LaneCast Ag Podcast

Rancher and singer/songwriter Chisholm Christensen discusses his debut album of original songs, ranching on Montana’s Hi-Line, being a young person in agriculture and much more.

More and more farmers are realizing the importance of farm management software that centralizes, manages, and optimizes the production activities and operations of farms. During this ‘Wipfli Spotlight on Agriculture’ podcast, we are joined by Wipfli’s Robert Zondag and Pat Christie with Conservis. They share how farm management platforms provided by Conservis are helping farmers optimize their operations.

Sec. of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and South Dakota U.S. Senator Mike Rounds each join the “Agriculture Conversation” today. Sec. Vilsack discusses 30X30, cattle markets, wildfire management and the Biden Administration American Families Plan that many in agriculture fear will raise their taxes. Sen. Rounds discusses his bipartisan efforts in urging the Dept. of Justice to protect consumers and cattlemen from anticompetitive practices in the beef processing market.

The Montana Stockgrowers Association’s Jay Bodner discusses House Bill 554 that was signed into law by Gov Greg Gianforte. This law will require the Montana Legislature’s approval of National Heritage Areas (NHA) and National Trail Designation in Montana prior to a National Designation. MSGA led a diverse coalition to find a solution to address the concerns of many private property owners across Montana regarding the proposed Big Sky Country National Heritage Area (BSCNHA), an area encompassing all of Cascade County and parts of Chouteau and Lewis and Clark County.

Across the countryside farmers are celebrating higher grain prices while ranchers experience lower futures and cash cattle prices. China’s record purchases of U.S. corn have many wondering how long with the rally last? How will it impact calf prices? Agriculture Economist, Dr. Gary Brester, Professor Emeritus of Montana State University’s College of Agriculture Economics and Economics joins the “Agriculture Conversation” to discuss these topics and many more hot button issues facing U.S. agriculture.

The Montana Farm Bureau is celebrating its members during the month of May. From grassroots advocacy, membership benefits, and growing the Farm Bureau footprint, it is a busy time for the organization. MFBF’s Alena Standley joins the “Agriculture Conversation” from her family’s ranch. She discusses MFBF’s May Membership Month, advocacy in Helena, summer events and more!

With a lack of precipitation, producers are faced with difficult decisions of finding grass, marketing and shipping calves earlier (and at lighter weights) or taking cattle or sheep to town. Producers are covering that risk with Pasture, Rangeland and Forage (PFR) insurance.Ranchers Gordon and Jared Clark with Silveus Insurance Group help ag producers protect up to 90% of normal rainfall on your grass and hayland.

To contact Gordon or Jared Clark call them at (806) 935-7777 or visit https://rainins.com/

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced it will be recommending no change to the current listed status of the grizzly bear in the lower 48 states as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The Montana Stockgrowers Asso. Exec. V.P. Jay Bodner shares why his organization is deeply disappointed in the announcement.

Farmers and Ranchers are known for their innovations. But they may not know that their innovation could save them money during tax season. Wipfli’s Christina Schultz and Kendra Goodman share insight on Research and Development Tax Credit incentives for the agriculture industry. The conversation includes an overview of what the credit is, activities that qualify, and how to claim the credit.

https://www.wipfli.com/industries/agribusiness

Chester, MT farmer Vince Mattson joins the podcast. The past Montana Grain Growers President shares an update on his winter wheat crop, MGGA’s legislative efforts, the importance of joining organizations like MGGA and much more!

https://www.mgga.org/join/