AGRICULTURE PROJECTS FUNDED IN
MONTANA
by USDA's
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program
1988-2025
MONTANA
by USDA's
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program
1988-2025
Montana has been awarded $12,265,819 grants to support 163 projects, including but not limited to, 49 research and/or education projects, 25 professional development projects and 37 producer-led projects. Montana has also received additional SARE support through multi-state projects.
Some grant programs may have been started or ended, or both, within the selected date range. Complete information may not be available for all grant programs prior to 2016.
| RESEARCH AND EDUCATION GRANTS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project # | Project Title | SARE support | Project Leaders | |
| SW25-010 | Assessing the impact of cattle stubble grazing on soil health and future productivity to enable sustainable crop-livestock integration | $349,331 | Dr.Paul Nugent Montana State University Dr.Anish Sapkota Montana State University Dr.Samuel Wyffels Montana State University Dr.Jed Eberly Montana State University | |
| SW24-001 | Enhancing the Sustainability of Small Farms in Montana through Postharvest Management of Berry Crops, with Emphasis on Haskaps | $75,000 | Dr.Roland Ebel Montana State University Omar Franco Mora Autonomous University of the State of Mexico Claire Luby Montana State University Fabian Menalled Dept. of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences Dr.Zachariah Miller Montana State University-Western Ag. Research Center | |
| SW24-005 | Livestock Antibiotic Sustainability | $145,584 | Katie Rein, DVM Crazy Mountain Veterinary Service, PLLC | |
| SW24-011 | Prioritizing effective and sustainable management approaches for cheatgrass and ventenata in Montana rangelands | $349,911 | Lisa Rew Montana State University Dan Atwater Montana State University Dr.Jane Mangold Montana State University Dr.Catherine Zabinski Montana State University Katherine Lee University of Idaho | |
| SW22-934 | Landowner Collaborative Strategies for Nonlethal Predator Control | $349,951 | Dr.Jared Beaver Montana State University Dr.Stewart Breck Colorado State University Kyran Kunkel Western Landowners Alliance Dr.Julie Young Utah State University Hallie Mahowald Western Landowners Alliance | |
| SW21-929 | Indigenous Food-Science-Ways: Integrating Indigenous knowledge with food science research and education to support value-added Native foods | $349,898 | Wan-Yuan Kuo Montana State University Eric Belasco Montana State University Dr.Jane Boles Montana State University Dr.Paul Gannon Montana State University Dr.Paul Lachapelle Montana State University Dr.Brent Peyton Montana State University Mattie Griswold Montana State University Rebecca Richter Montana State University | |
| SW21-930 | Intercropping chickpea with flax: An alternative sustainable way to manage Ascochyta blight of Chickpea | $347,557 | Dr.Chengci Chen Montana State University Dr.Frankie Crutcher Montana State University-EARC Dr.William Franck Montana State University-EARC Dr.Qasim Khan Montana State University-SARC Dr.Kevin McPhee Montana State University-EARC Dr.Kent McVay Montana State University-SARC | |
| SW20-915 | Developing an integrated management decision framework for cheatgrass control in the northeastern region of the sagebrush steppe | $349,315 | Lisa Rew Montana State University Andrew and Hilary Andersen J Bar L Ranch Jim Berkey The Nature Conservancy Amber Burch Beaverhead County Weed District Daphne and Kevin Chester and Crowe Double C Ranch Holdings Kyle Cutting US Fish, Wildlife Service Eric and Stephanie Hansen Hansen Livestock Company Jeff Johnson Johnson Ranch Dr.Jane Mangold Montana State University Kara Maplethorpe Beaverhead County Weed District Allen and Yvonne Martinell Lee Martinell Ranch Dr.Bok Sowell MSU- Animal & Range Sciences Dr.Catherine Zabinski Montana State University | |
| SW19-907 | Snowbanks to Grassbanks | $349,709.98 | Dr.Bok Sowell MSU- Animal & Range Sciences Dr.Andrea Litt Department of Ecology, Montana State University Megan Van Emon Montana State University | |
