Tribal Producer Outreach

Published: 2022
By Liz Werk

Drought and livestock feed management continued to challenge Fort Belknap producers during 2022. Fort Belknap MSU Extension responded to emergency needs with one-on-one consultations, community and tribal meetings, and local workshops. As a result of the 2021 weekly drought meetings, the need for a drought mitigation management plan became an important agenda item. The Fort Belknap Tribal Land department took the lead in producing a Drought Mitigation Management Plan. Local producers, tribal programs, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and MSU Extension are providing important input in creating a progressive plan for future drought management. Along with the Drought Mitigation Management Plan, Fort Belknap MSU Extension has assisted local producers, landowners, and tribal natural resource programs in starting a Fort Belknap Conservation District. Board members have been elected and 3-year goals have been created. Local producers also participated in the week-long USDA Producer Education Conference, “Farming and Ranching: What does the future hold” in Billings in June. USDA and FSA assistance programs, small business assistance, grazing management, cattle market projections, drought assistance and preparedness, and local meat processing were some of the topics covered. This conference is part of a two-year USDA program grant, with a partnership with Fort Peck Community College and four Montana Indian Reservations. One-on-one consultations and virtual workshops occurred throughout the year, consisting of drought responses and resources, and application training and support for agriculture loans and assistance. Fort Belknap MSU Extension assisted youth producers and new producers with the Montana Department of Agriculture Rural Assistance Loans and Junior Agricultural Loans. Producers who continued to seek additional information related to their current needs were provided with unbiased information that aided in a solution.