JUNE 2025
Vol. XXVI No. 5 P.O. Box 997 Conrad, MT 59425-0997
Phone 406-271-5533 Fax 406-271-5727 website: tradersdispatch.com E-MAIL: advertising @ tradersdispatch.com
Montana State field days
From the MSU News Service Montana State University’s 2025 agricultural field day series will kick off on Wednesday, June 18, and continue throughout the summer. Hosted by the College of Agriculture and Montana Agricultural Experiment Station, the series will include events at all seven of the university’s research centers, plus two at campus farms in Bozeman. “The entire state of Montana is our laboratory and our campus, and these field days provide some of our most important opportunities to meet with community members, producers and partners,” said Sreekala Bajwa, MSU vice president for agriculture and dean of the college. “With our state’s wide range of geographies and ecosystems, hearing what questions are most important to producers where they are helps make sure our research is meeting their most pressing needs.” The Montana Agricultural Experiment Station comprises the main station at Bozeman; Department of Research Centers facilities in Conrad, Corvallis, Creston, Havre, Huntley, Moccasin and Sidney; and the USDA’s Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory in Miles City. At the field days, attendees can meet faculty, learn about ongoing and future research, offer feedback, share a meal and tour facilities. Topics for 2025 will include plant variety testing, new crops, livestock management, precision agriculture and more. CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
AUCTIONS
June 9 - 17, Musser Bros Auctions & Real Estate, Schlenker Ranch Excess Equipment, Online........................................................................................A5 June 9 - 25, Ascent Auction Services, Montana Statewide Summer Equipment, Online...........................................................................................................A7 June 10 - 22, Smeltzer Auctions & Real Estate, Firearms, Ammunition, Reloading Items, Online..........................................................................................A9 June 14, Weaver Auctions, Alfred Deschamps Estate, Frenchtown MT.......A4 June 17..........Wolff Auctioneers, Grassy Butte Country Scale Farm & Ranch Equipment, Online & Grassy Butte ND........................................................A2 June 21, Montana Auction Company, Robert Candee Estate, Richey MT....A11 June 26, Flying D Auction, Rock Rings, Inc., Pearson Retirement, Conrad MT...............................................................................................................A13 June 28, RK Statewide Auction, Steve Mullet Estate, Glendive MT...........A15
Wheat variety tours in NE
By Lana Koepke Johnson | Agronomy and Horticulture The University of Nebraska–Lincoln Crop Performance Testing Program will launch its annual wheat variety tours in June, featuring seven field locations from Jefferson to Banner County. Hosted by local farmer-cooperators and university farm managers, these tours highlight 84 unique wheat varieties and experimental lines being tested across the state. Department of Agronomy and Horticulture’s associate professor Cody Creech and research associate professor Amanda Easterly will lead the tours. They will be joined by Katherine Frels, agronomy and horticulture assistant professor and small grains breeder, and Stephen Wegulo, Department of Plant Pathology small grains plant pathologist, who will provide updates and answer questions. Seed industry partners will also share insights. CONTINUED ON PAGE A2
OTHER DATED
Jun 13 - 14, Heritage Timber, Sale & Open House, Potomac MT..................A4 Jun 24, Nutrien Plot Tours, Billings MT.........................................................C6 Jun 25, Nutrien Plot Tours, Conrad MT.........................................................C6 Jun 26, Nutrien Plot Tours, Fort Benton MT..................................................C6 Jun 30, Montana Department of Ag Pesticide Disposal, Polson MT..........C16 July 1, Montana Department of Ag Pesticide Disposal, Hamilton MT.......C16 July 2, Montana Department of Ag Pesticide Disposal, Butte MT.............C16 Sept 23, Montana Department of Ag Pesticide Disposal, Plentywood MT...... ...................................................................................................................C16 Sept 24, Montana Department of Ag Pesticide Disposal, Glasgow MT.....C16 Sept 25, Montana Department of Ag Pesticide Disposal, Glendive MT.....C16 Sept 26, Montana Department of Ag Pesticide Disposal, Hardin MT.........C16
Branding is always a stressful time for ranchers and animals alike. The entire family usually gets recruited somewhere in the process whether it’s bringing in the calves or vaccination or actual branding.
New educational series on ranch economics, natural resource management
The University of Wyoming Extension has launched a new educational series designed to support ranchers in navigating the complexities of modern livestock and land management. Rancher’$ E.D.G.E. (Excellence in Development, Grazing and Economics) is designed for ranchers, family members and employees actively involved in the management and care of a ranching operation. “Rancher’$ E.D.G.E. equips participants with the tools and knowledge needed to make informed decisions and enhance the sustainability of their operations,” says Jedidiah Hewlett, a UW Extension educator based in Converse County. “With high input costs, unpredictable weather patterns and evolving market conditions, staying informed and adaptable is more critical than ever.” The Rancher’$ E.D.G.E. curriculum is tailored to promote a holistic mindset and practical application of knowledge. The program is offered as three unique sessions throughout the year, providing a multi-season perspective on the ranching production cycle. Each session features a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on field activities covering topics such as risk management, marketing strategies, livestock nutrition, ration balancing, body condition scoring and range management.
In addition to gaining valuable insights from a team of UW educators, participants will have the opportunity to network with fellow ranchers. The next Rancher’$ E.D.G.E. session will be held in Thermopolis, beginning at 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, and concluding at noon the following day. The cost of attendance is $250 per person for each session, which includes a packet of materials, snacks and a complimentary dinner with presenters. Attendees are responsible for their own lodging, travel and additional meals. To register, visit tinyurl.com/RanchersEDGE. The registration deadline for the June event is Tuesday, June 10. Space is limited. The final 2025 Rancher’$ E.D.G.E. session will be held in Laramie November 18-19. While attending every session is not required, it is encouraged for the most robust learning experience. For more information, contact Hewlett at jhewlett@uwyo.edu or (307) 358-2417.
PRIVATE TREATY
K & C Herefords, Deer Lodge MT.........................A30 K.L. Slagsvold Herefords, Lindsay MT.................A30 McMurry Cattle, Herefords, Billings MT..............A30 Wichman Herefords, Moore MT...........................A30
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