American National Cattlewomen Beef Promotion
January 13, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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What Is Leadership Within the Beef Industry?

Are you attending the 2014 Cattle Industry Convention in Nashville next month? Montana Stockgrowers will be at the Trade Show! Stop by and see us while your there. Also catch up with MSGA’s Lauren Chase as she participates in the ANCW Roundtable discussion on Thursday.

American National Cattlewomen Beef Promotion Cattle Industry ConventionWe all know that there are many ways to get involved in the beef industry. You could own a farm and raise cattle; or be a salesman for a livestock health company; or become a large animal veterinarian; or even serve as leadership on your local, state, and national cattlemen and women’s boards. Your path in life is what you make it, but it doesn’t hurt to have some help and advice along the way.

Help is here!

At the 2014 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, the American National CattleWomen are hosting several wonderful events for young people including a Roundtable discussion for Collegiate members to learn about leadership within the beef industry. This hour-long session will cover topics like effective leadership skills, pitfalls to avoid, ways you can better the beef industry and many more.  You may even recognize a few of the discussion leaders… like yours truly!

The event will be Thursday, Feb. 6 from 11:00 am – 12:00 and is sponsored by SelectForce, Inc.

Please feel free to contact ANCW or me if you have questions regarding this event: Contact ANCWAmerican National Cattlewomen logo

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Zoetis Cattlemen's College at Montana Stockgrowers Convention
January 6, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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NCBA’s Cattlemen’s College Lineup Set for Feb. 3-4 in Nashville

Zoetis Cattlemen's College at Montana Stockgrowers ConventionAre you headed to Nashville for the 2014 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show? Be sure to look us up! Montana Stockgrowers will have a Trade Show booth and we’ll be there all week! Be sure to download the #CIC14 mobile app or join the Facebook event to stay on top of the events.

DENVER — Celebrating its 21st year, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) Cattlemen’s College has established a reputation as one of the most thorough cattle producer education programs in the nation. Sponsored by Zoetis Animal Health, the 2014 edition of Cattlemen’s College offers a wide range of informative, hands-on educational workshops designed for cattle operations of every size and sector.

The program will be held Feb. 3-4, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn., headlining the first day of activities at the 2014 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. Early registration for Cattlemen’s College and the convention ends Jan. 10, 2014.

Cattlemen’s College workshops include an outstanding lineup of industry experts during the course of two jam-packed days. On Mon., Feb. 3, participants will first hear from Dr. Arne Anderson as he presents “Manners Matter: Keeping You and Your Cattle Alive and Well”. This first class is aimed at the “dos” and “don’ts” of processing cattle through a chute, with emphasis placed on safety and efficiency for both the cowboys and the cattle.

Following this presentation, Dr. Jerry Lipsey will demonstrate how to select replacement heifers for longevity in a presentation entitled “Can Visual Evaluation Foresee Differences in Fertility?”, and Dr. Kent Andersen will discuss the selection of replacement bulls for fertility.

On Monday evening, Cattlemen’s College participants will be treated to a reception sponsored by Certified Angus Beef. The reception will be an opportunity to visit with fellow cattlemen as well as the afternoon’s speakers.

Starting Tuesday morning at 7:00 am, Cattlemen’s College classes begin with a keynote address by Bob Langert, who is the corporate vice president, and leads corporate social responsibility & sustainability for McDonald’s Corporation. Langert will share McDonald’s overall sustainable supply chain vision and how beef fits in. As sustainability evolves, listen in to see how McDonald’s is working with various stakeholders, including all parts of the value chain, to collaborate on social and environmental opportunities and challenges.

Proceeding Langert’s address, five concurrent classroom sessions will begin at 8:15 am with each classroom having specific areas of emphasis including resource management, animal management, ranch management, finance and business and consumer relations.

“Cattlemen’s College gives producers an opportunity to hear from some of the leading experts in topics that impact their cattle operations every day, as well as the chance to interact with those experts and ask questions,” said NCBA Executive Director of Producer Education John Paterson. “Many of the presenters are legends in the beef industry, and the wide variety of classes offers something for every producer. We highly encourage cattlemen and women to take advantage of this informative and educational program.”

Registration for Cattlemen’s College includes all classes along with lunch on Feb. 4. This schedule allows cattlemen to attend up to five 45-minute workshops.

Cattlemen’s College registration information, as well as a complete schedule for the 2014 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show are available at www.beefusa.org.