| SW17-016 | Soil acidity management of long-term no-till fields in Montana to prevent crop failure | $264,016 | Dr.Richard Engel Montana State University | |
| SW17-080 | The Impacts of Integrating Livestock into Cropping Systems on Soil Health and Crop Production | $249,502 | Devon Ragen Montana State University | |
| SW16-051 | Research and Demonstration of Minimum Tillage and Optimum Water Management in Sugarbeet Production in Eastern Montana | $247,410 | Dr.Chengci Chen Montana State University | |
| SW15-028 | Examining, Optimizing, and Building Capacity for Montana’s Local Beef to School Supply Chain | $220,021 | Dr.Carmen Byker Shanks Montana State University | |
| SW14-014 | Sustainable Cropping Systems for Dual-Purpose Biennial Canola | $256,397 | Dr.Darrin Boss Montana State University Dr.Steve Fransen, PhD Washington State University | |
| SW13-043 | Evaluating Native Perennial Flower Strips for Enhancing Native Bees and Pollination Services on Farmlands | $170,951 | Laura Burkle Montana State University | |
| SW13-056 | Landscape Collaborative Grazing and Greater Sage Grouse Survival | $339,552 | Dr.Bok Sowell MSU- Animal & Range Sciences | |
| SW12-108 | Low Glycemic Potatoes, a value-added crop for Montana | $154,000 | Dr.David Sands Montana State Univ | |
| SW11-086 | Degree Day Modeling and Economic Considerations of Insects and Weeds in Sheep Grazed Alfafla, Grain, and Range Production Systems | $206,700 | Dr.Hayes Goosey Montana State University | |
| SW11-099 | Using cover crop mixtures to improve soil health in low rainfall areas of the northern plains | $354,405 | Dr.Perry Miller Montana State University | |
| SW10-050 | Enhancing Cropping System Sustainability by Minimizing Ammonia-N Losses from Biological and Chemical Inputs | $190,009 | Dr.Richard Engel Montana State University | |
| SW09-068 | Integrating Biological Control with Targeted Sheep Grazing to Suppress Spotted Knapweed | $49,865 | Rachel Frost Montana State University Dr.Jeff Mosley Montana State University | |
| SW09-601 | Infrastructure Support for Small Livestock Processing Facilities | $46,796 | Dr.Jane Boles Montana State University | |
| SW07-013 | Evaluation of Alfalfa Weevil (Coleoptera Curculionidae) Densities, Weed Abundance, and Regrowth Characteristics of Alfalfa Grazed by Sheep. | $96,817 | Dr.Hayes Goosey Montana State University | |
| SW07-025 | Grower-based selection of varieties and systems for wheat stem sawfly control | $125,000 | Dr.Luther Talbert Montana State University | |
| SW07-028 | Is Sulfur Cinquefoil a Candidate for Control with Sheep and Goats? | $54,250 | Dr.Jeff Mosley Montana State University Rachel Frost Montana State University | |
| SW07-603 | Developing a free on-line excel based enterprise budget decision support program to evaluate the incorporation of sheep into farm systems as an alternative to presticide and mechanical methods of weed and insect control | $10,000 | Dr.Hayes Goosey Montana State University | |
| SW06-006 | Survey and Economic Analysis of Montana Farms Utilizing Integrated Livestock-Cereal Grain (Ley Farming) Systems | $91,500 | Dr.Chengci Chen Montana State University | |
| SW06-075 | Does Timing of Defoliation Affect Spotted Knapweed Seed Viability and Germination? | $62,600 | Tracy Brewer Park County Extension - Montana State University Dr.Tracy Mosley Montana State University Extension | |
| SW05-038 | Developing Distance Learning Based on Perceptions and Knowledge of Producers and Agricultural Professionals | $98,819 | Fabian Menalled Dept. of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences | |
| SW04-007 | Methane Recovery from Small Dairy Operations | $123,834 | Ron Carlstrom MSU Extension- Gallatin County | |
| SW03-056 | Ecologically Based Integrated Weed Management to Restore Plant Diversity | $121,750 | James Jacobs Montana State University | |
| SW03-063 | Factors Affecting Alfalfa Stand Longevity in Montana | $139,397 | Dennis Cash Montana State University | |
