The Great Falls Tribune reported this week on the results of a new study released by the Montana Farmers Union on how changing climate will affect ranching and farming in Montana in the coming years.  You can read the article here or the full report here.

The article says “The report projects a 20 percent drop in range land cattle production, and a 25 percent decline in grain production by 2055.  The drop in cattle production could cost ranchers more than 12,000 jobs and $364 million in earnings, says the report, which cites water shortages, increased temperature and concentrations of carbon that will make grass and hay less digestible and nutritious to livestock.  Crop yields could cost farmers almost 12,500 jobs and $372 million in earnings, the report says.”

Source: Tony Atkin, Commons WIkimedia
Source: Tony Atkin, Commons WIkimedia