Sage Grouse Habitat Montana
December 11, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Sage grouse, farm and ranch succession planning among topics at 2014 Winter Grazing Seminar

MILES CITY, Mont. – An in-depth discussion of sage grouse conservation and management – including a panel of ranchers who are currently managing sage grouse on their lands – is one of several topics on the agenda of the 2014 Winter Grazing Seminar, to be held Jan. 29-30 in Miles City, Mont.

The first day of the seminar will feature representatives from the Public Lands Council. Executive Director Dustin Van Liew will speak on multiple issues in agriculture. Montana Executive Director Jay Bodner and federal grazing permitee Lon Reukauf will also join the discussion. Next Tim Griffiths and Dr. David Naugle will give a presentation on Sage Grouse. To conclude the first day of the seminar a producer panel including Robert Lee from Forsyth will speak on a rancher’s perspective of sage grouse management on rangelands.

That evening, a social hour and banquet will be held at the Town & Country Club in Miles City. Northern Ag Network’s Haylie Shipp will be the Master of Ceremonies for the banquet. Range Leader of the Year Awards will be given to the winners of the rancher and professional categories. Governor Bullock is invited to give the keynote address. Bill Rossiter will be the evening’s entertainment with cowboy poetry and music.

The second day of the seminar will begin with Kevin Spafford, founder of Legacy by Design, with his presentation on Succession Solutions for Farm Families. The seminar will conclude with presentations from Fort Keogh researchers Dr. Andy Roberts on Heifer Development and Dr. Mark Petersen on Water Quality.

The seminar will be held at the Sleep Inn of Miles City. Registration is $30 per person before January 15 and $35 after. You may attend the banquet for $25 if you will be joining us for the meal.

There is no charge for those who would like to see Bill Rossiter for entertainment at the banquet.

This year’s Winter Grazing Seminar is proudly sponsored by the Custer County Conservation District, Prairie County Conservation District and USDA-ARS Fort Keogh LARRL, and in cooperation with the Rangeland Resources Executive Committee (RREC).

For the agenda and registration form please visit: http://dnrc.mt.gov/cardd/ConservationDistricts/WinterGrazing/default.asp

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First Interstate Bank Sponsor Montana Stockgrowers Committee Meetings
December 4, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Committee Meetings an important part of 2013 Annual Convention

First Interstate Bank Sponsor Montana Stockgrowers Committee MeetingsEach year, MSGA members create policy that directs the efforts of MSGA’s volunteer board of directors, officers, and staff. Policy is set at MSGA’s Annual Convention, held December 12-14, 2013 in Billings, Mont. Interim policy is set at MSGA’s Mid-Year Meeting, held in June in different locations across the state each year. Policies often originate from the local affiliates of MSGA who bring the proposed policies to the appropriate standing committee for discussion at MSGA’s mid-year meeting or annual convention. MSGA’s policy development process begins with four standing committees. Each committee has MSGA board representatives and chairmen appointed by the president. Members attending committee meetings vote on proposed resolutions which must pass out of the committee with a majority vote and pass through Second Reading and Final Reading before becoming official policy.

This year, Committee meetings at Annual Convention will take place on Thursday and Friday, December 12 and 13. Below is a listing of Committees and Guest Speaker topics. Agendas and Schedules will be available at Convention Registration.

Land Use and Environment Committee – Thursday, December 12 – 1:00-4:00 p.m.

This committee includes four subcommittees – Endangered Species, Landowner/Recreation and Wildlife, Land Use, and Water. Guest speakers will address the topics of MT Trapping Ban, Bison Habitat Expansion, Gray Wold Management, Access Tax Credit/Private lands-Public wildlife, Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative, Sage Grouse, Wildlife Services Update, Livestock Loss Board Update, and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Water Compact.

Membership Development & Services Committee – Thursday, December 12 – 1:00-4:00 p.m.

This committee includes four subcommittees – Education and Research, Outreach, Recruitment, and Young Stockgrowers. Guest speakers will address the topics of Membership and National updates, Outreach efforts, Tradition and Social Media approaches to communication, and Collegiate Stockgrower Updates.