December 23, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Glenna Stucky of Avon named “Ranching Woman of the Year”

Glenna Stucky Avon - Ranching Woman of the Year - Montana StockgrowersGlenna Stucky of Avon was honored as “Ranching Woman of the Year” by the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA), Saturday, Dec. 14 during their 129th Annual Convention and Trade Show at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana in Billings. Stucky, wife of Earl Stucky, was excited to win the award and was joined on stage by her family. Stucky was nominated for the award by her granddaughter, Billie Jo Holzer.

Here is her biography, as written by Billie Jo:

Glenna was born and raised in Bozeman, Montana. Her youth consisted of 4-H, sewing, cooking, playing the piano for dances with her dad. Her 4-H years led her to her husband Earl Stucky.

In their early years of marriage, Glenna worked at the state 4-H office while she and Earl were 4-H leaders. They raised five kids on the ranch once known as Flying D. While Earl was away at cow camp, Glenna was often home alone with the kids, taking care of all the ranch chores, plus her chickens, milk cows and harvesting a bountiful garden. Her outside passions were passed down to her kids and grandkids.

Glenna and Earl then moved the family to the Keiley Ranch in 1976, which they purchased north of Avon. Glenna shared her brilliance in sewing, cooking, and gardening not only with her own kids and with grandkids, but enriched many 4-H’ers during her 35-year leadership role.

Glenna helped start the Powell County Cattlewomen and is a current member of the district and state Cattlewomen associations. One of her other loves is the Avon Get-Together Club which is a fundraising club for the community and is on her 21st year.

On the ranch Glenna still keeps books for 1000+ head operation, feeds the hired men and takes care of her five milk cows and a dozen plus orphan calves. An encounter with a hostile heifer during calving, that laid her up for a time, has not slowed her down and she still takes her checks during that busy season. Caking heifers with her daughter every spring morning and making sure the shelves are stocked with vaccines and medical supplies for the ranch are still some of her daily duties.

Her family looks up to her in so many ways and truly believe she is the rock of the family. Strong, loving, gracious, and dedicated are a few of her fine qualities.  Yes, Glenna Stucky is a ranch woman pioneer, passing down the legacy to her kids and grandkids with grace and love.

Family friends Ed and Bev Fryer add that even after raising her family, Glenna seems busier than ever. Glenna is always “helping at whatever ranch duties that she is called upon to do, volunteering at community events, and still being a mother, and especially a grandmother to her ever growing family. She has had her share of challenges, but still maintains a cheerful and positive attitude on life. She is just one of those people that you know when you meet them that they are very happy and successful being a Ranch Woman.”

The Ranching Woman of the Year Award is an annual honor given during MSGA’s Annual Convention and Trade Show. Contact the MSGA office at (406) 442-3420 to find out how you can nominate someone for next year. Visit MSGA on the web at www.mtbeef.org.

Errol Rice Montana Stockgrowers Association Executive Vice President
December 18, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Montana Stockgrowers Convention draws ranching crowd to Billings

Errol Rice Montana Stockgrowers Association Executive Vice PresidentView all Convention 2013 coverage by clicking here.

The 129th Montana Stockgrowers Association Convention and Trade Show, held at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana in Billings, December 12-14, drew record crowds from the ranching community from across the state.

The three-day convention featured a number of speakers to help ranchers learn more about available management tools, as well as outlooks on the current status of cattle markets, industry trends, environmental and wildlife issues. Members also had the opportunity to discuss and vote on resolutions that guide policy activity for the Stockgrowers Association.

Here are some of the highlights:

-Elections were held to fill three positions on the Board of Directors due to expiring terms. Wayne Slaght of Ovando was elected to represent the Western district. Lee Cornwell of Glasgow was elected to represent the Northeastern district. Jack Holden of Valier was elected to represent the North Central district. Slaght, Cornwell and Holden are all cow-calf ranchers on family operations. Heath Martinell of Dell, Mick Denowh of Sidney and Mark Harrison of Belt are the outgoing Board members.

-Lacey Sutherlin of Stevensville was elected as Chairwoman of the Young Stockgrowers. She fills the position previously held by Collin Gibbs from Miles City. Travis Brown of Sand Springs was elected as Vice-Chair. Sutherlin and Brown will represent the Young Stockgrowers on the MSGA Board of Directors.