| SW02-005 | Increasing Crop Water Use Efficiency in Advanced No-Till Systems | $22,980 | Dr.Perry Miller Montana State University | |
| SW01-048 | Using Crop Diversity in No-till and Organic Systems to Reduce Inputs and Increase Profits and Sustainability in the Northern Plains | $157,888 | Bruce Maxwell MSU | |
| SW00-015 | An Alternative to Traditional Wheat Stubble Management Using Sheep to Control Pests and Improve Soil Nutrient Cycling | $166,147 | Dr.Patrick Hatfield Department of Animal and Range Sciences Sue Blodgett Montana State University, Dept. Entomology Dr.Hayes Goosey Montana State University Duane Griffith Montana State University, Ag Econ and Ext Dept | |
| SW98-064 | Selecting Cattle to Prevent Grazing Distribution Problems | $115,598 | Derek Bailey Montana State University | |
| SW97-056 | Comparison of Pest Management Interactions in Spring Wheat-Cover Crop and Spring Wheat-Fallow Cropping Systems | $150,964 | Andrew Lenssen Montana State University | |
| SW96-019 | Sustaining Agriculture and Community: Moving the Farm Improvement Club Program Beyond the Farm Gate | $124,425 | Jonda Crosby Alternative Energy Resources Organization | |
| LW92-004 | Sustainable Farming Quarterly | $17,500 | Nancy Matheson Alternative Energy Resources Organization (AERO) | |
| LWD92-004 | The Sustainable Farming Quarterly (SFQ) A Regional Newsletter | $17,500 | Al Kurki, Al Kurki NCAT | |
| LW91-023 | Farm Improvement Club Network for Sustainable Agriculture | $69,000 | Nancy Matheson Alternative Energy Resources Organization (AERO) | |
| LW91-024 | Specifying and Analyzing Whole-Ranch Systems for Sustainable Range Livestock Production in Environmentally Sensitive Areas | $290,000 | Jack Riesselman Montana State University | |
| LW91-025 | Practical Education in Sustainable Production Systems | $14,250 | Wade Crouch Montana State University | |
| LWD91-003 | Regional Farm and Research Center Matching System-FARMS | $3,000 | J. Jacobsen Montana State University | |
| LW89-012 | Cereal-Legume Cropping Systems: Nine Case Studies in the Dryland, Small Grains-Fallow Area of the Inland Northwest and High Plains | $17,764 | Nancy Matheson Alternative Energy Resources Organization (AERO) | |
| LW89-014 | Low-Input Legume/Cereal Rotations for the Northern Great Plains/Intermountain Region | $162,000 | James Sims Montana State University | |
| LW89-016 | Bio-Priming for the Control of Pythium Reemergence Damping-Off in Vegetable Crops | $14,984 | Nancy Callan Montana State University | |
| LW89-019 | Livestock Health and Nutrition Alternatives: A Western States Conference | $5,000 | Al Kurki, Al Kurki NCAT | |
| LW88-006 | Soil-building Cropping Systems Conference-Legumes and Other Green Manures in Cropping Systems of The Northern Plains, Rockies and Intermountain Region | $7,700 | Robert Gillespie Alternative Energy Resources Organization (AERO) | |
| LOCAL ED & DEMO (FORMERLY RGR) GRANTS | ||||
| Project # | Project Title | SARE support | Project Leaders | |
| WLED25-013 | Expanding Peer-to-Peer Learning and Information Sharing to Benefit Ranching Systems and Landscapes in Central and Eastern Montana | $59,629 | Emily Standley Winnett ACES, Inc Kendall Morgan Winnett ACES | |
| WRGR22-001 | Montana Food Economy Initiative | $96,984 | Erin Austin Alternative Energy Resources Organization (AERO) Michal DeChellis AERO and Cultivating Minds, LLC Kim Lloyd St. Peter's Health Michele Schahczenski Yellowstone Valley Food Hub Randi Wing AERO and FBCEDC | |
| WRGR21-001 | Montana's Soil Health Network: Deepening the Roots in Four Regions | $51,223 | Maggie Gordon Northern Plains Resource Council Caroline Canarios Northern Plains Resource Council Charlie French NRCS Stephen Charter Charter Beef | |
| WRGR21-006 | Participatory Training in Small-scale Anaerobic Digestion of Agricultural Residues | $95,000 | Dr.Roland Ebel Montana State University Selena Ahmed Montana State University Mac Burgess Montana State University Dr.Jed Eberly Montana State University Timothy Seipel Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, Montana State University | |
