Upcoming Events
We take pride in our work and feel strongly that conservation and technical assistance are best delivered with partners.
Check out the events below to see what’s going on in your neck of the woods!
March Bull Session: Land Health
Explore the newly upgraded Land Health Dashboard with Western Sustainability Exchange. This bull session will showcase how this regenerative focused tool will simplify and enhance grazing management including map-based visualizations and streamlined data input formats. Learn how to plan using stock days per acre, precipitation, previous grazing events, season of use, and herd information- all in one place!
Watch Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88281808229?pwd=tlKdhribm8JB3IBkhp3BhYkUkBlatl.1
Sustainable Ranching Workshop
Hosted by the Southwest Sage Brush Partnership, this two-day event in Dillon, MT includes one day of presentations + discussions (April 7) followed by one field partial day (Aug 8).
Topics include:
Your Direct Sell Advantage: Nutrient Dense Meat Plus Ecological Service, Dave Scott
Innovative approaches to fall/winter uplands grazing, Chuck Petersen:
Winter Grazing Experience in the Cold Desert, Agee Smith
Sagebrush Ocean: Wasteland or Breadbasket?, Glenn Elzinga
Soil Health on Western Rangelands: What to Measure, How to Measure It, &
What it Means for Grazing Management, Megan Nasto
Sign up online or contact Pat Fosse at 406-660-2386
Winter Grazing Workshop
The Sieben Live Stock Winter Grazing Workshop by Western Sustainability Exchange offers ranchers a unique opportunity to learn firsthand from decades of real-world experience in managing livestock through harsh Montana winters using regenerative principles. Sieben Live Stock’s holistic approach focuses on working with nature not against it, by optimizing grazing patterns, animal behavior, forage availability, and land health to achieve maximum cattle performance even in mountain country. Participants see how thoughtful grazing strategies and stewardship improve soil, forage, and herd outcomes while strengthening long-term ranch resilience and productivity.
Lunch is provided.
$100 per personLearn more here https://westernsustainabilityexchange.org/sieben-winter-grazing-tour/
Montana Stock Growers Association 2026 MidYear Meeting
The MidYear Meeting is one of two meetings that is held to set association policy that guides the Association through the year.
While the main focus of the meeting is for the setting of interim policy we also use the meeting as a networking opportunity for the MSGA membership. Ranchers and allied industry professionals gather together from across the state of Montana for two days filled with meetings, entertainment, education, and fun!
Featuring headliner Dougie Hall!
406 Grazing Academy
A hands-on workshop for ranchers wanting to sharpen their grazing management skills. This 3-day workshop features educational speakers, ranch tours, and learning opportunities geared toward providing participants new skills to apply on their operations. The 406 Grazing Academy also provides attendees the opportunity to network with others in the field to share personal experiences of management techniques they’ve implemented with success or failure.
The 406 Grazing Academy is a collaborative event spearheaded by the Rangeland Resource Program within Montana Department of Natural Resources Conservation Service (DNRC). Guest educators include faculty from Montana State University, Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) range professionals, local landowners, and may include county agents from Montana State University Extension.
Montana Range Tour
Tour Leopold Conservation Award Recipient Thomas Herefords to hear about their innovative on-the-ground grazing practices and watershed improvements.
Old Salt Festival
The Old Salt Festival honors that tradition, gathering people who are preserving what’s worth keeping. Every summer, we gather on the Mannix Family Ranch to create an event that brings together Montana’s best ranchers, chefs, musicians, makers, and the people who love supporting food, sustainable agriculture, music, and life outdoors.
For three days, the Old Salt Festival creates space for what endures – land stewarded well, food raised right, conversations that matter, and community that’s built deliberately. You know, the components of a life that’s worth its salt.
Young Ranching for Profit
A Business Intensive for Young Ranchers
3-day, hands on intensive training for young adults wanting todevelop business management skills in agriculture.
This program is only open to young adults ages 18-25 years old.
Low-Stress Stockmanship
Hosted by Eastern Montana Regenerative Agriculture and taught by Dan Hnatow of Cattle Up Stockmanship this workshop will have classroom time followed by small group hands-on time in the corral.
