If someone were to ask me what one of the most important things I was taught growing up, I would answer with two words: agriculture advocacy.

I come from a long, long line of farmers and ranchers whose whole lives were dedicated solely to agriculture and developed that very same passion and excitement for agriculture at a young age. My parents always instilled the importance of agriculture in me and in how important it was to the survival of the world. I knew in my youth that agriculture was as much a part of me as I was of it.

Montana's vast agricultural landscapes enables farmers and ranchers to grow a diversity of hay crops to support our livestock industry. The climate, soil, and topography of Montana makes it an ideal area for growing various types of hay. Let's touch on a few common hay crops grown across the state:

Black Baldy calves have a rich history that spans across generations. Originating in the United States, these striking calves are a result of crossbreeding Black Angus and Hereford cattle. The creation of the Black Baldy breed can be traced back to the mid-20th century when ranchers sought to combine the superior meat quality of Black Angus with the hardiness and adaptability of Hereford cattle. This intentional crossbreeding led to the development of a unique breed that showcases the best traits of both parent breeds.

The United States is the largest beef producer in the world, producing over 27 billion pounds per year, which accounts for around 20.44% of the world’s beef production. In 2022, the U.S. produced 28.43 billion pounds of beef, which has been the most beef ever produced in the U.S. on record. And, we do this with only around 14.89% of the world’s beef population. The U.S. is the most efficient and productive when it comes to beef production. But, that’s not to say it’s an easy process.

Montana is home to many breeds of cattle, boasting a population of over 2.2 million head of cows, which outnumbers the people 2 to 1. They don’t call it the last best place for nothing! Much of Montana remains ranching and farming ground, with wide open spaces dotted with cows. Have you ever stopped to wonder about the cattle being run on the ranches in your communities?