| RGR20-009 | Montana Food Economy Initiative | $74,759 | Lindsay Ganong AERO | |
| PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM GRANTS | ||||
| Project # | Project Title | SARE support | Project Leaders | |
| WPDP25-030 | Supporting Sustainable Agriculture Through Profitability Education | $99,606 | Chris Mehus Western Sustainability Exchange | |
| WPDP24-019 | 406 Grazing Academy | $98,954 | Stacey Barta Montana Department of Natural Resources Conservation Rachel Frost Montana State University Rick Caquelin Shantell Frame-Martin Montana Department of Natural Resources Conservation | |
| WPDP23-015 | Skills and Tools for Complex Adaptive Thinking to Equip Leaders in Change Initiatives | $99,861 | Nicole Masters Integrity Soils Nicole Masters Integrity Soils | |
| WPDP22-021 | Montana Agritourism Fellows Program: Developing Leaders to Advance Sustainable AgriTourism | $99,965 | Dr.Shannon Arnold Montana State University Dr.Dustin Perry Montana State University Dr.Beth Shirley Montana State University | |
| PDP20-020 | Building Internal and Community Capacity for the Blackfeet Nation Through Agriculture | $73,795 | Will Seeley Blackfeet Tribe: Agriculture Resource Management Plan Gerald Lunak Joe Gervais K Webb Galbreath | |
| WPDP19-15 | Sustainable Beef Cattle Production: Ranch to Ribeye | $57,310 | Megan Van Emon Montana State University Colleen Buck Montana State University Callie Cooley Montana State University Molly Hammond Montana State University Elin Kittelmann Montana State University Kari Lewis Montana State University | |
| EW18-027 | Building Internal Capacity for the Blackfeet Tribe Agricultural Resource Management Plan (ARMP) | $52,155 | Loren Bird Rattler Blackfeet Tribe | |
| EW18-011 | Pheromones as Tools for Monitoring the Insect Pests in the Northern Plains - Instructive Tools for Agricultural Professionals | $73,510 | Dr.Michael Ivie Montana State University-Bozeman | |
| EW17-011 | Integrated Parasite Management: Train the Trainer | $74,189 | David Scott National Center for Appropriate Technology | |
| EW16-029 | Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Mitigating Herbicide Resistance in the Northern Great Plains–Educational Tools for Agricultural Professionals | $68,871 | Dr.Prashant Jha Montana State University, Southern Agricultural Research Center, Huntley, MT | |
| EW16-036 | Catalyzing Increased Agricultural Sales through a Common Understanding of Montana's New Food Modernization Law | $22,332 | Jennifer Hill-Hart AERO | |
| EW15-009 | Conservation and Augmentative Biological Control in the Northern Plains – Providing Tools for Agriculture Professionals | $68,182 | Dr.Michael Ivie Montana State University-Bozeman | |
| EW13-014 | Enhancing the Exploring Energy Efficiency & Alternatives (E3A) Curriculum | $42,277 | Milton Geiger University of Wyoming Extension Dr.Glen Whipple University of Wyoming Extension | |
| EW12-004 | Tour of sustainable Small Grain Production in Eastern Washington | $7,350 | Dan Picard MSU Extension-Pondera County Jesse Fulbright Montana State University | |
| EW12-006 | Montana State University Extension Range Management Institute | $60,000 | Dr.Tracy Mosley Montana State University Extension | |
| EW11-012 | Wildlife Damage Control for Traditional and Organic Farmers | $96,053 | Dr.Jim Knight Extension Wildlife Specialist | |
| EW01-007 | Training Tour 2002-03-04 | $30,024 | Jonda Crosby Alternative Energy Resources Organization | |
| EW01-016 | Growing Our Own: Communities That Sustain Entrepeneurs | $52,483 | Richard Williams Montana State University Extension Service | |
| EW99-008 | Developing a Sustainable and Organic Master Gardener Horticulture Production Manual | $22,483 | Helen Atthowe Missoula County Extension Service | |
| EW99-015 | Harvesting the Wealth: of AERO’s Farm and Ranch Improvement Clubs | $60,000 | Jonda Crosby Alternative Energy Resources Organization | |
| EW97-007 | Sustainable Agriculture Youth Education: Professional Dev. for Youth Program Leaders and Educators | $100,000 | Jonda Crosby Alternative Energy Resources Organization | |
