WASHINGTON, April 19, 2019 – Representatives from 49 U.S. agribusinesses and farm organizations will join Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Administrator Ken Isley on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) first-ever trade mission to Taipei, Taiwan, April 22-25. Participating businesses include Whistling Andy Distilling from Bigfork, Montana.

The Montana Department of Agriculture is currently hiring an Accountant based in Helena. Applications will be accepted until April 29, 2019. Visit the Employment page for more info and other job openings with the Montana Department of Agriculture.

Helena, Mont. - The Montana Department of Agriculture and Noxious Weed Management Advisory Council has awarded over $1.79 million for the development and implementation of noxious weed management programs across Montana. The grants, which were awarded in March, assist counties, conservation districts, local communities, tribes, researchers and educators in efforts to combat noxious weeds in Montana. 

58 local cooperative projects were funded at a total of $1,247,871 or 70% of all dollars awarded. Twelve research projects were funded at $309,380 and 11 educational projects were awarded $234,591. Combined research and educational projects were awarded a total of $543,971 or 30% of all funding available.

The Montana Department of Agriculture is currently hiring a Plant Science Specialist based in Helena. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. Visit the Employment page for more info and other job openings with the Montana Department of Agriculture.

Helena, Mont. – USDA’s National Agricultural Statistic Service today released the 2017 Census of Agriculture, highlighting several key data points important to Montana’s agriculture industry. Montana’s report can be found here.

“The Census of Agriculture is an important tool for both producers and policy makers,” said Montana Department of Agriculture Director Ben Thomas. “While the report shows that Montana farmers have taken a big hit in farm income over the last 5 years, it also shows that our producers aren’t taking those hits lying down, as they continue to diversify and adopt new practices to make their operations more resilient.”

Double SNAP Dollars stretch the value of SNAP benefits so SNAP participants can afford more fruits and vegetables. At the same time, these SNAP dollars support Montana farmers and communities. Farmers Market Managers can find new promotional materials to help create awareness on the Double SNAP Dollars Program Materials page on the Farmers Market Portal, or refer to www.doubledollarsmt.com for program details.

For more info, contact Kim Gilchrist, Double SNAP Dollar Program Manager, at kim@missoulacfac.org or (406) 926-1004.

Helena, Mont. – With a compressed spring planting schedule and an increased fertilizer delivery demand facing farmers across Montana, Governor Bullock yesterday signed an executive order temporarily exempting certain carriers from hours of service regulations. The order pertains only to carriers actively involved in transporting anhydrous ammonia and other fertilizers.

The executive order requires that carriers and commercial drivers operate their commercial motor vehicles in a safe and prudent manner, and that “hours of service” requirements must be followed if a driver needs immediate rest. The order will expire at midnight on June 6^th, 2019.

The executive order can be found here.

Click here for questions, answers and updates from the FDA on the regulation of hemp and other cannabis-derived products, and visit the Montana Department of Agriculture Hemp page for more information on regulations and licensing in Montana.

(WASHINGTON, D.C., April 4, 2019) – The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will release the 2017 Census of Agriculture results on Thursday, April 11, at noon ET. The full Census report will include millions of data points, including number of farms, land in farms, total value of production, demographics, and more at the national, state, and county levels.

(WASHINGTON, D.C., April 3, 2019) – Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched two new features on farmers.gov to help customers manage their farm loans and navigate the application process for H2A visas.

(Washington, D.C., April 1, 2019) – Spring is a popular time to move, but unfortunately, people aren’t the only ones on the move. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today signed a national proclamation (PDF, 579 KB) to declare April “Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month,” during a critical time when damaging invasive species known as Hungry Pests emerge and can be easily spread in the things people pack and move, such as outdoor items like grills, gardening equipment, wading pools and bicycles or patio furniture.

Are you looking for a thriving market to grow your food and agricultural exports?

Join the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on a trade mission to Bogota, June 4-7, 2019, and learn how the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (CTPA) is opening doors, creating new opportunities and helping U.S. ag exports flourish to record levels.

Helena, Mont. – After receiving significant interest from producers and stakeholders throughout the state, Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Ben Thomas announced today that nine individuals have been appointed to the Montana Hemp Advisory Committee.

“We are grateful that so many folks were interested in serving on the Hemp Advisory Committee, and the selection process wasn’t easy,” said Director Thomas. “The appointees represent Montana hemp growers both large and small, and also reflect the diverse growing regions of Montana’s ag industry. I look forward to working with the committee to shape the future of Montana’s hemp industry.”

WASHINGTON, March 14, 2019 – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture joins the nation in celebrating National Ag Day, which highlights agriculture’s crucial role in everyday life, and honors the farmers, foresters, scientists, producers and many others who contribute to America’s bountiful harvest. As part of this effort, USDA is launching a new Youth and Agriculture website to connect young people and youth-serving organizations with Department-wide resources that engage, empower, and educate the next generation of agricultural leaders.

WASHINGTON, March 13, 2019 -- In a continuing effort to help Americans make healthy food choices, and in honor of National Nutrition Month®, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced a new campaign to help simplify the nutrition information that surrounds us each day.