The Montana Department of Livestock (MDOL) is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Emily Kaleczyc as the new assistant state veterinarian. Dr. Kaleczyc brings a wealth of veterinary and regulatory experience to the role, including a strong background in animal health programs, epidemiology, and public service. A 2013 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Kaleczyc began her career in Helena, Montana, where she practiced mixed animal medicine before joining the Montana Department of Livestock, where she worked in the brucellosis program and in meat and poultry inspection.  Most recently, Dr. Kaleczyc spent five years...

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The National Western Stock Show proudly announces George Eidsness as the 2026 Citizen of the West. This prestigious award recognizes those who embody the spirit and determination of the Western pioneer– a true representative of Western lifestyle, ideals, agricultural heritage, and traditions. A committee of community leaders selects recipients. George Eidsness is a true embodiment of the Citizen of the West – resilient, visionary, and deeply rooted in the land and traditions that define the region. Raised on a farm near Brocket, North Dakota, George’s early life was shaped by hard work, music (specifically the trombone), horsemanship, and a deep...

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The founder of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk, was tragically killed on September 10, 2025, by a coward who silenced him with a gunshot from 200 yards away. His sudden passing sent shockwaves across the nation, especially among those who followed his outspoken defense of faith, freedom, and America’s future. In life, he was both celebrated and criticized, yet even his fiercest opponents acknowledged that Kirk spoke with conviction and led with courage. Kirk created the largest youth organization in the world and became the clear voice of both commonsense politics and faith in our nation’s history. As we reflect...

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Agri-kid Madilynn Renfrow with her grand champion breeding beef in Lake County, Oregon. Photo submitted by Josh Renfrow.

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In a seemingly regular and routine presidential address to Congress in 1823, President James Monroe, America’s fifth president, announced a change in foreign policy that has, to this very day, massive implications. One could even say this is even more so in the ever-evolving and rapidly changing game that is global geopolitics. What you might be asking is what is the impact of this colossal change in foreign policy. Why in the world does it still have relevance today, 202 years later? The change in foreign policy in question is known today as the Monroe Doctrine. In a key excerpt...

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Congratulations, Neil Bouray, the bid-caller from Webber, Kansas, was crowned champion at the September 10 World Livestock Auctioneer Championship qualifier at Gillespie Livestock in Fredericksburg, Texas. Tate Rainey, Sweetwater, Texas, was reserve champion, and Josh Jasper, Nicholasville, Kentucky, was runner-up. Jasper was also the high scoring rookie contestant. Also punching their tickets to the semi-finals in St. Onge, South Dakota, next June were: Kellan Bussell (Idabel, Oklahoma); Leon Caselman (Long Lane, Missouri); Garrett Nunn (Laramie, Wyoming); Troy Robinett (Decatur, Texas); Austin Schaben (Dunlap, Iowa); Ethan Schuette (Washington, Kansas); and Andrew Sylvester (Westmoreland, Kansas). The next qualifier will be held in...

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Written on Friday, September 12 Another WASDE report came with another surprise by USDA in the form of corn acres that were revised 1.4 million acres higher. This suggests planted acres coming in at 98.7 million and harvested acres at a whopping 90 million. 7 million harvested acres over last year. Despite the bearish news, corn traded higher and closed 13 cents off the low. Markets that react friendly to bearish inputs is a bullish indicator in my view. The acres increase for now offset yield loss at 186.7, down from 188.8 last month. However, the big bullish input in...

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The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration and Wage and Hour division is proposing to change the "Recission of Final Rule: Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States." The Department plans to revise the rule's information collection request (ICR). It is requesting comments on replacing the existing collection tools with the tools required to implement rules related to the H-2A program.  PLC is encouraged by this administration's response to some of the federal rulemakings that may work well for some places, but unnecessarily target and penalize many of our members who utilize H-2A visas...

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On Wednesday, September 10, Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum, announced a proposal to rescind the Biden-era Public Lands Rule. Implemented by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in the spring of 2024, the Public Lands Rule put conservation “on equal footing with other multiple uses…” on public lands, such as energy development, grazing, and recreation. Comments are now being accepted for the proposed rule on the Federal Register, with a deadline of November 10, 2025. The Public Lands Rule “…applies the existing fundamentals of land health across BLM programs, establishes restoration and mitigation leases, and clarifies practices to designate...

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As the growing season winds down and pastures go dormant, weed management might not be top of mind – but fall can be one of the most effective times to control some of our toughest rangeland invaders. Fall offers a window of opportunity, especially for targeting perennial and biennial weeds. Understanding which species respond best to fall control and how weather affects treatment success can help improve rangeland productivity and reduce weed pressure heading into next spring. Why Fall Matters for Weed Control… In the fall, perennial and biennial plants shift energy reserves into their roots to prepare for winter....

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