Innovation Takes Center Stage in Montana Ag
November 3, 2026
From drones and precision agriculture equipment to virtual fencing and new crop protection technologies, innovation is helping shape the future of Montana agriculture. These advancements were in the spotlight during the fourth annual Montana Ag Technology Innovation Summit, held at Montana State University in Bozeman as part of the university's Celebrate Ag events.
Organized through a partnership between the Montana Agricultural Business Association (MABA), Montana State University's College of Agriculture, and the Montana Department of Agriculture, the summit brought together farmers, ranchers, researchers, and agribusiness leaders to explore emerging technologies and practical solutions for the state's agricultural industry.
Tanner Hoversland, president of MABA and agronomy manager at Moore Farmers Oil, noted the summit's importance in showcasing Montana's agricultural innovation:
"We actually are having quite a bit of innovation, and things are moving faster than what you may think. So I think it's been hugely important to get that message out to other people."
Throughout the event, discussions focused on how technology can aid agricultural producers in improving efficiency, addressing challenges, and strengthening their operations. Topics ranged from drone applications and precision equipment to crop protection advancements and virtual fencing technology for livestock management.
Hoversland highlighted the collaborative efforts between industry, state government, and Montana State University, which have expanded the summit's reach and impact:
"The evolution has started with our collaboration with the Montana Department of Ag, as well as the College of Agriculture here at MSU. With those connections, we've found other avenues to reach our consumers and our audience."
The summit also highlighted agricultural research at Montana State University and the significance of aligning that work with the needs of Montana farmers and ranchers.
Dr. Sreekala Bajwa, MSU vice president for agriculture, dean of the College of Agriculture, and director of the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station, emphasized the university's role in developing solutions for real-world agricultural challenges:
"I am proud to say we are the research arm of Montana agriculture. Our role here today is to bring all these partners together and establish connections and collaborations."
Bajwa expressed the ultimate goal:
"Innovation doesn't work unless it is solving real-world problems for our agriculture, natural resource, and life sciences sectors."
Montana State University President Dr. Brock Tessman also attended the summit, underscoring the growing importance of the connection between agriculture, technology, and Montana's business community:
"Agriculture and technology fit kind of hand in glove. The future of tech, at least in Montana, is going to depend a lot on how that technology can be applied to agriculture."
Tessman mentioned areas where emerging technologies could provide valuable solutions, including labor shortages, rising production costs, and productivity challenges. He also highlighted the role of Montana businesses in helping bring new technologies from research and development into practical use on farms and ranches.
As Montana agriculture continues to evolve, summit organizers aim for the relationships, research, and ideas shared during the event to drive future innovation while keeping farmers' and ranchers' needs at the forefront. The annual Montana Ag Technology Innovation Summit remains a platform for connection and progress.