Beef Production and Marketing Committee – Friday, December 13 – 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

This committee includes four subcommittees – Cattle Feeders; Cattle Health, Brand and Theft; Seedstock; and Marketing. Guest speakers will address the topics of Beta Agonists, Johnes Disease, Recent Development in Brucellosis, Trichmoniasis, the Montana Stockgrowers Commercial Cattle Directory, and a Verified Beef Update.

Tax, Finance & Ag Policy – Friday, December 13 – 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

This committee will include updates on the Farm Bill and Ag Policy from NCBA, as well as Congressional Briefings from the offices of Montana U.S. Representatives and Senators.

To learn more about the Committees and Policy of areas covered by Montana Stockgrowers at our Annual Convention, visit www.mtbeef.org. A big thank you goes to First Interstate Bank for sponsoring the 2013 Annual Committee Meetings.

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Montana Stockgrowers 2013 Film Festival Logo
November 25, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Voting is Now OPEN! – Film Festival 2013

Montana Stockgrowers 2013 Film Festival Logo

At the Montana Stockgrowers Association, we are passionate about sharing the family ranching story! And what gets us even more excited is when our members get out their cameras and start clicking away!

As part of the Montana Family Ranching Project, MSGA is hosting the 2nd annual Film Festival at the convention in December. The festival is open to all MSGA members and the entry topics range from cattle to life on the ranch. The convention attendees will vote for their favorite and the winner will be announced at the grand finale dinner on Saturday night.

However, we want you to help select the winner, also! Watch each of the entries embedded below. Then, place a vote for your favorite in the poll at the bottom. The video with the most online votes will receive an extra vote added to their overall score.

We would like to thank Northwest Farm Credit Services for sponsoring the dorm-size TV prize for the winner!

Please share this blog link with all of your family and friends to help receive more views and votes!

“Cows and Plows” – submitted by Danika Quenemoen

“Life of Reggie” – submitted by Larisa Mehlhoff

“Ridin’ the Ruby” – submitted by Sue Marxer

“Life on the Ehlke Hereford Ranch” – submitted by Jane’a Ehlke

Zoetis Cattlemen's College at Montana Stockgrowers Convention
November 20, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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MSGA 2013 Convention Highlights – Friday

2013 Montana Stockgrowers Convention Trade ShowThe 2013 Montana Stockgrowers Convention is coming up in just a few short weeks. Last week we highlighted events scheduled for Thursday, December 12. If you missed those be sure to check that post and be sure to get your registration submitted online soon!

Friday, December 13, kicks off the 2nd full day of the MSGA convention with Registration opening at 7 a.m. The Billings Chamber of Commerce Breakfast and MCW Past Presidents Breakfast both kick-off at 7 a.m.

Opening General Session starts at 8 and we are very excited to host featured speaker, Sarah Calhoun. Sarah is the founder of a company that produces work wear for women, Red Ants Pants. Be sure to check out our previous post highlighting Sarah Calhoun.

A very important function of Annual Convention is to review and establish Association policy on important issues that affect the future of our Montana ranching community. Starting at 9:30 a.m., both the Beef Production & Marketing and Tax, Finance & Ag Policy committees will meet.

Other important events during the day on Friday include:

  • 10:00 a.m. Trade Show Open
  • 10:00 a.m. Silent Auction Open
  • 12:00 p.m. Northern Ag Network Lunch
  • 1:30 p.m. Beef Production & Marketing Committee Meeting
  • 1:30 p.m. Tax, Finance & Ag Policy Committee Meeting
  • 1:30 a.m. MCW Annual Meeting and Installation
  • 2:00 p.m. Montana Range Days Steering Committee
  • 5:00 p.m. MCW New Board of Directors Meeting
  • 5:30 p.m. MCW Officer Reception

Starting at 3:00 p.m., the Zoetis Cattlemen’s College will feature more great speakers with educational and informative presentations. Dr. Darrel Peel, Oklahoma State University Agriculture Economist and MSU graduate will present a second round of his session titled, “Rebuilding the U.S. Beef Industry: Challenges and Opportunities.” At 4:00 p.m. 4:00-5:00 p.m. Larry Gran and Dan Ellis will present a second session of their workshop titled, “ZOETIS RANCH- An Interactive Cow Calf Game Designed to Explore Profit Opportunity From EPDs and HD50K Genetic Tests.”

