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Shoppers are feeling the pinch of higher grocery prices in Montana, where food costs rose ninth-most in the nation in 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 22, 2024

FTC: Grocers gouging consumers with food prices

Food prices remain high, in Montana and across the country. A new report by the Federal Trade Commission says the country's largest grocery …

Montana faces above-average rates of obesity and diabetes, both of which are dangerous to heart health. (Adobe Stock)

MT faces unique challenges during Heart Month

Doctors in Montana are asking people to pay close attention to their cardiac health during February, which is National Heart Month - especially since …

A bipartisan group of attorneys general in 31 states, including Montana, and the District of Columbia are partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to enhance competition and protect consumers in food and agricultural markets. Montana does not currently have a price-gouging law. (Adobe stock)

MT Joins Food Price Gouging Investigation

Montana is part of a bipartisan effort around the U.S. to strengthen enforcement and prevent antitrust activity within the nation's food system…

The rate of children under age 19 without health insurance dropped to 5% in 2021, an estimated 4,165,000 million kids nationwide, down from 6% in 2019, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. (Adobe Stock)

Healthy Kids Study Shows Dramatic Lack of Montana Child Care

The Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count Data Book ranks Montana 18th nationally in overall child well-being. The just-released numbers showed …

Four meat companies - Cargill, Tyson Foods, JBS and National Beef Packing - control about 70% of the beef market in the United States. (agnormark/Adobe Stock)

Fed Funds for Small MT Meat Processors Fend off Industry Consolidation

Small Montana meat processors are on the front lines against the large companies that control the industry. Funding from the American Rescue Plan is …

There are more than 58 million acres of farm and ranch land in Montana. (Annika Charter-Williams)

August Challenge for Montanans: Eat Local Every Day

BILLINGS, Mont. - Montanans are being challenged this month to eat locally grown foods, every day of August. The Northern Plains Resource Council is …

Independent cattle ranchers feel the squeeze from large meatpacking companies such as JBS. (Gerwin Schadl/Adobe Stock)

Cyberattack Offers Chance for Reform in Meat Industry

HELENA, Mont. -- Ranchers see opportunities for reform in the wake of a cyberattack on the world's largest meatpacking company. JBS controls nearly …

Unpasteurized milk presents certain health risks, according to public-health experts. (USDA NRCS Montana/Flickr)

Public-Health Experts Concerned about MT Food Bill

HELENA, Mont. -- A measure in Helena would give Montanans more freedom to buy food from neighboring farmers and ranchers, supporters say, but the …

Montana ranchers say they've taken a hit because the United States lacks accurate country-of-origin labeling. (Northern Plains Resource Council)

Ranchers Want to Restore 'Truth in Labeling' for Meat Origins

HELENA, Mont. -- Ranchers want to bring truth-in-labeling back for beef and pork in Montana. A proposal in the Montana Legislature would ask …

One in 10 Montana families doesn't have health insurance. (Maygutyak/Adobe Stock)

MT Families Face 'Impossible Decisions' During Pandemic

HELENA, Mont. -- Montana families are struggling during the pandemic, putting the well-being of children in the state at risk. A new report from the …

About 67,000 Montana kids were eligible for free and reduced-price lunches during the 2019-2020 school year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Africa Studio/Adobe Stock)

MT Families Receive Funds for Missed School Meals

HELENA, Mont. -- Students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals missed out on those meals when school closed down in March. But a program …

For the local food challenge, Montanans are encouraged to eat something grown locally everyday. (Northern Plains Resource Council)

Montana Local Food Challenge: More Significance This Year

HELENA, Mont. - This August is the fifth annual Montana Local Food Challenge. With the food supply chain and local businesses in a precarious state …

There are more than 800 bison in the American Prairie Reserve's conservation herd. (Dennis J. Lingohr/American Prairie Reserve)

