March 10, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Young Stockgrowers Host Calling on the Capitol – Legislative Conference

Lacey EhlkeBy Lacey Ehlke, Townsend, Young Stockgrowers Vice Chair

This year’s Calling on the Capitol Legislative Conference, hosted by the Young Stockgrowers, was a very informative and productive two days in Montana’s capitol city. We 20 attendees from all over the state become involved in the key issues affecting Montana ranchers.

The event started with a great overview of the issues focused on in the 2015 Legislative Session, presented by MSGA’s Jay Bodner. We then formed a round table discussion to talk about these issues, the major ones being the Board of Livestock Budget, Sage Grouse population, and the CSKT Water Compact. In that discussion, we were able to talk to all participants and find out how these issues directly affected them, as well as getting some questions answered for those affected. The social hour and dinner later that evening allowed us to get to know the fellow attendees, as well as continue some very meaningful discussion.

Calling on the Capitol 2015 Legislative Conference YSGThe next morning, we were fortunate enough to have breakfast with over 15 of our local legislators from both the Montana House of Representatives and Senate. During this breakfast, it was clear the legislators wanted to hear our input on the issues affecting ranchers in the state, which was both encouraging and rewarding. Following breakfast, we had a presentation from both the DNRC and Fish, Wildlife & Parks, and were able to ask questions of the presenters. Errol Rice then gave us a legislative training to prepare everyone for the visit to the Capitol that afternoon.

To wrap up, we all headed to the Capitol to see the legislature in action. The timing worked out perfectly, as we witnessed a joint session of the House and Senate, who were then addressed by Montana’s Congressman Ryan Zinke.

A comprehensive tour of the Capitol building itself followed and we completed the day by listening in to the Senate Natural Resources Committee meeting that afternoon.

As the newly elected Vice Chair of the Young Stockgrowers, I felt extremely lucky to be able to attend such a wonderful event. I am trying to become more involved in the organization, and this was a perfect way to do so. I recommend it to all Young Stockgrowers, not only for all the useful knowledge you walk away with, but for the lifelong friends you will make over the course of two days. These issues the MSGA staff work so hard on affect each one of us as ranchers, and it is crucial that we keep ourselves informed.

December 30, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Legislative Conference Offered for Young Stockgrowers

With the 2015 Montana legislative session quickly approaching, the Montana Stockgrowers Association is looking forward to another busy season representing the interests of Montana’s livestock communities. During this time, young farmers and ranchers will have the opportunity to experience the legislative process through the Calling on the Capitol Legislative Conference, taking place January 29 & 30 at the Best Western Great Northern Hotel and Capitol building in Helena.

This is an important opportunity for Young Stockgrowers members to participate in the legislative process and learn more about MSGA’s work with state agencies and legislators. Participants in the event will have the opportunity to attend legislative committee meetings and receive training on legislative advocacy, strategy and communication.

2015 agenda items include:

Policy Issues Informational Session

Legislative & Strategy Training

State Agency Informational Sessions

Young Cattlemen’s College – D.C. Experience

Guided Capital Building Tour

State Legislature Committee Hearings

Advocacy & Networking Dinner

Breakfast with your Legislators

Advocacy for the Ranching and Beef Industry Luncheon

Calling on the Capitol begins at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 29 and continues through Friday, January 30, 2015. Event registration is $50, which includes meals and meeting expenses. 2015 Calling on the Capitol Registration Form and payment must be postmarked to MSGA (420 N. California, Helena, MT 59601) by Tuesday, January 20. Meeting capacity is 40 participants, so do not wait until the last minute to register. Online registration is available at mtbeef.org.

A room block has been reserved at the Best Western Great Northern in Helena, starting at $125/night plus taxes. Please book rooms by calling (800) 829-4047 prior to January 5, 2015 and refer to ‘Young Stockgrowers’. Group rates may not be available after release date.

Calling on the Capitol is sponsored by Bank of the Rockies and Montana Livestock Ag Credit, Inc. For more information, contact Ryan Goodman at the Montana Stockgrowers Association, by calling (406) 442-3420 or via email at [email protected].