Farmers today have more resources than ever to determine which nutrients are in their soil, which crops will thrive best, and what protection their growing operation needs. Our co-op offers some of the most advanced soil and leaf testing available, along with a full suite of top-tier agronomic services. For growers in Worden and throughout the surrounding Montana region, that means better decisions today and smarter planning for seasons to come.
Here’s a breakdown of how these services can give your farm a leg up.
Understanding what’s happening beneath the surface is the foundation of a strong crop. Do you know the pH and nutrient levels of your soil? What about organic matter content or salinity? Valley Farmers Supply performs the soil testing you need to maximize yield and protect the long-term health of your fields. Once your analysis is complete, our team can help you optimize your soil with the right fertilizer, nitrates, and other amendments tailored to your specific soil.
Soil tells part of the story, but your plants themselves offer critical clues about their nutritional status. Our leaf tissue analysis services let you monitor the health of your crops throughout the season, so you’re never left guessing while an issue quietly spreads. Catching a deficiency early can be the difference between a strong harvest and a disappointing one.
One of the biggest challenges with traditional soil and tissue testing is the timeline. A lot can go wrong in a growing season while you wait on lab results. That’s why Valley Farmers Supply uses state-of-the-art NutriScan® diagnostic technology, which delivers comprehensive results within minutes of testing. Whether it’s a soil sample or a leaf tissue check, you get immediate answers. You can act on fertility recommendations right away, instead of watching a problem worsen while you wait.
Testing is most valuable when it’s paired with eyes on the ground. Our team walks your fields to spot early signs of pest pressure, disease, and nutrient stress before they become widespread problems. Combined with soil and leaf data, field scouting gives us a complete picture of your operation, so recommendations are based on what’s actually happening in your fields, not just what a lab report shows in isolation.
Once we know what your soil and crops need, the next step is addressing it effectively. Valley Farmers Supply develops custom applications of dry fertilizers and pest control products suited to your specific fields. We also offer foliar fertilization options that deliver liquid nutrients directly to your crops for faster results. We’ll work closely with you to identify the right combination of crop protection products, soil amendments, and nutrients for your operation.
Behind every test and every recommendation is a team that knows this region’s soil, climate, and growing challenges firsthand. Our agronomy experts are ready to help farmers throughout our Montana service area get the most out of every acre.
Reach out to Valley Farmers Supply today to schedule your soil or leaf analysis and start building a smarter plan for this season and beyond.
Farmers in Hardin, Hysham and countless other Montana communities depend on their tractors more than almost any other piece of equipment. From sowing to harvesting and transporting, tractors are indispensable for agricultural operations. You must look after yours with proper maintenance.
One of the most important parts of taking care of your tractor is keeping its components well-lubricated with high-quality oil and grease. Valley Farmers Supply offers a range of high-quality lubricants for your equipment. Here are some key variables to consider.
Tractors operate in tough conditions year-round, facing dirt, moisture, heavy loads and extreme temperatures on a regular basis. Without proper lubrication, important components like the engine, transmission and hydraulic systems can experience excessive friction, overheating and premature wear.
Routine lubrication helps protect moving parts, reduce breakdowns and improve overall equipment performance. Using high-quality diesel engine oils and tractor grease can also help extend the lifespan of your machinery while reducing costly downtime during busy farming seasons.
Greasing is especially important for parts that move constantly or at high speeds, as these components generate heat and friction quickly without proper lubrication. Many tractor components also require manual greasing because they are not connected to an automatic grease reservoir.
Keeping your tractor properly lubricated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain reliable performance and protect your investment for the long haul.
Proper lubrication helps protect your tractor’s most hardworking moving parts. Common areas that typically require regular greasing include:
Before applying grease or lubricant, take time to review your tractor’s owner’s manual for model-specific maintenance recommendations and lubrication points.
Here are some general tips to help you stay on top of your tractor’s lubrication needs.
At Valley Farmers Supply, we know dependable equipment starts with dependable fuel and lubrication products. That’s why we proudly supply high-performance Cenex lubricants engineered to help protect tractors, trucks and farm equipment operating in demanding agricultural conditions.
