Outreach
The Montana Department of Agriculture conducts education and outreach to connect Montanans with ag-related programs, services and information. Browse our outreach-related programs and services below, and visit a program page for detailed information.
Agriculture in the Classroom
Provides schools and communities with opportunities to learn about agriculture
Seeks to instill appreciation for local agriculture and food production
Timely, accurate, and integrated standards-based curriculum on Montana agriculture through "hands on, minds on" activities
Offers curriculum materials on pollinators, noxious weeds, rangelands, invasive species, and garden science
Online resources for teachers and students
Ag Mediation
Available for producers, their creditors (as applicable), and other persons directly affected by actions of the USDA involving:
Agricultural credit
Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) wetland determinations
Compliance with Farm Programs, including conservation programs
Rural Development water and waste loans
Grazing on National Forest System lands
USDA-related pesticide issues
Rural Development housing or business loans
Risk Management Agency crop insurance issues
Agricultural Development & Marketing Bureau
Responsible for market enhancement and development through direct market development activities, grants, seed capital loan investments in new and innovative products or processes, marketing, and product development
Assists individuals, businesses, industries, and regional economic development organizations with ag-related business development planning, project coordination, legal and regulatory assistance, and other services
Programs and staff focus on business start-up and expansion, as well as business recruitment and relocation projects
Submit your business information to the MDA Ag Business Directory to receive updates from MDA business development staff on exciting marketing and sales opportunities for you to consider.
Export Assistance
Export certification assistance to assure that commodities and plant material meet the phytosanitary requirements of importing states and countries
MDA’s International Marketing Office works hand-in-hand with businesses to:
Provide training on entering international markets
Develop personalized export plans
Organize trade missions
International trade show assistance
As a member of the Western U.S. Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA), we provide valuable trade contacts and market research
Produce Safety Program
The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA, often pronounced "fizz-ma") was signed into law on January 4, 2011
FSMA authorizes the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take a preventative approach to food safety
In 2016 MDA established a new Food Safety Program to assist farmers with the FSMA.
The MDA Food Safety Program offers trainings and assistance to producers.
Internships
MDA offers a variety of internships for students enrolled in an accredited college or university
Includes all public, private, community, vo-tech and Native American institutions of higher learning
Most internships occur during the months of April to September
Length varies, depending on the project that needs to be completed and the time frame required
Positions are located statewide
Most are paid positions
Marketing Assistance
The Agricultural Marketing & Business Development Bureau is responsible for market enhancement and development throughDirect market development activities
Grants and seed capital loan investments in new and innovative products or processes
Marketing and product development
Assistance with ag-related business development planning, project coordination, legal and regulatory assistance, and other services
Programs and staff focused on business start-up and expansion, as well as business recruitment and relocation projects
Tap into new markets and connect to industry groups and trade shows
Support for international trade efforts
Montana State University Extension
MSU Extension improves the lives of Montana citizens by providing unbiased research-based education and information that integrates learning, discovery and engagement to strengthen the social, economic and environmental well-being of individuals, families, and communities
Local offices throughout Montana
Program areas include:Youth development
Crops and livestock
Community
Family and home
Yard and garden
Energy
Montana Wheat & Barley Committee
The producer-funded and directed checkoff organization for wheat and barley growers in the state
Established in 1967, the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee promotes research, marketing and education for the benefit of Big Sky producers living, working and growing here in the Last Best Place
View updated crop info, learn about grain quality and production, and find export and transportation details
Awards grants for research, marketing, education and transportation projects
Program staff are dedicated to providing timely, quality service to the producers who are the ultimate owners of this program
Farmers Markets
Find markets throughout Montana with the FarmersMarketMT.com or using our interactive map
Learn about the valuable role markets play in promoting healthy communities and local economies
Federal and state programs that provide funding assistance for Farmers Market activities
Frequently Asked Questions about Farmers Markets
Publications and resources for those interested in starting a Farmers Market and for current market masters looking for assistance
Learn about SNAP, WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition programs
Noxious Weeds
Resources and assistance for the management of state- and county-listed noxious weeds
The Noxious Weed Trust Fund Grant Program provides up to $75,000 per grant to battle invasive weeds
The Noxious Weed Seed-Free Forage program provides inspections and certification of forage products such as hay, pellets, and straw to prevent new infestations
Stop aquatic weeds from threatening the ecological integrity of Montana's rivers and lakes
Find information about biological weed controls
Connect with the Montana Noxious Weed Education Campaign at www.weedawareness.org
Organic Certification
Learn how to be Certified Organic
Find application and reporting forms
Resources to assist organic businesses, including videos, links and publications
The latest national and regional organic news, including market updates
Learn about the Organic Advisory Council
Connections to organic research
Pesticide Outreach & Education
The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) approves all trainings for pesticide applicators and dealers regardless of location and license type. Generally, over 400 trainings are approved for Continuing Education Credits (CEs) each year. Some are sponsored by MDA, many are sponsored by industry, professional organizations, online training institutions, universities, and more.
Statistics
Find overview statistics on agriculture in Montana, the state's leading industry
Information on horticultural production, organic production, and pulse production
More data and info available from the Montana Field Office of the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)
Vertebrate Pest Info
The Vertebrate Pest Program provides the agricultural community and the general public with info on the management and control of many vertebrate species that sometimes damage crops, yards and gardens
Department specialists are available to provide information and demonstrations of management techniques
The program publishes regular bulletins with information about specific vertebrate pests and how to use various types of application equipment and products
Requests for presentations to groups are encouraged
MTPlants Online Services
The Montana Department of Agriculture is pleased to announce the launch of our new online database, MTPlants
As of May 2016, MTPlants is enabled for Feed License and Product Registration, Seed License and Assessment, and Pesticide Product Registration programs
By November 2016, we will be adding Fertilizer Licensing and Product Registration, and Pesticide Licensing
Industry users can conduct business online, such as renewing and printing licenses, reporting assessments, and paying for services
You can pay by credit card, debit card or eCheck and a receipt will be emailed to you
You will be able to print your license(s) and product renewals after successful completion of the payment process and anytime throughout the year
Grown in Montana
The Grown in Montana provides marketing and promotional support for homegrown products
We may be famous for Montana beef and grain…but that isn’t all we grow here
Today you can find any number of locally grown products to fill your pantry and prepare your meals
Then again, not everything we grow here is meant to be eaten - you can knit up a sweater with home grown wool, plant some flowers and trees, and then wash up with some goat’s milk soap