Source: KTVQ
Malt barley and sugarbeets are two important crops to Montana and Wyoming farmers and the regional economy. Last week, both crops were in the spotlight during a symposium hosted by the Mountain States Crop Education Association in Billings, Mont.
A lot has changed in the 21st century of how both crops are raised versus how our grand and even great grandparents farmed. That’s why organizers of the Montana and Wyoming Malt Barley and Sugarbeet Symposium like Neal Fehringer put so much time in providing relevant topics.
“You know we’re looking at no-till farming in sugarbeets when people thought that was not a possibility, that you had to plow the ground make it smooth and like a tabletop in order to plant those sugarbeets. And that’s not true,” said Fehringer. “So, there’s opportunities to reverse our degradation of the soil and make it healthier.”
Farmers like Kim Nile of Forsyth appreciate the symposium’s information that’s geared towards making them better farmers and staying in business.
“We’re not as isolated as we used to be with the internet and all that stuff now,” said Nile. “But still, it’s good to get it firsthand, and you can you can rub shoulders with it with the people doing the research and pick their brain one on one in addition to the formal presentation. So, it’s just a good forum to get the information out.”
Fehringer says new precision agriculture technology is also helping growers, especially during times of low commodity prices.
“They spend a lot less time in the tractor wearing out their tractors using up diesel fuel and it improves the soil health,” said Fehringer. “So, maybe we’re not generating any more gross revenue, but if we can cut our costs, then the net is better. So, that’s what they’re embracing is ways to survive.”
At the end of the day, Nile says the symposium passes along useful information that supports their way of life.
“We’re all looking to make our farms better,” said Nile. “We’re looking to make them be here forever. And we’re looking to make a little money while we’re at it because we all like to goof off a little bit too.”
It’s symposiums like this where malt barley and sugarbeet growers from across the entire region can come together and hear about the latest issues that are impacting their industry and learn about some of that new and exciting technology that hopefully will allow them to become more profitable and stay in business.