Our monthly newsletter "Inside Ag" is archived here. For accessibility purposes, we have uploaded both a PDF file and a full-text web version of the newsletter. 

"Inside Ag" is published on the first Monday of every month during the academic year. Newsletter submissions can be emailed to EmmaLee Rotlisberger at emmalee.rotlisberger@montana.edu. 

Please note: We recommend viewing the PDF version for the best viewing experience.

2026 Inside Ag Newsletters

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In this Issue

  • Recent and Upcoming Events
  • College of Ag in the News
  • Accomplishments and Highlights
  • Grants and Publications

Upcoming Events

Field Day: Interseeding Cover Crops

Saturday, September 12th 2-7:30pm

MSU has been studying interseeded cover crops in organic vegetables with three partner farms in the Gallatin area. They all have been seeding cover crops alongside their vegetables and have great learnings to share. Come join us on a four farm field day tour, followed by a pizza party at our MSU horticultural research farm, Towne's Harvest Garden (we'll have pizzas, feel free to bring a side). This tour is farmer-oriented, but all community members are welcomed to join and learn together!

Schedule

2pm: Meet at Towne's Harvest for a carpool

2:30 pm: Kokoro farm tour

3:30 pm: Amaltheia farm tour

5pm: Chance farm tour

6pm: Towne's Harvest Garden tour and pizza party!

RSVP to sophia.lattes@student.montana.edu

College of Ag in the News

Combined State Laboratories Grand Opening

Montana State University, the Montana Department of Livestock and the Montana Department of Agriculture celebrated the grand opening of the Combined State Laboratories building, marking the completion of a long-planned facility that brings together the MSU Wool Lab, Veterinary Diagnostic Lab and Analytical Lab to strengthen research, education and services that support Montana agriculture.

International Pollinator Conference

Researchers from around the world gathered at Montana State for the International Pollinator Conference to share the latest discoveries in pollinator science, strengthen collaborations and explore new approaches to improving pollinator health and sustaining ecosystems.

Accomplishments and Highlights

Returning to Our Good Camp Program

The Returning To Our Good Camp Program, funded by New Beginnings for Tribal Students, NIFA, USDA, announced student scholarship awards for academic achievement. The list includes students recognized with Highest Honors, High Honors, Honors, and Scholar distinctions across multiple majors.

Highest Honors

Asa Barrett • Axel Bensch • Fiona Collister • Emilie Courchesne • Rylie Dupuis • Kody Gust • Tucker Lytton • Danner Rourke Kelly • Apollo Rowland

High Honors

Kelan Heath • Kristie Kulbeth • Raley Nicole McIntosh • Sydney Watts • Abigail Whitman

Honors

Elle Attwood • Emily Barcus • Andrew Boese • Larissa Lahr • Eliot LaTray • Rhett Michael • Alyssa Peck • Antonio Perez • James Richards • Lila Rodriguez • Matthew Scott

Scholars

Ulali Adams • Leah Big Plume • Faith Carter • Summer Ceballos • Heidi Eisemann • Logan Guthrie • Kylee Lamoure • Gabriel LaRoche • Jozette Limpy • Emma McClue • Lydell Mitchell • Raul Rosas • James Russette • Grace Tallbull • Tyrel Ten Bear

Brink and Roeder receive distinguished awards

Congratulations to Dave Brink and Brent Roeder for receiving national recognition from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents. Brink, MSU Extension 4-H and Agriculture/Natural Resources agent in Mineral County, received the 2026 Distinguished Service Award. Roeder, MSU Extension Sheep and Wool Specialist and supervisor of the Montana Wool Lab, received the 2026 Achievement Award.

Brink was recognized for his work educating youth and adult learners on topics including livestock quality assurance, forest stewardship, vertebrate pest management, parliamentary procedure, pesticide safety, horticulture, and other duties as assigned.

Roeder was recognized for his efforts advancing Montana's sheep and wool industry, including integrating new technologies, supporting value-added wool production and helping secure support for the new Montana Wool Research Lab at MSU.

