November 13, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Nutritional Management of Calf Scours | Stockgrowers College Preview

Ernsberger2013 036A (1)The 2015 Montana Stockgrowers Annual Convention & Trade Show is just a few weeks out. This year’s meeting offers a great lineup of speakers and educational workshops for Montana ranchers. To view all the highlights from this year’s Annual Convention, click here. RSVP on the Facebook event so you do not miss a thing. If you are following along on social media, share your experience (and anticipation!) with the hashtag #MSGA15 on Twitter and Instagram. View the tags from all networks on Tagboard.

Stockgrowers College sessions will be held at different times all three days of the Annual Convention. Times vary and some sessions repeat. Check the final meeting program for times and room assignments.

Stockgrowers College Sponsored by RangeMate America

Controlling scours through management and nutrition

Time: Friday, December 4 at 4:30 p.m., Repeats Saturday, December 5 at 10:30 a.m.

Speaker: Dr. Richard L Ernsberger

Calf scours is the leading cause of illness and death in preweaned calves, for both the beef and dairy industry. Our goal is to reduce the incidence and severity of scours in preweaned calves through cow nutrition, management of the cow pre and post calving, and management of the calf.

Our sponsor, RangeMate America, makes these Stockgrowers College sessions possible. Be sure to visit their booth in the Trade Show – Thursday from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. or Friday and Saturday from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m.

November 11, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Robert O’Neill to Speak At Stockgrowers Annual Convention

Montana Stockgrowers Association is working hard to make our 131st Annual Convention & Trade Show the largest yet! With this year’s move to Rimrock Auto Arena, we have more room than ever for Trade Show vendors, educational workshops and nightly entertainment! We also have some great speakers on hand for this year’s event!

Our Featured Speaker during the Northern Ag Network Luncheon on Friday, December 4, is Robert O’Neill. The Team Leader at Naval Special Warfare Development Group will share his experience and leadership tools that can be taken back to our ranching businesses during his presentation

“Never Quit: The Story of a Life Built on Successful Missions”

Robert O'NeillRob O’Neill is one of the most highly-decorated combat veterans of our time. He was a team leader with the Naval Special Warfare Development Group. He has deployed more than a dozen times, and he held combat leadership roles in more than 400 combat missions in four different theaters of war. A highly-trained Navy SEAL, he led the military’s most elite and was involved in our nation’s most important campaigns. With most of his career shrouded in a classified cloak, O’Neill was the man on the ground we have never heard of but know exists. He was one of the quiet professionals performing the most difficult tasks in the most difficult circumstances, serving his remarkable career in the shadows and keeping America safe in the process.

In his line of work, instant, critical decision-making is a necessity for success, and he has proven experience in exceptionally high-risk and fluid environments. Having trained more than 800 special operations and tactical operators, O’Neill brings this unique expertise to organizations and translates his elite SEAL team training into high-impact, actionable insights on leadership, decision-making, operating in uncertain environments, and how to become the ‘best of the best.’ His mantra is “never quit,” and O’Neill believes this is the single most important factor in determining success. O’Neill reminds us that the servicemen doing the dirtiest work are often making the hardest sacrifices.

Since leaving active duty, O’Neill is a co-founder of Your Grateful Nation, which provides individualized transition support for Special Operations heroes and their families. They provide executive-level mentoring, transition services, and family stabilization support. He is also a contributor to Fox News.

The Northern Ag Network Lunch is sponsored by Northwest Farm Credit Services. Tickets can be purchased on-site or on our Events page prior to November 23.

The 2015 Montana Stockgrowers Annual Convention & Trade Show is just a few weeks out. This year’s meeting offers a great lineup of speakers and educational workshops for Montana ranchers. To view all the highlights from this year’s Annual Convention, click here. RSVP on the Facebook event so you do not miss a thing. If you are following along on social media, share your experience (and anticipation!) with the hashtag #MSGA15 on Twitter and Instagram. View the tags from all networks on Tagboard.