The cost is $25/person. Space is limited.
Lamb Jam
Come have a Lamb-tastic time at the Montana Lamb Jam! Experience this Made in Montana culinary competition by sampling 3 different lamb dishes prepared by top Montana chefs. All lamb is sourced from local Montana ranches.
Attendees will get to vote on their favorites!
Tickle your taste-buds with delicious Pasture-to-Plate flavors of Montana raised lamb!
Where: Gallatin County Fairgrounds, Bozeman, MT
Cost: $40 for adults, $15 for Children 7-15; Children 6 & under are free
406 Grazing Academy: The Next Bite
Advanced level of 406 Grazing Academy where participants will take a deeper dive into grazing systems, water development, plant ecology, and economics of grazing.
For More Information: www.mtrangelands.org
2026 Grazing Expo
A conference hosted by the Montana Grazing Lands Coalition designed to empower land managers with new, innovative solutions while highlighting the impacts of sound grazing lands stewardship and collaborative conservation led by ranchers.
Registration opens June 1!
Interested in sponsoring? Reach out to info@montanaglc.com for more info on opportunities.
2026 Montana Angus Tour
From September 22-24, 2026, more than 250 visitors will make their way to the Hi-Line for the 2026
Montana Angus Tour, hosted by the North Central Montana Angus Association. Seedstock producers,
ranchers, industry leaders and Angus enthuisiasts will gather on the Hi-Line to experience the
unbeatable hospitality, wide-open views, and down-to-earth lifestyle that make the heart of Montana
so special.
Grazing the Heartland, 2026 NatGLC Bus Tour
Join National Grazing Lands Coalition for an exciting bus tour through the stunning landscapes of Sioux Falls, SD, as we explore innovative grazing techniques while journeying through three states: South Dakota, Nebraska, and Minnesota. This unique collaboration with the South Dakota Grasslands Coalition, the Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition, and the Minnesota Grazing Lands Conservation Association offers participants a chance to learn about sustainable land management practices and witness firsthand the diverse ecosystems that define the region.
The tour will stop at scenic locations that highlight the beauty of grasslands and the importance of conservation, making this not just a tour but an educational experience for nature enthusiasts and land stewards alike. This two day event, includes a welcome reception and the chance to network with like-minded individuals from across the country. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with experts and discover the remarkable landscapes in each state!
Early bird registration through April 30 - $485. General registration through Sept 7 - $525.
And check out Montana’s own, Bob Lee, in the video of 2025 NatGLC bus tour in Washington state to get a preview of what to expect at 2026’s tour!
3RD Governor's Summit On Local Food & Agriculture
MAXIMIZING MONTANA’S AGRICULTURE OPPORTUNITY
The 2026 summit aims to focus on designing a strategic plan to increase the Montana markets for Montana-produced food from their current state of 3% to at least 33% in the coming decade. Montana residents spent $5.2 billion on food in 2021, yet only $158 million (about 3%) was spent on food produced in the state1. Increasing that share to 33% would redirect hundreds of millions of dollars into Montana’s economy each year. Local food spending has a strong ripple effect: for every $1 spent, an estimated $0.47 of additional economic activity is generated.
According to the USDA, farmers can retain up to four to five times more of the food dollar when selling through local channels.
These gains would largely benefit rural communities and small to mid-sized producers, keeping more money and meaningful work rooted in Montana.
Institutional markets have the potential to generate significant economic returns. For example, if just one-third of the $76.6 million spent annually on MT school meals came from Montana producers, it would represent over $25 million in additional local food sales each year.
Increasing local food consumption complements Montana’s existing reach into global markets. It diversifies farm income and strengthens food security by creating shorter, more adaptable supply chains. During COVID-19, local markets like CSAs and food hubs proved more resilient and accessible than national distributors, helping communities access food when store shelves were empty.
Summit Themes include:
Healthy Soil: Supporting regenerative and climate-healthy agriculture ensures long-term productivity, land stewardship, and food security.