Student Experience:DAEE Brazil Study Abroad Course

Fifteen students and three faculty members from the Department of Agricultural Economics and Economics traveled to Brazil in May as part of the Agriculture in a Global Context (AGBE 315) course. The international experience provided students with an opportunity to explore agriculture in a global setting and gain firsthand exposure to Brazilian agriculture and culture.

Grants and Publications

Recent Grants

Dr. Nick Hagerty (AEE) received a grant from the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research with collaborators at UC Berkeley and UC Davis; the total award is $546,046.

Dr. Shilan Felehgari, Dr. Paul Nugent and Dr. Tony Hartshorn (LRES) received a grant from Montana NASA EPSCoRto pursue a project entitledSatellite-Based Integration of Snowpack and Radar Observations for Predicting Spring Soil Moisture Across Montana’s Landscapes;the total award is $60,000.

Recent Publications

Adhikari, M., Payare, S., Pinto, R. “Can High Resolution UAV-Derived Weed Maps Replace Camera-Based Targeted Spray Application?” Frontiers in Agronomy.

 

Bowley, J. L., Higley, L. G., Peterson, R. K. D. “The Effect of Environment on Ventral Abdominal Temperature in Five Tiger Beetle Species (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae).” Biology.

 

Callaway, H. M. “Structural Overview of Lyssavirus Glycoproteins, Antibodies, and Receptors.” Journal of Virology.

 

Cerqueira de Melo Vasco, A. C., Brooks, S., White-Springer, S. H., Hammer, C. J., Bruemmer, J. E., Yoho, T., Jacobs, R. “Horse Species Symposium: Current and Future Outlook on Equine Industry, Research Trends, and Opportunities: How to Promote a Sustainable Field into the Future.” Journal of Animal Science.

 

Christian, W. C., Jay, Z. J., Tolic, N., Nicora, C. D., Livingstone, R., Trimmer, S., McDermott, T. P., Hatzenpichler, R. “Proteomic Stress Response by a Novel Methanogen Enriched from the Great Salt Lake.” Environmental Microbiology.

 

Correa De Brito, A., Silveira, P. T. D. S., Uhlmann, H., Schmidt, F. L., Sherman, J. “Barley Koji: Exploring the Effects of Steeping and Fermentation on Malt Quality Parameters.” Journal of the American Society of Brewing Chemists.

 

Cornelissen, T., Mendes, G. M., Silveira, F. A. O., Dáttilo, W., Guevara, R., Aguilar, M. G. B., Campos, R., Wetzel, W. C., et al. “Quantifying Leaf Herbivory: A Guide to Methodological Trade-offs and Best Practices.” Ecology.

Desai, H. S., Chauhan, B. S. “Temperature-Dependent Differences in the Growth, Fecundity, and Germination Pattern of Two Populations of Chloris virgata.” Journal of Crop Health.

 

Eberly, J. O., Berrios-Ortiz, L., Hurd, A., Shergill, L., Dyer, A. T., Menalled, F. D. “Wheat Rhizosphere Bacterial Community Response to Bromus tectorum (L.) and Fusarium pseudograminearum Crown Rot.” Microbial Ecology.

 

Eberly, J. O., Wyffels, S. A., Voll, M. M., van Emon, M., DelCurto, T. “Interactions Between Rumen Degradable Protein and Delivery Method Drive Changes in the Rumen Microbiome of Beef Cattle on Low-Quality Forage Diets.” Frontiers in Animal Science.

 

Jaimes Cruz, L. J., Molina Macias, K. F., Cadavid Henao, S., Acosta Lobo, M. E., Cuervo Vivas, W. A., Galeano Correa, M. V., Correa Cardona, H. J., Escobar Riomalo, J. E., Giraldo Mejia, A. “Enteric Methane Emissions from Holstein Cows Grazing Kikuyu Grass in the Colombian High Tropics During Two Seasons.” Animals.

 

Kadium, V. R., Pilli, R., Svyantek, A., Wang, Z., Stenger, J., Bhoomireddy, R., Auwarter, C., Li, X., Hatterman-Valenti, H. “Dissecting the Genetic Basis of Relevant Fruit Quality Traits in Interspecific Grapevines (Vitis spp.).” Horticulture Research.