November 10, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Reproductive Vaccines and Technology Advantage | Stockgrowers College Preview

Scruggs photo 2014-2The 2015 Montana Stockgrowers Annual Convention & Trade Show is just a few weeks out. This year’s meeting offers a great lineup of speakers and educational workshops for Montana ranchers. To view all the highlights from this year’s Annual Convention, click here. RSVP on the Facebook event so you do not miss a thing. If you are following along on social media, share your experience (and anticipation!) with the hashtag #MSGA15 on Twitter and Instagram. View the tags from all networks on Tagboard.

Stockgrowers College sessions will be held at different times all three days of the Annual Convention. Times vary and some sessions repeat. Check the final meeting program for times and room assignments.

Zoetis Cattlemen’s College

New vaccine options for reproductive protection in cowherds

Time: Thursday, December 3 at 2:00 p.m.

Speaker: Dr. Daniel Scruggs

Heifer development is of course important to the lifelong productive of the cow.  Heifer development and cow vaccination programs may seem complicated and at sometimes awkward, but results from a 3 years reproductive study at Auburn University reveals some unique options available for cow herd vaccination strategies with solid data on expected protection in the face of BVD and IBR exposure.

Dr. CornersAre we really using all of the available technology to the best of our advantage on the cow calf operation?

Time: Thursday, December 3 at 4:00 p.m., Repeats Friday, December 4 at 10:30 a.m.

Speaker: Dr. Blaine Corners

Cattle producers have spent their lives and vast resources improving genetics on their herd.  Results are apparent in operation after operation.  The questions posed are these:  are we, as an industry, providing supporting management to fully capitalize on genetic gains?  Do we provide basic nutrition that promotes optimal growth, reproductive efficiency, and immune response?  Do we properly safeguard our investments with sufficient and proper vaccination protocol, deworming and strategic use of anti-infectives?  If growth-promoting implants have been pulled from our operations giving us opportunity to sell into niche markets, are potential premiums covering lost productivity?  Do our operations capitalize on time tested feed additives?  Dr. Corners talk will examine a few pieces of gold that we might step over, or just miss completely.

Our sponsor, Zoetis, makes these Stockgrowers College sessions possible. Be sure to visit their booth in the Trade Show – Thursday from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. or Friday and Saturday from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m.

November 4, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Montana Angus Breeders Donate Heifer to Benefit Stockgrowers

Idland Cattle CompanyA new tradition begins at the 2015 Montana Stockgrowers Annual Convention with the generous donation of a 2015 purebred Angus foundation heifer by the Stars of Montana group. The Angus heifer (Reg. 18229568) will be auctioned during the Grand Finale Banquet, Saturday, December 5 in Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark. All proceeds go to support MSGA programs.

The Stars of Montana network of Angus breeders were founded in 2011 and host a joint female production sale the second Saturday in December at the Midland Bull Test Station in Columbus, Montana. This year’s event is slated for December 12, 2015.

Idland Cattle Company Angus Heifer DonationIdland Cattle Co. of Circle are the donors of this year’s heifer. Glen, Connie and Reece Idland have assembled one of the great cowherds in eastern Montana, backed by truly elite cow families. This program has topped several NILE and National Western Foundation Female Sales with their production and performance oriented genetics. They are Montana’s home to RB Tour of Duty 177, sire of the 2015 donation.

The heifer, ICC Blacklass 5208 (Reg. 18229568) has cutting edge performance EPDs from one of the disciplined seedstock herds in Montana. Support the future of the beef industry in Montana and attend the auction to purchase the 2015 Stars of Montana heifer.

To view all the highlights from this year’s Annual Convention, click here. RSVP on the Facebook event so you do not miss a thing. If you are following along on social media, share your experience (and anticipation!) with the hashtag #MSGA15 on Twitter and Instagram. View the tags from all networks on Tagboard.

October 28, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Montana Stockgrowers to Host 131st Annual Convention in Billings – December 3-5

2015 Annual Convention

Click image above for more event details!

On December 3-5. Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) will celebrate 131 years of serving the state’s ranchers with their Annual Convention & Trade Show. This year’s meetings move to Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings with a larger trade show, more educational workshops, policy meetings, over $100,000 in prizes and two nights of live music.

