Montana ranchers are dealing with severe drought conditions that are shrinking forage supplies and pressuring livestock health. Here are practical steps to protect herds—feeding adjustments, alternative water sources, pasture monitoring, and rotational grazing—plus why staying current on drought updates and assistance programs matters.

Montana farmers are navigating a volatile machinery market: tractor sales are down nearly 20% and have fallen for four consecutive months, while combine sales have increased. Here’s what the shift could mean for equipment decisions, pricing, and availability.

Montana ranchers say proposed new regulations could disrupt long-standing ranching practices, strain operations, and ripple through local economies. Ranching communities are organizing meetings to raise awareness, coordinate responses, and advocate for sustainable policies that protect both responsible land management and their way of life.

Hydraulic valve block leaks can lead to fluid loss, downtime, and expensive repairs. Learn what to look for, why O-ring types and chemistries aren’t interchangeable, and the maintenance steps that help keep agricultural machinery running efficiently.

Anthony Peña, vice president of policy and communications for the National Association of Wheat Growers, says farmers still have a key advantage in Washington: public respect. He argues that while many people don’t fully understand what it takes to produce food and fiber, a farmer’s perspective carries weight in policy debates. Peña joined NAWG in […]

U.S. farm exports totaled $171.3 billion in 2025, a 3% drop from the year before, according to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. The decline was about $5 billion year over year. A major driver was a sharp fall in soybean exports to China, down about $9.6 billion, even as other commodities posted gains in other […]

National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles says the fight to update the farm bill comes down to a “math problem” — both in how funding is divided and in the shrinking share of congressional districts that are closely tied to production agriculture. Speaking Feb. 17 at the Idaho Ag Summit in Boise, Quarles said agriculture […]

U.S. soybean shipments to China fell to nearly zero at the end of the 2024/2025 marketing year and the start of 2025/2026, but exports to other destinations climbed to their highest levels since 2018, according to USDA. The soybean marketing year runs from Sept. 1 through Aug. 31. USDA said the jump in non-China shipments […]

President Trump announced a new 10% “global” tariff on Feb. 20, shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down tariffs that had been issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The court said IEEPA doesn’t give clear enough authority for the kind of tariff changes the administration had made, but it also indicated […]

India’s government says it will roll out more than 1,100 agriculture-sector projects worth ₹42,000 crore on Oct. 11, 2025. The projects are expected to cover agriculture infrastructure, animal husbandry, fisheries, and food processing, and are slated to be launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The plan was outlined by Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ […]

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced two new agriculture initiatives in New Delhi: the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and the Dalhan Aatmanirbharta Mission (Pulses Self-Reliance Mission). The combined outlay is ₹35,440 crore, and Modi said the programs are intended to strengthen the rural economy, support innovation, and improve long-term food and nutrition security. At a special […]

India and Brazil are looking to expand cooperation in agriculture, green energy, and trade, with a stated goal of growing bilateral trade from $12 billion in 2024 to $20 billion by 2030. The push is framed around agriculture, food security, climate resilience, and clean technologies. Speaking at the India–Brazil Business Dialogue organized by FICCI, ApexBrasil, […]

India will host the Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2025 on Oct. 30–31, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The event was conceived by the Department of Commerce under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and is being organized by the Indian Rice Exporters’ Federation (IREF) in collaboration with APEDA. Organizers describe […]

The Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2025 wrapped up on Oct. 31 in Mandapam, New Delhi, with organizers highlighting new business agreements and technology aimed at expanding India’s rice trade. On the first day, memorandums of understanding totaling more than ₹3,000 crore were signed. The report says the government facilitated agreements worth over ₹2,200 crore […]

Montana farmers are increasingly vocal about the urgent need for action on the Farm Bill. As they face significant economic challenges, many are concerned that delays in passing this critical legislation could exacerbate their struggles. The Farm Bill is essential for providing support to agricultural producers, and its timely completion is vital for the stability […]