 

Knauer, A., Adhikari, S., Andersson, G. K. S., Andrieu, E., Báldi, A., Batáry, P., Borsch, J., Menalled, F. D., et al. “Pesticides and Habitat Loss Additively Reduce Wild Bees in Crop Fields.” Nature Ecology & Evolution.

 

Kohtz, A. J., Nupp, S., Hatzenpichler, R. “Cultivation of Methanonezhaarchaeia, the Third Class of Methanogens Within the Phylum Thermoproteota.” Science Advances.

 

Lejeune, R., Fuentes-Lillo, E., Alexander, J., Dimarco, R. D., Haesen, S., Haider, S., Hostens, L., Seipel, T., et al. “Mountain Roads Across the Globe Significantly Alter Local Soil Thermal Microclimates.” Global Ecology and Biogeography.

 

Londono-Mendez, M. C., Lasso-Ramirez, S., Fitzsimmons, C., Plastow, G., Basarab, J., Cerqueira de Melo Vasco, A. C., Elins Moreira Silva, A., Macias Franco, A., Vinsky, M., Li, C., Medeiros da Silva, G. “Seasonal Metabolic and Growth Responses of Grazing Beef Heifers Divergent in Residual Feed Intake.” PLOS ONE.

 

Moley, C. R., Abushahba, M. F., Ponzilacqua-Silva, B., Skyberg, J. A. “STAT1 and STAT2 Signaling Play a Protective Role Against Bacterial Colonization and Development of Neurologic Signs During Brucella Infection.” The Journal of Immunology. 

 

Montgomery, A., Nupp, S., Gray, C. R., Jay, Z. J., Edgcomb, V., Hatzenpichler, R. “Tracking Active Heterotrophic Microbial Communities in the Guaymas Basin Deep Biosphere with BONCAT-FACS.” ISME Communications.

Peterson, R. K. D., Kennedy, T. E., Strand, J. R. “Risk Determination for Non-target Arthropods from Outdoor Space Applications of Mosquito Adulticides.” Journal of Medical Entomology.

 

Pfau, J. C., Keil, D. E. “Ecotoxicological Pathways Overlooked: A Critical Evaluation of the Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment and Potential Natural Resource Injury from Libby Amphibole Asbestos.” Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health.

 

Rawale, K. S., Schroeder, K., McPhee, K., Chen, Y. C., Chen, W., Gill, K. S. “Identification of Novel Sources of Ascochyta Blight Resistance in Wild Relatives of Chickpea.” Journal of Phytopathology.

 

Reinhart, K. O., Tossou, S. F. A., Rinella, M. J., Eberly, J. O., McGranahan, D., Worogo, H. S., Waterman, R. C., Vermeire, L. T. “Soil Carbon-Enzyme Relationships Persist Despite Neutral Long-Term Grazing Effects in the Northern Great Plains.” Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment.

 

Rhea, A. E., Covino, T. P., Rhoades, C. C. “Long-term Fire Effects on Soil and Vegetation Nitrogen Cycling: Potential Links to Persistent Stream Nitrate Export.” International Journal of Wildland Fire.

 

Schepetkin, I. A., Fischer, A. M. “Activity-Based Profiling of Papain-like Cysteine Proteases in Different Plant Organs During Barley Development.” Plants.

 

Shikany, J. I., Banks, M. M., Barnhart, E. P., Kinsey, S., Wright, P., Kageyama, S. A., Merkes, C. M., Kulesza, N., Wylie, J., Halonen, S., Ortega-Villa, A. M., Long, C. M., Peyton, B. M., Puzon, G. J. “Detection of Naegleria fowleri in Thermally Impacted Recreational Waters of Western United States National Parks.” ACS ES&T Water.

 

Tague, C., Barnard, H. R., Harpold, A. A., Heckman, C. J., Johnson, K., Knowles, J. F., Lininger, L. E. L., Navarre-Sitchler, A., Parrish, E., Singha, K., Sullivan, P. L., Warix, S. “James Buttle Review: Dynamic Water Storage Shapes Critical Zone Function in Snow-Dominated Mountain Watersheds.” Hydrological Processes.

