HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have partnered to announce the recipients of the state’s $2.7 million investment in projects through the Montana Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) program.
“These grants support both economic and market development as well as research that are vital to our producers,” said Montana Department of Agriculture Director Jillien Streit. “Agriculture is constantly changing. These grants fund support efforts to help our farmers and ranchers innovate, diversify, and stay ahead.”
2025 SCBG AWARDS
Montana State University – Bozeman has been awarded the following grants:
- A $125,584 award for “Expanding Montana’s Agritourism Industry from the Ground Up”. Primary Investigator is Dr. Shannon Arnold.
- A $249,960 award for “Assessment of Long-term Rotations and Spent Lime Applications on Soil pH and Soil Health”. Primary Investigator is Dr. Frankie Crutcher with the Eastern Agricultural Research Center in Sidney.
- A $130,390 award for “Extending Vegetable Production with Leafy Green Varieties Tailored to Montana’s Shoulder Seasons”. Primary Investigator is Dr. Roland Ebel.
- A $168,612 award for “Enhancing Above and Below Ground Branching of Yellow/Green pea”. Primary Investigator is Dr. Michael Giroux.
- A $147,287 award for “Varietal Education to Advance Best Production Practices in Pulses in Montana”. Primary Investigator is Dr. Michael Giroux.
- A $234,184 award for “Surveying Vectors and Virus Strains to Improve PVY Management in Montana Seed Potato”. Primary Investigators are Dr. Aritra Choudhury and Dr. Jessica Kansman.
- A $286,756 award for “Investigating Fungicide Resistance in Ascochyta Blight Pathogens and Developing Innovative Management Solutions”. Primary Investigator is Dr. Uta McKelvy.
- A $281,021 award for “Impact of Stress on Peas and Lentils: Understanding Root Rot Severity”. Primary Investigator is Dr. Uta McKelvy.
- A $243,034 award for “Pre-plant Practices to Improve Profitability for Montana Organic Vegetable Farms”. Primary Investigator is Dr. Zach Miller with the Western Agricultural Research Center in Corvallis.
- A $93,223 award for “Advancing Testing of Seedborne and Soilborne Pathogens of Pulse Crops”. Primary Investigator is Dr. Carmen Murphy.
- A $283,778 award for “Impact of Precision Weed Management on Soil Health and Pulse Crop Production”. Primary Investigator is Dr. Ricardo Pinto with the Northern Agricultural Research Center near Havre.
The Specialty Crop Block Program also supported a grant for the following organizations:
- A $103,041 award for “Revitalizing and Growing Montana’s Apple Industry”. Primary Investigator is Grace Nichols with the Ravalli County Economic Development Authority.
- A $74,939 award for “Growing Skills, Connections, and Success with Montana Horticulture Specialty Crops”. Awardee is the Montana Nursery and Landscaping Association.
- A $88,712.90 award for “Promoting Montana Specialty Crops at National Trade Shows”. Primary Investigator is Marty Earnheart at MDA.
The Montana Department of Agriculture is serving Montana Agriculture and growing prosperity under the Big Sky. For more information on department programs and services, visit agr.mt.gov.
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Montana Department of Agriculture