As Demand Increases, MT Reserve Offers Larger Bison Harvest

HELENA, Mont. -- A growing number of Montanans have entered for a chance at harvesting a bison from the American Prairie Reserve. This year…

American Prairie Reserve's donation of bison meat to the Montana Food Bank Network is coming at time when some meat processors are closed due to COVID-19 (Mike Quist Kautz/APR)

American Prairie Reserve Donates Bison Meat to MT Food Bank Network

HELENA, Mont. -- The American Prairie Reserve (APR) is donating about 4,000 pounds of harvested bison meat to the Montana Food Bank Network. The …

Montana received nearly $3 billion dollars from programs that use census data in fiscal year 2016. (gustavofrazao/Adobe Stock)

Study: Census Data Crucial to Many Montanans' Incomes

HELENA, Mont. -- An accurate census count is most important to rural states, such as Montana, and poorer states, according to a new study. States …

Montana ranchers such as Jeanie Alderson, above, say imported meat labeled as a

MT Lawmakers Hold Hearing on Country-of-Origin Labeling

HELENA, Mont. — A bill in the Montana Legislature aims to let Montanans know where their meat is really coming from. Lawmakers will hold a …

Negotiations continue between the U.S House and Senate on the Farm Bill. Potential work requirements for SNAP recipients is one point of contention. (Mr.TinDC/Flickr)

Farm Bill Potentially Delayed by SNAP Work Provisions

HELENA, Mont. – Congress may not be able to finish a new farm bill by the end of the month, when the old one expires. One deadlock is a …

Four meatpacking companies control 85 percent of the beef market, putting the squeeze on independent cattle ranchers. (Preston Keres/USDA)

Ranchers, Farmers Support Moratorium on Agribusiness Mega-Mergers

BILLINGS, Mont. – Ranchers and cattle producers are throwing their weight behind a U.S. Senate bill that would temporarily stop mega-mergers in …

There are more than 90 summer meal sites throughout Montana. (Missoula Food Bank)

MT Summer Meal Programs Fight Childhood Hunger

HELENA, Mont. — Summer can be a difficult time for hungry children. In Montana, about one-in-six children lives in a food insecure household …

Rep. Greg Gianforte, R-Mont., visited a small meat processor after reports it had been harassed by a federal meat inspector. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Small MT Food Processor: Fed Inspector 'Wants the Little Guys Out of Business'

BUTTE, Mont. – Small meat processors in Montana hope the state's Congressional delegation will act soon to rein in a regional food inspector …

Pesticide use is blamed for the decline in bee numbers. (joanvincent/Flickr)

Montanans Encouraged to Appreciate Role of Bees

HELENA, Mont. - As we enjoy the late-summer crops produced in Montana and around the country, environmental advocates are hoping everyone will take …

About 20 percent of beef is imported, but country-of-origin labeling isn't required. (Lance Cheung/USDA)

Beef Producers Sue USDA to Require Country-of-Origin Labeling

BILLINGS, Mont. -- A group of cattle producers wants Americans to know where their beef is coming from - and is suing the U.S. Department of …

The Montana Food Bank Network works with 140 partners across the state to provide meals to kids over the summer. (Leon Neal/Getty Images)

Summer Meals Helping Combat Academic Slide for MT Children

MISSOULA, Mont. – During the summer months, children need food assistance more than ever. One in five children in Montana lives in a food …

More than 300 organizations have signed a letter to U.S. Attorney General Sessions urging him to oppose proposed mega-mergers that affect agriculture. (Die Gr�nen K�rnten/Flickr)

300+ Groups Oppose Ag-Related Mega Mergers

HELENA, Mont. – Nearly 325 organizations have signed a letter pressing new U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions to make sure the Justice …

The hectic holidays can take a toll on a person's health, but there also are simple strategies to minimize this seasonal stress. (quinntheislander/Pixabay)

Tips to Stay Afloat in Chaos of the Holidays

HELENA, Mont. - This time of year, many people focus on fun parties, quality family time and gift-giving, but it can lead some to get caught up in …

