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Alternatives
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Alternatives
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Tande Auction Services, Inc.
Box 306
Scobey, MT 59263
buynsell@tandeauction.com
406-487-5568
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Nolan’s Inspections, LLC
Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
Nolan Kienitz, Owner/Inspector
Nolan@NolansInspections.com
972-922-2111

Tom R. Lidahl, DMD
223 North Main Street
Plentywood MT 59254
trlidahl@aol.com
406-765-2700

DeShaw Agency
920 W. First Ave.
Plentywood, MT 59254
dagency@nemont.net
406-765-1860
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  OPPORTUNITIES & IDEAS
Why Grow Local?
We can start now by buying locally grown food whenever possible. By
doing so you'll be helping preserve the environment, and you'll be
strengthening your community by investing your food dollar close to home.
Only 18 cents of every dollar, when buying at a large supermarket, go to the
grower. 82 cents go to various unnecessary middlemen. Cut them out of
the picture and buy your food directly from your local farmer. MORE  >>
   
Global demand lifts grain prices, gobbles supplies:
The world is facing the most destabilizing bout of food inflation since the
"Great Grain Robbery" of the early 1970s. North Dakota, the top U.S.
wheat-producing state, may import from Canada due to tight supplies.
Soaring demand, rising oil prices and government-mandated biofuel use
have sent many commodity prices to their highest levels in history.
MORE >>
   
Seeding the way to better biofuels
By Ángel Gonzlez Seattle Times business reporter

Fuels derived from crops are making inroads into the global energy mix,
but many wonder whether the world has enough land to feed 6 billion
mouths — let alone 600 million cars.  Tom Todaro, founder of Targeted
Growth in Seattle, says it has bred a stronger, taller variety of camelina, an
oilseed plant that doubles as a biodiesel source.   MORE >>
   
Farmers Markets: Growing local, Selling local, Eating Local
Farmers Markets is not a new concept. They've been around for years but
with reports of tainted foods almost daily they are beginning to make
sense and along with 100 Mile Diet it may be a real boon to rural areas.
Check out the directory of Montana Farmers Markets. If there isn't one in
your town -- start one!
   
Montana Organic Program: Montana ranks 1st for certified organic wheat
Historically, organic farms have been relatively small family-run farms —
which is why organic food was once only available in small stores or
farmers' markets. Now, organic foods are becoming much more widely
available — organic food sales within the United States have grown by 17
to 20 percent a year for the past few years while sales of conventional food
have grown at only about 2 to 3 percent a year. Read "Organic Farming
Proves to be a Valuable Conservation System" Mikel Lund farm, Scobey,
Montana
   
Wheat Montana: A Montana Success Story
The Folkvord family has been involved in agriculture for three generations.
Through hard work, determination and good fortune, Wheat Montana
Farms has become the model agriculture operation of the Northern Great
Plains. Operations encompass 12,000 acres of the most productive soil in
Montana. Today Wheat Montana is still Family owned and operated and
consists of over 100 employees. MORE >>
   
Energy
 
What is Peak Oil?: Is it real and how will it effect us
Peak oil is the point or timeframe at which the maximum global petroleum
production rate is reached. After this timeframe, the rate of production will
enter terminal decline.  This does not mean oil will suddenly "run out", but
the supply of cheap conventional oil will drop and prices will rise,
dramatically. Peak Oil will affect every aspect of global industrial society
that uses energy directly or indirectly. The price of gasoline is just one
small part of the picture.   MORE >>
 
Geothermal Energy: Right in your own backyard
Imagine a system that can both heat and cool your home, using a clean,
renewable source of energy with no combustion to add pollutants to the
atmosphere despite the fact that it can deliver heat, air conditioning and
hot water with approximately 20%-50% more efficiency than most
traditional cooling systems. Then imagine further that it's right in your own
backyard.
MORE >>
   
Health & Fitness
   
Obesity more dangerous than terrorism?
Oxford Health Alliance Summit in Sydney:
World governments focus too much on fighting terrorism while obesity and
other "lifestyle diseases" are killing millions more people.
Overcoming deadly factors such as poor diet, smoking and a lack of
exercise should take top priority in the fight against a growing epidemic of
preventable chronic disease, legal and health experts said. MORE >>
http://www.foodfacts.info/blog
   
Keeping Your Brain Fit
Why is exercise so good for the brain?
Maybe for the same reason it's so good for the heart: its beneficial effect on
blood vessels.  Exercise may help prevent them. It also stimulates the
production of proteins called growth factors, which promote the formation
and growth of brain cells and synapses. The antioxidants in fruits and
vegetables have been linked to improved cognitive function; berries, for
instance, seem especially beneficial in keeping brains spry. MORE >>
   
Alternative Transportation
   
Encouraging Two Wheel Communting
Cities are accelerating their efforts to encourage commuting on two
wheels, putting bike racks where cars once parked, adding bike lanes and
considering European-style bike-share programs to get residents out of
their cars. Cities are recognizing that it is a realistic and inexpensive
solution to a lot of different problems — to the traffic issues, to pollution
issues, to personal health issues because instead of sitting in cars for an
hour you have people out burning calories." READ >>
   
The biggest investment in cycling in London's history
Nearly A Billion Dollars
The Mayor of London announced the most ambitious program to transform
walking and cycling in London’s history. The package of measures will
create a new network of quick, simple, and safe routes for cyclists and
pedestrians that will change the profile and priority of walking and cycling
on London's streets. MORE >>
   
   
   