 

Zhu, X., Jiang, S., Zhao, J., Peng, F., Zhao, R., Li, X., Luo, Y., Huang, L., et al. “Functional Dissection of a Wheat NLR Protein Reveals a Minimal Active Region and Key Regulatory Sites for Immune Signalling.” Molecular Plant Pathology.

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In this Issue

  • Recent and Upcoming Events
  • College of Ag in the News
  • Accomplishments and Highlights
  • New Programs & People

Upcoming Events

2026 Summer Field Days

July 7 8:30 a.m. Western Triangle Agricultural Research Center Conrad
July 8 8:15 a.m. Central Agricultural Research Center Moccasin
July 9 8:30 a.m. Northwestern Agricultural Research Center Creston
July 15 8:00 a.m. Eastern Agricultural Research Center Sidney
July 16 8:00 a.m. Post Farm Bozeman
July 23 8:00 a.m. Lutz Farm Belgrade
July 30 4:30 p.m. Western Agricultural Research Center Corvallis

 

Combined State Labs Grand Opening - July 17, 2026

The College of Agriculture will celebrate the grand opening of the Combined State Laboratories on Friday, July 17, which includes the new Wool Lab! The building brings together MSU, the Montana Department of Agriculture and the Montana Department of Livestock to expand research, diagnostics and industry collaboration. The grand opening will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. corner of South 19th Avenue and Lincoln Street.

Combined State Labs Grand Opening - July 9, 2026

Shop fresh, organically grown vegetables and flowers at the Towne's Harvest Garden farmstand every Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m., beginning July 9. The farmstand will be held through Aug. 27 at the Horticulture Farm barn, 2730 W. Garfield Road, before moving to the northeast corner of the Plant Bioscience Building on campus. The farmstand is open to the public, and cash and credit cards are accepted.

College of Ag in the News

Montana State University bus tour visits southeast Montana communities

Montana State doctoral student awarded national research service grant for gut microbiome, arsenic research

Montana State researcher discovers a critical cellular system that may one day lead to treatment of some cancers

Seed grants awarded to Montana State, community projects across Montana

Accomplishments and Highlights

Animal Science Program Earns National Accreditation

The Montana State University Department of Animal and Range Sciences has received accreditation for its Bachelor of Science in Animal Science program from the American Society of Animal Science. The accreditation recognizes the program's commitment to excellence in animal science education.

SARE Spotlight: Supporting Sustainable Agriculture in Montana

Western SARE-funded projects continue to support agricultural research and outreach in Montana. Recent highlights featured by Western SARE include an MSU graduate student's chickpea research project and several Montana-based soil health initiatives showcased during Soil Health Week.

Learn more through Western SARE's recent articles:

Safeguarding Chickpeas | Building Soil Health in Montana

eDucATE Academy Welcomes Future Agricultural Educators

The Department of Agricultural and Technology Education recently hosted its second annual eDucATE Academy at MSU. Ten high school students from across Montana explored degree pathways in agricultural education, communications, leadership, and extension while participating in hands-on learning activities, teaching micro-lessons, and building connections with peers interested in agricultural education careers.

TEACH Trailer Takes Agricultural Innovation Across Montana

The TEACH (Technology Education and Agricultural Collaboration Hub) Trailer continues to expand its statewide outreach, bringing hands-on demonstrations of precision agriculture, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), digital fabrication, renewable energy and other emerging technologies directly to communities across Montana. This summer, the mobile agricultural technology lab participated in the President's Tour at the Southern Agricultural Research Center in Huntley as well as the Northern Agricultural Research Center Field Day in Havre, with additional visits planned for the Western Triangle Agricultural Research Center in Conrad, the Central Agricultural Research Center in Moccasin and the Northwestern Agricultural Research Center near Kalispell.

Graduate students receive Bowman fellowship

Congratulations to Diva Rigney and Matthew Conrad, graduate students in the Department of Animal and Range Sciences, for receiving the Dr. Janice Bowman Graduate Student Fellowship. They will each receive $5,000 to use toward graduate student expenses.

