Hill County Agriculture Highlights

Published: 2022
By Colleen Pegar

Agriculture on the Hi-Line suffered through a drought-laden year in 2022. The lack of winter moisture had most producers questioning what to plant this spring and when the moisture was still absent in the spring, producers planted in hopes that something would grow. Rains came this summer, but the crops were already starting to mature. Overall, Hill County experienced almost a 40% reduction in potential forage growth for the year. Water for crops, livestock, and water quality will be the main topic of conversation for many years to come. Livestock producers are downsizing herds and hoping the winter will restock reservoirs, dirt tanks and dugouts. The cropping seminar in January was well attended and touched on managing grain pests, cropping varieties, and agriculture law. The highlight of the seminar was having Montana Department of Ag’s Cort Jensen talk about the complications arising from out-of-state people buying land in Montana without understanding things like water rights and boundary lines. Agriculture in Hill County is always adapting and hopefully, this winter and spring will bring much need moisture to replenish the soil and grow bountiful crops.