LaneCast Ag Podcast

More and more farmers are realizing the importance of farm management software that centralizes, manages, and optimizes the production activities and operations of farms. During this ‘Wipfli Spotlight on Agriculture’ podcast, we are joined by Wipfli’s Robert Zondag and Pat Christie with Conservis. They share how farm management platforms provided by Conservis are helping farmers optimize their ope...

Sec. of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and South Dakota U.S. Senator Mike Rounds each join the “Agriculture Conversation” today. Sec. Vilsack discusses 30X30, cattle markets, wildfire management and the Biden Administration American Families Plan that many in agriculture fear will raise their taxes. Sen. Rounds discusses his bipartisan efforts in urging the Dept. of Justice to protect consumers and cattl...

The Montana Stockgrowers Association’s Jay Bodner discusses House Bill 554 that was signed into law by Gov Greg Gianforte. This law will require the Montana Legislature’s approval of National Heritage Areas (NHA) and National Trail Designation in Montana prior to a National Designation. MSGA led a diverse coalition to find a solution to address the concerns of many private property owners across M...

Across the countryside farmers are celebrating higher grain prices while ranchers experience lower futures and cash cattle prices. China’s record purchases of U.S. corn have many wondering how long with the rally last? How will it impact calf prices? Agriculture Economist, Dr. Gary Brester, Professor Emeritus of Montana State University’s College of Agriculture Economics and Economics joins the “A...

The Montana Farm Bureau is celebrating its members during the month of May. From grassroots advocacy, membership benefits, and growing the Farm Bureau footprint, it is a busy time for the organization. MFBF’s Alena Standley joins the “Agriculture Conversation” from her family’s ranch. She discusses MFBF’s May Membership Month, advocacy in Helena, summer events and more!

With a lack of precipitation, producers are faced with difficult decisions of finding grass, marketing and shipping calves earlier (and at lighter weights) or taking cattle or sheep to town. Producers are covering that risk with Pasture, Rangeland and Forage (PFR) insurance. Ranchers Gordon and Jared Clark with Silveus Insurance Group help ag producers protect up to 90% of normal rainfall on your...

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced it will be recommending no change to the current listed status of the grizzly bear in the lower 48 states as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The Montana Stockgrowers Asso. Exec. V.P. Jay Bodner shares why his organization is deeply disappointed in the announcement.

Farmers and Ranchers are known for their innovations. But they may not know that their innovation could save them money during tax season. Wipfli’s Christina Schultz and Kendra Goodman share insight on Research and Development Tax Credit incentives for the agriculture industry. The conversation includes an overview of what the credit is, activities that qualify, and how to claim the credit. https:...

Chester, MT farmer Vince Mattson joins the podcast. The past Montana Grain Growers President shares an update on his winter wheat crop, MGGA’s legislative efforts, the importance of joining organizations like MGGA and much more! https://www.mgga.org/join/

National Guard troops on duty in our Nation’s Capital have received farm-fresh food from farmers and ranchers. The donations came from members of Farmers Union and their business entity Farmers Union Enterprises (FUE). The groups made a donation of $50,000 to provide nutritious meals that were prepared by the Founding Farmers restaurants based in Washington D.C. State Farmers Union’s Presidents fr...

The Montana Stockgrowers Association is working with lawmakers and other groups to find solutions to address the concerns of many private property owners across Montana regarding the proposed Big Sky Country National Heritage Area. Rancher Dana Darlington, MSGA board member along with Raylee Honeycutt, MSGA Natural Resources Director share more on House Bill 554.

Mr. Bill Jimmerson has taught and influenced thousands of Ag Education and FFA members for over 50 years. As an Ag Educator, FFA advisor and later on Montana State FFA Advisor, Mr. Jimmerson is a mover and shaker. Now retired, he shares a glimpse into his life’s work.

"Waiting for a Chinook" by Charlie Russell can be found hanging in the homes of many ranches across the state. It is a reminder of the power of Mother Nature. But it is also a reminder of a rancher’s commitment to their livestock and land no matter the weather. What is the history of the artwork? How did the Montana Stockgrowers Association come to own it? Jim Peterson, Rancher and Chairman of the...

Taking a break from minus 20-degree weather, Katelyn Dynneson Larson joins the “Agriculture Conversation.” Katelyn farms and ranches near Sidney, MT. The discussion ranges from being a woman in ag, family dynamics, expecting her first child, ag leadership, Bakken oil and much more.

Wyoming native Kaitlynn Glover, Exc. Dir. of the National Public Lands Council, gives a recap of PLC’s work representing cattle and sheep producers in Washington D.C. From an update on the Biden Administration, U.S. Forest Service rangeland management handbooks and directives comment period, and much more are covered in today’s “Agriculture Conversation.”

Do you qualify for a Paycheck Protection Loan for your farm or ranch? In this Wipfli Spotlight on Agriculture Podcast, Dustin Wiesner and Ryan Tangedal provide insight on the first and second draw of PPP and how ag producers can apply for loans and loan forgiveness. They also give insight on the Employee Retention Credit and items you can utilize to prepare for the first couple of quarters of 2021...

U.S. Sen. Jon Tester discusses quality losses assistance for farmers, Keystone XL Pipeline, H2A Farm Labor issues and increasing broadband access for rural America.

Farmers, ranchers and agribusiness are still trying to wrap their minds around COVID relief programs. From the Paycheck Protection Program enrollment and forgiveness process, CFAP payments to producers and more. It can be hard to grasp. In this Wipfli Spotlight on Agriculture Podcast Brad Cook walks us through how Wipfli is a resource for all of agriculture.

Mitch Konen, Montana Grain Growers President, discusses grain prices, looking ahead to 2021, Dietary Guidelines and more.

Understanding the latest COVID-19 relief funds for ranchers, release of the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines and advocacy are the talking points with guest Ethan Lane with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

Colorado Rancher Hugh Sanburg, Vice Chair of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, discusses the Beef Checkoff and more.

The Montana World Trade Center on December 3, 2020, will host the Montana – Israel Virtual Trade Forum. The event will highlight the opportunities to grow trade between Montana and Israel and will focus on the agricultural and ag-tech industries. The MWTC’s Abby Majerus shares more on the virtual event. https://www.mwtc.org/

The American Sheep Industry Association's President Benny Cox of Texas and Exec. Dir. Peter Orwick discuss the challenges and opportunities the sheep industry faced in 2020.

What is the status of U.S. beef exports to Asia? Joel Haggard senior vice president for the Asia Pacific with U.S. Meat Export Federation gives his insight. Based in Hong Kong, Haggard oversees USMEF marketing and market access activities for all Asian markets and Oceania, and can address questions specific to key markets such as China/Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Raised on the family farm near Polson, MT, Alison Vergeront has deep roots in agriculture. She has served as agricultural liaison and field representative for U.S. Senator Steve Daines for the past six years. Starting Jan. 1, 2021 she will begin a new career as the Montana Grain Growers Association’s new executive vice president.