in d...
Submitted by Margaret Scoles, https://www.ioia.net The National Center for Appropriate Technology, along with nationally recognized organic leaders, including the International Organic Inspectors Association of Broadus, will offer an Organic Academy Road Show (OARS) session in Billings, Montana, on December 6 and 7, 2022. Beginning farmers and ranchers in the northern Great Plains will have the opportunity to explore regenerative, certified organic production systems for grains, oilseeds, pulses, and ruminant livestock. Thirty scholarships for...
By PR Extension Office "In a year like this, with abundant grass lasting into the fall, livestock should be satisfied," commented MSU Powder River Extension Agent Mary Rumph. "Unless, of course, the standing grass is ventenata, an unpalatable invasive annual grass that is present in some areas of Powder River County." "Ventenata is one of those invasive grassy weeds that we may have and not know it yet," she said. "It is easily camouflaged, especially this year, by desirable grasses. One i...
By PR Extension Office The primary cause of dying yucca plants has recently been detected, according to MSU Powder River Extension Agent Mary Rumph. “For a few years, I have noticed dying yucca plants throughout rangeland and have received reports from others throughout the county of noticing the same,” said Rumph. Last week, a local resident who was digging up dead yucca plants in the yard discovered a black beetle on the plants and a larva in the roots. Further investigation led to the conclusive identification of the “yucca weevil (Scypho...
Submitted By Christine Keltner The Montana Make It With Wool program is gearing up for another fantastic year of creativity through our traditional garment making contest, and the Quilt, Applique Project, and Afghan contest. Brochures and Entry Forms were distributed to our District Directors and Extension Offices last week. For those in Powder River County, please contact Christine Keltner at 406-486-5690 for more information. We also sent many letters out to past participants encouraging their participation this year. If you did not receive...
HELENA, Mont. (August 22, 2022) – The Montana Association of State Grazing Districts (MASGD) is seeking historic photos or documents from ranchers that tell the more than 80 year story of Montana grazing districts. MASGD has recently launched a preservation project after being awarded a grant from the Montana History Foundation (MHF) and the Montana Memory Project. “Of all the western states, Montana alone has a statutory network of state grazing districts that allows for the greatest use of range forage while conserving our natural res...
By PR Extension Office "Powder River County, these are your future 4-H and FFA members," said judge Kevin Murnin as he visited with each of the young exhibitors, learning the names of the 13 bums and their proud owners at the Powder River County Fair. By far the most crowd-pleasing show, bums from throughout the county and beyond make it to town. This year, all bums were shown at the same time on Thursday afternoon prior to the sheep show. "She bit me!" exclaimed Elena Ostendorf, as her h...
By PR Extension Office The Schroeder family excelled again this year at the Fair, and as judge Kevin Murnin noted, "The animal in the show ring today reflects the work they have done with their livestock for many months at home." Jayce Schroeder exhibited the Grand Champion Market Steer and Grand Champion Beef Breeding Female, receiving buckles sponsored by Earl and Betty Aye and Kurt and Julie Collins. The Reserve Grand Champion Market steer was shown by his sister Rheanna, who received an a...
By PR Extension Office The first day of Fair competition was in the outdoor arena, venue for a multitude of classes for 4-H horse exhibitors and their projects ranging from yearling colts to senior horses on the verge of retirement (a few may have been brought back from retirement). Under a blazing sun, youth demonstrated the skills and knowledge they have gained. "I just love working with this group of kids," said 4-H volunteer leader Tedi Jo Williams. "They have learned so much and are very s...
By PR Extension Office 4-H livestock judge Kevin Murnin shared his philosophy of showmanship during the beef show at the Powder River County Fair. "How you show up is important," he stated. "You will be selling these cattle this afternoon in an auction. How you present yourself and your livestock can make a tremendous difference, and it doesn't end with the auction. It is your responsibility to develop a relationship with the person who supports you at these Fairs. Personal contact is vital. S...
Courtesy USDA Physical loss loans can help producers repair or replace damaged or destroyed physical property essential to the success of the agricultural operation, including livestock losses. Examples of property commonly affected include essential farm buildings, fixtures to real estate, equipment, livestock, perennial crops, fruit and nut bearing trees and harvested or stored crops and hay....
BOZEMAN — The organizers of a new program to educate Montanans about meat goats as an income opportunity are hosting two free, public field days that will focus on meat goat production, marketing, predation, regulations and related topics. Registration is required by Wednesday, July 27, for both events. The workshops are the initial offerings from GoatMT, a two-year collaboration between Montana State University Extension and Bar 88 Consulting and Livestock. The goal is to provide training and support for Montana meat goat producers and those i...
