That's also good for consumers, Montana's environment and its wildlife. To stay in business, farmers need to know what nutrients their crops and soils need, and how to best manage crop pests, weeds and diseases. At the same time, they need to control costs and minimize harmful impacts on the environment. Extension provides the latest crop management information via a telephone hotline, schools and workshops, the media, on-farm demonstrations and visits, computer programs and other means. To be a successful ag producer today requires an understanding of federal farm programs, commodity prices, marketing, tax law, record-keeping tools and environmental regulations.
Extension offers education and management tools to help producers make cost-effective decisions.
Working with state agencies and private businesses, Extension's Solid Waste Program offers education programs aimed at reducing waste, cutting costs and improving safety. Forestry Owners of forest lands are interested in setting their own management goals for these lands. The Forest Stewardship education program offers landowners and professional loggers practical knowledge about forest management options. With this knowledge comes ability and motivation to manage forest resources correctly. A key to managing finances is a workable system of tracking income and expenses, as well as planning for future financial needs.