-The 2013 Montana Environmental Stewardship Award was presented to the Leon LaSalle family of Havre. Leon is president of LaSalle Ranch, a family corporation that includes his father Robert L., his mother Jenny, and his brother Robert W, along with his wife Shannon. LaSalle Ranch is a cow/calf and yearling operation, mostly located within the boundaries of the Rocky Boys Indian reservation. Leon is also an engineering technician with the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Havre.

-Glenna Stucky of Avon was recognized as the Ranching Woman of the Year. Glenna, who lives in Avon with her husband Earl, has dedicated years of hard work to her family, ranch, and community. Close friends describer Glenna as a “ranch woman pioneer, passing down the legacy to her kids and grandkids with grace and love.”

-Zoetis Cattlemen’s College offered attendees several great opportunities for interactive learning about the tools available to improve management and record keeping on their ranches. Oklahoma State University Livestock Economist, Dr. Darrell Peel, offered great insight into the current market situations and an outlook on what we may expect in the long-term cattle numbers.

-Montana Ford Stores continued their sponsorship to give one luck MSGA member a new Ford Super Duty pickup. This year’s winner was Jim Steinbeisser of Sidney. Steinbeisser, along with his two brothers and two cousins, owns and operates VS Inc., a diversified farm raising several cash crops, feed for their feedlot and wintering cows. His father and uncle still participate on the family operation. Steinbeisser has been involved with the family operation full-time for 30 years. Jim and his wife, May Ann, have three children: Corbin (6), Liam (5), and Claire (4).

-Attendees heard encouraging and informative messages from many speakers throughout the 3-day convention. Sarah Calhoun of White Sulphur Springs, founder of Red Ants Pants, was the featured speaker at Opening General Session. American National Cattlewomen’s Association President, Barbara Jackson was on hand for several events including the Inspirational Breakfast and the Cattlewomen’s meetings.

-Policy meetings offered opportunity for attendees to hear updates on several issues affecting ranches, environmental and agricultural policy issues in the state. Representatives from Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Department of Livestock, Public Lands Council and National Cattlemen’s Association were on hand to provide updates and insight on current events.

Convention coverage, photos and videos can be found on the Montana Stockgrowers Association Facebook page or blog (www.mtstockgrowersblog.com).

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The Montana Stockgrowers Association, a non-profit organization representing nearly 2,500 members, strives to serve, protect and advance the economic, political, environmental and cultural interests of cattle producers, the largest sector of Montana’s number one industry – agriculture.
December 18, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Convention Perspective from Rich Roth

rich roth ix ranch montana stockgrowers

See more blog coverage from the 129th Annual Stockgrowers Convention by clicking here.

Today’s perspective of Convention comes to us from Rich Roth, IX Ranch, Big Sandy, Montana.

The 2013 MSGA Convention was very well attended and the overall attitude and outlook for the next year was positive. I was encouraged to see lots of young faces and excitement about the future of the industry.

There was a lot of passion when it came to important issues such as water rights. I was impressed that members took the time to research, talk to neighbors and ultimately draft resolutions that they felt strongly about. Equally impressive was the ability to discuss, amend and agree to disagree.

Utilizing technology has given our industry the opportunity to not only tell the ranching story, it has helped those living it to communicate within. Tools like Facebook enable us to read and see how a rancher in another part of the state is doing and communicate on a moment’s notice about an important topic being discussed. Smart phones have enabled agencies like the Department of Livestock to put all the state brands into a mobile app that allows us to check a stray cow’s brand and find out who it belongs to within minutes. What an exciting time to be in the ranching business and to be a part of such a great organization.

More about the IX Ranch and the Roth Family

Rich Roth IX Ranch Big Sandy MontanaThe IX Ranch is located south-east of a small town called Big Sandy in the mixed-grass prairie of north central Montana. The ranch extends through the southern edge of the Bear Paw mountain range and on east towards the Missouri River. The ranch encompasses a wide variety of terrain from rolling hills and willow creek bottoms to jagged river breaks and mountains.

Since 1955, the main goal of IX Ranch has been to raise high quality feeder cattle while maintaining natural resources in the way Mother Nature intended. The IX strives for perfection in all aspects of the operation. From the range they manage and the animals’ welfare, to employees and the conditions they work in everyday. The Roth family continues to keep an eye on the future and look forward to the many challenges and opportunities that exist in this ever-changing industry.