What You Must Know Before Vaccinating Your Cow Herd- MLV vs. Killed Vaccination Choices

Zoetis Cattlemen's College at Montana Stockgrowers ConventionRichard Linhart, DVM, Dipl. ACT, is a managing veterinarian with the Zoetis Beef Veterinary Operations team. With 20 years of private practice experience and board certification in theriogenology, Dr. Linhart combines significant technical knowledge with an exceptional ability to communicate and work with cattlemen. Based in Boise, Idaho, he supports cow-calf producers, working primarily in beef cattle reproduction and herd health to help improve reproductive efficiency.

Prior to joining Zoetis, Dr. Linhart spent 20 years as owner of Simpsonville Animal Hospital in Simpsonville, Ky., a food animal and exotic animal veterinary practice. He received his undergraduate and veterinary medicine degree from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. and completed a theriogenology residency at University of Missouri.

Dr. Linhart specialized in advising clients on estrus synchronization programs and helping them implement these programs to optimize results of artificial insemination and embryo transfer. He also put his expertise in production medicine to work in the areas of prevention and control of neonatal diseases, stocker cattle health management, parasite control and reproductive herd heath, including use of ultrasound reproductive evaluation in bison, cattle and small ruminants.

Linhart is a member of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, American College of Theriogenologists and the American Veterinary Medical Association. Rich is also interested in exotic animals, including elk, deer, bear, bobcat, alpacas and exotic swine. He’s has worked with the Louisville Zoo on hoofed stock and marine mammals and with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife where he was responsible for the veterinary care of bison, elk, deer, black bear, bobcat and reptiles. Rich is also an avid metal artist with a primary interest in welded metal sculpture. He and wife, Jutta, hand-built their log cabin in Simpsonville, KY and have 4 children.

Dr. Linhart will present two sessions of his workshop; the first starting at 3 p.m., the second starting at 4 p.m.

Friday will close out the day starting at 7:00 p.m. with the Trade Show Closing Dinner & NFR Viewing.

A full schedule for the MSGA Annual Convention and online registration can be found on the Events tab at www.mtbeef.org.

 

Big Kenny of Big and Rich Thanks Farmers on Southwest Airlines flight to Nashville BNA
November 19, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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“Big” Supporter of Farmers & Ranchers

By Lauren Chase, Montana Stockgrowers Association

220px-Big_rich_sahrac_coverWhen I think of the Grammy Award-winning country band Big & Rich, I can’t help but sing-shout: “Save a horse, ride a cowboy!” This song is a feel-good, up-beat tune that is recognizable from when the first “dum-dum-dum-dum-dum-dum-daaaa” is sung. I can even remember it being one of the warm-up songs before my high school basketball game.

While this song is what most people associate with Big and Rich, this week, I got to see the band in a new light.

I was on a flight from Las Vegas to Nashville after Ryan and I presented at the Idaho Cattle Association’s Convention and Trade Show. It was my first experience flying Southwest Airlines and was still getting the hang of picking out your own seat. Naturally, only the middle seats were left when I boarded so I nestled between two guys, both jamming out with their expensive-looking headphones.

The man on my left leaned over and started talking to the man on my right, referencing last night’s concert. Intrigued, I asked: “Are you guys in a band?” The man on my left said, “Well, sort of. I’m the drummer for Big & Rich.”

