March 2 Small Business Webinar
March 3 Fabulous Fridays
Montana Berry Growers Annual Association Conference
March 4 Montana Berry Growers Annual Association Conference
March 7 Dan Scott Ranch Management Program Seminars
March 8 *Extension Office will open at 10:00am*
Equine Education Snippet: Al Flint
March 9 Prepping for a Healthy Fruit Harvest
March 14 AgroClimate Workshop for Agricultural & Forestry Professionals and Partners
Montana Food for Montana Schools
Economic Outlook Seminars
March 15 Reimagining Rural
AgroClimate Workshop for Agricultural & Forestry Professionals and Partners
March 16 Ag News and Brews
March 30 Seminar: A Forest Service Approach to Leveraging Technology to Aid Public Land Administration
Bitterroot Events
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Dan Scott Ranch Management Program Seminars |
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Registration is required at the above link to join online.
The Dan Scott Ranch Management Program's 2022-2023 seminar series, "Ranch Labor: Finding the Employee in the Haystack," features knowledgeable presenters sharing insights on labor trends and new strategies for finding future employees.
To view the full seminar lineup, visit:
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Equine Educational Snippet: Al Flint |
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The next Equine Educational Snippet will take place March 8 from 6-8pm held at the Miller Stock Pavilion on West Lincoln Street in Bozeman. Community members and students are welcome.
Dr. Al Flint will present a hands-on discussion on equine backcountry first aid and preparedness. Dr. Flint is a 4th-generation Montanan born and raised in the Flathead Valley. He grew up exploring the Bob Marshall Wilderness on horseback during the Summers.
Dr. Flint is the head of Equine Surgery at Montana Equine and has been providing surgical services for 8 years. He brings passion, experience and expertise to his work. Dr Flint’s professional interests include equine sports medicine, surgery and reproduction. When not at work, Dr. Flint enjoys riding, hiking or skiing Montana’s backcountry and time with his daughters.
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Reimaging Rural Inspiration Hour |
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Making Things Happen in Small Towns.
The third Wednesday of each month from 11:30 - 12:45 via Webex.
January 18: “Supply and Demand of Leaders in Small Towns.” Benjamin Winchester, University of Minnesota Extension. Winchester's article can be found here.
February 15: “First Steps for Rehabing an Old Building.” Jason Seyler, MT DEQ and Cathy Barta, Snowy Mtn Devel.
March 15: “Re-Branding your Town: How to Start and Why.” Jennifer Anderson of Forsyth.
April 19: “Starting a New Festival: What Would Work? When to Plan? What do you Need?”
May 17: Tourism Grant Program (TGP) Info Session. The TGP is an easy-to-write grant for beautification or accessibility projects.
June 13 (Tuesday): Reimagining Rural In-Person Conference in Townsend, MT. Details coming soon.
July, August: Break for Summer.
September 20: “How to Get Started on a Trail or Walking Path in Your Town.”
October 18: “Reimagining Rural: What have Towns Accomplished and How to Apply.”
November 15: “Engaging Youth in Your Community.”
December 20: “Celebrate the Wins.” Hear what small towns accomplished this year and what is planned for next year.
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AgroClimate Workshop for Agricultural & Forestry Professionals and Partners |
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- Increase your weather and climate knowledge
- Network with others and build connections
- Grow your confidence to effectively communicate about climate with local agricultural producers
- Develop new skills to guide conservation planning for drought and other extreme events
Registration is Open!
- Early-Bird: $115/person* through Feb. 15, 2023
- Late Registration: $135/person* Closes Mar. 5, 2023
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Montana Berry Growers Annual Conference |
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On behalf of the Montana Berry Growers Association, we invite you to join us at the 2nd annual Montana Berry Growers Association Conference.
Conference Dates: March 3- 4th, 2023.
Conference Location: The Missoula Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, 100 Madison St., Missoula, MT
Conference Times: 1:00PM-5:00PM Friday March 3rd
and 8:00AM- 3:30PM Saturday March 4th.
A block of rooms is reserved at the Doubletree by Hilton in Missoula under the "Montana Berry Growers Association" with a conference rate of $134 per night. Room block held until February 9th.
