You probably have goals and plans for 2026the Montana Department of Agriculture does too.Were really focusing on innovative agricultural practices, Montana Department of Agriculture director Jillien Streit said.Its no secret tha t agriculturefarming and ranchingis not easy. There are long days, planning, monitoring crops and livestock, and other challenges beyond farmers and ranchers control.(WATCH: Montana Department of Agriculture focusing on innovation in 2026) Montana Department of Agriculture focusing on innovation in 2026We have very low commodity prices across the board, Streit said. We still have very high input prices across the board, and we have really high prices when it comes to our equipment, and so, its a really tough year.But innovation, including new practices, partnerships and technology use, can help navigate some of those challenges.We cant make more time and we cant make more land, so we need to start putting together innovative practices that help us maximize what our time and land can do, Streit said.Practices range from using technology like autonomous tractors and virtual fencingallowing rangers to contain and move cattle right from their phonesto regenerative farming and ranching.It is bringing cattle back into farming operations to be able to work with cover cropping practices to invigorate the soil for new soil health benefits, Streit said.The Montana Department of Agriculture is working to help producers learn, share, and collaborate on new ideas to work in their operations.The department will share stories of practices that work from farms and ranches across the state. Also, within the next year or so, Streit said the department is hoping to roll out technology to help producers collaborate.(Its) providing a communication platform where people can get together and really help each other out by utilizing each others assets, she said.While not easy, agriculture is still one of Montanas largest industries, and Streit said innovating and sharing ideas across the state can keep it going long into the future. ...read more read less