Winter wheat conditions improved once again as National Agricultural Statistic Service enumerators drive out to a field of snow and say… “Oh that looks good!” or if a field looks a little wind blown with minimal snow cover they might say “Looks fair!” Needless to say, we are happy with a 13% excellent rating that I do not think we have seen in 1.5 years. Nonetheless, recent moisture has led to more optimism as farmers look toward the 2023 growing season.
Montana residents in the last few weeks have celebrated thanksgiving, a holiday where relatives and friends gather for a ceremonial turkey dinner. A more unique tradition to our state is going out to cut your own Christmas tree. For $5, Montana residents can get a permit to cut a tree in public forests. Each individual county has regions and regulations where you can go cut a tree. Cutting a Christmas tree in overcrowded areas can benefit the overall growth of competing trees, the remaining trees will grow faster and healthier. For many families here in Montana it is an annual tradition and an opportunity to train young ones about sustainable management practices.
