Comments on TPP

President Trump has been constantly pushing to address the trade issues the United States faces with multiple countries around the world.  It started just three days into his Presidency when he removed the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement.  President Trump said this move was aimed at protecting U.S. jobs. Most recently, it has been the trade-war brewing […]

2018 Farm Bill Draft Released by House

by Kayla Sargent A much anticipated draft of the 2018 Farm Bill was released by the House Ag Committee on Thursday afternoon. The committee announced the highlights of the farm bill with enthusiasm. “I’m excited to share our vision with the American people and eager for people to see the details of a proposal that offers people real hope and promise,” […]

“Boots on the Ground” in Washington D.C. ~ ELD on the Front Burner

by Kayla Sargent Over 200 cattlemen from across the nation convened in Washington D.C. last week for the NCBA 2018 Legislative Conference.  The forum provided the opportunity to have input on critical issues impacting the cattle industry. “Modernizing the Endangered Species Act and finding a permanent fix for electronic logging devices/hours of service rules were on the top of our agenda,” […]

Mother Nature Reminds Us Who’s Boss

by Kayla Sargent In the agricultural industry, we are accustomed to having to adapt to the challenges of uncontrollable variables. And we have become resilient in many ways. But when Mother Nature turns on her fury, it is nearly impossible to be prepared. Producers in Western Oklahoma are battling wildfires while ranchers in South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota and surrounding states […]

A Note from the Publisher…

I seldom address our readership in any other form than through my weekly column, Comments. However, this week is an exciting and transformational week at the Western Ag Reporter as we are pleased to introduce our new Editor, Kayla Sargent. Kayla’s fresh perspective, industriousness, and her knowledge of the industry has me beaming with excitement and optimism. Following her resignation last […]

Front Page Photo ~ 4/19/18

Thoughts from the Editor… Pleased to meet you; a bit about me

As the Western Ag Reporter undergoes recent changes, I am excited to introduce myself as the new Editor. Prepared with fresh, creative ideas and a new outlook, I believe this publication will continue to serve you and grow as a trusted agricultural news source. Originating from a fifth-generation Montana ranch, I have a real connection to the agriculture industry. Knowing exactly what […]

These Ranchers Need Your Comments…

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is asking for the public’s help in determining what they should analyze as they consider proposed changes to several grazing leases. American Prairie Reserve (APR) controls private properties tied to 18 BLM grazing allotments in Fergus, Petroleum, Phillips, and Valley Counties. They have submitted a proposal asking the BLM to modify their grazing permits. Page […]

Montana Beef Promotion Continues

Despite ongoing lawsuit, beef promotion efforts continue in Montana. The Montana Beef Council reminds cattlemen that programs will only be carried out by MBC after Montana producers complete and return the Producer Request to Retain Beef Checkoff Assessments Form.  The form can be obtained at www.MontanaBeefCouncil.org or by calling the Montana Beef Council at (406) 656-3336. Due to the ongoing […]

Syngenta acquires Abbott & Cobb to strengthen its vegetable seeds business in sweet corn

Syngenta announced today the acquisition of Abbott & Cobb, a U.S.-owned independent breeder, producer, and marketer of vegetable seeds. Since 1917, Abbott & Cobb has served the needs of the commercial grower, distributor, retailer, fresh market, fresh-cut, and food services industries in the United States and worldwide. Combining the expertise, portfolios and pipelines of Abbott & Cobb and Syngenta will […]