News

The Montana Department of Revenue has begun the process to make licenses available for recreational marijuana cultivation and sale by October 1, 2021, following the recent voter approval of Initiative 190. 

Under the new law, the department will license and regulate the cultivation, transportation and sale of marijuana and marijuana-infused products, will inspect premises where marijuana is cultivated or sold, and will collect the 20 percent tax on the retail sales of the products. 

Only currently licensed providers in the Montana Medical Marijuana Program may apply for the new non-medical licenses for the first 12 months they are available. 

Anyone interested in receiving updates on the department’s activities related to I-190 can sign up with the department at MTRevenue.gov/Marijuana. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a primary agricultural disaster designation for Roosevelt and Sheridan counties in Montana.  

Daniels, McCone, Richland, and Velly countes were named as contiguous disaster counties.

Affected producers are encouraged to contact their local FSA offices for more information. The designated counties were listed in the attached letter to Governor Steve Bullock.  Additional information on USDA’s disaster assistance program, including county lists and maps, can be found at http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov.

The Montana Potato Advisory Committee will meet via Zoom on Monday, November 9th beginning at 10 a.m.

Please contact Dani Jones to receive information to join the meeting at (406) 444-2402 or danielle.jones@mt.gov.

For more Information regarding the Potato advisory Committee, visit the webpage, here.  

The Montana Pulse Crop Advisory Committee will meet via Zoom on Tuesday, November 17th beginning at 9 a.m.

Please contact Dani Jones to receive information to join the meeting at (406) 444-2402 or danielle.jones@mt.gov.

For more Information regarding the Potato advisory Committee, visit the webpage, here.  

The application cycle for Tourism Grants is now open. The 2021 application cycle will accept applications from eligible entities from October 15 - November 30, 2020.

The Tourism Grant Program funds projects that strengthen Montana’s economy through the development and enhancement of Montana’s tourism and recreation industry. A total of $750,000 is available for projects that develop and enhance tourism and recreation products that have the potential to increase non-resident visitation.

Click here to learn more or to apply for a grant.

The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) has postponed the 2021 Young Ag Couples Conference due to health risks posed by the coronavirus public health crisis.

The 2022 conference will be held in mid-January in Helena. To qualify, couples should be actively engaged in agriculture or agribusiness. Participants are usually nominated by Montana agriculture organizations, but those interested in attending the conference in 2022, or learning more about the conference can view updates on the conference’s Facebook page or contact Dani Jones at (406) 444-2402 or by email at danielle.jones@mt.gov.

Governor Steve Bullock today announced $4.2 million in additional funds have been awarded through the Montana Meat Processing Infrastructure Grant (MMPIG) program to aid small and medium-sized meat processors in responding to the COVID-19 crisis through the adaptation and advancement of meat processing infrastructure and capacity in Montana.

“The meat processing infrastructure grant program received an incredible amount of interest, which goes to show just how crucial these investments are for Montana,” Governor Bullock said. “Our hardworking producers need to have viable markets for selling their livestock. These grants allow meat processors to expand their capacity to meet increased demand for local meat and protect consumers from future supply chain disruptions.”

The grant program previously awarded $7.5 million to 62 different processors across the state in early August, making the total awards for meat processing nearly $12 million.

Click here to view the full MT Meat Processing Infrastructure Program award recipient list.

The Montana Department of Agriculture would like to remind producers that the Hay Hotline, an online portal where they can donate, buy or sell hay, as well as pasture available or pasture wanted, is available. This online tool can be especially helpful for those responding to damages from recent wildfires.
The department maintains the Hay Hotline as a service to the agricultural industry, making it available with the expectation that all buyers and sellers will treat each other in an equitable and lawful manner. 

Click here to access the Hay Hotline. Please call (406) 444-2402 with any questions.

The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) is currently recruiting for open positions on its Noxious Weed Seed Free Forage Advisory Council. The following council terms are currently vacant:

• Certified Weed Seed Free Forage Producer (Eastern Region)
• Certified Weed Seed Free Forage Producer (Any Region)
• Outfitter’s or Guide’s Organization
• Certified Weed Seed Free Forage Producer (Central Region)
• Western County Weed District Representative
• Eastern County Weed District Representative
• Forage Product Processor

Click here to visit the NWSFF Advisory Council website and apply.

Stephen M. Vantassel, Vertebrate Pest Specialist, for the Montana Department of Agriculture is presenting a no-cost webinar entitled Vertebrate Pests and Human Health on September 30^th at 12:00 and 6:00pm. This 1 CE hour-long training will discuss the threats posed by vertebrate animals to human-health and safety and will provide some tips for mitigating those threats. Preregistration is required.

To preregister or to learn more about available trainings visit https://mtplants.mt.gov/PesticideApplicator/MeetingSearch.aspx.

Select the 32 - Vertebrate Pest category under the Webinar meeting type.

For additional information on vertebrate pests visit https://agr.mt.gov/Topics/Vertebrate-Pests