Resilient Markets & Economy: Growing local and regional markets creates good jobs, boosts farm income, and builds a more self-reliant and shock-resistant food economy.
Healthy Food & People: Expanding access to Montana-grown whole foods supports farmers, reduces food miles, and improves our health when included in our diets
Strong Communities: Investing in local food systems strengthens rural economies, fosters social connection, and builds resilient, place-based infrastructure
Regenerate: Stewardship in Action
Each year, Quivira Coalition, Holistic Management International, and the American Grassfed Association collaborate to convene ranchers, farmers, conservationists, land managers, scientists, and thought leaders to share knowledge, build community, and create a culture of resilience and regeneration.
Annual Invasive Grasses Workshop
The Central and Eastern Montana Invasive Species Team (CEMIST), Petroleum County Conservation District (PCCD), and Winnett ACES are inviting you to attend the Central Montana Invasive Annual Grasses Workshop on March 11th in Winnett.
Guest Speakers & Free Lunch Provided!
6 CE credits.
SVP are appreciated but not required. Please RSVP to Brent Smith at cemist.manager@gmail.com or 406-599-5120
Rural Resilience Webinar: Ranch Insights
RANCH INSIGHTS - Sheep Industry Takeaways for Beef
Thursday, March 5 • 7-8:30 pm mt
Over the past 75 years, the sheep industry has faced challenges that mirror pressures in the beef sector. From shifting consumer preferences and import competition to labor shortages and grazing losses, these experiences offer valuable lessons for cattle producers. Brent Roeder, MSU Extension Sheep Specialist, will share insights from the sheep industry’s history and what ranchers should consider in navigating changing markets and policies.
For More Information: www.ranchstewards.org
Rural Resilience Webinar: Ranch Water
RANCH WATER - Low-Tech, High-Impact Restoration
Thursday, February 19 • 7-8:30 pm mt
Sometimes the simplest solutions have the biggest impact. Paul Jones with Tomichi Creek Ecosystem Services will explore Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration, a hands-on approach to rebuilding natural water systems. Learn how mimicking beaver dams can improve water retention, restore riparian function, and boost drought resilience using minimal materials and practical techniques that bring lasting benefits to your land and livestock.
For More Information: www.ranchstewards.org
Rural Resilience Webinar: Ranch Help
RANCH HEALTH - Cattle Vaccination Best Practices
Thursday, February 5 • 7-8:30 pm mt
Dr. Katie Rein of Crazy Mountain Veterinary Service will share practical, hands-on guidance for livestock vaccination, covering needle size selection, proper injection sites, and the differences between subcutaneous and intramuscular methods. This session is ideal for ranch hands, interns, spouses, or friends who assist with livestock care, as well as experienced ranchers seeking a refresher or those who were never formally taught vaccination techniques.
For More Information: www.ranchstewards.org
Soil Health Symposium
Find the Agenda here: Agenda 2026 – Montana Soil Health Symposium
Register here: Registration 2026 – Montana Soil Health Symposium
Rural Resilience Webinar: Ranch Tech
RANCH TECH - GPS Tags & Drone Seeding
Thursday, January 22 • 7-8:30 pm mt
Technology is changing the way ranchers manage land and livestock. Join rancher Ryan Lankford as he shares how 701x GPS ear tags help him monitor cattle from anywhere, giving new meaning to “keeping an eye on the herd.” Then, rancher Steve Kenyon will demonstrate how fall frost seeding with drones can make forage establishment easier, faster, and more efficient.
For More Information, visit: www.ranchstewards.org
Virtual Classroom: Mapping with Maida
Maida, with Ranchers Stewardship Alliance, teaches attendees how to use RAP + StockSmart tools during the Virtual Classroom session.
For More Information: www.ranchstewards.org
Virtual Classroom: Mapping with Maida
Maida, with Ranchers Stewardship Alliance, teaches attendees how to use RAP + StockSmart tools during the Virtual Classroom session.
For More Information: www.ranchstewards.org
Virtual Classroom: Mapping with Maida
Maida, with Ranchers Stewardship Alliance, teaches attendees how to use RAP + StockSmart tools during the Virtual Classroom session.
