APRIL 2026
Vol. XXVII No. 3 P.O. Box 997 Conrad, MT 59425-0997
Phone 406-271-5533 Fax 406-271-5727 website: tradersdispatch.com E-MAIL: advertising @ tradersdispatch.com
Noxious Weed Management Advisory Council recruits for open positions The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) is currently recruiting for open positions on its Noxious Weed Management Advisory Council (NWMAC). The following positions are for a two-year term ending June 30, 2028: Recreationist / Wildlife Group Representative Noxious Weed Free Materials Representative Montana Weed Control Association Representative Eastern County Weed District Representative At-Large Member The Noxious Weed Management Advisory Council is appointed by the MDA Director and provides guidance to the department and the noxious weed programs, which assist Montana counties, local and tribal communities, researchers, and educators in efforts to combat noxious weeds. MDA’s noxious weed programs include the Noxious Weed Trust Fund, Noxious Weed Materials Program, Early Detection, Rapid Response Program, and State Noxious Weed Coordination. Service terms are two years and members are required to attend three meetings a year: spring grant hearings, a summer tour, and a winter business meeting. Those interested in serving on the NWMAC are encouraged to submit a letter of interest and application to MDA by Sunday, May 31, 2026. More information and applications are available CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
AUCTIONS
Apr 13 - 21, Yellowstone Auction, Annual Spring Sale, Billings, MT............ A3 Apr 13 - 21, Musser Bros Auctions & Real Estate, Spring Equipment, Online.. ..................................................................................................................... A5 Apr 13 - 22, Smeltzer Auctions & Real Estate, Louis & Diana Dobrowski Revocable Trust, Online................................................................................... A4 Apr 13 - 28, Musser Bros Auctions & Real Estate, Lyle Flesch Retirement, Online.......................................................................................................... A7 Apr 13 - May 10, Smith Sales Co., Spring Fever, Online................. A8, A9, A10 Apr 17 - 29, Smeltzer Auctions & Real Estate, Spring Equipment & Tool Auction, Multiparty, Online...................................................................................... A11 Apr 18, Collins Auction Service Brownell Ranch Legacy Auction, Pendroy MT.............................................................................................................. A12 Apr 25, Shobe Auction, Cabin Fever Western Art & Collectibles, Lewistown MT.............................................................................................................. A14 Apr 25 - May 9, Pate Auction, Inc., State of Montana Surplus Property, Online............................................................................................................. A13 May 2, Rick Smith, Smith Garage 55-yr Collections, Dillon MT................. A15 May 9, Flying D Auction, Keith Littrell Retirement, Shelby MT................... A17 May 9, Rick Young & Sons Auctioneers, Circle B Ranch LLC, Big Horn MT...... ................................................................................................................... A19 May 13, RK Statewide Auction, Dawson County Land Auction, Glendive MT... ................................................................................................................... A23 May 16, Ophus Auction Company, Ben Lund & James Bronec Auction, Fort Benton MT................................................................................................. A25 May 16, Weaver Auctions, Spring Farm & Ranch Consignment, Drummond MT.............................................................................................................. A18 Late Spring, Musser Bros Auctions & Real Estate, Tracy Nelson Retirement, Joplin......................................................................................................... A22 June 10, Fritz Auction, Cosignment Auction, Chester MT.......................... A46 June 13, Flying D Auction, Cliff Gustafson Estate Sale, Conrad MT........... A38
Wildfire documentation
By Shannon Sand, UNL With recent wildfires affecting parts of Nebraska, many producers are feeling overwhelmed and wondering what the first steps are after everything settles. Once everyone is safe and accounted for, there are two important steps to take right away. First, take clear, date- and time-stamped photos and videos of any pasture, livestock, or infrastructure losses as soon as it’s safe to do so. This documentation is critical for insurance claims and for any government disaster assistance programs that may become available, and while it can be difficult after an already devastating event, thorough records will make recovering losses significantly easier. Second, review your insurance policy carefully so you understand what is covered in the event of fire or smoke damage. Remember that some animals may not show visible signs of injury right away; smoke inhalation and other health effects can CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
What an interesting sculpture! We saw this in Lewistown, Montana one day on our travels across this beautiful state of Montana. Looks to be built out of old car rims. Photo by Geri Aaberg
Emergency preparedness workshops planned in Scobey, Culbertson
Scobey and Culbertson area residents can become more prepared for medical and fire emergencies during upcoming Far Out and Waiting workshops. The free, public workshops are being hosted by Montana Farmers Union as part of the organization’s commitment to education and feature information about what to do to help save lives while waiting for EMS and fire services to arrive in remote areas. The first workshop will be held 5:30-8:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, at the Scobey School Cafeteria, with presentations by Shasta Dahl, Neil Holum, and other local EMTs and Fire Crew on how to handle common medical emergencies, home hardening in case of fire, evacuation preparedness, and more. The Scobey FFA Chapter
will provide a lasagna and dessert meal for freewill donations. The Far Out and Waiting workshop in Culbertson will cover similar topics, with presentations by Samantha Purvis, Mike Olson, and other EMTs and Fire Crew. The hands-on workshop runs from 5:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday, April 16, at the Culbertson School Cafeteria with a lasagna and dessert dinner offered for $10 by the Culbertson FFA Chapter. Families are encouraged to attend. Register for either event by April 13 at www. montanafarmersunion.com. Learn more by contacting MFU Membership Ambassador Mary Jenni at mjenni@ montanafarmersunion.com or 406-3800051.
PRIVATE TREATY
OTHER DATED
Browning Angus, Fallon MT..................................A4 Clay Creek Angus, Greybull, WY..........................A22 Curlew Cattle Co., Whitehall MT..........................A24 Dallas Polled Herefords, Canyon Creek MT..........A2 Ferrat Ranch, Toston MT......................................A19 K & C Herefords, Deer Lodge MT.........................A24 K.L. Slagsvold Herefords, Lindsay MT.................A24 McMurry Cattle, Herefords, Billings MT..............A24 Thomas Herefords, Gold Creek MT.....................A24 Wichman Herefords, Moore MT...........................A24
July 7, Montana Department of Ag Pesticide Disposal, Polson MT.........................................................B18 July 8, Montana Department of Ag Pesticide Disposal, Hamilton MT.....................................................B18 July 9, Montana Department of Ag Pesticide Disposal, Butte MT...........................................................B18
PRODUCTION SALES
May 7, Koenig Ranch Reds, Glasgow MT.............. A16
ADVERTISING DEADLINE FOR MAY ISSUE
Wednesday, April 29 Advertiser Index B1
Email: advertising@tradersdispatch.com
Recipe Patch A28
website: www.tradersdispatch.com