The Montana Stockgrowers Association, a non-profit membership organization, has worked on behalf of Montana’s cattle ranching families since 1884. Our mission is to protect and enhance Montana ranch families’ ability to grow and deliver safe, healthy, environmentally wholesome beef to the world.
It has been a VERY busy week at the session. Jay Bodner and Kori Anderson sit down to discuss the week in Helena. Have questions? Call the MSGA office at 442.3420 or email [email protected]. Click HERE for a written update.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the structure of the U.S. cattle industry and gain insight on the legislative process that guides our business. Montana Stockgrowers Foundation will send one Montana delegate on this year’s Young Cattlemen’s Conference (YCC), held May 31 – June 8, 2017. Applications, due March 1, are available at mtbeef.org.
The Young Cattlemen’s Conference is an opportunity for cattlemen and cattlewomen between the ages of 25 and 50 to visit segments of the beef industry in other parts of our nation with young ranchers from other states. Facilitated by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), participants will travel with national attendees to Denver, Chicago and Washington D.C., visiting JBS Five Rivers facilities, Chicago Board of Trade and Capitol Hill. Last year we had two Montana delegates, Andy Kellom from Hobson, Mont. and Ariel Overstreet-Adkins from Great Falls, Mont.
The primary objective is to develop leadership qualities in young cattlewomen and cattlemen and expose them to all aspects of the beef industry. The tour helps these young leaders understand all areas of our industry ranging from industry structure to issues management, from production research to marketing.
The Montana Stockgrowers Foundation will ensure funding for one participant for the full cost of the tour along with travel expenses. Remaining expenses are the responsibility of the participant, who will be chosen from those who apply. Participants must be a member of Montana Stockgrowers Association and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
To learn more about the Young Cattlemen’s Conference and to complete an application, visit the MSGA website, mtbeef.org/young-cattlemens-conference. In addition to the form questions, two letters of reference are required to complete the application process. All applications must be complete and postmarked or received by March 1, 2017. Please mail or fax to MSGF at the following address: Montana Stockgrowers Association | Attn: YCC, 420 N. California St. Helena, MT 59601.
If you have any questions about the application process or YCC trip, please call the MSGA Office at (406) 442-3420 or e-mail [email protected].
The Montana Stockgrowers Foundation is offering an Educational Heritage Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. This annual scholarship is awarded to a MSGA student member.
Last year the award was awarded to Amanda Williams of Miles City, Mont. She currently attends Montana State University where she is majoring in Animal Science with a minor in Rangeland Management and Ecology.
To be eligible, students must be currently enrolled in college and have completed at least one semester in college, be a member of Montana Stockgrowers Association, or have at least one parent who is a member, and demonstrate a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
Applicants must complete the application form, include a copy of their current transcript, write a 500-word essay discussing their educational pursuits and what they hope to do with their education, and include two letters of recommendation.
Applications are due April 1, 2017. Students can apply online at http://bit.ly/MSGF2017EHS.
For more information on these scholarships and to apply online, visit the MSGA website at http://www.mtbeef.org. For questions, please email Jesse Gill at [email protected]. If you are interested in these scholarships but are not currently a member of MSGA, join today. Student memberships start at just $20.
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The Montana Stockgrowers Foundation of the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established to ensure the future of Montana’s cattle industry through education, conservation, and leadership.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Public Lands Council’s government affairs office in Washington, D.C., is accepting applications for a 2017 Summer public policy intern as well as a semester law clerk. The deadline to submit an application for either position is March 1, 2017.
The internships give college students the opportunity to work alongside staff on a range of issues that impact U.S. cattlemen and women. The interns will work closely with the lobbying team on Capitol Hill and assist with NCBA and PLC’s regulatory efforts, providing college students a one-of-a-kind view into the policy making process.
Producer-led and consumer-focused, NCBA is the nation’s oldest and largest national organization representing America’s cattle producers. PLC is the only organization in Washington, D.C., dedicated solely to representing cattle and sheep ranchers that utilize federal lands. The organizations work hand-in-hand on many issues, sharing office space in the heart of the nation’s capital.
The public policy internship will give students an opportunity to learn about career options and provide practical experience. From tax and trade to environmental and food safety regulations, interns will work on a variety of issues and have the opportunity to work specifically in the area of their interest. College juniors, seniors and graduate students are encouraged to apply.
The summer law clerk will provide support to NCBA’s Environmental Counsel on issues relating to environmental legislation and regulations that impact beef producers. The position will also work closely with the Executive Director of the Public Lands Council on issues relating to Federal lands management, grazing, and the Endangered Species Act. To apply for the law clerk position, students must currently be enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school.
