USDA tribal outreach forum planned

Registration for the USDA Tribal Outreach Forum in Billings on April 14-15 is now open.

Updates will be provided by leadership from USDA’s Office of Tribal Relations, FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Rural Development (RD), National Agricultural Statistics Service, Risk Management Agency (RMA), Forest Service, Montana State University, Animal Plant Health Inspection Service’s Plant Protection and Quarantine, Wildlife Services and Veterinary Services.

Panel discussions will be held on the implementation of the renewed USDA and Bureau of Indian Affairs Memorandum of Understanding, hemp production on tribal lands and agricultural lending opportunities. USDA leaders and representatives from Intertribal Agriculture Council, Indian Nations Conservation Alliance and Native American Agriculture Fund will also provide updates.

Indian Land Tenure Foundation President Cris Stainbrook, who leads the national community-based organization based in Little Canada, Minnesota, will present on the “History and Future of Tribal Lands in the United States.”

A collaborative breakout session with RD and Tribal Housing Authority officials will be held on April 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. An optional “Beginning Farmer/Rancher Networking Session” with new and interested ag producers, ag lenders, outreach and resource contacts will be held on April 14 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Registration is free and open to the first 150 to register. Registration forms are available at any USDA Service Center and at www.fsa.usda.gov/mt on the state events page.

To register, completed registration forms can be emailed to jennifer.cole@usda.gov or mailed to: Jennifer Cole, USDA-FSA 1120 US Hwy 191 S, Suite 1, Malta, MT 59538