Diva Rigney is a master's student researching strategic supplementation to mitigate cold stress in cattle grazing low-quality forages. She is advised by Tim DelCurto.

Matthew Conrad is a doctoral student researching uterine metagenomics and reproductive health in the postpartum mare. His advisor is Amanda Bradbery.

New Program Highlight:Grow Scholars

The College of Agriculture's new GROW (Growth through Research, Opportunities and Work) Scholars Program is already connecting its first students with paid agricultural research experiences across Montana.

GROW recruits students before they graduate from high school and matches them with research opportunities at the seven Montana Agricultural Experiment Station research centers and within College of Agriculture academic departments. The first cohort is nearly fully placed, with Kindra Sedgwick, Reese Conover, Grant Holen and Trevor Nation among the inaugural GROW Scholars gaining hands-on research experience while supporting MSU's land-grant mission.

Students who commit to the College of Agriculture can begin research before or during their first year at MSU. Throughout college, GROW Scholars have the opportunity to continue working with faculty and staff mentors, receive a $2,000 scholarship and participate in a four-year cohort experience. It is open to any student curious about agriculture, life sciences, or natural resources, and is willing to work at developing the future of Montana agriculture.

The program is open to students interested in agriculture, life sciences and natural resources. Looking ahead, Program Director Joe Lackman is expanding outreach efforts to connect with students, families and communities across Montana and grow the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Learn more at ag.montana.edu/grow or contact Joe Lackman at joe.lackman@montana.edu

New Faces in the College of Ag

We have a few new faces to recognize in the College of Ag!

The Dean's Office is pleased to introduce three new members of our College of Agriculture team.

Erica Strickland, Budget and Fiscal Director for COA and MAES

Erica has a varied background focusing on financial data and databases. She started working for S&P Global, a corporation that collects and publishes financial data for companies traded on the American Stock Exchange, NASDAQ and international markets. While raising small children, the family decided to move to Montana and buy a small hardware store to have more scheduling flexibility. After learning the ins and outs small company bookkeeping and selling through e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Wal Mart, she moved over to the public sector and worked as the Finance Director for Park County for 10 years. The Montana local government background lends itself well to learning COA budgeting and fiscal processes. She is excited to expand into the education arena and support agricultural education and research at MSU, and she can’t wait for her first field trip.

Sara Carr, Budget Analyst

Sara was no stranger to Bozeman before making Montana her permanent home. After her adult son moved to the area eight years ago and following several visits each year, she and her family decided it was time to leave California and reunite in Montana. Her professional background includes hotel and restaurant management, local government finance, grant administration and a sprinkling of theater production. She brings a creative approach to problem-solving, along with a fondness for math and spreadsheets. When she isn't focused on the financial success of the College of Agriculture, Carr enjoys talking to her plants, crafting, baking and spending time outdoors.

EmmaLee Rotlisberger, Communications Specialist

EmmaLee is a two-time graduate of Montana State University, earning both her bachelor's and master's degrees from the Department of Agricultural and Technology Education with an emphasis in agricultural communications. Before joining the College of Agriculture team, she worked as a graduate teaching assistant and was an intern with the MSU News Service. She is excited to combine her passion for storytelling with her love of agriculture by highlighting the people, research and programs that make the college unique. Outside of work, she enjoys photography, baking, and fishing.

Wishing a very warm welcome to all our new colleagues. We are so glad you're here!

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In this Issue

  • College of Ag in the News
  • Faculty of the Month
  • Accomplishments and Highlights
  • Recent and Upcoming Events
  • Publications and Grants

College of Ag in the News

Faculty of the Month

The February Faculty of the Month is Dr. Mensur Dlakić of the Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology! Dr. Dlakić received an impressive and heartfelt nomination from a student:

"I am nominating Dr. Dlakić because of his exceptional mentorship, his genuine investment in student development, and the significant impact he has had on my undergraduate career. Even with his busy schedule, he always explains concepts thoroughly so I understand not just the steps, but the reasoning behind them. After hearing him discuss his research, I was inspired to join his lab and became a research assistant.

