In the third episode of the Helena Growers Series, we catch up with Choteau farmer Bill Hodgkiss. Bill discusses the rapid turnaround in growing conditions from last year and the improving outlook for Montana farmers. 

In the third episode of the Helena Growers Series, we catch up with Choteau farmer Bill Hodgkiss. Bill discusses the rapid turnaround in growing conditions from last year and the improving outlook for Montana farmers.

Hear the latest podcasts from the Northern Ag Network! For more programming, markets, weather and news... Visit NorthernAg.net

Hear the latest podcasts from the Northern Ag Network! For more programming, markets, weather and news... Visit NorthernAg.net

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In the Helena Grower Series, Northern Ag Network interviews farmers in Montana throughout the growing season to get their take on field conditions and challenges they are facing across the state.

In the Helena Grower Series, Northern Ag Network interviews farmers in Montana throughout the growing season to get their take on field conditions and challenges they are facing across the state.

Helena Grower Series

Extended interviews with farmers, ranchers, agribusiness people and issues impacting agriculture from our Northern Ag Network Broadcasters!

Extended interviews with farmers, ranchers, agribusiness people and issues impacting agriculture from our Northern Ag Network Broadcasters!

Featured Podcast Interviews

The Northern Ag Network provides hourly farm news and market reports, weather programs and special features. In addition, the Northern Ag Network produces two daily Ag Television programs each morning, which are seen on nine of Montana’s premier television stations.

Nationally-recognized broadcasters, award-winning programming and documented listener loyalty unlike anything else in the industry have made this Northern Broadcasting Network the primary marketing tool of dozens of successful businesses across the West.

The Northern Ag Network provides hourly farm news and market reports, weather programs and special features. In addition, the Northern Ag Network produces two daily Ag Television programs each morning, which are seen on nine of Montana&rsquo;s premier television stations.
Nationally-recognized broadcasters, award-winning programming and documented listener loyalty unlike anything else in the industry have made this Northern Broadcasting Network the primary marketing tool of dozens of successful businesses across the West.

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Helena Growers Series - Episode 3

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Join Colter Brown for a conversation with the team at Montana Livestock Ag Credit, Inc. as they break down what 2025 delivered to the livestock industry—from cattle price trends to risk protection strategies—and share insights on what producers may want to consider as we head into the new year.

Join Colter Brown for a conversation with the team at Montana Livestock Ag Credit, Inc. as they break down what 2025 delivered to the livestock industry&mdash;from cattle price trends to risk protection strategies&mdash;and share insights on what producers may want to consider as we head into the new year.

Talking Cattle and Credit with Montana Livestock Ag Credit Inc.

After 17 years of farming, Tryg Koch now farms about 2500 acres, which is 100% leased land with over 70 landowners. With his operation and the ever-changing landscape of more houses and less wheat fields, Tryg talks about how products like AgriGro just need to work quickly. 

Koch also talks about the need for getting an insurance option for winter canola producers after they have put the oil seed in the ground. 

After 17 years of farming, Tryg Koch now farms about 2500 acres, which is 100% leased land with over 70 landowners. With his operation and the ever-changing landscape of more houses and less wheat fields, Tryg talks about how products like AgriGro just need to work quickly.&nbsp;
Koch also talks about the need for getting an insurance option for winter canola producers after they have put the oil seed in the ground.&nbsp;

Tryg Koch Talks About Partnering with AgriGro West and the Needs of Montana Producers

The news this Fall that a population of Feral Hogs was confirmed in Montana, sent a shockwave through the ag industry. 

In a state that has been on high alert for feral swine outbreaks for several years, suddenly the word came that dozens of wild hogs were reported ranging in a brushy waterway along Montana’s Hi-Line. 

Feral swine are an invasive, non-native species, considered one of the worst invasive species in the world. They are prolific breeders, they are highly adaptable, and can cause devastating impacts.

We know how damaging wild hogs have been in other states, including North Dakota.  And we are aware of another population of wild hogs that is spreading to the north of us in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.  But we thought Montana was still free of this menace.
Where were they found in Montana?
How many wild hogs are at that location?
How did those hogs get there?
How do we deal with them? Can they be eradicated?

In this podcast Taylor Brown dives into those questions and a lot more with Montana State Veterinarian, Dr. Tahnee Szymanski, who activated the team at the Montana Department of Livestock, to respond to what might be the largest reported outbreak of Feral Swine in Montana’s history.

Montana has been aggressive in its approach to this invasive species.  Here is a link to the current Fact Sheet that describes Montana’s concern, with the facts and the laws on Feral Swine; including what to watch for, and how to participate in Montana’s “Squeal on Pigs” campaign.

 Listeners are urged to call 406-444-2976, or go to www.SquealonPigsMT.com, if you spot swine running at large. 

The news this Fall that a population of Feral Hogs was confirmed in Montana, sent a shockwave through the ag industry.&nbsp;
In a state that has been on high alert for feral swine outbreaks for several years, suddenly the word came that dozens of wild hogs were reported ranging in a brushy waterway along Montana&rsquo;s Hi-Line.&nbsp;
Feral swine are an invasive, non-native species, considered one of the worst invasive species in the world. They are prolific breeders, they are highly adaptable, and can cause devastating impacts.
We know how damaging wild hogs have been in other states, including North Dakota.&nbsp; And we are aware of another population of wild hogs that is spreading to the north of us in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.&nbsp; But we thought Montana was still free of this menace.
<ul>
<li>Where were they found in Montana?</li>
<li>How many wild hogs are at that location?</li>
<li>How did those hogs get there?</li>
<li>How do we deal with them? Can they be eradicated?</li>
</ul>
In this podcast Taylor Brown dives into those questions and a lot more with Montana State Veterinarian, Dr. Tahnee Szymanski, who activated the team at the <a href="https://news.mt.gov/Department-of-Livestock/Department-of-Livestock-Responding-to-Potential-Feral-Swine-in-Phillips-County">Montana Department of Livestock, to respond to what might be the largest reported outbreak of Feral Swine</a> in Montana&rsquo;s history.
Montana has been aggressive in its approach to this invasive species.&nbsp; <a href="https://invasivespecies.mt.gov/montana-invasive-species/Squeal-on-Pigs-Fact-Sheet-24-0129.pdf">Here is a link to the current Fact Sheet that describes Montana&rsquo;s concern</a>, with the facts and the laws on Feral Swine; including what to watch for, and how to participate in Montana&rsquo;s &ldquo;Squeal on Pigs&rdquo; campaign.
&nbsp;Listeners are urged to call 406-444-2976, or go to <a href="http://www.SquealonPigsMT.com">www.SquealonPigsMT.com</a>, if you spot swine running at large.&nbsp;

Helena Growers Series - Episode 3

Helena Grower Series

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