Montana State University (MSU) Extension will host its annual cropping seminar series January 5-9, 2026, in the Golden Triangle area. Speakers will cover topics such as input prices and managing price risk, forage options, crop varieties, and virtual fencing technology.
Interested individuals can attend the workshop in Chester, Choteau, Conrad, Cut Bank, Fort Benton, Great Falls, Havre, Shelby, or Stanford. There is no charge for the seminars, and all producers are encouraged to attend. The Choteau, Conrad, Cut Bank, Shelby, Chester, Havre, Fort Benton, and Stanford seminars will begin at 8:30 a.m. with registration. The Great Falls seminar will begin at 9:30 a.m. with registration on January 10th. Both commercial and private pesticide licensing recertification credits will be available.
Kelsey Larson, MSU Agriculture Economics and Economics Specialist and Andrew Swanson, MSU Agricultural Economics & Economics Extension Specialist will present Marketing and Risk in a Price Crunch. Montana farmers today are facing record high input prices coupled with low crop prices. This session will discuss the pricing trends in Montana for inputs and crops, and offer insights on the factors influencing these markets in 2026. They will also share new options for managing price risk.
Dr. Sam Wyffels, MSU Assistant Professor and Beef Extension Specialist, will combine key concepts from cover crops, annual forages (such as wheat and barley), and the emerging role of virtual fencing technology. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the forage and nutritional potential found in cover crops and crop aftermath, as well as how virtual fence systems can enhance management, efficiency, and sustainability in these integrated production systems. Whether producers are looking to graze crop stubble or cover crops, these concepts will provide tips for advancing modern forage and grazing practices.
With current high input costs and low crop prices, forages may be an alternative option to consider in 2026. Hayes Goosey, MSU Animal & Range Sciences Extension forage specialist will cover “Raising annual forages in cropland,” focusing on potential grain forage options for producers. In addition, Goosey will share haying recommendations when pivoting from cereal grains to a hay crop in the event of hail, etc. This will include managing nitrates, stage of maturity to cut, and potential returns.
Simon Fordyce, Research Scientist at the Central Agriculture Research Center (CARC) in variety development, testing and agronomy, will share the latest updates on crop varieties suited for Montana’s diverse growing conditions. This session will highlight new research findings, performance insights, and emerging options that can help producers optimize yields and resilience. Attendees will gain practical guidance on selecting varieties that align with regional challenges and opportunities across the state.
Dates, locations and contact numbers for local cropping seminars are listed below:
Monday, January 5
- Stanford at Stanford City Hall, 102 Central Ave. RSVP to 406-566-2277 (option 7) or sidney.stratton@montana.edu
- Fort Benton at the Ag Center, 1205 20th Street. RSVP to Tyler Lane at 406-622-3751 or tyler.lane@montana.edu
Tuesday, January 6
- Chester at the Methodist Church, 501 Monroe Ave, Chester, MT 59522 RSVP to Jesse Fulbright at 406-759-5625 or jesse.fulbright@montana.edu
- Havre at the 4-H Chuckwagon 1676 US HWY 2 W at the Great Northern Fairgrounds. RSVP to Colleen Pegar at 406-400-2333 or colleen.pegar@montana.edu
Wednesday, January 7
- Cut Bank at the Glacier County Library basement, 21 First Ave. SE. RSVP to Kari Lewis at 406-873-2239 or kari.lewis@montana.edu
- Shelby at the Comfort Inn, 455 McKinley Ave. RSVP to Kim Woodring at 406-424-8350 or kimberly.woodring1@montana.edu
Thursday, January 8
- Conrad at the Conrad Moose Lodge, 617 S. Main Street. RSVP to Grace Rooney at 406-271-4054 or gracekathryn.rooney@montana.edu
- Choteau at the Stage Stop Inn, 1005 Main Avenue North. RSVP to Jenn Swanson at 406-868-4570 or jenn.swanson@montana.edu
Friday, January 9
- Great Falls at Great Falls College MSU in room 1500, 2100 16th Avenue S. RSVP to Rose Malisani at 406-454-6980 or rose.malisani@montana.edu
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MSU Extension – 2025