“Montana’s ranchers have had a busy year following work during the legislative session and changes in a dynamic cattle industry,” says MSGA President, Gene Curry from Valier. “Our 2015 Annual Convention will feature a large number of discussions and speakers on topics impacting our ranchers today.”

Robert O'NeillNavy SEAL and Butte native, Robert O’Neill will be the featured speaker during Friday’s Northern Ag Network Lunch. O’Neill, one of the most highly decorated combat veterans of our time, will share a riveting and inspiring message drawn on more than 400 combat missions overseas.

Ranchers will learn more about our global food chain and protein needs around the world as Grady Bishop of Elanco Animal Health highlights Opening General Session on Friday morning. Bishop, Senior Director of North American Market Access for Elanco, brings a deep appreciation for the roles technology and modern agriculture play in feeding the world. His presentation will help ranchers gain insight from his exposure first-hand to a broad spectrum of food insecurity.

A broad range of educational workshops will be offered during the Stockgrowers College. Speakers will touch on topics of vaccination programs, calf health and nutrition, weaned calf management, antibiotic use and Veterinary Feed Directives, risk management and estate planning.

Grady Bishop ElancoEach night of Annual Convention will feature viewing of the NFR on the big screens. Thursday night will include the first ever NFR Calcutta at MSGA Annual Convention, benefiting the Stockgrowers’ Research & Education Endowment Foundation. Friday night will feature live music from Exit 53 and Saturday night will feature entertainment from Crazy Mountain Express.

Saturday night’s Grand Finale Banquet will be highlighted by the annual live auction for Cattle Directory Priority Page advertisements. Over $100,000 in prizes will be awarded including a Ford F-350 Super Duty pickup, John Deere Gator, Massey Ferguson tractor lease and a trip to San Diego, California for the 2016 Cattle Industry Convention.

Policy meetings will take place on Thursday and Friday of Annual Convention. Guest speakers will address a number of topics affecting Montana’s ranching communities during the past year and in months to come. A Trade Show with over 100 booth spaces will be open to the public each day- Thursday from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m.

A full meeting agenda, hotel information, details of policy meeting discussions and Stockgrowers College workshops is available on our Annual Convention event page. Online and discounted registration closes Monday, November 23. On-site registration will be available. For more information, contact the Montana Stockgrowers Association at (406) 442-3420.

October 2, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Room Blocks Open for 2015 Annual Convention

The 131st Montana Stockgrowers Annual Convention & Trade Show is moving dates and location for 2015, to make for the largest ranching industry convention in the state! All meetings, meals and events with this year’s Annual Convention will take place in Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings, December 3-5. Tickets may be purchased online at mtbeef.org beginning October 1.

Hotel rooms are available at a discounted rate and should be booked soon.

  • Northern Hotel (Host Hotel) – $124+tax. Make reservations by calling (406) 867-6767 and reference ‘Montana Stockgrowers Association’. Room block expires November 1.
  • Crowne Plaza – $109+tax. Make reservations by calling (800) 588-7666 and reference ‘Montana Stockgrowers Association’. Room block expires November 19, 2015.
  • Boothill Inn & Suites – $99+tax. Make reservations by calling (406) 245-2000 and reference ‘Montana Stockgrowers Association’. Room block expires November 7.
  • Dude Rancher Lodge – $69+tax. Make reservations by calling (406) 259-5561 and reference ‘Montana Stockgrowers Association’. Room block expires November 19.

This year’s event will include a large number of Cattlemen’s College workshops, policy meetings, and guest speakers. Convention wraps up on Saturday with the annual Grand Finale Dinner, featuring the live Cattle Directory Priority Page Auction and live music.

A tentative agenda, registration and sponsorship information is available on the Events page of mtbeef.org. Trade Show booths are filling fast. Contact Katie Stokes to reserve your spot at [email protected] or (406) 442-3420.

