New program boosts Native cattle ranchers in Montana

A new program aims to promote climate-smart grazing practices by providing compensation and technical support to Native American beef producers.

The Farm Journal Foundation, a nonprofit that promotes global food security, is providing Native American beef producers with technical assistance, education and direct payments for implementing climate-smart practices. Its program has funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

A new program offers compensation to Native American cattle ranchers who implement climate-smart practices. 

Photo courtesy Jody Dahl

Climate-smart practices can include rotational grazing, where livestock are moved to different areas of a pasture, planting native grasses and brush management, among other things. 

Participating producers receive about $10,000 in compensation for implementing such practices. They can also access in-person education as well as online technical assistance and other resources. 

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Farm Journal Foundation is specifically seeking 70 to 100 Indigenous producers in Montana, Florida and Oklahoma to participate in the program. The three locations were determined due to their differing climates.  

Maddie Skellie, program manager at Farm Journal Foundation, said Native American producers

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