| EW95-002 | Sustainable Noxious Weed Management on Northwestern Rangelands | $43,800 | Roger Sheley Montana State University | |
| EW95-003 | Agency Personnel Training in Riparian Monitoring and Management of Wildlife and Livestock in the Intermountain West | $98,000 | Dr.Jim Knight Extension Wildlife Specialist | |
| EW95-012 | Sustainable Agriculture Training Project A Model of Collaborative Learning | $31,450 | Nancy Matheson Alternative Energy Resources Organization (AERO) | |
| EW94-006 | Sustainable Agriculture Training Project: A Model of Collaborative Learning | $91,000 | Nancy Matheson Alternative Energy Resources Organization (AERO) | |
| ENHANCED STATE GRANTS GRANTS | ||||
| Project # | Project Title | SARE support | Project Leaders | |
| MW16-004 | Extension and outreach supporting climate-resilient sustainale agriculture in Montana. | $24,998 | Fabian Menalled Dept. of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences | |
| FARMER/RANCHER GRANTS | ||||
| Project # | Project Title | SARE support | Project Leaders | |
| FW24-015 | Gold Creek Return Flow Pilot Study: Evaluating Potential Benefits of Early Season Center Pivot Irrigation on Local Hydrology and Production | $25,000 | Bruce Thomas Thomas Herefords | |
| FW22-390 | Could sainfoin be the first dual-purpose perennial pulse crop for the western US? | $24,864 | Shawn Wentzel Alaska Ranch | |
| FW22-398 | Establishing a Cool Season Legume Grass Finishing Pasture | $8,992 | Ronald Wade Browns Meadow Farm | |
| FW21-372 | Collaborative monitoring for ranch resilience and social-ecological sustainability in central Montana | $29,000 | Bill Milton Milton Ranch | |
| FW19-340 | Improving Winter Greens Production and Storage for Cold Climate Farmers | $19,990 | Katelyn Madden MGVC | |
| FW15-039 | Making the Most of Fine Fleece: Environmental, Economic, and Social Costs and Benefits of Alternative Strategies for Marketing Sheep Wool | $10,646 | Linda Poole Prairie Shepherd | |
| FW11-024 | Organic Control of Perennial Weeds with Vinegar and Biologicals | $20,790 | Jess Alger Organic control of Perennial Weeds | |
| FW10-042 | Marketing J Bar L Ranch Grassfed Beef to Members of Conservation Organizations | $13,000 | Bryan Ulring J Bar L Ranches, LLC | |
| FW09-305 | Composting Recommendations and Marketing Evaluation for Livestock Operations in Cold Semi-Arid Environments | $49,315 | Thomas Bass Montana State University | |
| FW08-016 | Can Producers in Five Montana Counties Successfully Use No-Till Methods for Renovation of Irrigated and Dryland Pastures? | $29,999 | Ron Carlstrom MSU Extension- Gallatin County George Reich | |
| FW08-023 | Pasture-Raised Heritage Turkeys in a Dryland Farming System | $6,413 | Jacob Cowgill | |
| FW08-034 | High-Nutrition Drought-Tolerant Corn | $30,000 | Dave Christensen | |
| FW08-317 | Sustainable Food and Bioenergy Systems: Student Internships Development Plan | $29,983 | Dr.William Dyer Montana State University | |
| FW06-025 | Agroecosystem Approach to Managing Imported Cabbage Worm (Peris rapae) | $6,356 | Helen Atthowe Biodesign Farm | |
| FW05-012 | Forage Winter Wheat Production for Grazing or Hay Production in Eight Montana Counties | $19,795 | George Reich | |
| FW05-301 | Protecting High Quality Rangelands in Garfield County from Invasive Weed Spread | $20,000 | Eric Miller Montana State University | |
| FW05-305 | Demonstration of Leafy Spurge Management Using Sheep Grazing in a Leafy Spurge Barrier Zone | $9,960 | Sharla Sackman Montana State University Extension Service | |
| FW04-018 | Forage Winter Wheat Production for Jay or Grain in Gallatin County, Montana | $5,370 | George Reich | |
| FW02-036 | Sheep and Cattle Grazing Complementarity Project | $5,055 | Randall Tunby | |
| FW01-032 | Biological Weed Control: Education and Implementation | $7,500 | Noah Poritz | |
| FW01-085 | Biological and Mechanical Control of Perennial Weeds in North-Central Montana | $6,387 | Robert Quinn Montana State University | |
