Cities in a Slump....Rural on the Rise

While the housing market is in a slump, rural land values continue to rise. Farm Real Estate Values Escalate According to Montana Ag Statistics, the value of non-irrigated cropland increased $100 to $730 per acre in 2007, compared with 2006. Pat Hansen, for the Montana Standard, continues....

The value of irrigated cropland was $3,700, an increase of $900 from 2006. Pasture values increased $200 to $850 per acre. Montana farm real estate values have been steadily increasing, and have more than doubled in the past three years.

In 2001 the average value of all farmlands was $350/acre and in 2006 it was $760/acre. Non-irrigated cropland was worth $355 in 2001, $370 in 2003 and $730 in 2007. Irrigated cropland was valued at $1,470 in 2001, $1,580 in 2003 and $3,700 in 2007. Pastureland more than tripled in value during the past five years from $240/acre to $850/acre.

The increase in farm real estate values is attributed to non-agricultural factors, including relative low interest rates and strong demand for non-agricultural land uses. Demand for farm real estate as an investment continues to be a strong market influence.

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So you think you can dance? MSU POW WOW

If you're in the Bozeman area this weekend, don't miss the annual Pow-Wow! A don't miss colorful cultural event. A weekend of friendship, dancing and singing. Enjoy the variety of dances and songs from religious, to war and social. The MSU pow wow is one of Montana's largest. The student produced, non-profit event is free and open to the public. Browse the booths of traditional art and foods. Audience members can participate in dance, as well.

The annual Montana State University American Indian Council Pow Wow will be held May 2-3 at MSU's Brick Breeden Fieldhouse.

Interested in learning more about the Native American Pow Wow tradition? Click here: What is a Pow Wow ?

Interested in SW Montana property? Search MT property at http://www.leaholson.com/

MSU photo by Stephen Hunts.

Learn Before You Burn.

In Montana, a common Spring pasture management practice is Controlled Burning. A land owner uses fire to burn off the old crop residue or dormant grasses to allow for the new growth to green up sooner. It helps to promote better livestock grazing, manages hazardous dry fuels & weeds and provides a cleaner, green appearance to properties.

Recently, I got a "Safe Burning Award" from the County when we unintentionally started an old shed on fire during a controlled burn. I have earned local fame and have heard many "If it Makes You Feel Any Better...." stories from neighbors. These include: burning off car tires in town, a flaming haystack that started after a winter of smoldering unseen, burning grass one day and a building going up in flames 2 days later after it snowed... and the best, was the local County Sheriff who blew up his propane tank burner out in the field while burning his pasture.

Each Montana County requires that the land owner purchase an Open Burn Permit. You can purchase your permit at any local fire district station. Learn before you burn and avoid unintentional fires and permit violation fines. There are few of the steps to follow in a controlled burn. Common sense is the rule.

• Must have current Burn Permit


• Call the local Fire Department to tell them you are burning. (any open burning requires a phone call)
  
• Have proper safety and fire suppression equipment on hand


• Man the fire at all times


• No burning of hazardous materials


• No burning after dark
  
  Follow the rules, be safe, then burn, baby, burn.

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