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The Montana Conservationist

It’s October 3. And it’s time for TMC! Our stories this week are totally fetch, so read on:

  • Congress recently let two bills important to conservation lapse. Both the 2014 Farm Bill – for which a replacement bill is in negotiation – and the Land & Water Conservation Fund expired on Sunday without an extension from congress. We’ve got a couple of articles that detail how conservation programs will be affected.
  • Because glyphosate works on an enzyme found in plants and microorganisms, it has been assumed to be nontoxic to animals. However, new research from the University of Texas at Austin has revealed that bees exposed to glyphosate have compromised gut microbiomes, which can leave them open to dangerous diseases.
  • Governor Bullock recently released an updated forest partnership plan for Montana. That plan will help state and federal agencies work together to achieve healthy forests. Teamwork makes the dream work!
  • The new Rangeland Analysis Platform is a new, powerful tool that merges machine learning, cloud based computing, and remote sensors to provide annual vegetation cover maps. The app promises to be a powerful tool for rangeland managers.
  • We’ve got a great story from Montana NRCS about how one Winnett ranching family combined NRCS programs and technical assistance to add more forage and reduce hay feeding.
  • MSU is seeking steer donations for it’s Steer-A-Year program, which helps students gain experience in raising…you guessed it…steers!
  • In Vermont, a local conservation district has started an interesting program that places signs along the roadside proclaiming the stewardship practices farmers are using. It’s a great public outreach campaign to gain awareness about everything farmers do (and maybe a little peer pressure for the neighboring farm?)

All of those, plus a calendar chock full of events and trainings. It’s all in this week’s Montana Conservationist: TMC 2018-10-03

Kate is the Communications and Technology Manager for Soil & Water Conservation Districts of Montana. She manages the website, puts out The Montana Conservationist every other week, and assists conservation districts with technology, websites, and communications.

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