Click on conference registration link below to view full agenda:
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Economic Outlook Seminars: The Future of Montana in Eastern Montana
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Faculty from the Montana State University Department of Agricultural Economics and Economics will collaborate with economists from the University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research to bring an economic briefing with emphasis on agricultural policy issues and forecasts to Sidney in the morning and Miles City in the afternoon on Tuesday, March 14. Breakfast will be provided at the Sidney event, and lunch will be provided at the Miles City event. The cost of the attendance is $30.
The briefing will touch on factors such as interest rates, inflation, global commodity prices and economic growth and uncertainty. This will take place in:
- Sidney – 7–9 a.m. – MSU Richland County Extension, 1499 N. Central Ave.
- Miles City - Noon - 2:00 PM Sleep City Inn and Suites, 1006 S. Haynes Avenue
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A Fabulous Fridays webinar titled Selecting an Attorney in Montana to Develop an Estate Plan or Administer an Estate will be held on March 3, 2023 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.
When selecting an attorney to help develop an estate plan, you need to have one who is well-informed about Montana will and trust laws, and other legal tools. You want the attorney to develop an estate plan tailored to your needs, by considering your age, health, family, income, assets, goals, and other circumstances. If your goal is to find an attorney to help settle an estate or administer a probate, then look for one who is knowledgeable about the probate process and trust law in Montana. Attorneys have different areas of expertise This session will explore how to find an attorney and what questions you want to ask about developing a plan or settling an estate.
The hosts for the series are Marsha Goetting, MSU Extension Professor and Extension Family Economics Specialist and Mandie Reed, MSU Extension Wheatland County Agent.
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Cultivating Healthy Plants Webinar Series |
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Cultivating Healthy Plants webinar series-
Utah State Univ. Extension, Univ. of Nevada Extension, Montana State Univ. Extension, and Univ. of Idaho Extension
Prepping for a Healthy Fruit Harvest
Date: Thursday, March 9, 2023, 11 a.m. (Pacific Time)/ 12 noon (Mountain Time)
Speaker: Mair Murray, IPM Specialist at Utah State University Extension, Logan
Description: Pruning trees, applying dormant sprays – these are not the only tasks for your backyard fruit trees in spring. Get a leg up on what you might need to do now and for an entire season of pest management for tree fruits, from pre-bloom to fall. Whether you grow fruits conventionally or organic, or if you have one tree or twenty, this presentation is for you!
Pesticide Applicator Credits: 1 USE credit for LIVE viewing only (may only be available for certain states).
MDA credits available
Category Credits
10 - Dealer 1
30 - Agricultural Plant Pest Control 1
34 - Ornamental and Turf Pest Control 1
39 - Demonstration & Research Pest Control 1
60 - Private Agricultural Pest Control 1
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FREE counseling services to ANY Montanan working in Agriculture
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A grant from the USDA, the MT Dept of Ag is now providing FREE counseling services to ANY Montanan working in Agriculture. These services are being provided by Frontier Psychiatry:
Please note that we are all working together - the MSU Extension Farm Stress Team, MT Dept of Ag and Northern Broadcasting. To get the word out about this voucher program, as well as other farm stress resources that already exist across the state, Northern Broadcasting came up with a campaign titled, 'Beyond the Weather'. So if you hear of that online or on the radio, know that we are all working together!
Here is the 'Beyond the Weather' landing page: https://agr.mt.gov/FRSAN (If you explore this site, you'll see links to mini-grant opportunities, and more farm stress resources).
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Montana Food for Montana Schools |
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Montana Food for Montana Schools is a local procurement training and Abundant Connections producer and school meetup event. Montana Team Nutrition Program, Montana Office of Public Instruction, Abundant Montana, and partners will host three regional events in 2023 with the first to be held March 14, 2023 in Hardin, Montana with two held in Fall 2023.
Montana Food for Montana Schools aims to help schools and producers work together to feature local foods in Montana school meals. The first part of this event is a farm to school training for school nutrition professionals, focused on local food procurement. Following the training portion, agriculture producers and food businesses will be able to connect with school nutrition professionals in a casual vendor show format. Food producers seeking more training may consider registering for the Montana Farm to School Producer Training which will also be hosted again in March, with the culminating session held on Mar. 14 in Hardin.