Three generations strong, the IX Ranch continues a family tradition of ranching with a commitment to excellence in environmental stewardship and livestock production. Steve Roth – CEO – oversees all ranch operations. In 2008 Steve finished his second and final year as President of the Montana Stockgrowers Association. He is also actively involved in many committees and agencies concerning government policy, water and private land rights, and environmental issues. Karen is involved in many activities but focuses most of her attention on her grandchildren and keeping Steve on the straight and narrow.

Rich Roth returned to the ranch in 2001 after spending 10 years in the field of agricultural commodity marketing. Along with day-to-day ranch activities, he is responsible for marketing the ranch’s livestock and maintaining the ranch’s extensive range management software. He also administers the ranch website, ranch safety program and internship program. He is a member of the Montana Stockgrowers Association, NCBA, Big Sandy Water Conservation Board and Rotary. Richard has two children, Jessica and Ryan, who are active in both school sports and ranch activities. Both love the outdoors and being on the ranch. Jessica loves horses and wants to be a large animal vet and Ryan, well we don’t know about him yet but he likes things that go fast.

Learn more about the IX ranch on their website, blog, and Facebook.

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Montana Young Stockgrowers Walker Milhoan Convention
December 17, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Montana Ranchers are Role Models

Montana Young Stockgrowers Walker Milhoan Convention

See more blog coverage from the 129th Annual Stockgrowers Convention by clicking here.

By Walker Milhoan, Collegiate Stockgrowers member, University of Montana

The 129th annual Montana Stockgrowers Convention was wonderful this year and the connections and friends I have been in contact with are a constant reminder to me of why I choose to fulfill my career goals within Montana’s ranching industry.

In America today, a 33 year-old male would most likely idolize an NFL star with a sleek physique and a multi-year, multimillion dollar contract. But not this guy. My heroes certainly don’t have chiseled six packs under their button down shirts, their hair is grey, their faces are weathered, and if you were to walk down main street in Billings, Montana and mention their names, people would most likely have to navigate to the third page of Google to find any information about who they are.

These are Americas ranchers; individuals who manage some of the most complex businesses in the world, on some of the most beautiful, yet harsh landscapes known to man. Men like Ray Marxer, Wayne Fahsholtz, and Steve Roth are in charge of keeping extremely complex landscapes running like a Swiss Watch and they do it with the utmost integrity, honor and dedication to the environment, the livestock, and the people.

America should be very proud to have land stewards like this in charge of their food supply!

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Montana Stockgrowers Collegiate member
December 14, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Montana Public Lands Council discusses issues at Convention

Montana Stockgrowers Collegiate memberSee more blog coverage from the 129th Annual Stockgrowers Convention by clicking here.

By Kelsey Haughian, Montana State University Collegiate Stockgrower member. 

The 129th annual MSGA Convention and Trade Show kicked off Thursday with numerous committee meetings and workshops at the Holiday Inn and Convention center in Billings. Thus far the member turnout has been outstanding.  Members had the opportunity to weigh in on the Montana  Public Lands Council Annual Meeting, Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Workshop and Membership Development & Services Committee meeting to name a few.

I was fortunate to attend the Montana Public Lands Council’s annual meeting held yesterday morning. It was great to see such a dedicated group of individuals from different areas of the state show up and voice their opinion. The diverse perspectives made for valuable and informative sessions with attendees ranging from collegiate members to veteran producers.

The Public Lands Council discussed issues ranging from sage grouse to forest fires to Confederate Salish Kootenai Tribal water rights. People stepped up to the podium to voice their opinion on topics that hit home for them. Topics that were discussed can directly affect ranchers; therefor it was and is, pertinent that their voices be heard.

MSGA’s annual convention is a place for people to come together to make sure congressional policy is in the best interest of the people who live and work in the industry day in and day out.

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Collegiate Montana Stockgrowers MSU Northern Convention
December 14, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Zoetis Cattlemen’s College offers ranchers interactive learning

Collegiate Montana Stockgrowers MSU Northern Convention

See more blog coverage from the 129th Annual Stockgrowers Convention by clicking here.

By Hollyn Cardani and Kaleb Fisher, Montana State University – Northern Collegiate Stockgrowers members.

Friday at the Stockgrowers Convention the MSU-Northern Collegiate Stockgrowers group attended the Zoetis Cattlemen’s college workshop, “Zoetis Ranch.” Out of all the workshops we have attended throughout the week, this one was by far the most interactive.

A few of things Larry and Dan taught our group was about “Progeny Equivalents are used to describe the amount of effect that DNA analysis has on EPD accuracy. To achieve a comparable amount of EPD predictability and accuracy, an Angus animal would have to have the following amount of actual progeny (calves) performance information recorded and submitted.”

