The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) will be hosting the third annual Montana Food Show September 27, 2019 at MSU’s Brick Breeden Fieldhouse in Bozeman. Interested in being a 2019 Vendor? Click here for online Vendor Registration.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will lead a trade mission to Accra, Ghana, October 28-31, seeking to unlock new export opportunities in several West African countries where strong economic growth is driving demand for imported food and farm products.

The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) will be hosting the first annual Montana Beverage Show November 4, 2019 at the Detla Hotels Marriott Helena Colonial in Helena.

You’ve asked for it and we’re making it happen! When surveyed, an overwhelming majority of respondents were interested in participating in a Montana Beverage Show. Out of that group, 80% said they were ready for a show in 2019! This show is aimed at connecting Montana beverage makers with buyers looking for these types of products.

You can expect to see:

• Breweries
• Distilleries
• Wineries
• Cideries
• Meaderies
• And more!

Buyer registration is now open - click here to learn more and start the registration process.

Questions about the show? Contact Charsi Workman at (406) 444-5425 or charsi.workman@mt.gov.

The Montana Department of Agriculture is currently hiring a Chemist based in Bozeman. Applications will be accepted until August 10, 2019. Visit the Employment page for more info and other job openings with the Montana Department of Agriculture.

Hemp pests vary according to production type (grain, fiber, flower, etc.), whether the plants are grown indoors or outdoors, and where the plants are grown geographically. The pests included in this review are preliminary and based on the findings of other states, MDA staff, and professionals cited. 

Click here to view/download Pest Management Practices for Hemp Growers in Montana (.pdf format). 

Click here for more information on the Montana Department of Agriculture Hemp Program.

Click here for more information on pesticide usage in Montana.

The Montana Department of Agriculture proposes to amend and repeal rules related to pesticide registrations, worker protection standards, and the pesticide container and disposal program.  A public hearing will be held on July 30, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.

Click to view MAR Notice No. 4-19-261 in the 2019 MAR Issue No. 13 on pages 905 - 914. 

Helena, Mont. – With Summer in Montana kicking into high gear, farmers and ranchers are offering fresh, local produce, meats, and value-added foods at Farmers Markets throughout the state. Over 70 Farmers Markets are registered with the Montana Department of Agriculture for the 2019 season and a directory is available online at farmersmarkets.mt.gov. Montana Farmers Markets are community events that are well attended by locals and tourists alike, as many markets host food trucks, activities for kids and families, and craft vendors in addition to local agriculture stands.

Click to view the Montana Administrative Register, 2019 Issue No. 12.  MAR Notice No. 4-19-260, pertaining to apiary fees, is published on pages 782-784.  

A public hearing will be held on July 17, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. in Room 225 of the Scott Hart Bldg. at 302 N. Roberts, in Helena, MT.  Concerned persons may submit their comments before 5:00 p.m. on July 24, 2019.

Helena, Mont. – Visitors to the State Capitol, state employees and local food lovers now have another opportunity to pick up fresh, local produce, Made in Montana products, and other goods during the week. The Capitol Square Farmers Market, sponsored by Allegiance Benefit Plan Management, will officially kick off it’s third season Tuesday June 25^th from 2:30-6:30 pm in the Capitol south oval parking lot. Montana Department of Agriculture Director Ben Thomas will help kick things off by distributing reusable grocery bags to the first 50 attendees.

The Capitol Square Farmer’s Market will run every Tuesday (except holidays) from 2:30-6:30 pm. Those interested in being a vendor should contact Julia Gustafson, Capitol Square Market Manager at capitolsquarefarmersmarket@gmail.com.

The Montana Department of Agriculture’s mission is to protect producers and consumers, and to enhance and develop agriculture and allied industries. 

Helena, Mont. – The Montana Department of Agriculture is excited to announce that Christy Clark has accepted the division administrator position for the Department’s agricultural sciences division. Clark, a native of Choteau, has served as bureau chief of the Department’s agricultural development and marketing bureau since 2015.

Helena, Mont. – Over 100 Montana companies showcasing fresh produce, meats, foods, coffees, teas and more will be on full display at the Montana Department of Agriculture’s 3^rd Annual Montana Food Show, slated for September 27, 2019 at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse in Bozeman. The show will run from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and be open to both professional buyers and the public.

“We’ve been grateful to partner with and showcase Montana’s food companies at the Montana Food Show, and we’re looking forward to the third edition of the event this fall,” said Director Ben Thomas. “Interest in the event has grown each year, and we expect this year to be our biggest show yet.”