What This Means for Montana The ongoing discussions surrounding the Farm Bill are crucial for Montana’s farmers and ranchers, who rely heavily on federal support for various agricultural programs. As economic pressures mount, the outcome of the Farm Bill could directly impact funding for essential resources, including crop insurance and conservation programs vital for Montana’s […]

Montana’s agricultural sector is currently facing significant challenges that could impact the future of farming and ranching in the region. Farmers and ranchers are urged to take immediate action to address these pressing issues. The economic pressures on the agricultural community have reached a critical point, prompting calls for enhanced advocacy and support. The American […]

Montana ranchers: Track these fast-moving livestock threats and market shifts now Successful Farming’s livestock section is tracking a wide range of developments affecting cattle, hogs, and poultry producers, from disease prevention and biosecurity to market signals and federal action. Recent coverage highlights New World screwworm prevention efforts, including FDA emergency use authorization and other approvals, […]

Successful Farming’s “Crop News” section is a running hub for updates on major U.S. crops, with a focus on corn, soybeans, and wheat. It highlights USDA reporting that tracks the season from planting through crop condition and harvest. The page also points readers to regular USDA releases, including WASDE reports and weekly Crop Progress reports. […]

Farm bankruptcies are on the rise in Minnesota and throughout the Midwest, indicating growing financial challenges for farmers in these regions. The increase in bankruptcies reflects a broader trend affecting agricultural businesses as they navigate economic pressures. In Iowa, biodiesel production has seen a significant decline, dropping nearly 25%. This downturn is attributed to uncertainty […]

The way leaders engage with their teams on the farm significantly influences productivity and the overall atmosphere for their crew. Effective leadership behaviors can foster a positive work environment, which is crucial for success in agricultural operations. In recent discussions, experts have highlighted three key behaviors that exemplary leaders exhibit. These include clear communication, fostering […]

Recent weather conditions in the Southern Plains have created an environment ripe for wildfires. With strong winds, unseasonably warm temperatures, and prolonged dryness, pastures and farmland have been severely impacted. Unfortunately, forecasts indicate that relief in the form of moisture is not on the horizon. As ranchers in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas begin to recover […]

### Current Trends in Crop Production #### Key Insights on Crop Management and Production The agricultural landscape is continually evolving, influenced by environmental conditions, market demands, and innovative practices. Here’s a summary of the latest developments in crop production, particularly focusing on corn, cotton, and soybeans. – **Corn Management**: Effective nitrogen management is crucial for […]

**Minnesota Agricultural News: Key Updates and Trends** Minnesota’s agricultural landscape is currently experiencing a mix of challenges and opportunities. Recent developments highlight the ongoing efforts of farmers and lawmakers to navigate these complexities, particularly in areas such as farm drainage rights, market trends, and biofuel sales. ### Key Updates: – **Farm Drainage Rights Advocacy**: Minnesota […]

**Michigan Agriculture News: Key Updates and Developments** Michigan’s agricultural landscape is continuously evolving, with recent developments highlighting both challenges and opportunities for farmers and stakeholders in the industry. Here are some of the latest updates from the state: – **Bovine Tuberculosis Detected**: A case of bovine tuberculosis has been confirmed in a Michigan dairy herd, […]

**Iowa Agricultural News: Key Updates and Developments** Iowa’s agricultural landscape continues to evolve, with recent developments highlighting the state’s commitment to meeting the demands of the farming community and addressing industry challenges. Here are some of the latest updates from Iowa: – **New Facility Announcement**: Vermeer Corporation has announced plans to establish a new facility […]

**Indiana Agricultural News Overview** The agricultural landscape in Indiana is continually evolving, with various initiatives and challenges impacting farmers and rural communities. Recent developments highlight the state’s focus on protecting farmland, addressing poultry industry concerns, and enhancing agricultural education. ### Key Developments in Indiana Agriculture: – **Farmland Protection Policies**: State Farm Bureaus are actively implementing […]

