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The Montana Department of Agriculture manages more than 30 programs, from marketing and business development to licensing and regulating activities to protecting agricultural producers, consumers and the environment. Explore our featured programs below, or use the main menu to browse all MDA programs and services.

Montana Agriculture Resiliency Program Grant - Information

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Program Grant Information

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MT Ag Resiliency Program updates

Additional information and application guidelines will be posted soon.

 

Raising Wheat and Barley in Montana video linkMontana Wheat and Barley Video Series

Get a glimpse into what it takes to raise world-class commodities like wheat, barley, and pulse crops through this new video series brought to you by the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee, Montana Pulse Crop Committee, and Specialty Crop Block Program. From planting to harvest, you can check in with Montana farmers in fields across the Big Sky State throughout this year’s growing season.

To see Montana wheat and barley checkoff dollars at work, head over to the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee’s Virtual Experience webpage and check out all of their videos that are being shared with prospective buyers around the world!

 

Computer Based Testing Now Available for Montana Pesticide Applicators

The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) is providing a new opportunity for pesticide applicators to take exams online through the Metro Insititute Centers. 

"We are excited to provide Montana's applicators with a new opportunity to take their tests online," said Rory Ruffner, Pesticide Licensing, Registration & Training Program Manager at Montana Department of Agriculture. "The Department aims to provide services that are efficient and easy to use and this new online option does exactly that. The challenges of the last year have shown that our applicators are willing to utilize technology and see it as a solution that can help them succeed."

The exams are computer-based and allow for instant exam results and analysis. The cost for online exams taken through Metro Institute is $58. MDA will continue to proctor tests in person and applicators are encouraged to work with staff at their local MDA Field Office to arrange a testing time. 

Click here to sign up for an online pesticide exam through Metro Institute.  Currently testing facilities are available in Great Falls, Missoula, Bozeman, Butte, Helena, and Glendive with more cities to be added in the near future.

COVID-19 RESPONSE

WorkingFromHome

In order to protect our staff and the public, most of the Montana Department of Agriculture’s staff are currently working from home, but can still be reached during normal business hours. The department is conducting in-person business by appointment only. Per the Governor's Directive, masks or face coverings are required for individuals ages five and older in counties with four or more confirmed and active cases of COVID-19.

In order to streamline your request, please consider using the “I want To” tab to find out who to contact directly, view our staff directory, or email your question to agr@mt.gov.

The latest COVID-19 information and resources are available at https://covid19.mt.gov/. Please call 1-888-333-0461 or email covid19info@mt.gov.

Click to view Interim Guidance from the CDC and US Dept. of Labor for Agricultural Workers and Employers. More information related to COVID-19 is available here.

In the Spotlight...

Invasive Mussels Found in Aquarium Moss Balls Sold in Montana

8 Mar 2021
Invasive Mussels Found in Aquarium Moss Balls Sold in Montana

Customers asked to dispose of moss balls properly

Invasive zebra mussels found another avenue for potential infestation of Montana waters. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks was notified Wednesday that zebra mussels were detected in aquarium moss balls sold at a pet store in Washington state. FWP immediately checked pet stores around Montana and found invasive mussels in moss balls at multiple locations.  

It appears these moss balls were imported from Ukraine to a distributor in California and were shipped to pet stores nationwide. The facility that imports the moss balls has been quarantined and all shipments of moss balls have been stopped.  

A moss ball is a species of green algae that is formed into a ball and is 2 to 5 inches in diameter. Moss balls are purchased for home aquariums to help absorb harmful nutrients in the water and limit the growth of undesirable algae. 

All of the mussels detected in Montana so far have been dead shells. However, live mussels were found on moss balls in Oregon and Idaho. 

FWP is working closely with other states and Federal agencies to address this nation-wide issue.   

If you have recently purchased moss balls, remove them from the water, place them in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer overnight. Additional guidance for addressing potential mussels in aquariums and how to treat tank water will be available soon. Please don’t dispose of your aquarium tank water in your household drain.  

This is another reminder to never dump aquarium tank pets, plants, or water into Montana’s waterways.  

  • It is illegal to release fish and other aquarium pets into natural waterways. If you can’t keep your pet, find someone else who can adopt it, turn it in to a pet store or humane society, or euthanize it. 

  • Aquarium plants can impact native aquatic plant and animal species. Let unwanted plants dry and then dispose in the garbage.  

  • Aquarium water can harbor pathogens and diseases. Dispose of tank water on the ground away from waterways.  

Visit Don’t Let It Loose  https://www.dontletitloose.com/ 

If you have any questions call the Aquatic Invasive species hotline: 406-444-2440. 

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  • 8 March 2021
  • Author: Bay, Chelsi
  • Number of views: 388
  • Comments: 0
Categories: NewsNatural ResourcesNoxious WeedsPestsMDA Press Releases
Tags: invasive species invasive mussels zebra mussels
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Welcome!Mike Foster Portrait

Here at the Montana Department of Agriculture, we are honored to support the state’s #1 industry. With over 30 programs ranging from market and business development to licensing and regulating services that protect agricultural producers, consumers and the environment, our website features an abundance of information. We encourage you to explore our programs and contact us if you have ideas about how to improve our department, our services, or our website.

Department Contact Information

Main Phone: (406) 444-3144
Email: Agr@mt.gov
Fax: (406) 444-5409

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Montana Department of Agriculture

 

Montana Department of Agriculture
Phone : (406) 444-3144
E-mail : agr@mt.gov
Fax : (406) 444-5409
302 N Roberts
Helena, MT 59601

Montana Ag by the Numbers

In a state where cattle outnumber people, agriculture is our business. In fact, it is Montana’s number one industry and growing.

$4.6

Billion Industry

26,900

Farms & Ranches

58

Million Acres

1

State Rank in
Organic Wheat
Production