Dr. Dlakić truly wants his students to learn and succeed. I have especially appreciated his willingness to share academic and professional opportunities with me, which has contributed greatly to my growth and confidence as a developing researcher and future medical student. Dr. Dlakić truly embodies what it means to be a Bobcat by upholding the values MSU strives to promote. Dr. Dlakić’s commitment to mentorship, education, and student success truly sets him apart.”

Accomplishments and Highlights

Four College of Ag students were recognized at the Founders Day Student Awards on February 17, along with their faculty mentors!

  • Cody Johannes, animal science livestock management and industry, Worden. Mentor: Liz Greenfield.
  • Grace Lerner, environmental science land rehabilitation, Taos, New Mexico. Mentor: Lisa Rew.
  • Mandy Ly, microbiology, Kalispell. Mentor: Jovanka Voyich.
  • Carly Jensen, microbiology, Billings. Mentor: Jovanka Voyich.

Recent Events

Pre-vet adviser Jamie Arndt will host informational sessions for students who are ready to apply or who recently applied to veterinary school. Upcoming sessions will be held March 11, April 8 and April 22 - please encourage interested students to attend! More information is available at ag.montana.edu/students/prevet/current.html.

The Dan Scott Ranch Management Program hosted its annual Spring Gather on February 26, bringing together all Ranching Systems students for program updates and a keynote presentation from James Stuart, manager of AU Ranches, a Nevada operation that oversees livestock across more than 1 million acres. Stuart and his wife Kenda shared their journey from growing up on the edges of agriculture to earning degrees in Rangeland Resource Management from Utah State and a master’s degree from Texas A&M. James offered an engaging and candid look at the highs and lows of building a career in ranch management, blending humor with encouragement and a healthy reality check. Members of the DSRMP Advisory Board and managers from several partner ranches also attended.

On February 10, equipment purchased with a grant from the MAES Multi-Use Equipment proposal was installed in Marsh Laboratory, and several sessions of on-site training of faculty, staff and students was completed. This proposal was supported by PSPP, LRES and ARS Departments. This new equipment will allow imaging of microstructures of insects, plants and fungi for research and support graduate education in the College. (Principal investigators: Drs. Michael A. Ivie and Tiziana Oppedisano; Cooperators: Drs. Jessica Kansman, Silvia Kinosian, Chance Noffsinger, Hayes Goosey, William Wetzel, David Weaver, Robert Peterson.)

Announcements

Publications and Funding Opportunities

Recent Grants

  • MAES Equipment Grant: “Bioprocessing of Rangeland Biomass: Enhancing nutritional value while reducing toxic load of invasive weeds in Montana” submitted by Dr. Wilmer Cuervo and Dr. Carol Vasco has been funded. From Dr. Cuervo: "The grant will give us the opportunity to purchase a Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry Detector for the Department of Animal and Range Sciences which will enhance the scope of our research , allowing us to determine a wide variety of compounds such as grasses, rangeland species, milk, meat and grains, and more importantly, to reduce the costs and time of processing samples."
  • Dr. Michael Giroux (PSPP) and Dr. Chengci Chen (DRC) were awarded a USDA NIFA grant.
  • Rachel Johnston and Dr. Cahya Prihatna (PSPP) received a Montana Department of Agriculture grant.
  • Dr. Jessica Kansman (PSPP) received a Montana Department of Agriculture grant.
  • Dr. Aritra Roy Choudhury (PSPP) received a Montana Department of Agriculture grant.
  • Dr. Clain Jones (LRES/Ext) and Dr. Hayes Goosey (ARS/Ext) received $25,000 from General Mills to write one Extension document on the effects of perennial forages on soil health, and a second on alfalfa management.

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In this Issue

  • College of Ag in the News
  • Faculty of the Month
  • Accomplishments and Highlights
  • Recent and Upcoming Events
  • Publications and Grants

College of Ag in the News

Faculty of the Month

The February Faculty of the Month is Dr. Joe Atwood of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Economics! Dr. Atwood received a number of nominations from students. Comments included:

  • "Teaches the most applicable class in the college of ag"
  • "Cares more about his students than any other professor I've had"
  • "Joe is the most caring professor who takes time out of his day to meet with students who have questions about anything, from class to life and grad school. I feel Dr. Atwood's class is one everyone should take in order to save, buy a house, retire and more.”

