The Prairie Star

Corn market setting price direction after early-March sell-off

Early March was hard on a lot of commodities when many markets experienced a sell-off that sent prices falling, but since then prices have recovered somewhat and corn is leading the way.

Cattle industry studies refugia to keep brown stomach worms away

Beef cow/calf producers can use a page from corn production to help keep parasites, like brown stomach worms, at bay.

Wireworms can cause damage across a large spectrum of crops

Spring planting is right around the corner, and with that comes the possibility of wireworms invading grower’s fields and impacting yields.

‘Well Educated’ program encourages domestic well testing

For domestic well owners in Montana, spring is generally a time when people may think of “treating” their wells, knowing that run-off water may bring in additional unwanted bacteria. However, the general method of running bleach through the system only has a short-term effect and doesn’t add…

Compost service offers options to Montana households, restaurants

Compost services in Montana are taking kitchen and commercial food service waste and turning it into high value soil additives.

Experts weigh in on drought recovery, rebuilding cattle herds

In assessing the last two years and the impact drought conditions have had on cattle markets throughout the region, industry experts shared advice on how to rebuild herds and mitigate the impact of any future droughts.

Do you have a Secure Beef Supply plan?

When considering a highly contagious outbreak of a livestock disease like foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), the Montana Department of Livestock (MDOL) is encouraging producers to develop a plan for the worst case scenario.

Herbicide resistance in sugarbeets rising

Although the number of acres in sugarbeet production in southwestern Montana is likely to drop with the closure announcement of the American Crystal Sugar Company plant in Sidney, Mont., the crop is leaving an undesirable legacy in some areas. American Crystal Sugar recently announced that d…

US canola oil supplies, use at robust levels

The canola market has been caught up in the commodity downdraft precipitated by bearish estimates put out by the USDA in its annual Agricultural Outlook Forum. Analysts have been surprised by the overly bearish reaction to the report, given the low accuracy of these annual pre-season estimat…

Adding important vitamin A can improve cow/calf herds

STARBUCK, Minn. – As unusual as it seems, baby calves are born deficient in vitamin A – an important vitamin for good health.

Thompson: ‘All health begins with the soil’

Roy Thompson was a healthy, active young farmer when chronic illness began affecting his life. The product of a cattle and buffalo ranch, Thompson began developing cold like symptoms in 2007 that spiraled into a drawn out, expensive effort to stay alive.

AED Foundation working to address shortage of diesel techs

A shortage of diesel technicians in the U.S. is set to create a $2.4 billion gap in the economy and greater downtime lags on construction sites, farms, and mining sites if not addressed. But efforts by the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) Foundation, including a recent round of schola…

Beyond Xtra offers Group 2 herbicide for 17 crops

Farmers in the Northern Plains have a new label for Beyond and Raptor herbicides – Beyond Xtra.

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Prepare yourself, calves for a good sale day

STARBUCK, Minn. – Whether the feeder calf market is high or low, there are steps cow/calf producers can take to increase the dollars they receive.

Canola market steady in mid-February

Canola prices continue to be pressured in the month of February as supplies in the pipeline appear to be ample for the time being. Crush margins continue to be very profitable for crushers as they are running at near full capacity in North America. Canola exports, while trending at a pace th…

Buckaroo Fringe offers scarves, cowboy gear at MATE

BILLINGS, Mont. – When working outdoors, most farmers and ranchers appreciate clothing and tack that combines both style and utility. Those looking for a new silk rag, a cowboy cowl, halter or hair tie can find many options at the Buckaroo Fringe booth at the upcoming Montana Agricultural Tr…

National FFA trip to Costa Rica expands horizons

Seventy-five current and former state FFA officers traveled to Costa Rica, Jan. 2-15, 2023. The Central America experience was part of an advanced training course entitled the “International Leadership Seminar for State Officers” (ILSSO).

Bar Star Cattle to showcase bulls at MATE show

BILLINGS, Mont. – Cattle producers in search of bulls for their herds will be able to view some of the stock available through Bar Star Cattle at the upcoming Montana Agricultural Trade Expo (MATE) show in Billings on Feb. 16-18.

Canola futures choppy within seven-month trading range

Canola prices weakened substantially the last week of January and have showed typical weakness as deliveries have been strong and commercials have reported adequate coverage through the next few months. Weaker palm oil and European rapeseed markets contributed to the weakness.

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The Prairie Star Producer Reports

Treasure State Seed supplying growers for over 40 years

From starting out as a home-based office and a rented Quonset hut, Treasure State Seed has grown to become a mainstay seed supplier for farmers throughout Montana, providing both grass and grain seeds. From its small roots, the business has now grown to over 10,000 square feet of warehouse a…

2023 plant disease outlook calls for vigilance

Despite the last several years of drought, which have decreased the prevalence of some crop diseases, Montana State University (MSU) researchers say producers still need to be vigilant in the 2023 season.

Mishima Reserve looking for Angus producers

Angus cattle producers looking to improve their heifer development program and earn a premium on their calves may want to consider a Wagyu-based program that is looking to expand.

After ‘surprisingly strong’ 2022, challenges for ag continue in 2023

The agricultural economy in the Ninth District of the Minneapolis Federal Reserve was in reasonably good shape coming into the new year. While there are obvious challenges that farmers are facing, the overall condition is still strong, but that could change quickly, especially if commodity p…

Canola futures market weaker, but basis strengthens

Canola futures prices have weakened recently while basis levels have improved. In Canada, basis levels have reportedly increased from $1.95 per metric ton (MT) to $6.91 per MT in the regions reported by pdqinfo.ca. In North Dakota, canola basis levels improved by $5 per MT to $10 per MT in t…