By PR Extension Office As annual forages are being cut for hay, it is important to test for nitrate levels, according to Powder River Extension Agent Mary Rumph. “This is a year when I wouldn’t expect nitrate levels in cereal grains to be high…however, we have had some samples, especially triticale, that are surprisingly high. These samples have been prior to the dough stage in development, so I’m hopeful that the levels will drop as the plants mature,” said Rumph. High levels of nitrates in cereal grain are often present under drought con...
By Shanna Talcott, Broadus District Conservationist The Powder River Conservation District in partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Broadus field office are gathering input from local stakeholders on how NRCS can most effectively deliver conservation assistance in Powder River County. To participate, complete a publicly available survey. Every year, Local Working Group meetings allow farmers, ranchers, conservation partners and other members of the community to discuss the natural resource needs for the county. B...
By PR Extension Office The effects of drought and heavy use by livestock and grasshoppers have impacted the plant communities in our rangeland. A workshop to address the changes that are occurring is scheduled for Thursday, July 7th at the Broadus Community Center beginning at 1:00 pm according to MSU Extension Powder River Agent Mary Rumph. Three speakers have been invited to answer the question, “What is Happening to our Rangeland? The program will include the identification of and control recommendations for invasive weeds including Bul...
6 Ag Census sign up ends June 30th Helena, Mont. – The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) is reminding agricultural producers to sign up for the 2022 Census of Agriculture before June 30th. Taken only once every five years by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the census provides a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. The Census of Agriculture covers land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expe...
By PR Extension Office Annual weeds are skyrocketing with the moisture received in May, according to MSU Powder River Extension Agent Mary Rumph. The weed of the week is Catchweed (Boraginaceae). “Samples of catchweed that I’ve seen are about 4 foot tall,” said Rumph. “It is often unnoticed until it becomes tall enough to trip you! It loves to climb up corral, garden and lawn fences, between buildings, anywhere that the mower doesn’t get to.” The weed has small blue to violet flowers. The leaves and stems are covered with bristly hairs that cli...
By PR Extension Office A chronic problem for many producers is the alfalfa weevil, a key insect pest of alfalfa, causing variable levels of economic damage across Montana each growing season according to Powder River Extension Agent Mary Rumph. “I started monitoring fields on Sunday, after a 26 degree morning frost and collected only two larvae and a couple adults in ten sweeps. I expect the population to increase this week with warmer temperature,” said Rumph. “I encourage producers to start monitoring their fields for weevil popul...
By PR Extension Office “The bulbous bluegrass is taking full advantage of the moisture this spring” stated Powder River Extension Agent Mary Rumph. Rumph described the invader as a thin stemmed, wiry grass that cures early and is often found in areas vegetated by downy brome. “Bulbous bluegrass infestations seem to be exploding with the spring moisture,” said Rumph. Identification Bulbous bluegrass (Poa bulbosa) is a relatively small, shallow-rooted, cool season perennial bunchgrass native to Eurasia and northern Africa. Because it grows new ro...
By PR Extension Office “The good news is that we’ve received much needed moisture and that according to the 2022 APHIS Grasshopper Hazard Map, Powder River County is not in the red zone,” according to Mary Rumph, MSU Extension Powder River County Agent. The map can be viewed at our website: www.powderriver.msuextension.org “That doesn’t mean we won’t be contending with grasshoppers, but it is a strong indication that the population level won’t be as devastating as the past two years,” she added. According to Gary Adams (USDA-APHIS Billi...
By PR Extension Office With the recent moisture, the crested wheatgrass has shot up in growth. Unfortunately, we are also seeing damage from the black grass bug, according to Mary Rumph, Powder River Extension Agent. Most notable is the “anemic” look to the grass in the roadside ditches, an area where it should be a healthy green color. The black grass bug literally “sucks the juices” out of the leaves, leaving a whitened, tough and stringy leaf. The black grass bug (labops hesperius) is one of the earliest pests to emerge in the spring an...
Helena, Mont. - The Montana Department of Agriculture and Frontier Psychiatry have partnered to provide free access to counseling for Montanans involved in agriculture. Funded through the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN), this partnership provides a variety of services, including individual counseling, tele-health, and medication management, at no cost to the participant. The Counseling Access for Montana Ag (CAMA) program was created to address challenges facing those working in...