For More Information: www.ranchstewards.org
Montana Stockgrowers Annual Convention
On behalf of the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA), we would like to thank you for your commitment to our associations! We hope you will join us at the 140th Annual MSGA Convention & Trade Show. The purpose of the Annual Convention & Trade Show is to provide education, information, fellowship, and an opportunity for the beef industry & MSGA members to set policy that will shape the landscape of cattle ranching in Montana.
For More Information: Annual Convention & Trade Show - Montana Stockgrowers Association
Ground Water Summit: Energy
Please join us for the first MSCA Groundwater Summit with a focus this year on Energy. This summit will follow the annual mid-year review of the association. 46 years of value-added conservation work for the citizens of Montana. We have a tremendous lineup of topics that you wouldn’t think are related but touch the lives of every Montanan in one way or another, especially our working lands landowners.
For more information: Montana Salinity Control Association, secretary@cascadecd.com
Montana Woolgrowers Annual Convention
The Montana Wool Growers Annual Convention is open to members and non-members alike, who are interested in the sheep industry! The Convention serves as a place for MWGA members to host the annual membership meeting, fundraise for causes, and shop the vendor show for great sheep and wool items!
For more information: Annual MWGA Convention - Montana Wool Growers Association
Making it or Faking it? Financial Training Workshop
Are you making it… or faking it?
WSE is launching a statewide initiative to strengthen the financial resilience of Montana agriculture, starting with a two-part Financial Training Workshop Series designed for ranchers, educators, and ag leaders.
This hands-on series will give you practical tools for:
Profitability analysis
Financial planning
Better decision-making for your operation
And MUCH MORE!
At the heart of it is a simple, user-friendly Financial Analysis System (FAS), built by ranchers, finance experts, and educators, that helps you see where your operation stands today, tomorrow and years from now. Giving you the flexibility to explore new opportunities for growth.
By joining, you’ll walk away with skills you can immediately put to work. And if you’re an educator, mentor, or leader, you’ll also gain tools to bring back to your community and multiply the impact.
Workshop #1 → November 17–18, 2025 in Miles City, MT
Workshop #2 → Spring 2026 (date TBD)
Learn more here: https://westernsustainabilityexchange.org/events/
Don’t miss this opportunity to dig into your ranch’s numbers, strengthen your business, and shape a more resilient future for Montana agriculture.
For questions please reach out to Chris Mehus: cmehus@wsestaff.org
Montana Farm Bureau Annual Convention
106th Montana Farm Bureau Annual Convention
November 17-20, 2025
Hilton Garden Inn, Missoula, MT
It's not too early to mark your calendar for the 106th Montana Farm Bureau Convention, November 17-20, 2025 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Missoula. The MFBF Convention is a premier event for Montana agriculture showing our organization's grassroots structure in action at the venerable delegate session when resolutions from county Farm Bureau meetings are brought to the delegate floor for discussion and approval. In addition to the delegate session, educational workshop presenters and enticing keynote speakers share new ideas on consumer engagement, economic policy, the upcoming year, and much more. Enjoy the trade show and network with other farmers and ranchers across the state.
Look for information on this website, on the MFBF Facebook page and in MFBF publications in the coming months. Plan to join us.
Women in Ag Communities Well-Being Retreat
Whether you’re running a ranch, a business, a household—or all three—we understand the challenges and isolation that can come with rural living. These retreats were created to bring together women from rural and agricultural communities across Montana for a much-needed pause from the demands of daily life. The retreat offers space to rest, connect, and recharge alongside women who truly get it.
We believe in the power of gathering and the strength that comes from sharing stories, laughter, and support with others navigating similar paths. This weekend is about stepping away from the overwhelm and into a community that honors resilience, hard work, and the importance of taking care of ourselves.
We also believe a budget should never be a barrier to participation. Thanks to the Amy Coseo Memorial Scholarship, established by the Red Ants Pants Foundation in honor of our dear friend, we’re able to underwrite participant expenses as needed. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—or to pass the word along to someone who could use a weekend like this. Learn more and register HERE.