The full-time internship and law clerk positions will begin May 22, 2017 and end August 25, 2017. To apply for the public policy internship or law clerk position, visit www.beefusa.org.
Listen and Kori Anderson and Jay Bodner sit down to discuss the bills affecting Montana’s ranching community.
House Bills
Appropriations Committee
HB 126 – Ray Shaw HD 71 – MSGA supported this bill. It passed 2nd reading 94-6 and was referred to the Appropriations Committee. This bill is important because it retains MSU Extension as lead in the private applicators license training.
Natural Resources Committee
HB 433 – Bradley Hamlett HD 23 – MSGA will support this bill. It clarifies a city or town may not condemn water or water rights if the water or water right is used primarily for agricultural purposes.
Judiciary Committee
HB 427 – Austin Knudsen HD 34 – MSGA will support this bill. This bill clarifies an owner of any property is not liable for damages or injury to a volunteer firefighter of a rural fire district, fire service area, or fire company while the firefighter is engaged in fire suppression activities on the owner’s property.
Agriculture Committee
HB 338 – Casey Knudsen HD 33 – MSGA will oppose the original bill, but have worked with the sponsor on amendments.
a. Currently Pasture Permits are only allowed through DOL for adjoining counties. This bill would allow these permits to be issued for livestock to travel across multiple counties if they are going to the livestock owners privately deeded land.
HB 419 – Willis Curdy HD 98 – MSGA will oppose this bill. This bill would remove the provision that any movement of bison be certified by the state veterinarian as brucellosis-free. This would put the livestock at risk of expose of brucellosis outside the DSA.
Senate Bills
Natural Resources Committee
HB 124 – Sharon Stewart-Peregoy HD 42 – MSGA supports this bill; it is a water policy sponsored bill. Newly appointed water commissioners shall complete at least one educational program prior to administering water. It passed the House 98-2.
Judiciary Committee
SB 207 – Frederick (Eric) Moore SD 19 – MSGA supports as a private property right. If an eminent domain is exercised pursuant to this section, the location of any heritage properties or fossil remains on or beneath land, rights-of-way, or easements obtained for the common carrier pipeline is confidential and may not be disclosed by the entity exercising eminent domain
The Montana Department of Revenue is mailing livestock reporting forms this week to Montanans who own livestock and need to meet upcoming reporting and payment deadlines.
About 18,500 livestock owners who reported last year will receive reporting forms. All livestock owners need to report by March 1, 2017, any livestock they owned as of February 1. Livestock owners can file online at ReportYourLivestock.mt.gov or submit the hardcopy form.
Livestock owners who have not reported in the past need to report online or fill out a reporting form available from revenue.mt.gov/property-forms or their local Department of Revenue office.
Livestock per capita fees are due May 31. Livestock owners who do not pay their per capita fees when they report will receive their bill in early May with payment due May 31, 2017.
“The department wants to make it more convenient for livestock owners to report their livestock and pay their fees,” said Director Mike Kadas, Montana Department of Revenue. “The online system is efficient and secure, which makes it easier for livestock owners to do business in Montana.”
For more information, visit ReportYourLivestock.mt.gov or call toll free 1-866-859-2254, in Helena 444-6900.
The Montana State University Pesticide Education Program is coordinating regional initial pesticide training programs across Montana. These six hour training opportunities are designed for individuals desiring to learn more about pesticides as well as individuals desiring a private pesticide applicator license. A private pesticide applicator license allows individuals to apply restricted use pesticides on land they own, rent or lease. Training opportunities are available in Kalispell on March 7th, Harlowton on March 9th and Lame Deer on March 29th. Interested individuals can obtain more information and register for these events at the following website: http://www.pesticides.montana.edu/pat/education/initial-PAT.html.
Each program will cover many subject areas of interest including integrated pest management, pesticide movement in the environment, pesticide safety and toxicity, pesticide law, calibrating ground spray equipment, understanding the private applicator license, reading and understanding the pesticide product label. Montana State University state specialists speaking at the tour include Dr. Kevin Wanner (MSU Cropland Insect Specialist); Kima Caddell, Eric Clanton and Theresa Schrum (MDA District Officers); Amy Bowser (MSU Pesticide Education Technician) and Cecil Tharp (MSU Pesticide Education Specialist). Surrounding MSU Extension county and reservation agents will also be assisting with many of the presentations.
The registration fee varies by location with Lame Deer (free), Harlowton ($20) and Kalispell ($25). This fee covers necessary manuals and a catered lunch. Private applicators may attend the morning or afternoon sessions for 3 private pesticide recertification credits; or both sessions for 6 credits. Attendees will qualify for a private applicator pesticide license by attending the entire event. Once qualified, individuals may send in a new applicator permit with license payment to the Montana Department of Agriculture to attain their Montana private applicator license. Attendees are strongly urged to pre-register as space is limited.
