Ag News and Brews

Published: 2022
By Kimberly Richardson

Ten interesting, needs and research-based topics, 10 proficient, expert-in-the-field speakers, seven authentic Bitterroot establishments, 260 enthusiastic participants, $5,500 profit for businesses in goods purchased, 200 topic-related trivia questions, 10 approved continuing education pesticide credits, and infinite, relevant stakeholder impacts. These are a few accomplishments reported from the new 'Ag News and Brews' program in Ravalli County. No one would have imagined that agricultural education could be this much fun and this well-received. The idea of bringing MSU Extension education to a more casual social setting was initiated in 2020 as a grassroots program before the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous MSU Extension agent Patrick Mangan’s successful pub series transformed to 'Ag News and Brews' in 2021 and 2022, and is slated to continue in 2023. For other Extension educators across the state and nation, Ag News and Brews is a program that can be implemented in any community with any program, anytime. This program’s success and popularity is based on its format of providing a unique educational experience for attendees with the added benefit of supporting and frequenting community businesses during their slower, less busy winter months. Ag News and Brews offers existing MSU Extension clientele opportunities to attend programs in a season when time is more flexible for farming and ranching schedules. Another important feature of the Ag News and Brews program is that it encouraged engagement with new Extension constituents in an environment that is less rigid and intimidating than traditional classroom settings. Participants expressed increased interest in the featured topics and felt more confident in their interactions with the presenter and other participants. Speakers expressed their satisfaction with the program’s format and requested a return appearance.