| FW00-017 | Establishing a Sustainable Program for Recycling and Propagation of Quality Flower Bulbs in a Wholesale Flower Production Operation | $2,197 | Laura Smith | |
| FW00-260 | Test Marketing Campaign to Conduct In-Store Lamb Cooking and Recipe Demonstration for Montana Natural Lamb Cooperative in the Billings, Montana Market Area | $9,300 | Gayle Ott | |
| FW00-282 | Better Board of Trade.Com | $8,054 | David Oien | |
| FW00-288 | TEAM-Team Effort in Agricultural Marketing for the McAlpine Ranch | $9,705 | Clay McAlpine | |
| FW00-314 | Montana Arnica Web Page | $870 | Rod Daniel | |
| FW99-069 | No-Till Wheat into Medic vs. Conventional Wheat | $4,578 | Jess Alger Organic control of Perennial Weeds | |
| FW99-102 | Range Monitoring in the Badlands Grazing District | $10,000 | Jack McCuin | |
| FW98-035 | Annual Forages for Dryland Rotations | $1,540 | Vern Pluhar | |
| FW98-093 | Cull Potato Composting | $7,500 | Steve McCullough | |
| FW96-007 | Green Manure/Covercrop Combination Experiment | $1,923.15 | Rod Daniel | |
| FW96-008 | Legume Grazing in Rotation with Small Grains | $4,000 | Jess Alger Organic control of Perennial Weeds | |
| FW96-073 | Evaluation of Grass Species for Improved Pasture Management | $4,800 | Robert Lee | |
| FW96-083 | Vegetative Changes through Alternative Water Sources | $2,500 | Dale Veseth | |
| FW95-026 | Carter-Fallon Forage Committee Range/Livestock Project | $4,943 | Randy Tunby Carter-Fallon Forage Committee | |
| FW95-078 | Managing a Living Mulch System in an Intensive Organic Vegetable Cropping Operation to Enhance Weed, Nutrient, and Pest Management | $5,000 | Helen Atthowe Biodesign Farm | |
| FW95-093 | Influencing Elk and Livestock Riparian Use | $4,750 | Allen Carter | |
| GRADUATE STUDENT GRANTS | ||||
| Project # | Project Title | SARE support | Project Leaders | |
| GW25-004 | Characterization of the environmental and biological factors driving pathogen spread in Ascochyta rabiei for improved disease control in chickpea | $29,998 | Dr.Frankie Crutcher Montana State University-EARC Dr.Uta McKelvy Montana State University Vishal Monga Montana State University | |
| GW25-009 | Interseeding cover crops to enhance sustainability in organic horticulture | $29,967 | Fabian Menalled Dept. of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences Mac Burgess Montana State University Claire Luby Montana State University Dr.Zachariah Miller Montana State University-Western Ag. Research Center Sophia Lattes Montana State University | |
| GW25-015 | QUANTIFYING THE EFFECT OF RESIDUE MANAGEMENT ON SOIL PROPERTIES AND YIELD IN MONTANA CROPPING SYSTEMS USING PRECISION AGRICULTURE TECHNIQUES | $30,000 | Dr.Paul Nugent Montana State University Dr.Anish Sapkota Montana State University Pushpa Pandey Montana State University | |
| GW25-018 | Investigating Potential for Dryland Winter Squash Production for Food Systems Resiliency in the Northern Great Plains | $30,000 | Meagan Schipanski Colorado State University Mac Burgess Montana State University Erin Jackson Colorado State University | |
| GW24-011 | Evaluating the potential for micronutrient soil amendments to improve rangeland sustainability. | $29,972 | Lisa Rew Montana State University Dr.Jane Mangold Montana State University Erin Teichroew Montana State University | |
| GW24-014 | Comparing soil organic carbon, infiltration, and bulk density in various grass communities and management practices on Confederated Salish and Kootena | $30,000 | Virgil Dupuis Salish Kootenai College Maureen McCarthy Desert Research Institute Sarah Holloway Salish Kootenai College | |
| GW23-255 | Understanding Soil Water Capture and Use in Very Tall Stubble | $30,000 | Dr.Perry Miller Montana State University Ryan Barnes Montana State University | |
| GW22-235 | Carrots as a Model for Defining Critical Period of Weed Management, Biofertilization, and Market Opportunities for Great Plains Vegetables Producers | $29,997 | Fabian Menalled Dept. of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences Mac Burgess Montana State University Dr.Roland Ebel Montana State University Emma Kubinski Montana State University | |