“Oh, that’s cool,” I replied. We talked for a while about the pressures of being a professional musician and frankly, I now have a new-found respect for the music scene. That night in Nashville, he was supposed to learn an entire set-list of songs for a new country singer so he put his headphones on and started practicing his drumming. I then decided to start editing video from the Idaho Cattle Convention. A man across the aisle wearing bell-bottom jeans, a fitted corduroy jacket, a bandana and trucker’s cap that said “Electro Shine” on it leaned over and asked if those guys were being mean to me. I smiled and said, “No, everyone is getting along just fine. We’re all being creative!” He asked what I was working on and I explained that I work for the beef industry in promotions…thinking he would say some nicety and then turn back to his group. But his reply was shocking: “I LOVE CATTLE!”

Kenny and LaurenThat sparked further conversation about how his father runs a cattle farm in Virginia and how he loved growing up on the farm. The drummer whispered to me that this man was Kenny, the “Big” of Big & Rich. I felt dumb, but I was excited that I got to meet him!

As the flight went on, I showed him my coffee table book, Big Sky Boots…and he just loved it! We talked more about the cattle industry and how he does charity livestock auctioneering at the local sale barn. Kenny had questions about grazing, nutrition and profitably.  It was really refreshing to see someone who travels to many metropolitan cities and interacts with thousands of people, name off many breeds of cattle and be genuinely interested in learning more about the industry.

We de-planed at BNA and as a favor to cattlemen, he let me record the video below. Help me to thank Kenny (catch him on Twitter @BigKennyTV) for supporting America’s farmers and ranchers!

 

Ranchers Networking Annual Convention Idaho
November 18, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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#SocialBeef Workshop at Idaho Cattle Convention

SocialBeef Media Workshop Idaho Montana Stockgrowers

Why should ranchers be on social media? Lauren and Ryan address that question in their #SocialBeef Workshops.

Last week we had the opportunity to spend a few days working with our neighbor’s to the South at the Idaho Cattle Association’s annual convention. Ryan and Lauren conducted a workshop on the use of social media as a part of our ranches’ business strategies and as an avenue for connecting with consumers who want to learn more about raising beef cattle.

We had a great turn out at the workshops on Monday and Tuesday and took the opportunity to ask a few attendees how they utilize social media to reach out to consumers and engage in conversations about how beef cattle are raised.

On the trip home, Lauren ran into a “BIG” fan of farmers and ranchers. Be sure to check back tomorrow for her exciting story of how easy and rewarding it can be to engage in conversations about agriculture even when it may be outside your comfort zone.

Lauren does a great job during our workshops emphasizing how well imagery works when communicating our messages on social media. Farms and ranches are very visual, so this makes an easy place to get started whether you’re on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

Ranchers Networking Annual Convention Idaho

Trade shows and conventions are a great networking opportunity to meet with others in the beef cattle community and stay on top of current events.

We’re looking for your stories of utilizing social media to reach out to consumers and promote your business. If you’re online, be sure to connect with Montana Stockgrowers on our many social media channels.

Lauren and Ryan will be conducting a similar workshop on using social media at the 2013 MSGA annual convention, Saturday, December 14. Be sure to check out the schedule and register today!

Derrell Peel is the Charles Breedlove Professor of Agribusiness in the Department of Agricultural Economics
November 13, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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MSGA 2013 Convention Highlights – Thursday

2013 Montana Stockgrowers Convention Trade ShowHave you registered for the 2013 Montana Stockgrowers Convention and Trade show? Registering and quick and easy through the MSGA Events page!

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be highlighting each day of the convention and introducing the featured speakers. A full agenda and schedule is also available on the MSGA Events page.

The 2013 MSGA Convention kicks off on Thursday, December 12 with Registration beginning at 7:00 a.m. and the Trade Show opens at 11:00 a.m. Many committee meetings fill Thursday’s schedule:

  • 8:00 a.m. MSGA Board of Directors Meeting
  • 9:00 a.m. Montana Public Lands Council Annual Meeting
  • 10:00 a.m. Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Training Workshop
  • 10:00 a.m. MT Red Angus Commercial Cattlemen’s Symposium
  • 10:00 a.m. Steer of Merit Committee Meeting
  • 1:00 p.m. Land Use & Environment Committee Meeting
  • 1:00 p.m. Membership Development & Services Committee Meeting
  • 1:00 p.m. Silent Auction Opens

Beginning at 4:00, we have a few great speakers as part of the Zoetis Cattlemen’s College.