August 27, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Montana Stockgrowers Seeks Nominations for Ranching Woman of the Year

Bev Fryer Ranching Woman of the YearThe Montana Stockgrowers Association is seeking nominations for the 2015 Montana Ranching Woman of the Year. The annual award is presented to an MSGA member who has made great contributions to the Montana ranching community and has gone above and beyond to support their family and friends. Nominations are due October 31 and the recipient will be recognized at MSGA’s annual convention in Billings, December 3-5.

“Women are often the backbone of Montana’s ranching communities. These women often go above and beyond to support their immediate family members and pitch in whenever the need arises in their communities,” said Gene Curry, MSGA President from Valier. “We look forward to recognizing these accomplished women each year at our annual convention and thanking them for their hard work.”

Last year’s recipient of the Ranching Woman of the Year was Bev Fryer, who ranches with her husband, Ed, near White Sulfur Springs. Alongside raising a family, the Fryers raise cattle at the Castle Mountain Ranch, where Bev takes charge of training horses and calving more than 300 heifers each spring. Bev is active in area youth and CattleWomen’s activities, ranch rodeos, and guides hunters looking for elk each year.

Past recipients of the award include Glenna Stucky of Avon, Floydena Garrison of Glen, Helen Hougen of Melstone, Marian Hanson of Ashland, Carol Mosher of Augusta and Donna Sitz-Arthun of Billings.

Nomination letters submitted by family or close friends should identify a ranching woman, who is a member of Montana Stockgrowers, describe her role on the ranch, and the characteristics that set her apart when supporting the family and ranch, as well as describe her involvement in community efforts. Biographies should include the ranching woman’s hometown, family members, and number of years involved in ranching activities.

Along with the nomination biography, submissions should include photos depicting the ranching woman’s family, ranch and community involvement.

Nominations should be submitted to the Montana Stockgrowers office by October 31, 2015 via mail (420 N. California, Helena, MT  59601) or email ([email protected]). For more information contact the MSGA office at (406) 442-3420 or visit mtbeef.org/ranching-woman.

April 13, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Montana Ford Stores Continue Partnership with Stockgrowers for Seventh Year

2015 Ford Logo SquareHelena, Mont. – Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) and Montana Ford Stores are excited to announce their seventh year as partners, designating Ford “The Official Truck of the Montana Stockgrowers Association.” MSGA and the Montana Ford Stores will give away a Ford Super Duty truck to one lucky MSGA member at the Montana Stockgrowers’ 2015 Annual Convention and Trade Show at the MetraPark in Billings on December 5.

“Montana Stockgrowers is thrilled to receive Montana Ford Stores’ continued support of our programs,” says Gene Curry, MSGA President and rancher from Valier. “Ford continues to be the number one    truck in livestock agriculture and MSGA looks forward to working once again with the great Ford dealers in our state.  I look forward to the trip around the state to thank each Ford store for their support!

Ford Truck Gary Paula Bischoff AlzadaLast year’s winner of the Ford Super Duty truck was Paula Bischoff. Paula and her husband, Gary, ranch at the 99 Bar Cattle Company near Alzada.

The 2015 Ford Super Duty truck will debut at MSGA’s MidYear Meeting in Bozeman, June 4-6, and will be featured at several events across Montana throughout the Summer and Fall.

MSGA Rancher, Young Stockgrower, and Feeder/Stocker members are eligible to win the truck. An entry form must be filled out and the member must be present at Annual Convention when the truck will be given away. To learn more about the MSGA/Ford partnership, please visit our Membership Benefits section or call (406) 442-3420.

January 16, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Western Montana Ranchers Elected to Stockgrowers Board of Directors

Race King of Dillon joins the MSGA Board as Western District Director

Race King of Dillon joins the MSGA Board as Western District Director

At the 130th Annual Montana Stockgrowers Association Convention and Trade Show last month, members elected two new ranchers to the MSGA Board of Directors. Race King of Dillon will join the 13-member Board for a two-year term, representing the Western Montana district; a seat previously held by Ray Marxer of Twin Bridges. Bryan Mussard of Dillon was elected at 1st Vice President.