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Website developed by M.E.
Questions contact dennisk@nemont.net
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June through September. Click HERE
"Let's Get this Show on the Road!"
Current
Over $2.5 Million Economic Development Projects in Eastern Montana
MDC awards economic development grants to five projects in Big Timber, Columbus, Glendive, Wolf
Point, and Havre during a three day tour of eastern Montana.
Wind for Schools Program Seeks Financial Support
The Department of Energy has selected Montana as one of five states to participate in the inaugural
year of the Wind for Schools Program.
Communities to Receive Commerce Funds for Tourism Related Events
Seven Montana communities will receive a total of $61,500 in grant funding from the Special Events
Grant Program (SEGP), through the Montana Department of Commerce. March 19, 2003
2008 Governor’s Conference on Tourism & Recreation
National tourism promotion and development experts headline the 2008 Conference on Tourism
and Recreation, April 17-18, in West Yellowstone March 19, 2008
Big Sky Innovation Launches new website www.bigskyinnovation.org
a new resource to help meet the needs of the state’s rapidly growing technology business sector.
The website is designed specifically to deliver innovative technology.  March 3, 2008
Montana Department of Commerce has awarded $15,000 in funding
from the Community Development Block Grant – Economic Development (CDBG-ED) Program to
Butte-Silver Bow County. Posted March 3, 2008
MFU Offers $2,500 in Scholarships for 2008
The Montana Farmers Union (MFU) is offering a total of five educational scholarships of $500 each
to be awarded to deserving Montana Farmers Union members. Posted January 28, 2008
Funding for Economic Development Projects in Deer Lodge
Governor Brian Schweitzer will announce two economic development grants for the Deer Lodge
community on Tuesday, February 5th. Posted January 28, 2008.
Hats Off to Froid! Community Center Contract Awarded
The community of Froid, MT, is fast approaching the reality of the brand new 7,200 square foot Froid
Community Center and Firehall. Posted January 18, 2008
Seed Cost Reimbursement for First-Tme Camelina Growers
Farmers who plant camelina for the first time can get their seed costs reimbursed if they farm in the
32 counties of northern and eastern Montana. Posted January 18, 2008
Awards over $1.1 Million in Workforce Training Funds
The Department of Commerce has awarded more than $1.1 million dollars in Workforce Training
Grants (WTG) to four Montana businesses in Billings, Great Falls and Hobson.
Can Aging N.D. Resist Change Amid Immigration Debate?
More than 1,400 miles from the nation's southwestern border the conflicts many communities face
in dealing with an aging workforce are exposed in North Dakota.
Governor Announces Scholarships for High School Seniors
Students who perform 100 hours of community service in their community before the May 16, 2008
deadline will qualify for a $1000 educational award.
Targeted Growth and Green Earth Fuels Announce Landmark Deal
Launching the single largest U.S. contract for the unique biodiesel-specific feedstock. Nearly all of
the initial Camelina production is expected to be grown in Montana.
Montana Department of Commerce Awards $286,277
Chinook, Hobson, Malta, Roundup and Cooke City were awarded a total of $200,000 and $86,277 to
the Chippewa-Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation.
MONTANA HEADLINE BRIEFS
Trials and triumphs of living "green"
on a small ranch in New Mexico
When Doug Fine isn't chasing wily coyotes away from the
chicken coop, keeping his goats out of the vegetable garden
or just breathing a sigh of relief that he survived the latest
hailstorm or flash flood, he's kicking back and feeling good
about life. MORE >>
USATODAY 03-25-08
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America's grasslands vanishing amid
agricultural boom
The USA's open plains and prairies are threatened by
soaring grain prices that have increased their value as
cropland. Grain prices have been driven up by a seemingly
insatiable worldwide appetite for food and by federal energy
policies promoting corn-based ethanol that are working at
cross purposes with government programs designed to
conserve open spaces. MORE >>
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New GeoTourism Mapguide
Spotlights 'Crown of the Continent'
Travelers who seek unspoiled places and culturally
authentic experiences have a valuable new resource in a
“Geotourism MapGuide” for the Rocky Mountain region
surrounding Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park,
including areas in Alberta, British Columbia and Montana.
MORE >>
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Get ready for higher food bills:
Farmers to plant less corn
Farmers are expected to plant 86 million acres of corn this
year, the government predicted Monday, down 8% from
2007, when the amount of corn planted was the highest
since World War II. The decreased supply could drive corn
prices even higher — a cost for food producers that could
be passed on to consumers. MORE >>
USATODAY 3-31-08
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Savvy farmers open the gate to
agritourism
How rich is the smell of fermenting manure on Joel
Salatin's Shenandoah Valley spread? A thousand bucks for
a few whiffs.

That's what Salatin, 51, the second-generation owner of
Polyface Farm, commands for a two-hour, personally
escorted tour of what may be the most famous
family-owned pastures in America. MORE >> USA Today
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LIVESTRONG Day and MONTANAFiT Challenge kickoff May 17
Sherwood Park, Plentywood -- A fun run/walk or
bike will kickoff the 2008 MONTANAFiT "all summer
session" and will conicide with the Livestrong Day
Challenge, a national event day to bring awareness
and raise funds for cancer. All the proceeds of the
MONTANAFiT summer long program will be
donated to the Livestrong Lance Armstrong
Foundation in the name of each participant or team.
 Livestrong wrist bracelets, t-shirts and other event
items are included with the entry fees and/or
donations. For event details and online registration
please click HERE .
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