February 5, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Two Days of Producer Education Headlines Cattle Industry Convention

Terry Haughian Kinsey Montana San Antonio Cattle Industry Convention

Kinsey, Montana rancher, Terry Haughian, participates in a Cattlemen’s College Session on Water Issues of the U.S. on Wednesday, February 4

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – The Cattle Industry Convention kicked off with two days of producer education on Feb. 3-4, 2015. Cattlemen’s College, sponsored by Zoetis Animal Health, has become widely known as one of the most thorough, in-depth educational events offered to cattlemen and women in the country. Celebrating its 22nd year, the event saw outstanding attendance with more than 1,350 attendees.

Hands-on cattle demonstrations kicked off the event Tuesday night, highlighting how beef producers can add value to their market cows. Industry experts, including Dr. Gary Smith, Dr. Keith Belk, and Dr. Dale Woerner, explained how cattlemen can improve the quality, consistency and competitiveness of beef produced from market cows through management decisions on the farm or ranch. Later, attendees were treated to some southern hospitality at a reception sponsored by Certified Angus Beef.

Also, as part of the industry effort to increase producer education, the checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance program introduced and updated Cattle Care and Handling Guidelines at the Producer’s Forum Tuesday evening. The guidelines, which are industry-wide standards for cattle care and handling, now include the 2014 BQA supplemental guidelines, advice on cold stress management, and guidelines for the judicious use of antibiotics in the cattle industry.

“Cattlemen take great pride in properly caring for their livestock and the BQA program has proven very successful in providing guidelines that producers can adapt to fit their needs,” said Josh White, director of producer education for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. “This refreshed handbook provides additional information with updated graphics and a revised look.”

Cattlemen’s College started back up early Wednesday morning with a keynote address by Chef Mike Erickson, who is a champion at connecting consumers to how beef is raised. Erickson advocates for the beef industry and dedicates his time to teaching others in culinary about how beef gets from pasture to plate.

“I think it is important for people in the culinary world to understand how beef is raised and get to know the people who spend their lives producing such a fine product for us,” said Erickson. “If those of us preparing the beef are educated on how it is raised, we can help spread the positive story of beef. The cattle industry has so much good going for it and we have to get that message out to people.”

Throughout the day attendees could choose from a wide range of informative, hands-on educational workshops designed for cattle operations of every size and sector. Classes ranged from understanding the economics of rebuilding the domestic herd, land and water rights issues in the United States, to proper cattle nutrition and the future use of antibiotics in food animals. Each session delivered stimulating and thought-provoking information to help cattlemen and women generate higher returns back home on the ranch.

For more information about the Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show visit www.beefusa.org and follow #CIC15 and #BeefMeet on Facebook and Twitter.

February 4, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Cattlemen Gather in San Antonio for the 2015 Cattle Industry Convention

National Cattlemens Beef USA logoSAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – More than 7,000 cattlemen and women from across the country are registered to attend the 2015 Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Trade Show, which kicked off today at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. The convention, which will run through Feb. 7, is the largest annual gathering of the beef industry.

NCBA President Bob McCan said this year’s convention in his home state of Texas is will not disappoint. “I’m happy to welcome everyone to the great state of Texas and San Antonio is a historic town full of culture and great sights. This week we will highlight some of the great successes of the past year and set the course for what lies ahead,” McCan said. “Today, Cattlemen’s College kicked off convention with over 20 different classes, kick starting a great week with many opportunities for cattlemen and women to hear directly from the experts about how to grow and improve their operations.”

This year the Trade Show will be the largest to date. On the Trade Show floor will be two education areas, including a demonstration area with live animals to provide hands-on instruction. NCBA’s Learning Lounge is back again, featuring 30-minute educational sessions to provide attendees valuable educational tips from industry experts in informal, face-to-face, technology-friendly classroom settings.

Following Cattlemen’s College, exciting keynote speeches at the general sessions, and a record-breaking Trade Show, convention goers will have the opportunity to attend committee meetings and take part in the grassroots policy development.

“It’s important now, more than ever, for producers to get involved and engaged in the public policy,” said McCan. “The strong grassroots policy process is the backbone and the strength of NCBA and this week will discuss important policy issues and lay the groundwork for the year ahead.”

With so many events taking place during the convention all attendees are encouraged to download the 2015 Cattle Industry Convention app to their smart phones to see the schedule of events, locations, maps and receive alerts before, during and after the event. Visit www.beefusa.org for more information about the convention, and follow #CIC15 and #BeefMeet on Facebook and Twitter.

