Ranch land may not be the first thing that comes to mind when people think of Missoula, but the city will be home to a grazing seminar in February. Conservationist Ben Montgomery says the seminar will help Montana Ranchers save money by helping to lessen the use of hay.

"Feeding hay can be very expensive, it is generally the most expensive part of running a ranch," Montgomery said. "If we can find ways to reduce the amount of hay we feed and instead keep our animals on grass in the range land, or in the pasture, for longer in the winter, it adds flexibilty to our livestock operations and it adds a lot of financial return into their pockets."

The seminar is actually put on by the Lake County Conservation District and Chairman Jim Simpson said Missoula was picked because it might lure more attendees.

"The seminar is 35 dollars and that provides you with, of course, registration and materials, access to all of the panelists, lunch, and an evening event also. the date is February 2 and 3 and it begins at 9:00 a.m., in Missoula at the DoubleTree Hotel."

Montgomery said hay prices are likely to stay high for the foreseeable future, so the financial benefits of sustainable grass grazing will pay off for many years.

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