Montana State University Extension recently published six new MontGuides covering a variety of topics to provide unbiased information for Montanans.

As part of their outreach efforts, MSU Extension specialists and agents write MontGuides with information gathered during their research and outreach work throughout the year. The fact sheets are designed for all Montanans, including agricultural producers, home gardeners, families, landowners and other groups.

New and existing MontGuides are located online at store.msuextension.org, where they can be downloaded for free or printed copies can be ordered. For more information, call the MSU Extension Distribution Center at 406-994-3273 or email orderpubs@montana.edu.

The new MontGuides include the following:
Growing Cold-Hardy Berries and Small Fruits in Montana
This eight-page MontGuide highlights currants, gooseberries, dwarf sour cherries, aronia and haskaps (or honeyberries), which are hardy fruits that can be grown almost anywhere in Montana. The MontGuide is available at store.msuextension.org/Products/Growing-Cold-Hardy-Berries-and-Small-Fruits-in-Montana-MT202101AG__MT202101AG.aspx.

Animal Unit Month (AUM) Lease Rates
This two-page MontGuide is intended for livestock producers and landowners who are interested in simple ways to determine rental rates for grazing lands, including rangelands, forest lands, and dryland and irrigated seeded pastures. The document provides an overview and examples of how to compute AUM rental rates for Montana grazing lands. The MontGuide is available at store.msuextension.org/Products/Animal-Unit-Month-(AUM)-Lease-Rates-MT202103AG__MT202103AG.aspx.

Stigma Free Addictions Terminology for Montanans
This four-page MontGuide addresses terms used surrounding addiction, which is an umbrella term for both substance use, such as alcohol use and drug use, and behavioral addictions, such as gambling or sex addiction. It gives an overview of substance use in Montana and identifies language that can cause stigmas toward people with substance use issues. The MontGuide is available at store.msuextension.org/Products/Stigma-Free-Addictions-Terminology-for-Montanans-MT202013HR__MT202013HR.aspx.

Transfer on Death Deeds in Montana
This eight-page MontGuide explains transfer on death deeds, which allow Montanans to leave real property to a designated beneficiary upon their death without going through a probate process. The MontGuide is available at store.msuextension.org/publications/FamilyFinancialManagement/MT202010HR.pdf.

Quitclaim Deeds in Montana
This four-page MontGuide explains quitclaim deeds, including what they are, when they are used, what the risks are and what some of the unintended tax consequences might be. The MontGuide is available at store.msuextension.org/Products/Quitclaim-Deeds-in-Montana-MT202102HR__MT202102HR.aspx.

Fire-Resistant Landscaping Considerations for Montana’s Wildland Urban Interface
This four-page MontGuide describes the wildland-urban interface and how many plants have developed fire-resilient adaptations. It also addresses how to create fire-resistant landscapes, which is an important component in reducing wildfire risk. The MontGuide is available at store.msuextension.org/Products/Fire-Resistant-Landscaping-Considerations-for-Montana’s-Wildland-Urban-Interface-(WUI)-MT202104AG__MT202104AG.aspx.