Epidemic Essentials: Grocery Stores

by Kerry Hoffschneider One of the employees of Grand Central Foods went into the owner’s office at the grocery store and said, “We have six cases of eggs left.  That’s all and they are all on the shelf.  We will probably be out of milk soon, too.” Grand Central Foods owner Warren Thomas replied with a calm, direct answer.  Thomas […]

Epidemic Essentials: Agriculture

by Kayla Sargent The COVID-19 outbreak has made one thing certain — Americans need the agriculture industry to remain fully functional in order to survive.  But the pandemic has come with its own set of challenges that has made it difficult to for ag operators to continue “business as usual.” Fortunately, while producers are out on the ground continuing their […]

Epidemic Essentials:  Education

by Tami Sanders For most farm and ranch kids, staying on the place for weeks at a time and “social distancing” is not a new phenomenon.  It’s more commonly known as haying, harvesting, calving, lambing, the list goes on for pages. But this time is different. This time we’ve been “volun-told” that while keeping our kids at home, we’ll also […]

Epidemic Essentials: A Functioning Cattle Market

by Kayla Sargent “Every cloud has a silver lining.” “It’s a blessing in disguise.” “The darkest hour is nearest dawn.” There are multiple phrases that serve as reminders in the midst of a crisis that something better is on the other side.  It’s no question that America if facing a crisis as COVID-19 sweeps across the country.  Stocks feel it, […]

Livestock and Ag Auctions Must Continue Amid COVID-19

With calving season upon us, many ranchers need to move and sell other cattle due to limited feed supplies and to make room for new calves.  Others are planning auction sales for land or equipment due to financial situations or leaving the business. “Agriculture doesn’t stop; the process of producing food and feed is a year-round job,” North Dakota Agriculture […]

USCA Statement on Efforts to Restore U.S. Cattle Markets

Following Congressional efforts to provide immediate, short-term relief for U.S. cattle producers during these historic times, United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) President Dr. Brooke Miller issued the following statement: “USCA would like to recognize efforts by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to keep the U.S. agriculture system running as smoothly as possible and providing certainty in uncertain times. “Secretary […]

Epidemic Essentials: The Healthcare System

by Mayzie Purviance “Is this really that big of a deal?” This seems to be the question on many American’s minds amid the Coronavirus (COVID-19) chaos.  According to both Dr. Kary Engle, a traveling physician’s assistant in Montana, and Emergency Physician Dr. Emily Porter of Austin Texas, it is. “We just don’t have the resources,” Dr. Engle said.  “And we […]

Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. Pushes Easy At Home Cooking During Outbreak

The Global Marketing and Research team at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, along with State Beef Councils across the country, are leveraging their extensive library of content, including advertisements, recipes, cooking videos, and educational materials about beef nutrition to help consumers while they are home during the pandemic. “We know consumers are seeking preparation […]

Epidemic Essentials: Small Businesses in the Food Industry

by Kristi Brooks “Fluid situation; Unprecedented times; Ever-changing event; Lockdown; and Flatten the curve,” are all phrases we’ve grown accustomed to in the past few weeks amid the COVID-19 Pandemic (Coronavirus).  As the world struggles to adjust to new protocols and executive orders, the food industry is suffering mightily. As of Tuesday, March 24, more than 44,000 cases have been […]

USDA Service Centers Open for Business by Phone Appointment Only

U.S. Department of Agriculture Service Centers are encouraging visitors to take proactive protective measures to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. USDA Service Centers in Montana will continue to be open for business by phone appointment only and field work will continue with appropriate social distancing.  While our program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will […]