Rebuilding the U.S. Beef Industry: Challenges and Opportunities

Derrell Peel is the Charles Breedlove Professor of Agribusiness in the Department of Agricultural Economics

Dr. Darrell Peel

Derrell Peel is the Charles Breedlove Professor of Agribusiness in the Oklahoma State University Department of Agricultural Economics. He has served as the Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist since arriving at OSU in 1989. He has B.S. and M.S. degrees from Montana State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. He previously served as the Superintendent of the Southeastern Colorado Range Research Station in Springfield, Colorado. His main program areas at Oklahoma State University include livestock market outlook and marketing/risk management education for livestock producers.

Derrell also works in the area of international livestock and meat trade with particular focus on Mexico and Canada and the North American livestock and meat industry. He lived in Mexico on sabbatical in 2001 and has developed an extensive knowledge of the Mexican cattle and beef industry and the economics of cattle and beef trade between the U.S. and Mexico.

ZOETIS RANCH- An Interactive Cow Calf Game Designed to Explore Profit Opportunity From EPDs and HD50K Genetic Tests

Zoetis Cattlemen's College at Montana Stockgrowers ConventionDan Ellis was raised on a purebred Hereford Ranch in Columbus, Montana and received an Animal Science degree from Montana State University. Dan is a Genetics Consultant at Zoetis Animal Health and Administrator of GenomeXchange.com. Ellis’ accomplishments include serving as C.O.O. and Angus Division Manager at Beartooth International and Livestock Manager for Northern International Livestock Show until 1997. In 1992, Dan served as President and founded Western Management, renamed Ellis Management Group (EMG) in 2002 to accommodate commercial feeder cattle brokerage. EMG provides consulting services for management, genetics, and marketing for purebred clients. 

Larry Gran, Regional Manager for Zoetis Animal Genetics, covering South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho, grew up on a cow/calf yearling operation in Western Nebraska. Larry currently still has an interest in the family’s Registered Red Angus Operation. Larry Gran started with Bovigen, which is now Zoetis in July of 2007. Previously he was the General Manager, Editor and Sales consultant for Tri-state Livestock News and Graduated from University of Wyoming with a BS in Ag Business. Larry has also managed and owned a back grounding feedlot along with his own Red Angus cows.

Thursday’s schedule wraps up with a Young Stockgrowers meeting and social, the Leaders & Legends Dinner at 5:00 p.m. and the Trade Show Opening, Dinner and NFR viewing starts at 6:30.

Many more events are planned for the week at the 2013 MSGA Convention. Be sure to get your registration sent in. Stay tuned on the blog next week for meeting details for Friday and Saturday’s events! View the full agenda  on the Montana Stockgrowers Website.

C.R. Morrison Bronze Sculpture Texas Tradition
November 7, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Collegiates Raffle Morrison Bronze Scultpture

The Collegiate Stockgrowers at Montana State in Bozeman are selling raffle tickets for a bronze sculpture by Montana artist, C.R. Morrison. The sculpture, titled “Texas Tradition”, was donated by Julie Boyer. Proceeds of the raffle go to help CSG with costs of the club educational opportunities and guest speakers.

C.R. Morrison Bronze Sculpture Texas Tradition

The drawing for the sculpture will take place at MSGA Annual Convention and Trade Show on Saturday, December 14th. Contact MSU-Bozeman CSG via email ([email protected]) or find them on Facebook for more details.

2013 Montana Stockgrowers Convention Trade Show
November 4, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Annual Convention and Trade Show to be held at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana

2013 Montana Stockgrowers Convention Trade ShowThe 2013 Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) and Montana CattleWomen (MCW) Annual Convention and Trade Show will meet at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana in Billings, Mont. on Dec. 12-14. The Convention will offer opportunities for attendees to learn tips to improve their ranch or business, find out about new products available for their animal health and ranch supply needs at the trade show, and for members to weigh in on policy discussions. Members who attend convention will be eligible to win a Ford Super Duty truck from the Montana Ford Stores.

