By Brett McRae, Northern Ag Network
It is harvest season in Montana and farmers across the state are working hard to bring 2024’s crop into the bin. Other than equipment and perseverance, a farmer needs good infrastructure to haul his or her crops to market. Well maintained roads, and the ability to access a market are major keys to a successful harvest season.
Farmers and community leaders in northern Toole County were concerned last week, when they heard about plans from US Customs and Border Protection to place vehicle barriers on five roads leading north from Border Road, which runs along the Montana – Canadian border.
Border road is critical for Montana and Canadian farmers, it runs 8 miles east of the border station in Sweetgrass, providing access to the grain elevator in town as well as numerous farm steads on both sides of the border. Local farmer Jackson Nagy explains how important Border Road is to the farmers, ranchers, and residents of northern Toole County.
“For our farm, Border Road is the main road we use to get to the elevator in Sweetgrass and our shop. I drive it every day from September through March and if it was blocked, we would have to take a longer and less efficient route which would really cost me time during harvest.”
Terry Kimmet, a Toole County Commissioner, echoed these sentiments, pointing out the broader implications for both American and Canadian farmers. “The road supports heavy agricultural use, particularly during harvest,” Kimmet said. “Vehicle barriers could disrupt the flow of goods and services, harming our close-knit, cross-border community.”
Kimmet added that the road also has historical significance representing cooperation between Montana and our Canadian neighbors, “It’s one of the best-maintained roads in Toole County, thanks to the efforts of Warner County in Alberta.”
Last week Montana Congressman Matt Rosendale wrote a letter opposing the proposal, citing both logistical and safety concerns. “If barriers are installed, it could delay emergency responses and complicate law enforcement activities,” Rosendale noted.
After hearing these concerns from the community, Havre Sector Border Patrol responded with a press release on Monday, detailing it’s plans. In it, the agency said these barriers will not obstruct or impede access to the main portion of border road in any way but will serve as a clear border marker for anyone unfamiliar with the area.
Border patrol says the purpose of installing these barriers is to reduce inadvertent border crossings so that agents can concentrate on their core mission to secure the border against more significant threats.
As harvest ramps up farmers will be relying on Border Road to haul their grain, but also remain vigilant to aid Border Patrol in its mission to maintain the integrity of our Northern Border.
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Northern Ag Network