Congratulations, Dr. Atwood!

Accomplishments and Highlights

We gave several new faces in the College of Ag!

  • The Department of Animal & Range Sciences welcomes a familiar face, Dr. Noah Davis, as assistant professor of grazing ecology and management.
  • In Conrad, the Western Triangle Ag Research Center welcomes Dr. John Cardoso, assistant professor of agronomy!
  • The Plant Growth Center has a new manager! Welcome to Connor Schmitz - be sure to stop by the PGC and say hello.
  • Shivali Banerjee joins the Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences as an assistant professor in agricultural engineering and bioeconomies.

Announcements

  • Reminder: Please continue to submit impact statements for your research projects! These short summaries help to reinforce the importance of agricultural sciences to governmental and funding agencies. Submission takes five minutes, and you can complete it by scanning the QR code or visiting this webpage.

  • Towne's Harvest CSA shares are available for 2026! Learn more and grab yours on the THG website.

Publications and Funding Opportunities

Recent Publications

  • Berrios-Ortiz, L., Kubinski, E., Lattes, S., Menalled, F., Ebel, R. "The edible weeds feast: an experiential assignment for agroecology, food systems, and weed science higher education." Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems.
  • Hannay, D., Chorak, G.M., Harkess, A., Clevenger, J., Cuperus, J.T., Hale, H., Akozbek, L., Meharg, Z., Carey, S., Myers, Z., Queitsch, C., Stamatoyannopoulos, A., Thum, R.A. "Trait Mapping Utilizing a Newly Constructed Genome for Allohexaploid Invasive Eurasian Watermilfoil Reveals a Non-Target Site QTL Associated with Fluridone Resistance." Evolutionary Applications.
  • Smalling, K.L., Bradley, P.M., Romanok, K.M., Doyle, J.T., Eggers, M.J., Martin, C., Barnhart, E., Binette, P., Castro, E., Chavez, M., Ewing, S., Gordon, S.E., Fields, M.W., Gray, J.L., Groshong, A.M., Hwang, C., Kanagy, L.K., LaFrance, J. W., Loftin, K.A., Long, C.M., McCleskey, R.B., Meppelin, S.M., Richards, C.L., Schreiner, M.L., Shikany, J.I., Tesfamariam, M. "Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other contaminants of concern in tribal waters of Montana." Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts.
  • Romanok, K.M., Bradley, P.M., Smalling, K.L., Doyle, J.T., Eggers, M.J., Gray, J.L., Hladik, M.L., Kanagy, L.K., McCleskey, R.B., Meppelink, S.M., Richards, C.L., and Roth, D.A. "Target-chemical concentrations and microbiological results in surface water and tapwater, Montana, 2022-23." U.S. Geological Survey data release.
  • Romanok, K.M., Smalling, K.L., Bradley, P.M., Barnhart, E.P., Eggers, M.J., Doyle, J.T., Meppelink, S.M., and Schreiner, M.L. "Concentration results for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) analyzed in fish tissue, bed sediment, and biofilm samples, Montana, 2023." U.S. Geological Survey data release.
  • Breyre, A. M., Merkle-Scotland, E. J., Yang, D. H., Hanson, K., Jagani, S., Tolkoff, A., & Gunaga, S. "Do not resuscitate (DNR) emergency medical services (EMS) protocol variation in the United States." The American journal of emergency medicine.
  • Gunaga, S., Yang, D. H., Hanson, K., Merkle-Scotland, E. J., Jagani, S., & Breyre, A. M. "Statewide and Regional Variation in Hospice and Palliative Care Protocols in Emergency Medical Services in the United States." Prehospital Emergency Care, 1-7.
  • Dylan G Stewart, Jared T Beaver, M Lucas Cooksey, Chad Grantham, Brian L Pierce, Roel R Lopez, Stephen L Webb. “Effects of drop net and helicopter net-gun capture on movement, space use, and survival of white-tailed deer.” PLoS One.
  • Lauren M. Porensky, Sally E. Koerner, Amanda R. Williams, Megan L. Van Emon, Kevin R. Wilcox, Kimberly J. Komatsu, John D. Dietrich, Kurt O. Reinhart. “Multi-year drought has persistent forage quality and quantity effects that can be intensified by heavy grazing in semiarid rangelands.” Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment.
  • DG Stewart, JT Beaver, ML Cooksey, C Grantham. “Does Temporary Baiting Affect White-Tailed Deer Space Use and Movement? New Insights Leveraging Subhourly Location Data.” Ecology and Evolution.

