LAVINA— Sheep grazing has been helping bee populations thrive at a Lavina sheep and cattle ranch.

Entomologist Hayes Goosey, who works as the Montana State University Extension forage specialist, said grazing reveals dirt patches, where bees can dig nests.

Watch how sheep are part of a bigger picture:

Montana Ag Network: Research finds sheep grazing benefits bees

He studied sheep and cattle grazing effects on the environment at Lehfeldt Land and Livestock in Lavina.

“Most bees are solitary, and they nest in the soil, and they need bare patches of ground to identify nest locations. And so periodic grazing then opens up that canopy of that detritus and gives native bees places to nest,” said Goosey.

“We found greater numbers of bees associated with areas where cattle grazing was present compared to places where a long-term idling or lack of grazing had been the dominant land management for about a decade,” he added.

Grazing also balances animal populations that have been there for years.

“To maintain historically what the range looked like, it requires grazing at varying levels,” added Goosey.

Vanessa Willardson/Q2

Fifth-generation rancher Ben Lehfeldt, whose property Goosey studied, said taking care of sheep is a lot of work, but it is worth it.

“Sheep, cattle, agriculture, the whole is essential to the whole wildlife picture. Everything works together,” said Lehfeldt.

This week, Lehfeldt is working with a team of five shearers, two wool handlers and his family to shear 2,000 sheep, producing 20,000 pounds of wool.

Vanessa Willardson/Q2

“It just kind of gives them a fresh start for the year to grow that coat,” said Lehfeldt.

Shearing sheep is also an important step before lambs are born because sheared sheep will be more likely to seek shelter during bad weather, meaning lambs will get the shelter they need too.

“If they had a big coat on, they wouldn’t want to go to a shelter if it’s raining. That lamb needs protection. So now… when they feel that rain, they’ll head and take their lamb for protection,” said Lehfeldt.

Vanessa Willardson/Q2

Working hard to maintain sheep populations in Montana, such as the work behind sheep shearing, contributes to a bigger picture.

“Not only does it help with the sheep and the grazing, but it also adds to the environment and the wildlife and the insects as a whole,” added Lehfeldt.

WESTERN MONTANA — Here’s a look at Western Montana’s top news stories for Wednesday.

Thompson falls residents are paying around 110 dollars a month for water and sewer services on vacant lots that aren’t even connected to utilities, an issue that was brought up at Monday night’s city council committee meeting. Now, community members are circulating recall petitions targeting the mayor and several city council members over the billing practice. (Read the full story)

Two Missoula restaurants, Pangea and the Stave & Hoop Speakeasy, announced temporary closures due to unexpected changes on Tuesday. Management said both will return with new concepts and ownership, calling it a “see you soon” rather than goodbye. (Read the full story)

Travelers’ Rest State park is celebrating 25 years as a state park, where both Salish ancestors and Lewis and Clark once camped near Lolo Creek. The historic site now draws about 80,000 visitors annually from around the world to learn about the area’s rich history. (Read the full story)

BILLINGS— Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is offering a cash reward up to $1,000 for information regarding blow darts found in ducks in the Billings area.

Dani Theis with Montana FWP said Tuesday that the office has received multiple calls reporting the issue over the past year, specifically in Billings areas such as Shiloh Conservation Area and Rose Park.

Watch the report:

Montana wildlife officials offer reward after blow darts found in ducks

Shooting ducks with blow darts is illegal and shooting them in town and off-season is illegal as well.

“Taking migratory birds, ducks included, these mallards, outside of those seasons really puts their populations at risk,” she said.

The blow darts have not immediately killed the ducks, but Theis said it’s likely painful.

“It can’t be good for its quality of life,” she added.

Wildlife officials are also seeking information on a baby fawn deer killed by a blow dart in Roundup on March 23. That incident took place on the 100 block of Fifth Street West.

Theis recommends those with information report it to tipmont.mt.gov.