In addition to premium oils and greases, we also provide the refined fuels local farmers rely on every day, including off-road diesel and gasoline.
For nearly 90 years, Valley Farmers Supply has supported farmers, ranchers and agricultural businesses throughout the region with trusted products and knowledgeable service.
Reach out to us to arrange a delivery of premium-grade lubricants.
Maintaining your farm or ranch equipment can feel like a full-time job all on its own. Between planting, harvesting, feeding livestock and managing day-to-day operations, there’s rarely a slow season. But with a little planning, you can prevent the kind of major service issues that lead to costly downtime. One of the most important steps you can take is making sure your equipment receives proper lubrication.
The right products, applied consistently, help protect your machinery from wear, harsh weather and heavy workloads — keeping your operation running smoothly. Valley Farmers Supply proudly provides customers in Custer and the surrounding Montana region with high-quality lubricants for a wide range of farm vehicles and machinery.
Nearly every piece of equipment on your property relies on lubrication to perform at its best, including:
Lubrication plays a critical role in preventing metal-on-metal damage. Components such as bearings, steering systems, ball joints, power takeoff shafts and other pivot points should be greased regularly. These parts endure constant motion, pressure, dirt exposure and changing temperatures. Without proper lubrication, friction increases, parts wear down faster and unexpected breakdowns become much more likely.
Effective lubrication delivers several essential advantages that directly impact productivity and profitability.
Valley Farmers Supply is proud to offer rigorously engineered lubricants from industry leader Cenex. These high-performance products are triple-tested to ensure consistent quality and meet demanding efficiency and ISO cleanliness standards. Whether you need lubrication for on-road trucks or off-road farm equipment, we carry solutions designed to perform in Montana’s toughest conditions.
Since 1938, Valley Farmers Supply has supported farmers, ranchers, and agricultural businesses across our region. As a cooperative, we understand the unique challenges you face. Our knowledgeable team is always available to consult with you about your fuel and lubricant needs and recommend the right product for your operation.
Talk to a Valley Farmers Supply lubrication expert today and keep your equipment — and your business — running strong.
From Miles City to Big Timber, Worden to Red Lodge, our part of Montana boasts a diverse community of ranches, stables, poultry farms and other animal-raising ventures. All these operations need a dependable source of nutritious feeds to keep animals healthy through every season, especially when winter brings added challenges. In this article, we’ll discuss some issues you need to account for when arranging livestock feed for your farm in the winter.
Your hay-related expenses can easily double in the winter, with an average of 25% of your alfalfa or grass hay (and up to 50%) going to waste because of leaf shatter, trampling, contamination with animal waste and other loss — but planning ahead to protect your hay can lower this loss considerably.
Storing hay in large, exposed bales or in pens and stables is a recipe for excessive loss. The elements will destroy a huge portion, and your cattle, horses or other animals (especially pregnant ones) will significantly overeat if their portions aren’t regulated.
Investing in tarps or, ideally, a hay shed will lower weather-related loss. Bale feeders or racks can regulate your animals’ consumption and lower losses related to trampling and fouling.
Your animals’ nutritional needs do not change in the winter, even as the natural forage of your region can become depleted in frigid conditions. You’ll need to adjust the purchased feed products and supplements your cattle, horses and other livestock receive to ensure they are getting the minerals, proteins and other nutrients they need to thrive through the colder months.
Need some guidance on the nutritional front? Valley Farmers Supply can help! We offer fast, comprehensive feed and forage testing and provide consultation services to help you choose effective (and cost-conscious) animal nutrition solutions for the winter and beyond.
Liquid feed is an essential part of most ranches’ operations, but harsh winter conditions in Montana can lead to frozen or inedible feeds. You need to have a system in place to be able to easily access your liquid animal nutrition products while keeping them stored at a safe temperature.
Some ranches store their liquid feeds in indoor or underground tanks to pump as needed. You can also maintain stable temperatures with propane-powered heaters.
Valley Farmers Supply can advise you on the best way to prevent cold-weather issues with your liquid feed. We also offer propane services to ensure reliable heating for your outbuildings and sheds.
