Northern Ag Network

05/29/2026

This week, we attended the Montana Stockgrowers Association MidYear Meeting in Great Falls. We enjoyed hearing from industry speakers, participating in committee meetings and connecting with producers from across the state.

From educational sessions and policy discussions to the Sunset Banquet and networking opportunities, it was a great event, and we’re already looking forward to the next one.

05/29/2026

“Agriculture is Montana’s number one industry,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Across our state, Montana’s farmers and ranchers are making new investments and finding innovative ways to meet demand for our world-class products.”

BIG SANDY, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte continued his annual 56 County Tour, highlighting ag producers along the Hi-Line. “Agriculture is Montana’s number one industry,” Gov. Gianforte said.

05/29/2026

Here's a sneak peek at Episode 2 of the Next Year Country Podcast!

MSU Extension Sheep Specialist Brent Roeder joins the show to discuss the future of Montana's sheep industry, the new MSU Wool Lab and opportunities for producers.

Be sure to tune in, subscribe and follow along for the full conversation.

05/29/2026

A new facility at Montana State University could help shape the future of Montana's sheep industry.

The latest episode of Next Year Country explores how MSU's new Wool Lab is advancing research, education and market opportunities while creating new possibilities for sheep producers across the region.

Tune in to learn how this investment is helping strengthen the sheep industry from the ground up.

This week on Next Year Country, Colton Young, Colter Brown, and Andy Schwab sit down with Montana State University Extension Sheep Specialist Brent Roeder to talk about the future of the sheep industry and the grand opening of MSU’s new wool lab. The conversation also covers wool and lamb markets,...

05/29/2026

Have you Dyer's Woad, Palmer Amaranth, or Rush Skeletonweed in Montana? Josh Wagoner and Amber Burch tell us about efforts to stop the spread of noxious weeds.

05/28/2026

The Surface Transportation Board accepted the merger application from the railroads but paused proceedings by asking for more information on competition, service reliability, and potential effects on agriculture and rural freight movement.

Federal regulators have cleared an important procedural hurdle for the proposed $71.5 billion merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, but the deal now faces additional delays as officials…

05/28/2026

A legal challenge by a coalition in Montana is drawing opposite opinions among ag groups. At the heart of the challenge is the use of exempt wells in the Treasure State as residential developers have used the loophole in new developing new subdivisions. The ag groups want to protect senior water rights, however, the differences arise in the possible outcome of the lawsuit with Montana Stockgrowers saying they would rather find reform in legislative action while Montana Farm Bureau Federation wants to see change from the legal challenge.

05/27/2026

We’re excited to announce that sponsorships are now open for the 4th Annual For the Farmers Tour (2026).Each year, this tour continues to grow bringing us closer to the producers, families, and communities that make Montana agriculture so special.

Locations:
July 21 - Great Falls
July 23 - Conrad
Week of August 24 (date TBD) - Culbertson

If your organization cares about showing up in a meaningful way, we’d love to have you join us.
Let’s connect!

05/27/2026

The ongoing discussion surrounding exempt wells continues to draw attention from agricultural organizations, water users, and policymakers across Montana.

In this opinion piece, attorney and rancher Hertha Lund discusses concerns surrounding exempt wells, the permitting process, and the protection of senior water rights under Montana law.

In a recent Op-Ed published in the Northern Ag Network, the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) affirmed the importance of protecting senior water rights. But that position seems at odds with MSGA’s pursuit of a legislative remedy that seeks to enlarge the exemption and allow exempt wells to b...

05/27/2026

The American Sheep Industry recently conducted a producer survey to help shape the association’s new five-year strategic plan. During the discussion, Alison Crane, Executive Director of the Wyoming Wool Growers, highlighted several major challenges currently impacting the sheep industry, including proposed reforms to the Endangered Species Act, ongoing labor shortages, and concerns over imported lamb exceeding quota levels.