In March, Montana Farmers Union members and staff attended the 118th national Farmers Union Convention in Savannah, GA. More than 500 Farmers Union members from across the country convened. The delegation elected Rob Larew to succeed Roger Johnson as president and re-elected Patty Edelburg to serve as NFU vice president. “The reason for Farmers Union’s longstanding success — and the

A group of individuals and organizations from across Montana, led by Montana State University Extension, are collaborating to provide resources and solutions for farmers and ranchers under stress. “We know from various research that there is a high level of stress in life, specifically among farmers and ranchers in rural areas like Montana,” said Michelle Grocke, health and wellness specialist

penhaver. Delegates representing Montana included Jeri Copenhaver, Helena; Tyce Erickson, Dutton; Lilly Green, Great Falls; Kirby Hancock, Bozeman; Cory Kelly, Chester; Paul Neubauer, Havre; Maggie Shane, Floweree; Walter Schweitzer, Geyser; Will Downs, Molt; and Jan Tusick, Polson. Each year, MFU takes a youth delegate to expose them to the policy making process and provide a voice for the

to suicide prevention best practices — we can start some crucial conversations about mental health in rural Montana, reduce stigma and save lives.” Darla Tyler-McSherry, a member of the Montana Farm/Ranch Stress Prevention Advisory Council and director of student health at Montana State University Billings, said goals for the website include bringing attention to the issue of suicide in

U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced that the Small Business Administration declared an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration for 30 Montana counties in response to the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus, which will provide much-needed economic support for Montana’s main street businesses. The affected counties are: Flathead, Gallatin, Missoula, Sheridan, Silver Bow, Wheatland,

Governor Steve Bullock announced a set of directives and guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and protect vulnerable Montanans Sunday, including closing of public K-12 schools, social distancing measures and limiting visitation at nursing home facilities. Bullock has directed Montana’s public K-12 schools to close starting on Monday, March 16, and remain closed through March 27.

Region 6 Fish, Wildlife and Parks offices are open. However, due to the “social distancing” measures that are being taken, expect to abide by the following: If you can, please use the internet to buy your licenses and apply for permits. This way, there is no social interaction necessary. If you feel ill or have any symptoms, respect our staff and others by not entering an FWP building. Call 228-3700

Attorney General Tim Fox announced Monday, Feb. 3, he has filed a lawsuit against the McKesson Corporation and Cardinal Health, Inc., two leading distributors of narcotic opioids, for their alleged role in the opioid crisis. “Opioids have had a particularly acute impact on rural areas throughout the country, including Montana. As the two largest wholesale opioid distributors in the state, McKesson

The 67th annual National Hard Spring Wheat Show will be held this year at the Williston Area Recreation Center on Feb. 13. This year’s program will feature topics of interest to local wheat producers, including an update on NDSU wheat breeding, small grain disease, agronomy updates, pigweed, specifically Palmer Amaranth and Waterhemp identification and management and soil pH. Market and weather