Valley Farmers Supply is proud to support that need with an extensive selection of high-quality animal nutrition products from the industry’s most trusted brands. From cattle and horses to goats, sheep and poultry, we carry proven feeds, supplements, minerals and liquid nutrition options designed to promote strength, vitality and long-term health. With decades of experience serving local producers, our knowledgeable team is always ready to help you choose the right products for your operation, ensuring your animals stay properly nourished, resilient, and thriving all winter long and beyond.
Reach out to our team today to arrange feed testing or request a delivery of premium animal nutrition products.
In Hysham and across Montana, there are over 130,000 registered horses. These different equine breeds serve a wide range of roles, including draft horses for pulling equipment, thoroughbreds for competition, quarter horses for roping and cattle-work and many other commercial and recreational functions.
Whatever type of horses you have in your stable, it’s essential to ensure they’re receiving the right nutrients, both from their forages, their grains and the supplements you provide. At Valley Farmers Supply, we can provide guidance, forage testing and top-quality animal nutrition products to help your horses thrive.
Safeguarding your horses’ health and promoting robust growth and development requires a holist understanding of the food they’re receiving. Generally speaking, in addition to proper hydration, horses need:
Some of these components will come from the natural forage your horses eat, but you almost certainly need to augment them with other animal nutrition products.
We provide comprehensive nutritional testing for your feed and forage to pinpoint any missing nutrients in your animals’ diets. Our specialists deliver fast, accurate results, giving you the insight you need to make informed feeding decisions and support your herd’s optimal health.
To complement your horses’ standing forages, you can trust Valley Farmers Supply to provide you with the top-rated nutritional products for every stage of development. Here’ a breakdown of some of our most popular animal nutrition items:
When you come to Valley Farmers for your animal nutrition needs, we can deliver your feed and other products directly to your farm or stable — or you can pick it up at one of our convenient Montana locations.
Since 1938, Montana’s ranchers and equine breeders have trusted Valley Farmers Supply for everything their horses need to stay healthy and strong. Our team is dedicated to supporting equine wellness with expert guidance, exceptional feed and professional feed and forage testing to identify any nutritional gaps in your operation.
Beyond feed and supplements, we carry a complete range of animal health products — including vaccines, medications and dewormers — to keep your horses in top condition. You’ll also find a full selection of ranch supplies to help you maintain a safe, efficient and productive operation.
Whatever your equine or ranching needs, Valley Farmers Supply is your one-stop local partner for quality and care. Reach out to us today to arrange testing, a feed delivery or another animal nutrition service.
We probably don’t need to tell you that supporting the nutritional needs of livestock has changed a lot over the years. In the past, a rancher might have had little choice for feeding their cattle beyond field foraging and whatever grains were available to them at the local feed store. Hopefully, this combination led to robust weight gain.
These days, ranchers have more data available to them about their cattle’s nutritional needs, and there are more products available to ensure these animals get sufficient calories, minerals and other crucial nutrients.
With well-stocked stores in Worden, Hysham and Miles City and a team of educated and experienced animal feed experts, Valley Farmers Supply can help ranchers develop a precise nutritional plan to ensure their cattle put on weight and thrive.
As a Montana rancher, you no doubt recognize when your cattle aren’t getting all the nutrients they need from their standing and harvested forages. You can maximize your ROI by combining your expertise with that of the animal nutrition specialists at Valley Farmer Supply. We provide precise and efficient testing of your feed and forage to evaluate their nutritional content. Our experts deliver clear, actionable insights, empowering you to make informed feeding decisions that support optimal animal performance.
Moreover, we sell premium-quality supplements designed to keep your animals healthy, active and productive.
Protein is crucial for cattle to build muscle and maintain a strong immune system. Our company offers high-quality feeds and supplements that provide optimal energy while minimizing over-consumption.
For weaning calves, our nutrient-dense starter feed supports rumen fermentation and gut health, helping young cattle transition smoothly and thrive during growth. Whether you need complete feeds or specific supplements, we’ve got you covered, with bulk delivery available for convenience.
