Montana Department of Livestock

The meeting included representative updates from various agricultural sectors. The dairy representative discussed challenges with high butterfat content leading to low milk prices and requested support for domestic butter purchases. The swine representative noted excellent market conditions with high futures prices for piglets. The beef representative mentioned favorable caving conditions due to unusual weather but expressed concern over future grass and moisture levels, while noting extremely high calf prices. The sheep representative reported a good market for sheep and lamb, and noted that wool is finally regaining value. The legal counsel provided an update regarding ongoing negotiations with Rocky Vista University for a clinical internship/rotation at the veterinary laboratory, suggesting a special meeting be scheduled to finalize the agreement once contractual language is settled. The primary risks discussed involved potential financial obligations during termination periods (proposed at 12 to 18 months) and the potential burden on the lab if staff turnover occurs. The Yellowstone National Park update indicated that poor weather has prevented a strong bison migration from the park, though a cohort of bison graduated from quarantine and were transferred for further testing.

The meeting included introductions from agricultural representatives discussing weather patterns, market conditions for cattle, and recent developments in the dairy industry, such as the passing of the whole milk for healthy kids initiative. Updates were provided on the swine industry, noting increased exports to Mexico. Significant discussion centered on the Yellowstone National Park Bison management, including details regarding animal migration, the status of the interagency agreement (the MOU) with the National Park Service, APHIS, and the Fort Peck Tribe concerning bison quarantine and transfer protocols, and the complexity of finding slaughter facilities for the food transfer program. The legal aspect of bison classification (wildlife vs. livestock) once they leave tribal jurisdiction was also debated.

Key discussion points included agricultural updates from commodity representatives regarding swine futures, cattle market forecasts, and wool/lamb market conditions, noting generally positive outlooks despite weather concerns like snow and mud. Significant time was dedicated to the Yellowstone Bison management, covering limited operational opportunities for trapping, quarantine placements, and the population growth trajectory, alongside the status of the state's challenge to the recent Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Additionally, there was a review of legislative interim activities, including deadlines for submitting legislative and budget concepts, preparation for upcoming agency oversight meetings, and discussion regarding the timing of legislative concept approvals for priority drafting. Finally, there was a brief discussion concerning follow-up actions related to financial audit findings from two years prior regarding deposit timeliness.

The meeting covered numerous administrative and operational topics. Key discussions included updates on the Yellowstone National Park bison population and potential management thresholds, and a legislative interim update covering cattle industry studies and budget matters, including the proposed use of Indemnity Statutory Appropriation for grants. The Board addressed impacts from the federal shutdown, stakeholder conferences, and the Governor's strategic goals, emphasizing a shift toward promoting "innovative agriculture." Significant time was spent on Human Resources updates, including recruitment for several key roles and approval for hiring an IT Support-Level 2 person, a Microbiologist, and an Administrative Specialist. Furthermore, the Board approved initiating litigation against meat processors believed to be operating without a license. Financial matters included an approved increase of $100,000 for USDA Wildlife Services predator control funding. Reports detailed recent revenue figures and budget projections. The Board also addressed the status of the EHV-1 outbreak, approving travel for staff to assist with Tuberculosis testing in Texas, and discussed potential collaboration with Rocky Vista University Veterinary School for student rotations at the MVDL. Discussions also covered the classification of "Mixed Calves" in market software and the potential need to raise brand inspection fees due to inspector shortages.

The meeting agenda covered several key areas, starting with board administrative items, excluding the approval of the previous meeting minutes. Executive Office updates included reports on the YNP Bison/EIS/IBMP Operations, Legislative Interim matters, and updates on the Governor's OGSM Strategic Management and Executive Officer Strategic Goals. Human Resources updates addressed staff openings and recruitment. Legal Counsel provided updates on litigation and general matters, with a note that this section might require an executive session. Reports from the Centralized Services Division covered aerial hunting public notice, budget reports for year-end 2025, and budget projections for the first half of 2026. Predator Control included an update from USDA Wildlife Services and a Livestock Loss Board report. The Animal Health & Food Safety Division reports included out-of-state travel requests for inspection and health bureaus, disease updates concerning New World Screwworm, and cooperative agreement updates. The Brands Enforcement Division agenda included discussions on ARM Rules 32.18.105 & 32.18.106 regarding brand ownership and livestock sales, along with ServiceNow updates. The agenda concluded with comments from the public and producer organizations, setting the date for the next board meeting, and adjournment.