The Auer family, near Broadview, has been managing change on their farm for generations. Switching to no-till and adding alfalfa to their crop rotation has led to improved soil health and decreased input costs.

USDA NRCS has launched the updated Regional Conservation Partnership Program. Potential partners are encouraged to submit proposals that will improve the nation’s water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural viability.

Cattle and sage-grouse can not only co-habitate, grazing management can benefit rangelands and habitat for sage-grouse and many other wildlife species. Bret Lesh of Cross W ranch was one of the first ranchers in Carter County to participate in the Sage Grouse Initiative for just those reasons.

Agricultural landowners in the Gallatin Valley have until September 20, 2019, to apply for financial assistance for conservation practices that promote water quality and quantity and soil health under the Regional Conservation Partnership Program.

Pat McKelvey worked in fire mitigation for many years. When he and his wife Judy purchased 100 acres of timbered hills south of Helena, Mont., they saw working to make the forestland healthier and less prone to wildfire as both an opportunity and a retirement project.