Traveling with Linda - MVRG Updates

What a once-in-a-lifetime winter so far! Don’t despair, though. I start calving in April, so that likely means the snow will return, the wind will blow, and the creeks and rivers will start gorging right on schedule.

I attended the annual Montana Soil Health Symposium the first week of February. There were so many young agricultural producers there—and not many from the older generation. That means ideas are flowing. Topics that are often skirted around at traditional meetings were highlighted front and center. Questions were asked. Curiosity was sparked. That’s how positive change happens in agricultural practices.

Glyphosate (RoundUp herbicide) was the highlighted—and volatile—topic this year. Each month in 2026, I will include an informational article about glyphosate in this newsletter. Agree or disagree, use it or not, the information about its worldwide footprint is well researched and documented.

I also joined a cadre of community-minded folks to judge the annual Ennis School Science Fair on February 2. From simple, easily understood projects to exhibits that made me ask, “Where did they even get this amazing idea to research and test?”—it was an inspiring day. The science teachers, grade school teachers, and Janet Dochnahl and her team truly made this large, multi-age student event shine.

The livestock carcass pickup program is active and steady. We’re picking up fewer young calves, which is definitely weather-related. Yay!

To keep you “grounded” in case the wind decides to blow, here are two snapshots from my February: my new puppy, Edgrrr, and some artifact finds from wandering on privately held land. (It is not legal to remove artifacts from public lands.)

To all of you—do what you love.

Linda