This project is funded in part by a 2022 USDA Team Nutrition grant. USDA is an equal opportunity provider.
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9% of adults in Montana are diagnosed with diabetes and 34.7% have pre-diabetes (higher than normal blood glucose). We have a program that can help these Montanans to feel more comfortable in understanding and managing their health. It is also a great opportunity to educate and build in supports from loved ones attending too. Dining with Diabetes (DWD) is a National Extension developed program that allows you flexibility while ensuring participants have research-based skills and knowledge in diabetes management. It is 4 weekly or bi-weekly sessions with a 5th session follow up.
Please look through the training syllabus attached if you are interested in providing these classes in your community. This is intended for Agents interested in facilitating the DWD course in the next 6-12 months. Community partners are also encouraged to join and can facilitate WITH an Extension Agent co-facilitator.
This course would begin January 27 virtually and have live meetings from 9-11am MST Feb 9, Feb 23, March 9, March 23, April 6.
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Seminar: A Forest Service Approach to Leveraging Technology to Aid Public Land Administration |
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Matt Reeves, research ecologist with the U.S. Forest Service, will present "A Forest Service Approach to Leveraging Technology to Aid Public Land Administration" in ABB 134 and via Webex at
Matt Reeves is a research ecologist with the Rocky Mountain Research Station in Missoula who specializes in applying remote sensing and modeling to characterize ecological dynamics of rangelands in a manner relevant to managers. He earned his bachelor's degree in range management in 1995, his master's in environmental resources in 1999, and his doctorate in remote sensing and ecological modeling of rangeland and agricultural environments in 2004. He also is the co-director of the Northern Plains Climate Hub.
The Bair Ranch Foundation Seminar Series brings nationally recognized scientists and agricultural professionals to Montana State University for the benefit of students, faculty and the public. The series aims to foster greater public engagement and outreach on innovative research and highlight agricultural and natural resources issues.
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Funding for Farmers and Ranchers |
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Funding for Farmers and Ranchers to Implement Innovative Water Projects
The LOR Foundation (https://lorfoundation.org) recently announced a new initiative, Field Work (https://lorfoundation.org/field-work/), to provide funding for farmers and ranchers to implement innovative approaches to using water in agriculture. Farmers and ranchers in rural parts of Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming are eligible for up to $10,000. The hope is that this real-world research will reveal solutions that can be used throughout the West to grow food while contending with unprecedented drought.
· Who Can Apply: LOR’s Field Work initiative is open to farmers and ranchers in rural areas and on tribal lands in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming. Applicants must have independent authority to make changes to water use on the land.
· What Can Be Funded: Projects that improve outcomes in the following areas are eligible: water efficiency, water reliability, water quality, crop yield or crop diversification, and labor efficiency. Projects must be completed in 2023 and must include a commitment and plan for reporting learnings.
· Important Dates to Know: LOR will begin accepting project proposals Feb. 1, and will accept proposals through Feb. 22. Applicants will be notified by March 15.
Please also join us for an informational webinar on either January 19th at 3:00pm MT or January 24th at 3:00pm MT. The same information will be shared at both sessions. Registration in advance is required.
· Click here to register for the January 19th, 3:00pm MT Informational Webinar
· Click here to register for the January 24th, 3:00pm MT Informational Webinar
Have specific questions about Field Work, your application, or want to discuss your project with LOR staff? Please either email us at connect@lorfoundation.org or schedule time during our open office hours in February after the application opens. Office hours will be held in 15-minute increments on February 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, & 17 between 2:00pm and 4:00pm MT. You can schedule a time for a Zoom meeting during those windows by clicking here.
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Get creative with air dry clay as you learn the fundamentals of sculpture. Roll, shape, and form imaginary animals or whimsical beings. Use small tools to carve features and add decorative embellishments. Clay will harden on its own! |
Celebrate the arts every 2nd Saturday of the month from 11am - 3pm downtown Hamilton.
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Bitterroot Winter Special Olympics
9:00 AM
Description:
Volunteers sought for Bitterroot Winter Special Olympics. The games will be March 7 and 8 at Lost Trail Powder Mountain. Volunteer opportunities inside the lodge and on the hill for one or both days. Contact Carla 406-363-3028. Help our athletes and reward yourselves.