Also we played a game where we got put into groups and had to play three separate breeding and marketing seasons with different priorities. In the game we had five different bulls to choose from with all different qualities. The first season you had to purchase two bulls so the first season you wanted to pick the two bulls that would produce the best weaning weight.

After the first year you could either sell your two bulls and buy two new ones or keep the ones that you had already in season one but for the second year you wanted the highest Yearling Weight. So after the second year the goal was to purchase the best two bulls that would produce the best Dollar Beef when there are going to be marketed.

The Cattlemen’s College workshops are a great opportunity for ranchers interactive learning with tools available in the industry today. It is definitely a great way to learn how to apply those tools in their own businesses.

Zoetis Cattlemens College Montana Stockgrowers Convention

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December 14, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Membership Development Committee Highlights Association Progress

Rachel Endecott, Montana State University Extension Beef Cattle Specialist

See more blog coverage from the 129th Annual Stockgrowers Convention by clicking here.

By Rachel Endecott, MSU Extension Beef Specialist

A good crowd was on hand at the Membership Development and Services Committee meeting at the 2013 Montana Stockgrowers Convention. In this post, I’d like to share some of the highlights from the meeting.

The return on investment for social media efforts is often hard to quantify. It was so exciting to hear from Errol Rice that 99 new MSGA memberships have resulted from the Association’s social media work in the past year! During his NCBA update, Dan McCarty shared that other associations are asking him what Montana is doing. I’m proud to be a member of such a progressive organization!

Updates from Montana State University and USDA-ARS Fort Keogh added to the upbeat nature of the meeting. New faculty positions and exciting research projects are on tap to continue to support Montana ranching.

Collegiate Stockgrowers presidents John Henry Beardsley (Montana State University) and Laramie Pursley in (MSU-Northern) reported on their club activities during 2013.  It was impressive to see how much these clubs have accomplished in the short time since they’ve been established. I look forward to these individuals becoming an integral part of the Young Stockgrowers as they finish their college careers.

Overall, the tone of our committee meeting was member-benefit focused. The value received from MSGA membership is well above the cost of membership dues.

December 13, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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NCBA and PLC Update from Rachel Abeh

Rachel Abeh

Rachel Abeh

Be sure to hear more from Rachel today in the Tax, Finance and Ag Policy Committee meeting.

By Rachel Abeh, MSU Collegiate Stockgrower, NCBA and PLC intern

In conclusion of my internship with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) I had the opportunity to head back west to present the NCBA policy report to Montana Stockgrowers members.

While working with NCBA and PLC I had a first-hand opportunity to see the legislative process at work. The internship was a great experience and gave me a chance to engage in beef policy at the national level. Additionally, my time at NCBA further solidified my interests in pursuing a career in the policy arena.

I worked closely with PLC, dealing with western issues—some of the most important to Montana’s producers. While at first I was a little skeptical about going to Washington, seeing the impacts of the work NCBA and PLC do for folks at home made it worthwhile.

It was exciting for me because NCBA really champions the beef industry in D.C. There is no doubt other groups engage; however, the caliber of professionals NCBA has on staff are bar-none. I was able to work with and learn from a great group of industry leaders and I really saw the Cattlemen excel—even other animal ag groups on the Hill, which made me proud to be an NCBA member and their intern.

NCBA policy is membership-driven and it was exciting for me to know I was engaging on issues that matter to farmers and ranchers across the country. NCBA’s top priority remains the Farm Bill; unfortunately, during my time in D.C. the bill didn’t pass. However, NCBA continues to advocate for passage, which will hopefully happen this January—ensuring stability for producers. Programs such as: Disaster Assistance, a Research title, and Conservation title.

Additionally, NCBA keeps vigilant over other issues impacting our industry such as tax and trade. A victory this past year was the estate tax exemption level at $5 million per individual and $10 per couple. NCBA worked closely with Baucus to champion this effort and continues to support full repeal of the “Death Tax.”

While I was in Washington, a feat for the industry took place as the Grazing Improvement Act passed the Senate. This is something important to western producer so it was exciting to attend the hearing and the meetings that came before passage.

NCBA also works closely with Montana’s delegation; in fact, NCBA continues to support Steve Daines as he works for Montana’s industry. I never realized how Montana’s issues were represented in D.C. but there is no doubt that NCBA and PLC are working for producers in this state.