Agriculture

Published: 2022
By Jessica Murray

Beaverhead County farmers and ranchers must be cautious of high nitrate concentrations in their feed. Barley, oats, and triticale were the most common nitrate-accumulating small grains grown in the county. This year in Beaverhead County MSU Extension, 187 nitrate tests were conducted. Using the information from these tests, livestock producers could decide the class of livestock and the ration to be fed. This year was especially important for producers to test for nitrates as drought conditions heightened nitrate accumulations. The Noxious Weed Seed Free Forage (NWSFF) program is vital to maintain the ecological integrity of our public lands. Eight returning growers and two new growers participated in the NWSFF program by having 350 acres of forage inspected. With more than 125,000 beef cattle and 13,100 sheep, animal agriculture is one of the largest economic drivers in Beaverhead County. The Southwest Montana Stockmen’s Association (SWMSA) and Beaverhead County Livestock Protective Committee (LPC) partner with Beaverhead County MSU Extension to provide resources for ranchers. The LPC generates funds from local livestock producers to safeguard the animal agriculture industry in Beaverhead County. The SWMSA provides a forum for producers to learn about legislation, rules, and regulations affecting their operation. This association of roughly 65 ranches and agricultural businesses meets twice yearly to discuss the latest ranching challenges and triumphs. This year, members of the association continued to spearhead efforts to release the Hidden Pasture Wilderness Study area in Beaverhead County. The Beaverhead County Wool Pool gathered wool this April. Fifteen producers from Beaverhead County shipped 6,972 pounds of wool to Billings to be sold. Also this year, wool pool members visited with folks from the MSU Wool lab and MSU Sheep Extension Specialist Brent Roeder. 4-H members interested in wool products showed up to help and learned how to measure microns and test for moisture in wool bales.