A fight over a beef promotion program saw boisterous debate in a Senate Agricultural Committee meeting last week. House Bill 119, brought by House Speaker Rep. Brandon Ler, would create the Montana Cattle Committee, which would run what’s called a “checkoff program,” or promotion program for a specific product, in this case Montana beef. Perhaps the most famous checkoff program was

Montana farmers are worried about being whipsawed in a trade war as the United States trades tariffs on farm products with China, Canada and Mexico. Wheat and lentil exports are likely to face tougher markets in the coming year as tariffs erode favorable trade terms in Canada and China, producers told Montana Free Press in mid-March. The current trade war is in some ways similar to a 2018

A bill in the Legislature would offer free school breakfast and lunch to all students who qualify for reduced meals. Supporters say it would offer critical help for children as grocery prices increase and food security becomes scarcer for families. Kim Popham, director of Public Policy and Research for the Montana Federation of Public Employees, urged the House Education Committee to support

St. Anthony’s Catholic Church of Culbertson is hosting its final Friday Fish Fry of the season March 28. Wild caught Alaskan pollock is on offer, along with a quilt raffle and prizes. Prices vary for adults and children ages 6-11. All proceeds go to the Culbertson Knights of Columbus. Take out is also available. For more information, contact Mark Ellerkamp at 406787-6178.

Director Jillien Streit and the Agriculture Development Council have announced recipients of the state’s $915,360 investment in innovative, value- added agriculture projects through the Montana Department of Agriculture’s Growth Through Agriculture program. The winners included Bainville Meats with a $17,500 grant for “State Certification Expansion.” From Opheim to Stevensville,

Wolf Point High School senior Jack Bow has been selected for the East/West Shrine Spirit Squad this year. The East 19-person squad also features Malta’s Josslyn Hoge, Malta’s Danika Wilke, Westby’s Brian Bahny-Huffman, Shepherd’s Isabelle Desmarais and Shepherd’s Brylinn Olstad. There are five students from Great Falls High School o the squad. The Montana Shrine Game is the premier

The Lustre Lions opened their track season with an indoor meet in Williston, N.D., on Saturday, March 22. Lustre’s girls placed third in the team standings with 51 points while Lustre’s boys took fourth with 58 points. Lauryn Holzrichter led Lustre’s girls with second-place efforts in the triple jump and 60-meter hurdles. Sidney Klatt finished second in the 1600. The 800-meter relay

Paddlefish anglers will see a host of new changes in the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks 2025 fishing regulations targeted at maximizing paddlefishing opportunities, while also looking to sustain the fishery for years to come. Among the major changes to this year’s paddlefish regulations are that hooks must be barbless or pinched and only one treble hook per line is allowed for snagging.

Don’t wait to apply for deer and elk permits. The application deadline is April 1. Hunters can buy licenses and apply for permits on the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ website; click on “Buy and Apply.” Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks offers several tools to help hunters navigate the application process. The application process is different for residents and nonresidents, but FWP