News

The  MDA Winter webinar trainings schedule is now available to help Montana pesticide applicators fulfill their continuing education requirements for their Montana pesticide license under the current COVID-19 situation. These trainings are being presented via Zoom and are free of charge. Each training will provide 1 CE per training* for the listed classifications (categories).   

• December 2, 2020: Pollinators
• December 9, 2020: Noxious Weeds
• December 10, 2020: Montana State Rodent Academy 
• December 16, 2020: Mode of Action

Click here to learn more and register in advance.

Montana oilseed growers will soon receive a ballot in the mail proposing a 1% checkoff for canola, flaxseed, mustard, safflower, soybeans, and sunflower crops. If passed, the Montana Oilseed Advisory Committee will advise the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) on how to invest the funds for research, market development, and education.

“The continued growth of oilseed production in Montana is a testament to the industry’s immense potential,” said MDA Director Ben Thomas. “We have seen how investments made through other checkoff programs, like pulse and wheat and barley, have successfully given Montana growers a competitive edge. I’m glad to see our oilseed producers are eager to advance their industry through research, market development, and education as well.”

Ballots were sent to growers this week and are due back to MDA by December 31, 2020. Any current producer of canola, flaxseed, mustard, soybeans, safflower, or sunflower, that did not receive a ballot can contact MDA to request one by phone at (406) 444-2402 or by email at agr@mt.gov.

Governor Steve Bullock today announced new public health measures to limit capacity in bars, restaurants, breweries, distilleries, and casinos, to limit public gatherings to 25 individuals where social distancing is not possible, and to require face coverings in all counties regardless of case count beginning on Friday, November 20 to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Montana. Governor Bullock also announced he would direct unspent Coronavirus Relief Funds to aid businesses impacted by the restrictions and provide $200 a week in additional unemployment benefits to Montanans for four weeks. 

Click here to read the full directive.

The Montana State Hail Board will meet virtually at 10:00 am on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 to review the 2020 hail year.

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

Click here to learn more about the Montana Hail Insurance Program.

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. 

When: December 2, 2020 @ 12:00 and 6:00

Topic: Pollinators

Presented by: Montana Department of Agriculture  

Please register in advance using the links provided below:

12:00 pm https://mt-gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OuiGOyK_TySJsU6pWMVsRA

6:00 pm https://mt-gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cayw3u4vS6aaL3fglq2A3w

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 Montana Wheat and Barley Committee (MWBC) Budget Meeting will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, December 2 & 3, 2020. 
The meeting will be held through a virtual format and will begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at 12:00 p.m. both days. To receive meeting information, please contact the MWBC office by phone at (406) 761-7732 or by email at wbc@mt.gov and provide your email address.

Click here to view the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee's website.