Montana added nearly 100,000 acres of organic farmland since 2016, according to a new report. (storebukkebruse/Flickr)

Montana Ripe for Organic Farming

HELENA, Mont. - The last few years have been a growing season for organic farming in the United States. According to the Mercaris Organic Acreage …

The BackPack assistance program is designed to help the nearly 48,000 children who are food insecure in Montana.(and the rest/flickr)

Children's Need for Food High Over Holidays

MISSOULA, Mont. – Thanksgiving is a time when families get together and eat wonderful food. But some Montanans are less fortunate during the …

A former environmental lawyer has written a book that says that when done correctly, livestock grazing can have some benefits for the land. (Scott Bauer/USDA)

Can Cattle Grazing be Good for the Environment?

BILLINGS, Mont. - The ancient plains of Montana once hosted herds of animals that grazed the land. Now, cattle and other domesticated animals do that …

Blain Hjerthaas speaks at the first Soil Summit on Saturday about a practice called

First "Soil Summit" Links Healthy Soil to Higher Profits

BILLINGS, Mont. – If you want to get higher yields from a farm, start with the health of the soil. That's one rule being shared by a speaker at …

Big Sandy farmer Kelly Rutledge is in Washington, D.C., to press members of Congress on agricultural issues close to home. Credit: Montana Farmers Union.

Montana Farmers "Fly-in" to Bend Ears in DC

GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Food labeling, sage grouse, renewable-energy standards and new trade markets. It's a long list of priorities for Montana …

A federal court says the pesticide sulfoxaflor should not have been registered because it can kill bees and other pollinators. Credit: Deborah C. Smith.

Ninth Circuit Stings EPA for Approving Bee-Killing Pesticide

HELENA, Mont. - A pesticide that kills bees should not have been cleared for agricultural use by the Environmental Protection Agency, according to a …

PHOTO: Billings may be in the heart of farm country, but the region imports between 90 and 95 percent of its food. A farm and food systems expert presents ideas on Tuesday for how local food can become an economic development tool. Photo credit: LifeOfPix.com

Local Food Economy Brainstorming in Billings

BILLINGS, Mont. - Billings may be in the heart of farm country, but the region imports between 90 and 95 percent of its food. Harvard University …

PHOTO: Providing food for all, stewardship of the land and emerging technologies are being examined today through the lens of religion, at the Faith, Food and the Environment symposium. Credit: Deborah C. Smith

Faith, Food and the Environment Converge on the Farm

FORT SHAW, Mont. - Providing food for all, stewardship of the land and emerging technologies are being examined today through the lens of religion …

PHOTO: According to the Center for Rural Affairs, rural areas have higher percentages of households receiving SNAP benefits than urban areas or small cities. Photo credit: National Agricultural Library

Study: Rural MT Depends on Food Stamps

HELENA, Mont. - Oftentimes, the issue of hunger is associated with people in big cities, where the cost of living tends to be high, but a new study …

GRAPHIC: A report on Summer Nutrition Programs shows Montana has improved in making sure low-income children are served healthy meals when school lunchroom is closed. Image courtesy of U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Summer Nutrition Checkup for Montana Kids

HELENA, Mont. – Summertime shouldn't be hunger time. That's the push this week from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to encourage children …

PHOTO: An amendment to limit certain farm payments is not in the new five-year Farm Bill that's expected to be voted on today in the U-S House. Photo credit: Carl Wycoff

Farm Bill (Finally) Advances, Some Reforms Left Behind

MISSOULA, Mont. - After more than two years of debate, it appears a new Farm Bill is headed for passage - although there are misgivings on a number …

MT Farmers and Ranchers Sign Action Note on Climate Change

FORSYTH, Mont. - A third-generation farming family in southeastern Montana has added their names to a letter to the U.S. Senate, asking for action to …