At this year’s convention we are planning to have several amazing speakers, Sarah Calhoun, Founder and Owner of Red Ants Pants will be the featured speaker of the Opening General Session. The Zoetis Cattlemen’s Colleges will be held on Dec. 12 & Dec. 13 featuring Dr. Derrell Peel, Charles Breedlove Professor of Agribusiness, Larry Gran with Zoetis Animal Health, Dan Ellis with Zoetis Animal Health, and Dr. Rich Linhart, Managing Veterinarian with Zoetis Animal Health. The Zoetis Cattlemen’s College will feature educational topics such as Rebuilding the U.S. Beef Industry: Challenges and Opportunities, What you must know before vaccinating your cow herd: MLV vs. Killed Vaccination choices and Zoetis Ranch: An Interactive Cow Calf Game Designed to Explore Profit Opportunity from EPDs and HD50K Genetic Tests.

A major component of the convention is the setting of new policy and the review of past policies to guide the association through its day-to-day work. The policy process will begin on Thursday, Dec. 12 with the Beef Production & Marketing and Membership Development & Services committee meetings. The Land Use & Environment and Tax, Finance & Ag Policy committee meetings will be on Dec. 13. The Second Reading of Resolutions will be held on the morning of Dec. 14, with reports from each committee. The final reading, and an up or down vote on resolutions, will occur at the MSGA Business Meeting on the afternoon of Dec. 14. Resolutions that make it through the entire process will become association policy.

MSGA and Montana Ford Stores have teamed up to give a Ford Super Duty truck to one lucky member who attends convention. The drawing will be held on Saturday during the Grand Finale Banquet. To be eligible for the truck drawing, you must attend convention, be a current Rancher, Stocker/Feeder or Young Stockgrower member, and fill out the truck entry form.

For a full schedule of events, please click HERE. To learn more, please call the MSGA office at (406) 442-3420, or visit www.mtbeef.org where you can register on-line! Preregistration is available at a discounted rate for those attendees that register prior to Dec. 1. If you would like to reserve a trade show booth or sponsor part of the convention, please contact the MSGA office soon as there are limited spaces open.

Walker MIlhoan Montana Collegiate Stockgrowers
October 29, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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What is the value in Mentorship?

Walker MIlhoan Montana Collegiate StockgrowersThe first group of participants in the Montana Stockgrowers Mentorship program will be announced at Annual Convention this year. This program will be a great opportunity for seasoned members of the Montana ranching community to mentor some younger members and help guide their journey as becoming members of the industry. One of the participants is Walker Milhoan.

Walker is a Collegiate Stockgrowers member at the University of Montana in Missoula. Here is a brief Q&A with Walker about participating in the Mentorship program. Applications for both Mentors and Mentees are due November 1

Why do you want to participate in the Mentorship program?

Walker: It has been my life’s goal to call myself a “rancher.” This is all I have ever wanted to do, and fortunately for me, I wasn’t born into the lifestyle. I say “fortunately” because not being born into the ranching business has forced me to think of it in a way that someone who has a lot of tradition behind them might not. It’s not second nature to me, therefore I have to think out and analyze every piece of the puzzle, and this is where a solid mentor can be a great deal of help. Since I can’t always rely on my own intuition and experience, I must fall back on someone who can.

What do you hope to gain while participating as a “Mentee”?

I hope to gain a better understanding of the minutia that comes with cattle business. For example: I was helping this rancher from Helmville ship calves last summer and we were trying to piece together the most similar ones to send to the truck. I thought I had done a good job of pairing up these two steer calves when Dan sorted one of them off and said, “that one has piece of Burdock behind his ear, he came from a different pasture, don’t send him.” I wouldn’t have thought of this in a million years, but Dan did, and it’s those little things that can add up in a hurry. Ranching requires a million little nuances like this everyday and having a solid mentor can help a greenhorn like myself stay out of some of the weeds.

What value do you gain from Mentorship programs? Any suggestions for those who want to become involved?