| GW22-237 | Integrated Weed Management of non-native annual grass, Ventenata dubia, in Montana rangelands | $29,722 | Lisa Rew Montana State University Dr.Jane Mangold Montana State University Dr.Lisa Rew Montana State University Lilly Sencenbaugh Montana State University | |
| GW22-240 | Managing Crop Residues for Soil Health | $29,698 | Dr.Catherine Zabinski Montana State University Zane Ashford Montana State University | |
| GW21-218 | Integrating thistle rust into weed management of Canada thistle | $30,000 | Timothy Seipel Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, Montana State University Dr.Jed Eberly Montana State University Fabian Menalled Dept. of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences Daniel Chichinsky Montana State University | |
| GW20-204 | Restoring Disturbed Rangelands With Site-Specific Seeding | $25,000 | Lisa Rew Montana State University Colter Mumford Montana State University | |
| GW20-205 | Measuring intra-field variability in pea protein to understand influencing factors in Montana cropping systems | $25,000 | Dr.Clain Jones Montana State University Dr.Perry Miller Montana State University Samuel Koeshall Montana State University | |
| GW19-190 | Nitrogen Fertilizer Management Based on Site-Specific Maximized Profit and Minimized Pollution | $24,992 | Dr.Stephanie Ewing Montana State University Bruce Maxwell MSU Paul Hegedus Montana State University | |
| GW19-197 | Fostering resilient plant-soil interactions on working ranches in semi-arid steppe ecosystems of north-central and eastern Montana. | $24,988.04 | Dr.Craig Carr Montana State University Dr.Stephanie Ewing Montana State University Dr.Christine Gobrogge Montana State University Environmental Analytical Laboratory Seth Newton Bear Gulch Ranch Jay "Butch" Ortner Ortner Ranch Danny Pratt Natural Resources Conservation Services Tiffany Salveson Natural Resources Conservation Service Timothy Seipel Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, Montana State University Joseph Capella Montana State University | |
| GW19-198 | Precision Agriculture Applied to Organic Systems | $22,499.64 | Bruce Maxwell MSU Royden Loewen Montana State University | |
| GW19-199 | Effects of Habitat Heterogeneity on Crop Yield and Biodiversity | $24,971.90 | Bruce Maxwell MSU Hannah Duff 1992 | |
| GW18-050 | Montana Hardy Fruit Nutraceutical Quality | $17,765 | Mac Burgess Montana State University Durc Setzer Montana State University | |
| GW18-179 | Predicting overwinter nitrate-N changes at the subfield scale in leaching-susceptible, agricultural soils | $25,000 | Dr.Clain Jones Montana State University Dr.Patrick Carr Montana State University Simon Fordyce Montana State University Central Agricultural Research Center | |
| GW18-151 | Advancing Cover Crop Knowledge: Assessing the Role of Plant Diversity on Soil Change | $25,000 | Dr.Perry Miller Montana State University Kristen Dagati Montana State University | |
| GW17-040 | Sustainability of dormant season grazing: Does protein supplementation impact beef cattle performance, soil organic matter, vegetation, and residual cover for wildlife? | $24,970 | Dr.Janice Bowman Montana State University Dr.Lance McNew Montana State University Dr.Samuel Wyffels Montana State University | |
| GW16-053 | Cover Crop Grazing: Optimal Seasonality for Soil and Livestock Benefit | $25,000 | Dr.Perry Miller Montana State University Robert Walker MSU LRES | |
| GW12-004 | Multiple Forms of Uncertainty as a Barrier to the Adoption of Sustainable Farming Practices | $24,830 | Patrick Lawrence Montana State University | |
| GW10-032 | Investigating the Legume Green Fallow Alternative on North-Central Montana No-Till Operations | $24,250 | Dr.Perry Miller Montana State University Justin O'Dea Washington State University | |
| GW09-012 | Joint Management of Wheat Stem Sawfly, Fusarium Crown Rot, and Weeds: Assessing the Ecological Basis of a Total Systems Approach to Pest Management Strategies | $21,964 | Fabian Menalled Dept. of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences Ilai Keren Montana State University | |