PHOTO: Montana groups, along with almost 300 nationwide, want to be sure conservation components of the 2013 Farm Bill aren't left behind. Photo credit: Ryan Stockwell

Farm Bill Conferees Hear About Ag-Conservation Connection

HELENA, Mont. - Another deadline is looming for the next Farm Bill, as U.S. House and Senate conferees continue to work out details. Two of those …

PHOTO: A National Wildlife Federation report finds that a changing climate is bad news for most of Montana's big game species. Photo credit: U.S. Forest Service

Report: Big Changes for Montana’s Big Game

KALISPELL, Mont. - A history lesson and a warning about the changing climate are part of a new report from the National Wildlife Federation that …

PHOTO: One in eight Montanans receives SNAP food assistance. Families are seeing about $30 less per month. Photo courtesy of MT.gov.

Food Budget Check-up for Montanans

MISSOULA, Mont. - Thirty dollars a month doesn't sound like much, but when it's part of a food budget for a family struggling to make ends meet it …

$PHOTO: Cover crops are good for farmers' bottom lines as well as rivers. Two new reports from the National Wildlife Federation find that the use of cover crops is growing, but still just a fraction of the potential. Photo courtesy NWF.$

Reports Urge More Farmers to Take Cover

BILLINGS, Mont. - Growing in the off-season can bring more cash to the crop season. Two new reports from the National Wildlife Federation make the …

PHOTO: Montana is taking over grizzly bear livestock loss compensation program, while Defenders of Wildlife is spending more on coexistence projects. Photo credit: USFWS

State Takes Control of Grizzly Bear Loss Compensation

MISSOULA, Mont. - Montana is taking control of the program to compensate ranchers for livestock losses from grizzly bears. A new state law directs …

PHOTO: AARP Montana is holding �shred and feed� events around the state today, offering free document shredding while collecting food donations. Photo credit: Microsoft Images

“Shred and Feed” for National Day of Service in Montana

HELENA, Mont. - Protection from identity theft and help with putting food on the table are two goals today in Montana for the National Day of Service…

PHOTO: September is Hunger Action Month in Montana. A new USDA report shows that 46,000 children in the state face hunger. Photo credit: Deborah C. Smith

Hunger Action Month in MT: SNAP Challenge

HELENA, Mont. - Today starts the SNAP challenge in Montana - budgeting $5 a day per person for food. That's the average food stamp benefit, and with …

PHOTO: Cattle producers in Montana and around the country are rethinking feedlot practices after Merck Animal Health recently pulled a popular growth-accelerating drug from the market. Photo credit: Deborah C. Smith

What’s the Beef with Sore Cattle?

HELENA, Mont. - Cattle growers in Montana and around the country are rethinking feedlot practices after the drug firm Merck Animal Health recently …

PHOTO: The Country-of-Origin (COOL) labeling law is headed to court, with Montana Farmers Union holding rallies this month to support the law. Photo credit: Deborah C. Smith

COOL Becomes Hot Again - Meat Labeling Headed for Court

GREAT FALLS, Mont. - A court will soon be chewing on a tough decision related to meat. The National Cattlemen's Beef Association and American Meat …

PHOTO: Montana Farmers Union President Alan Merrill says splitting the 'Farm Bill' into two pieces is opposed by MFU, the American Farm Bureau and more than 500 other groups. Photo courtesy of MFU

Farmers Union: Two is Not Better Than One

GREAT FALLS, Mont. - A proposal to split the Farm Bill into a piece on farm policy and one on nutrition policy was quick to light a fire under the …

PHOTO: Soil and wetlands conservation would be linked to crop insurance subsidies under legislation supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Farmers Union and conservation groups. Photo credit: Deborah C. Smith.

Strange Bedfellows Support Farm Bill Conservation Amendment

GREAT FALLS, Mont. - The next farm bill is expected to be voted on in the U.S. House this week, after already winning approval in the Senate…

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MT: Hunger/Food/Nutrition