Race King manages the LaCense ranch near Dillon. He and his wife, Rochelle, have four children, Cache (22), Carly (20), Carson (18) and Coby (14).

“My wife and I were both raised on livestock operations and we desired the opportunity to raise our children in that same environment,” says Race. “We feel truly blessed to have been able to spend our entire lives working with livestock and the great people in our communities. I’m grateful to be able to work alongside my family and watch them develop a passion for this great business and the way of life it provides us all.”

When asked what are the major challenges the beef industry will face in the next 10 years, Race recognized the ranching community’s need to focus on federal regulations, resource management and employee development.

Bryan Mussard was elected as first Vice President on the Stockgrowers Board of Directors. Bryan and wife Marcia have raised six children and operate Reminisce Angus near Dillon. Bryan has been actively involved in the commercial feeding business for 40 years. Today, his operation weans, backgrounds, and develops cattle, collecting genetic data for customers through the Tracker marketing program. Bryan also manages ranches through the Big West Management Program.

Bryan Mussard, Second Vice President

Bryan Mussard of Dillon was elected as 1st Vice President on the MSGA Board

Ray Marxer of Twin Bridges is the outgoing representative for the Western District on the MSGA Board of Directors. Marxer was elected in 2010 and has represented ranchers in Western Montana for two consecutive terms. Ray, along with his wife Sue, worked on the Matador Ranch for 37 years, where he retired as manager in 2011. Ray remains active in the livestock community through consulting and involvement in area youth and fair programs.

Other changes to the Montana Stockgrowers Board of Directors include Tucker Hughes of Stanford completing his term as President. Gene Curry of Valier was elected as President, while Fred Wacker of Miles City joins the MSGA officer team as second Vice President and Jess Drange of Ismay joins as Director, representing Southeastern Montana ranchers.

The Montana Stockgrowers Association meets annually to discuss and vote on policy measures, which guide the Association in representing its members on local, state and federal issues. To learn more about Stockgrowers programs or membership, visit mtbeef.org or contact the office in Helena, (406) 442-3420.

January 13, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Ray Marxer of Twin Bridges completes term on Montana Stockgrowers Board of Directors

Ray MarxerRay Marxer of Twin Bridges has completed two terms on the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) Board of Directors representing the Western District. Marxer was honored for his service at MSGA’s 130th Annual Convention and Trade Show at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana in Billings last month.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity I’ve had to serve on the MSGA Board of Directors and Executive Board over the past four years,” said Ray Marxer in his final address at the Annual Convention. “Being able to serve others in an organization such as MSGA is the biggest blessing and I encourage everyone to do the same in setting a positive example for others.”

Ray has many years of experience in managing business and dealing with other interests including government agencies, environmental groups, and wildlife groups. He grew up on a diversified family farm south of Great Falls, attended college for two years then went to work for the Matador Cattle Co. in Dillon where he worked in every phase from cowboy to manager.

After 37 years, Ray retired from the company in 2011. During his tenure, the Matador became a very large diverse operation and an innovator in natural resource management, livestock production and business management, focusing on sustainable business and resources.

“Ray has earned the respect from all on the MSGA Board with his quiet, thoughtful demeanor,” says Tucker Hughes of Stanford, MSGA outgoing President. “He has that ability to listen to all points of view on issues that can be contentious and then work toward a solution. Ray has assisted in providing positive direction for MSGA as a director and on the executive committee for the past four years. I know he and his wife, Sue, will stay involved so we are not losing a resource, but gaining seasoned professionals!”

Ray and his wife Susan have three grown children: Clayton, who is married to Kristine and has two children; and daughters, Kristy, and Anna who left the United States in 2012 to work with missionaries in Moldova establishing and managing the Hannah House, a home for teen-age orphan girls.

Currently Ray and Sue work on their own small acreage and continue to serve the livestock industry as independent contractors in several different capacities, including A.I., herd work, and consulting. Ray also currently serves on Montana’s Elk Brucellosis Committee.

Marxer was elected by MSGA members to the 13-member board in 2010 and re-elected in 2012.