BOZEMAN - Montana State University Extension will host its annual cropping seminar series Jan. 5-9 in the Golden Triangle area of north-central Montana. Speakers will cover topics such as input (seed, fertilizer, feed, etc.), prices and managing price risk, forage options, crop varieties and virtual fencing technology.

Interested individuals can attend in Chester, Choteau, Conrad, Cut Bank, Fort Benton, Great Falls, Havre, Shelby or Stanford.

There is no charge for the seminars, and all producers are encouraged to attend. RSVPs are encouraged and can be submitted to individual event coordinators. The Chester, Choteau, Conrad, Cut Bank, Havre, Fort Benton, Shelby and Stanford seminars will begin at 8:30 a.m. with registration. The Great Falls seminar will begin at 9:30 a.m. with registration.

Both commercial and private pesticide licensing recertification credits will be available.

Speakers will include:

Kelsey Larson and Andrew Swanson, both MSU agricultural economics and economics Extension specialists, will address pricing trends in Montana for inputs and crops and offer insights on the factors influencing markets in 2026. They will also share new options for managing price risk.

Sam Wyffels, MSU beef Extension specialist, will discuss cover crops, annual forages (such as wheat and barley) and the emerging role of virtual fencing technology. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the forage and nutrition potential of cover crops and crop aftermath, as well as how virtual fence systems can enhance management, efficiency and sustainability in integrated production systems. Producers looking to graze crop stubble or cover crops will learn tips for advancing modern forage and grazing practices.

Hayes Goosey, MSU animal and range sciences Extension forage specialist, will present on grain forage options for producers, which he said may be an alternative to consider in 2026 given current high input costs and low crop prices. Goosey will also share haying recommendations when pivoting from cereal grains to a hay crop in the event of hail or other damage. This will include managing nitrates, stage of maturity to cut and potential returns.

Simon Fordyce, research scientist at the Central Agricultural Research Center in variety development, testing and agronomy, will share updates on crop varieties suited for Montana's diverse growing conditions. This session will highlight new research findings, performance insights and emerging options to help producers optimize yields and resilience.

Dates, locations and contact numbers for the seminars are listed below:

Monday, Jan. 5:

• Stanford: Stanford City Hall, 102 Central Ave. RSVP to Sidney Stratton at 406-566-2277 (option 7) or [email protected]

• Fort Benton: Ag Center, 1205 20th St. RSVP to Tyler Lane at 406-622-3751 or [email protected]

Tuesday, Jan. 6:

• Chester: Chester United Methodist Church, 501 Monroe Ave. RSVP to Jesse Fulbright at 406-759-5625 or [email protected]

• Havre: Great Northern Fairgrounds 4-H Chuckwagon, 1676 U.S. Highway 2 W. RSVP to Colleen Pegar at 406-400-2333 or [email protected]

Wednesday, Jan. 7:

• Cut Bank: Glacier County Library basement, 21 First Ave. SE. RSVP to Kari Lewis at 406-873-2239 or [email protected]

• Shelby: Comfort Inn, 455 McKinley Ave. RSVP to Kim Woodring at 406-424-8350 or [email protected]

Thursday, Jan. 8:

• Conrad: Conrad Moose Lodge, 617 S. Main St. RSVP to Grace Rooney at 406-271-4054 or [email protected]

• Choteau: Stage Stop Inn, 1005 Main Ave. N. RSVP to Jenn Swanson at 406-868-4570 or [email protected]

Friday, Jan. 9:

• Great Falls: Great Falls College MSU, Room 1500, 2100 16th Ave. S. RSVP to Rose Malisani at 406-454-6980 or [email protected]