See initial pesticide training details below:
Flathead County Building, 40 11th Street. Agenda is available online at http://www.pesticides.montana.edu/documents/pat/agendas/InitialPAT_Kalispell2017.pdf. To register contact Amy Bowser (406-994-5178; [email protected]) or register online at www.pesticides.montana.edu/pat/education/initial-PAT.html under the Kalispell initial training. For more information contact Amy Bowser (406-994-5178; [email protected]). $25 registration fee. Cost includes a catered lunch and pesticide manuals.
Kiwanis Youth Center. 204 3rd Street Northeast. Agenda is available online at http://www.pesticides.montana.edu/documents/pat/agendas/InitialPAT_Harlowton2017.pdf. To register contact Amy Bowser (406-994-5178; [email protected]) or register online at www.pesticides.montana.edu/pat/education/initial-PAT.html under the Harlowton initial training. For more information contact Amy Bowser (406-994-5178; [email protected]). $20 registration fee. Cost includes a catered lunch and pesticide manuals.
Charging Horse Casino. ½ Mile East on US 212. Agenda is available online at http://www.pesticides.montana.edu/documents/pat/agendas/InitialPAT_LameDeer2017.pdf. To register contact Amy Bowser (406-994-5178; [email protected]) or register online at www.pesticides.montana.edu/pat/education/initial-PAT.html under the Lame Deer initial training. For more information contact Amy Bowser (406-994-5178; [email protected]). $20 registration fee. Cost includes a catered lunch and pesticide manuals.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: See each detailed program agenda online at www.pesticides.montana.edu/pat/education/initial-PAT.html and select the location of interest. Contact your local Extension agent or Amy Bowser (406-994-5178; [email protected]) for more information.
The Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame & Western Heritage Center (MCHF&WHC) honored its newest class of inductees during the 11th Annual Circle the Wagons Convention in Great Falls, Feb. 3-4 at the Best Western Heritage Inn. The weekend events began Friday evening, Feb. 3, with the Welcome Gathering, emceed by District Trustee KellyAnne Terry of Lewistown. On Saturday, Feb. 4, the Hall of Fame welcomed 34 new inductees during the morning recognition ceremony and brunch. Over 600 people attended the Circle the Wagons events.
“Family and friends gathered in Great Falls from across the great state of Montana, Canada to Texas, Hawaii to Rhode Island, and as far away as Germany,” said Christy Stensland, MCHF&WHC executive director. “Attendees commented that the history lesson contained in the biographies of the inductees presented by District Trustee Will Rasmussen of Choteau and MCHF President Jeff Bolstad of Lewistown was incredible. Many were grateful for the family reunion opportunity.”
MCHF&WHC board members and trustees representing 12 Montana districts met for the organization’s annual business meeting and trustee gathering. The celebration continued into the evening with dinner, dancing, and a lively auction at the Cowboy Ball. Big Sky Country from Great Falls provided the music and emceeing the event was auctioneer Robert Toavs of Toavs Premiere Auction in Wolf Point.
The MCHF&WHC will announce its 2017 Inductee Nomination Policy and process in the coming week.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) today hailed U.S. House passage of a resolution that would repeal the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM’s) Planning 2.0 Rule, calling it a “huge victory” for America’s ranchers. If the U.S. Senate also quickly passes the resolution, it would go to the White House for President Trump’s signature.
“For years, the Obama Administration ignored the concerns of ranchers and local officials and instead rammed through this massive regulatory overreach as they were being shown the door,” said Ethan Lane, Executive Director of PLC and NCBA Public Lands. “This is a huge victory for America’s cattle producers and a sign that some common sense is finally being restored in Washington.”
“Planning processes are critical to the ability of grazing permittees to operate in the West,” Lane continued. “The final rule’s shift away from multiple use, as well as its disregard for both local input and economic analysis, make it unworkable for the more than 18,000 ranchers operating on BLM-managed lands.”
NCBA and PLC have long expressed concerns about BLM’s Planning 2.0 Rule, which would represent a wholesale shift in management focus at BLM by prioritizing “social and environmental change” over ensuring multiple use of public lands, and by eliminating stakeholder and local input into the planning process.
The Obama Administration finalized the BLM Planning 2.0 Rule in December. Under the Congressional Review Act, the U.S. House and Senate have up to 60 legislative days after a new rule becomes final to approve a joint resolution of disapproval, which will fully repeal the final rule if and when the resolution becomes law.
“Congressman Liz Cheney of Wyoming deserves a great deal of credit for her leadership on this issue, and we call on the Senate to follow suit and approve Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s (R-Alaska) companion resolution as soon as possible,” Lane said.