Cattle need essential macro and trace minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and selenium to stay healthy and productive. These nutrients often drop in availability with changing seasons or natural grazing limitations. We provide high-quality mineral supplements, including options to enhance overall nutrition and health. You can support your herd’s growth and performance with feeds and solutions designed to meet their needs.
In addition to nutritional testing and high-quality feed, it’s essential to ensure that your livestock is protected from disease and parasites. To that end, Valley Farms Supply also carries vaccines, dewormers, medication and other essential cattle health products.
We invite you to drop by any of our locations during business hours, call us or reach out to us online to discuss your animal nutrition needs. Our team has served ranches in this region for over 85 years. We can help you home in on the best liquid and dry feeds, minerals and other products to ensure proper weight gain for your cattle.
Our team members are standing by to assist you. Contact us any time!
Whether you’re running a family farm or a larger agricultural operation, managing the insidious species that can kill, spoil and stunt your crops is a full-time job. In Hardin and across Montana, farmers are working to stop weeds, pests, mold and fungal invaders. And Valley Farmers Supply is here to help! As a farmer-owner coop, we have a tried and tested inventory of crop protection products, plus decades of knowledge and experience about how to maximize your yield.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best ways to prevent weeds, pests and other invasive species.
The best start is employing tactics to deny weeds the opportunity to grow and thrive. Many farmers start their growing season by applying a solid layer of mulch, paper or plastic. This coverage not only stymies weed growth, but it also helps your soil retain moisture. Additionally, natural mulches can impart nutrients to the soil.
Another effective option is planting cover crops like peas, turnips, radishes and lentils. Cover crops can offer an amazing range of benefits:
It’s crucial to choose the best complementary cover crops, develop a planting schedule and prevent them from becoming invasive themselves. The Natural Resources Conservation Service offers effective guidance — and you can always reach out to one of our agronomy experts!
Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to just put up a “Get Out” sign in your field and know the pests would leave your crops alone?
While that won’t work, you can still make the area around your planting less inviting. Here are some options:
Sometimes, the most effective way to keep pests, weeds and fungal risks away from your crops is with carefully selected and blended crop protection applications. Valley Farmers Supply offers a large selection of top-rated pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and other chemical protection. We choose these products to address the most pervasive issues facing Montana farmers, including cheatgrass, Russian olive and white mold. Moreover, we can provide seed varieties and fertilizer blends that include these protective elements.
Reach out to Valley Farmers Supply today, and one of our experienced and highly trained team members will begin developing a customized crop protection plan for your operation. We’re committed to helping you maximize your crop yields for years to come!
When we talk to farmers in our part of Montana, crop nutrition is a frequent point of discussion. People are looking for ways to improve yields, reduce input costs and create a more sustainable farming operation in the process.
Since the 1990s, farmers and agricultural researchers have been developing fertilization practices to increase crop yields — a process called precision fertilization. At Valley Farmers Supply, we leverage the latest technology and decades of experience to help our customers implement smarter crop nutrition processes. Let’s discuss what precision fertilization is, its benefits and how our team can help you implement it.
Precision fertilization is a blanket term for the practice of tailoring your nutrients to the specific crops you want to grow. That means choosing your fertilizer applications based on factors like:
This approach to fertilization requires farmers to embrace testing and advance planning to determine the right placement, timing, quantity and variety of nutrients.
The ultimate objective of precision fertilization is to maximize crop yields while right-sizing the amount of nutrients added to the soil and plants. In addition to the prospect of higher and more sustainable yields, farmers who put in the time and effort can enjoy these advantages:
If you want to develop a smarter, more sustainable crop nutrient plan for your Montana farm, then Valley Farmers Supply has the tools and expertise to implement more precise crop fertilization. We serve farms and agricultural businesses in Custer, Worden, Miles City, Reed Point, Hysham and the surrounding areas.
Our team of world-class agronomists can provide field scouting services, soil analysis and leaf tissue analysis to determine precisely the nutrients you’ll need to ensure the best possible crop health. Valley Farmers Supply uses cutting-edge NutriScan® testing, enabling us to provide you with results in minutes.