| GW06-026 | Effects of Weed Communities in Conventional and Organic Agricultural Systems. | $7,536 | Bruce Maxwell MSU Fabian Menalled Dept. of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences Fred Pollnac Montana State University | |
| MEAT AND POULTRY PROCESSING GRANTS | ||||
| Project # | Project Title | SARE support | Project Leaders | |
| MPP23-002 | Meat and Poultry Processing Montana | $410,000 | Dr.Jane Boles Montana State University | |
| ON FARM RESEARCH/PARTNERSHIP GRANTS | ||||
| Project # | Project Title | SARE support | Project Leaders | |
| OW25-009 | Purslane, a novel self-growing vegetable for the Montana food system | $85,000 | Timothy Seipel Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, Montana State University Fabian Menalled Dept. of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences Wan-Yuan Kuo Montana State University | |
| OW25-010 | Sustainable Montana Merino Development Through Genomics | $84,975 | Dr.Christian Posbergh Montana State University Brent Roeder Montana State University | |
| OW24-002 | Co-developing criteria for white bark pine friendly ranching | $73,097 | Dr.Jonathan Spiess USDA ARS | |
| OW22-372 | The Buzz on the Range: Promoting healthy soils and pollinators on Montana rangeland | $55,990 | Michael DeChellis Western Sustainability Exchange Michael DeChellis OpenTeam And We Are For the Land Board Member Michal DeChellis Cultivating Minds LLC and We Are For the Land Foundation | |
| OW17-009 | Soil Moisture Network and Tools - MT and WY collaborative | $49,995 | Lee Schmelzer Montana State University | |
| OW17-026 | Montana Food Economy Initiative | $50,000 | Lindsay Ganong AERO | |
| OW17-021 | Evaluating Nitrates and Forage Quality in Fall Regrowth of Annual Cereal Forages | $19,972 | Dr.Tracy Mosley Montana State University Extension | |
| OW15-026 | Are Feedlot-based Performance Cattle Limiting Ecological Services for Rangeland Ecosystems in Northern Mixed-grass prairies? | $49,961 | Dr.Emily Meccage Montana State University | |
| OW13-017 | Reference strips and precision sensors for increased nitrogen use efficiency in wheat production | $49,907 | Dr.Olga Walsh Montana State University | |
| OW13-144 | Effects of Late-Season Water Lease on Forage Crops | $24,950 | Jodi Pauley Montana State University | |
| OW12-044 | Best Management Practices for Livestock Protection Dogs | $49,998 | Dr.Jeff Mosley Montana State University | |
| OW11-326 | Developing Community Based Oilseed Industry in Montana | $49,830 | Taylor Lyon Bio-Energy Center Dr.Nestor Soriano, Jr. Lead Research Scientist | |
| FW04-313 | Preserving Farms and Ranches | $5,000 | Robert "Rob" Johnson Montana State University | |
| PDP STATE PROGRAM GRANTS | ||||
| The following are non-competitive awards that fund the activities of the SARE state coordinator(s) within each state. | ||||
| Project # | Project Title | SARE support | Project Leaders | |
| WMT25-001 | 2025-2027 Montana PDP State Implementation Grant | $120,000 | Patrick Mangan Montana State University Extension Service | |
| WMT22-001 | Montana WSARE PDP Grant Programs 2022-2024 | $90,000 | Patrick Mangan Montana State University Extension Service | |
| WSP20-004 | 2021 Montana Professional Development Mini-Grant Program | $28,636 | Patrick Mangan Montana State University Extension Service | |
| WSP19-019 | Montana WSARE PDP Grant Proposal 2020 | $45,886 | Patrick Mangan Montana State University Extension Service | |
| WSP18-010 | 2018-2020 Montana PDP project | $28,636 | Patrick Mangan Montana State University Extension Service | |
| WSP17-010 | 2018 Montana State University PDP Project | $37,999.63 | Shelley Mills Montana State University Extension - Valley County | |
For further information on projects, contact Western SARE at (406) 994-4789 or wsare@montana.edu.
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) is funded by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).