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Gilligans Island- The Musical
7:30 PM
Description:
Gilligan’s Island - The Musical: A family-friendly stage musical version of the ever popular and iconic 60’s TV comedy show “Gilligan’s Island.” Shipwrecked on a remote Pacific Island, the seven castaways build huts and begin to explore their surroundings. They discover strange hieroglyphics in a spooky cave, which speak of an ancient legend. The weather gets rough, Gilligan foils the best-laid of the castaway’s rescue plans, romance develops, the castaways have an out-of-this-world encounter…it’s fun, wacky and entertaining with 18 original, tuneful and memorable songs. Music and Lyrics by Hope Juber, and Laurence Juber, Book by Sherwood Schwartz and Lloyd J. Schwartz. Performed with permission from Broadway Licensing. Performances are Friday, Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2:00pm- Running March 10th-26th.
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Tech Petting Zoo for Adults
6:30 PM
Description:
Does technology scare you? Intimidated by shiny electronics? Make friends with tech in a safe environment, then enjoy time to simply play and experiment! During this session of Tech Petting Zoo for Adults, you’ll meet Makey Makey (short for make-a-keyboard) and explore its possibilities. Legos will be there, too. Registration required.
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Step One to Beekeeping
6:30 PM
Description:
Are you considering taking up beekeeping? Curious about honeybees and hives? Take the first step on your beekeeping journey by attending this special presentation by Tim Meyer, Vice President of Beekeepers of the Bitterroot. He will discuss the basics of bee biology and hive life, explain what equipment you must have and what can wait, and describe how to best prepare for your role as beekeeper. Registration required.
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Gilligans Island- The Musical
7:30 PM
Description:
Gilligan’s Island - The Musical: A family-friendly stage musical version of the ever popular and iconic 60’s TV comedy show “Gilligan’s Island.” Shipwrecked on a remote Pacific Island, the seven castaways build huts and begin to explore their surroundings. They discover strange hieroglyphics in a spooky cave, which speak of an ancient legend. The weather gets rough, Gilligan foils the best-laid of the castaway’s rescue plans, romance develops, the castaways have an out-of-this-world encounter…it’s fun, wacky and entertaining with 18 original, tuneful and memorable songs. Music and Lyrics by Hope Juber, and Laurence Juber, Book by Sherwood Schwartz and Lloyd J. Schwartz. Performed with permission from Broadway Licensing. Performances are Friday, Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2:00pm- Running March 10th-26th.
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Founded in 2011, The Suffers built a devoted local following in Houston before breaking out internationally with their 2015 debut EP, Make Some Room, which helped land them performances everywhere from Letterman to NPR’s Tiny Desk, the Newport Folk Festival, and The Daily Show. By the time the group released their second album, Everything Here, their arrival as critical and festival favorites was undeniable, with NPR praising the “multidimensional, multicultural possibilities of their take on soul,” The Guardian hailing their “adventurous” blend of 70s R&B, disco, jazz, and contemporary gospel, and Rolling Stone proclaiming their “inspired vision of roots music.”
The Suffers bring their "Gulf Coast Soul" groove for one night to the Hamilton Performing Arts Center on March 4, 2023.
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Seed Saving 101
6:30 PM
Description:
Dig into seeds like never before with Barnes, Owner/Founder of Montana Survival Seed. We will learn how to harvest and store seeds, what to consider when choosing seeds, and more. You're sure to go home thinking about seeds in a whole new way. Registration required.
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Hamilton Senior Center Bingo! March 4th & 18th
$2.00 Admission, $10.00 for 15 games, daubers available, must be 18 to play, snacks are welcome.
Please join us for a fun time, bring your friends and family because the more that play, the larger the payouts!
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MSU Ravalli County Extension
Office Staff
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MSU Extension Agent
Agriculture, Horticulture
& Natural Resources
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MSU/Ravalli County Extension Office
215 S. 4th Street, Ste G
Hamilton, MT 59840
Phone: 406.375.6611
Connect on Facebook
The Montana State University Extension is an ADA/EO/AA/Veteran’s Preference Employer and Provider of Educational Outreach.
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