You can also count on us for customized liquid and dry fertilizer blends based on your test results. Additionally, we sell (and provide guidance for) high-performance seed varieties and soil-friendly crop protection products.
You can put your trust in our responsive and full-service agronomy experts. Contact the Valley Farmers Supply team today to get started testing your soil and leaf testing and customized fertilizer blends.
Farmers understand more than just about anyone else that the land used for growing is not static. It’s a dynamic and nourishing part of the process. The minerals, bacteria and other micronutrients in your soil can ensure a strong, resilient yield. However, poorly managed soil can prevent robust crop development.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there are five essential functions of soil:
Throughout Montana, farmers and other agricultural producers come to Valley Farmers Supply for consultations, soil and leaf testing services and customized crop nutrition products, and a considerable part of our work involves fostering soil health.
Let’s discuss how you can support the health of your soil and what the Valley Farmers Supply team can assist with.
Biodiversity is crucial to maintaining healthy soil. A wide variety of organic material in the earth will impart essential nutrients as it breaks down — additionally, the soil benefits from many different active root systems feeding its microbes.
Are you concerned that your land’s pH, nutrients, organic matter or salinity are less-than-conductive for plant growth? We can help. Valley Farmers Supply offers fast, accurate soil tests to boost crop yield and protect long-term soil health. Using advanced NutriScan® technology, we deliver immediate, comprehensive results. Talk to us about your soil testing needs, and once your analysis is complete, we’ll help you improve your soil with fertilizers, nitrates and more.
The crops you grow and the processes you use for planting, fertilizing and harvesting them can significantly impact the health of your soil. Some points of concern in agricultural practices are:
Our agronomic experts can provide field scouting, custom seed mixes and assistance in developing a well-considered, well-resourced growing plan that promotes high yields and sustainable soil health.
Guided by our state-of-the-art testing technology and decades of experience working with Montana farmers, our agronomic team can help you ensure your soil provides vital nutrients to support your crop yields.
Valley Farmers Supply does this in a variety of ways, including custom fertilizer with tailored blends of urea, phosphates, potash, ammonium sulfate and other amendments. We also sell crop protection products that lower instances of fungal issues and insidious plant species that may negatively affect your soil quality.
Valley Farmers Supply has locations in Miles City, Worden and Hysham. Drop in or reach out to us through our website for assistance with your soil health.
Whether you run a small farm or a large agricultural operation in Montana, ensuring your crops are receiving the right nutrients at every stage of the growing process is essential. But choosing the best fertilizer application depends on a range of factors, including:
Valley Farmers Supply carries a wide range of dry and liquid fertilizers that we can calibrate and blend according to your growing needs. In this article, we’ll discuss the difference between these two types of fertilizer products and which one might be best for you.
Generally speaking, there are three essential nutrients in fertilizer products:
Fertilizers may also contain smaller amounts of nutrients like magnesium, calcium, sulfur, iron, boron, zinc and copper.
Dry fertilizer is granulated and can be combined to meet the exact nutrient blend your crops need.
For ground applications, dry fertilizers are typically broadcast in the field or cultivated into the soil. They can also be added at planting by applying a few inches to the side of and below crops.
Liquid fertilizer, as its name would imply, is a water-based product that is applied via spray. Its application options are more varied.
You can spray it onto the soil before or during the growing season. Liquid fertilizers also allow for foliar fertilization where the product is sprayed directly onto the plant leaves to be absorbed. There is a lot of debate about the effectiveness of foliar feeding, and much research points to its usefulness mostly as a way to course-correct during the season rather than as a viable alternative to soil fertilization.
Here are some general factors you should bear in mind when choosing between liquid and dry fertilizer:
When you work with the Valley Farmers Supply agronomic services team, you can receive in-depth soil and leaf analysis using NutriScan® technology. This process allows us to precisely identify the nutritional needs of your crops and develop a customized fertilizer regimen. We sell and blend top-quality dry and liquid fertilizers and can assist with other soil amendments and weed control products.
Come speak to our agronomic experts in Hysham, Worden and Miles City or contact us online for more information about our crop nutrition offerings.