This event is hosted by the Red Ants Pants Foundation.
Fall Sustainable Ranching Workshop
To register for the workshop: https://tinyurl.com/FallSRW
Expanding Markets Conference
Hosted by Western Sustainability Exchange, this year’s Expanding Markets Conference will be held September 22nd-24th at the Delta Hotel in Helena, Montana with a ranch tour and two full days of speakers, exhibitors, and networking.
For More Information: Expanding Markets Conference - Regen Agriculture Conference
Montana Woolgrowers Ram and Ewe Sale
Join us in Miles City, MT, September 10 and 11 for the 100th Annual Montana Ram Sale and 12th annual Montana Ewe Sale. Montana Wool Grower members from across the state will bring rams and ewes to the Eastern Montana Fairgrounds for you to look through and bid on!
The work begins for the consignors early in the week, as rams and ewes arrive on the grounds. Each ram and ewe sold on-site is individually inspected by the sale veterinarian. After the sheep are settled in, the fun begins!
For More Information: Annual Montana Ram and Ewe Sale - Montana Wool Growers Association
Instinctive Migratory Grazing Clinic
Bob Kinford is traveling to Montana from his home in Texas to provide this opportunity for ranchers to learn how to utilize stockmanship techniques to influence livestock and re-boot their herd's natural instincts.
Bob uses his own techniques every day as he grazes cattle, goats and sheep for ranchers in Texas. The beauty of the process is that it requires riding two to three days a week, rather than fencing, to get results similar to multi-paddock grazing. It also may be more feasible in rough terrain, where fencing isn't practical.
Participants in the clinics will bring their own horses and learn-by-doing how to utilize the skills Bob teaches. The workshops offered this summer in Montana will utilize cattle, but the techniques work for all types of livestock.
For more information: astenson@wsestaff.org
Instinctive Migratory Grazing Clinic
Bob Kinford is traveling to Montana from his home in Texas to provide this opportunity for ranchers to learn how to utilize stockmanship techniques to influence livestock and re-boot their herd's natural instincts.
Bob uses his own techniques every day as he grazes cattle, goats and sheep for ranchers in Texas. The beauty of the process is that it requires riding two to three days a week, rather than fencing, to get results similar to multi-paddock grazing. It also may be more feasible in rough terrain, where fencing isn't practical.
Participants in the clinics will bring their own horses and learn-by-doing how to utilize the skills Bob teaches. The workshops offered this summer in Montana will utilize cattle, but the techniques work for all types of livestock.
For more information: astenson@wsestaff.org
Cold Season Grazing Clinic
Cold Season Grazing Clinic with Cooper Hibbard
For More Information: www.ranchstewards.org
406 Grazing Academy: The Next Bite
The Montana Grazing Lands Coalition is proud to sponsor the 406 Grazing Academy: The Next Bite. For more information on the course, please visit: www.mtrangelands.org.
Lamb Jam
Get a taste of Montana’s finest culinary dishes. This “Made in Montana” culinary competition is a sampling of different lamb dishes prepared by top chefs with lamb sourced from local Montana ranches. Join in the fun and vote on your favorites!
For More Information: Montana Lamb Jam - Montana Wool Growers Association
WSE Healthy Soil Workshop
Come find out firsthand on July 17th in the stunning Shields Valley, Wilsall, Montana! Where a farm, a ranch, and regenerative soil practices come alive.
You’ll learn how healthy soil can:
Protect fish and wildlife habitat
Pull harmful carbon dioxide from the air
Boost the nutrition in your food
Fuel thriving farms and ranches
And much more!!
Walk the land. See the practices. Hear from producers transforming their soil and their operations with regenerative techniques.
Wrap up your day with dinner and an old-fashioned barn dance under the Big Sky!
All are welcome, but space is limited! Reserve your spot today.
For more information visit: https://westernsustainabilityexchange.org/event/healthy-soils-workshop/
2025 Goal Based Grazing School
For more information on the event, please visit: emragroup.org/events