This article offers the Extension community a pathway to drought resilience and climate-related conversations through knowledge exchange workshops. In 2017, a "flash drought" affected eastern Montana, and ranchers in the region faced numerous challenges. Moreover, drought-favorable climate conditions are predicted to increase for the…

One goal of Extension is to provide practical information that makes a difference to producers. Cow Herd Appraisal Performance Software (CHAPS) has provided beef producers with production benchmarks for 30 years, creating a large historical data set. Many such large data sets contain useful information but are underutilized. Our goal was to create…

The average age of farmers and ranchers is rising and each year, there are fewer young and beginning farmers and ranchers (YBFR). Therefore, it is critical that agricultural educators and programmers provide learning opportunities that develop the knowledge and competencies YBFR need to be successful. The purpose of this study was to develop a…

Various surveys were conducted to determine the current level of personnel on Montana farms/ranches and in agribusinesses as well as the projected number of persons to be employed in those occupations through 1990. The study found that the current family work force on farms and ranches in Montana has remained the same since 1981 and it is likely…

The six-year study utilized a series of surveys to identify: educational needs and occupational opportunities related to agriculture (production, processing, mechanics, and service areas) in Montana, competencies needed by workers employed in various job titles, and groups of identified competencies for inclusion in the State high school…

One of a series of surveys conducted as part of a statewide study to assess educational and employment opportunities of rural populations in Montana, this report summarizes the procedures, conclusions, and recommendations involved in a study of agricultural producers in the State. In an effort to determine employment trends and ascertain…

The competency study is designed to serve as a guide for persons planning agricultural education programs to meet Montana's agricultural manpower needs. It is part of a five-year Agricultural Manpower Project and one of six agribusiness job surveys. The agricultural supplies and services area represents 40 percent of all agricultural occupations…

Data were obtained by interview with managers in a random sample of 161 businesses in 10 selected Montana trade and service centers to (1) identify present and emerging off-farm agricultural occupations, (2) estimate present and anticipated numbers of employees, (3) estimate annual entry opportunities, (4) determine needed competencies, and (5)…

To determine the nature and extent of rural youth and adult educational and employment opportunities, this study assessed existing and projected job titles in agricultural production and the agribusiness sector of Montana's economy. Using job position taxonomies identified by the United States Office of Education, two survey instruments were…