**Illinois Agricultural News Overview** Illinois continues to be a hub for agricultural developments, with various events and updates shaping the landscape for farmers and industry stakeholders. The state is actively engaged in discussions about market trends, legislative changes, and innovative agricultural practices. ### Key Updates in Illinois Agriculture: – **Industry Consolidation**: The formation of the […]

**Upcoming National Ethanol Conference Set for 2026** The National Ethanol Conference (NEC) is scheduled to take place from February 25 to February 26, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. This annual event serves as a key gathering for stakeholders in the ethanol industry, including producers, policymakers, and advocates. The conference aims to address current trends, challenges, and […]

**Marbleseed Organic Farming Conference Set for February 2026** The Marbleseed Organic Farming Conference is scheduled to take place on February 26, 2026, in La Crosse, Wisconsin. This annual event serves as a hub for organic farmers, agricultural professionals, and enthusiasts to gather, share knowledge, and discuss the latest trends and practices in organic farming. The […]

**New Topical Solution Exzolt Cattle-CA1 Provides New Options for New World Screwworm Management** Cattle producers in the United States are facing ongoing challenges from the New World screwworm, a pest that poses significant risks to livestock health. In response, Merck Animal Health has announced the conditional approval of Exzolt Cattle-CA1, a topical fluralaner solution designed […]

**Title: Strategies for Managing Volatility in Cattle Operations** As cattle prices reach record highs, effective risk management has become increasingly vital for cattle producers. Landon Nelson, a Commercial Insurance Services Officer at Farm Credit Services of America, emphasizes the importance of implementing strategies that protect equity, manage profit margins, and ensure competitiveness amid market fluctuations. […]

**Title: Shifts in Cattle Supply Impact Market Trends** Recent insights from CattleFax highlight significant changes in the cattle market due to tight cattle supplies. According to Randy Blach, CEO of CattleFax, the supply chain is facing potential disruptions that could reshape market dynamics. In 2025, the cattle industry experienced a notable imbalance, with approximately 25,000 […]

**Cattle Markets Anticipate Continued Volatility in 2026** As the cattle industry heads into 2026, experts are predicting another year of significant fluctuations in the cattle markets. Derrell Peel, a livestock economist from Oklahoma State University, has shared insights on the expected market dynamics, particularly concerning the resumption of live cattle imports from Mexico. Peel notes […]

**Midterm Elections Likely to Limit Legislative Opportunities** As the midterm elections approach, legislative priorities are expected to shift, creating a narrower window for significant policy advancements. According to Ethan Lane, the senior vice president of government affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), this election cycle will likely constrain the ability of Congress to […]

India’s farm output is rising fast, but storage capacity isn’t keeping pace. The country is now the world’s second-largest producer of agri-commodities, and foodgrain output reached 354 million tonnes in 2024–25, according to the report and speakers cited. At a PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) panel discussion in New Delhi, NITI Aayog member […]

India’s agriculture ministry has released its first advance estimates for 2025–26 Kharif production, projecting higher output across major crops. The estimates put total food grain production at 173.33 million tonnes, up 3.87 million tonnes from the previous year. The ministry expects strong results for Kharif rice and maize. Kharif rice is estimated at 124.504 million […]

India’s Union government has proposed the Seed Act 2026, a major overhaul aimed at cracking down on fake, substandard, and unaccountable seed sales. Officials say the goal is to rebuild farmer trust and improve productivity by changing how seeds are produced, sold, and tracked. Speaking to media in New Delhi, the Union Minister for Agriculture […]

ICRISAT, working with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) through the All India Coordinated Research Project on Pearl Millet (AICRP) center at the Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute (RARI), has developed what it describes as the world’s first three-way pearl millet hybrid, RHB 273. On 4 January 2026, India’s Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers […]

Organic Wellness Products Private Ltd. inaugurated a company-owned “experiential” retail outlet in Gurugram on Feb. 15, describing it as a demonstration hub for a decentralized expansion plan. The store is intended to show prospective entrepreneurs how the format works before they open similar outlets in their own cities and territories. The company said it plans […]