Recent Grants

  • Wilmer Cuervo Vivas, Faculty Excellence Grant: "Developing a cost-effective and rapid method to quantify in vitro methane emissions using a portable sensor."

Funding Opportunities

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In this Issue

  • A Message from the Dean
  • College of Ag in the News
  • Accomplishments and Highlights
  • Publications and Grants

College of Ag in the News

Accomplishments and Highlights

  • Dr. Lisa Rew of the Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences was awarded the Western Society of Weed Science Outstanding Weed Scientist Award in the public sector category. This well-deserved award is in recognition of her significant contributions to the discipline. Congratulations, Dr. Rew!

  • Students in LARC 432 Site Design Studio II partnered with the City of Bozeman Parks and Recreation, InContour Landscape Architecture and the new Hyalite View neighborhood to develop Master Plan ideas for Cedarview Park, a 4.5-acre neighborhood park that will be getting a new playground and trail system.

    At a neighborhood meeting in December, associate professor Rebekah VanWieren and eight landscape design majors presented four park concepts and facilitated activities to gather feedback and develop a shared vision for the space. This community-engaged teaching and learning project also resulted in four design posters and a 100+ page report and partnered with MSU's Geospatial Core Facility to use UAV data in the design process.

Announcements

  • Reminder: Please continue to submit impact statements for your research projects! These short summaries help to reinforce the importance of agricultural sciences to governmental and funding agencies. Submission takes five minutes, and you can complete it by scanning the QR code or visiting this webpage.
  • Did you know the COA is on YouTube? Check out our channel for the latest updates, including a recent series on integrated weed management!

Publications and Funding Opportunities

Recent Grants

  • Carrie Ashe (Extension) received an Intermountain Health grant.
  • Wilmer Cuervo Vivas (ARS) was awarded an MSU Faculty Excellence Grant.
  • Gregory Gilpin and
  • Wendy Stock (DAEE) received a grant from Arnold Ventures.
  • Michael Giroux (PSPP) and Douglas Holen (PSPP; Foundation Seed Program) were awarded a Montana Wheat and Barley Committee grant.
  • Michael Ivie (PSPP) was awarded an MSU Faculty Excellence Grant.
  • Matheus Noguera (ARS) was awarded an MSU Faculty Excellence Grant.
  • Agnieszka Rynda-Apple (MCB) received NIH funding as part of a collaboration with Integral Molecular Inc.
  • Anna Schweiger (LRES), Dr. Seth Walk (MCB), and Dr. Stephan Warnat (Mechanical & Industrial Engineering) were awarded a USDA grant.
  • Patrick Secor (MCB) was awarded NIH funding as part of a collaboration with the University of Montana.
  • Jerod Skyberg (MCB) received NIH funding as part of a collaboration with the University of Missouri.

Funding Opportunities

  • COA/MAES is pleased to announce a multi-use equipment RFP to benefit programs or facilities that support multiple research projects.  Applications are due Tuesday, January 20 at 5 p.m. Funding period: 21 January 2026 - 15 April 2026. To Apply: Please fill out the application on InfoReady and attach equipment quote.
  • Western SARE has two grant opportunities open: the Sabbatical Research and Education program and Graduate Student Research and Education program. The deadline for both programs is March 6, 2026. Please check the Western SARE website for full details. If planning to submit a proposal, PIs should notify the OSP Research Administrator for Western SARE, Jennifer Nesbitt. For general inquiries, please email wsare@montana.edu.

 

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