Following last year’s record-breaking drought there’s plenty of uncertainty heading into this year’s growing season. This week Senator Jon Tester asked Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack for an update on when producers can expect to see $10 billion Federal Disaster Relief Funds passed last fall.
Gov. Gianforte Invites Sec. Vilsack Ahead Of Wildfire Season
Governor Greg Gianforte has invited U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to Montana to develop a plan to address the state’s wildland fire risk and forest health issues. According to the governor this could build off the adjustments to forest management already made.
Senator Tester Calls For Halt Of Brazilian Beef Shipments To U.S.
Cattle producers are trying to close the U.S. trade door on Brazilian beef over concerns about the disease-detecting ability of the Brazilian government’s meat inspection service. Livestock groups are calling for Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to band fresh Brazilian beef until meet testing is proven reliable. Senator Jon Tester agree...
USDA To Invest In Rural Montana’s Energy Infrastructure
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will invest $139,000 to build or improve renewable energy infrastructure in Montana to help ag producers and rural businesses lower energy costs and reduce energy loads. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack on the benefits of investing in climate-smart infrastructure in rural areas. https://northernbroadcasti...
Wildland Firefighters Receive Weather Break And Pay Raise
Firefighters got some relief Tuesday as a cold front knocked temperatures 20 degrees below normal in Western Montana. According to the National Weather Service at least a half-inch of rain is expected along much of the Continental Divide with more cool weather extending through today or even into Thursday. That could be followed by two more co...
Montana Representatives Push USDA For Additional Relief
Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester along with Congressman Matt Rosendale continue to urge U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to provide additional drought relief for Montana agricultural producers in counties that have not yet received any. Senator Daines re-emphasized these needs in an audio recording. https://northernbroa...
Rep. Rosendale Pushing For Emergency Funds To Eastern Counties
Montana currently has 31 counties eligible to receive emergency drought help. On Voices of Montana Wednesday Congressman and ranch owner Matt Rosendale expressed his desire for U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to approve these resources to the state’s eastern counties. https://northernbroadcasting.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/7-08_832....
Drought Disaster Declared In 31 Counties
The U.S. Department of Agriculture declared a drought disaster in 15 additional Montana counties Tuesday, bringing the number of counties in a declared disaster to 31 of Montana’s 56 counties. The declaration makes farms in the affected area eligible for emergency loans and other federal assistance. It comes after Governor Greg Gianforte...
Montana Representatives Request Federal Aid For Drought
There are calls across Montana for action to address its current extreme drought. Northern News Network’s Eric Young on recent actions by the treasure state’s representatives. https://northernbroadcasting.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/7-02_737.mp3
Tester’s Meat Packing Investigator Act Gains Support From Ag Secretary
Tuesday, Senator Jon Tester secured support from the Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack for his bipartisan Meat Packing Special Investigator Act which will create an Office of the Special Investigator for Competition Matters in the Department of Agriculture to investigate anti-competitive actions by meat packers and secure America’s food sec...