January 26, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Applications for Young Cattlemen’s Conference Due March 1

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 Association’s Research and Education Endowment Foundation will send one Montana delegate on this year’s Young Cattlemen’s Conference (YCC), held May 27 – June 5, 2015. Applications, due March 1, are available on the Young Stockgrowers Page.

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’s Montana delegate was Ryan Hughes from Dillon. “We are all dedicated to the same goal of being the best and providing the best product, whether we sell beef, promote beef, package beef, and feed or raise beef,” said Hughes, following the 2014 YCC trip. “There wasn’t one person that I met on the trip, that doesn’t love and have a huge passion for their role in our industry.”

The primary objective is to develop leadership qualities in young 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 MSGA Research and Education Endowment 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 electronic 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, 2015. Please mail or fax to MSGA/REEF at the following address: Montana Stockgrowers Association | Attn: REEF 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].

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.

January 5, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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NCBA’s Cattlemen’s College Lineup Set for Feb. 3-4 in San Antonio

National Cattlemens Beef USA logoDENVER — The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Cattlemen’s College, now celebrating its 22nd year, has established a reputation as one of the most thorough cattle producer education programs in the nation. Sponsored by Zoetis, the 2015 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, 2015, in San Antonio, Texas, headlining the first day of activities at the 2015 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. Early registration for Cattlemen’s College and the convention ends Jan. 9, 2015.

Cattlemen’s College workshops include an outstanding lineup of industry experts during the course of two jam-packed days. On Tuesday, Feb. 3, participants will first hear from Gary Smith, Keith Belk, Daryl Tatum and Dale Woerner on “Feeding to Increase the Quality, Consistency, and Competitiveness from Market Cows.” This first hands-on class will help attendees improve the beef from market cows, identify production practices and learn value concepts from feedlot to retail.

On Tuesday evening, Cattlemen’s College participants will be treated to a Texas BBQ Welcome Reception sponsored by Zoetis. The reception will be an opportunity to visit with fellow cattlemen as well as the afternoon’s speakers.

Starting Wednesday morning at 7:00 am, Cattlemen’s College classes begin with a keynote address by Scott Neal, Senior VP, Produce, Meat and Seafood for Walmart. Neal will address how Walmart perceives increasing beef prices, expanding exports, increased focus on sustainability, world-wide growth and how today’s Walmart customers view beef.

Following Neal’s address, classes focusing on rebuilding the herd, the future of beef production, and many other valuable topics will be held, concluding with lunch session, with legendary farm broadcaster Max Armstrong. Armstrong will talk about how in his view from nearly forty years as a broadcaster, it’s a great time to be in the beef business.

“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 President and Texas cattleman Bob McCan. “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.”

Cattlemen’s College registration information, as well as a complete schedule for the 2015 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show are available online at www.beefusa.org.

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The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy.  As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef.  Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or [email protected].

December 30, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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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].

Annual Convention and Trade Show 2014
December 17, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Montana Stockgrowers Convention Brings Ranchers to Billings

The 130th Montana Stockgrowers Association Convention and Trade Show, held at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana in Billings, December 11-13, drew strong crowds from ranching communities across the state.

The three-day convention featured a large number of speakers to help ranchers learn more about available management tools, as well as outlook on the current status of cattle markets, industry trends, environmental and wildlife issues. Governor Steve Bullock highlighted Opening General Session with a supportive message for Montana’s ranching communities. Members had the opportunity to discuss and vote on resolutions that guide policy activity for the Stockgrowers Association leading into the 2015 legislative session.

Saturday’s Grand Finale Banquet featured almost $100,000 in prizes thanks to generous sponsors and included live music from Wylie and the Wild West. The annual Cattle Directory auction raised record amounts thanks to strong support from Seedstock, Commercial and Industry partners.

Convention coverage, photos, videos and information about membership programs can be found on the Montana Stockgrowers Association Facebook page or website, mtbeef.org. Be sure to join MSGA for their 2015 Mid-Year event, held in Bozeman in early June.

The following are highlights in recognitions and awards during the Convention:

-Elections were held to fill positions on the Board of Directors due to expiring terms. Gene Curry of Valier was elected as President and Bryan Mussard of Dillon as first Vice President. Fred Wacker of Miles City was elected to the position of second Vice President and Jess Drange of Ismay will fill his position as Director representing Southeastern Montana. Race King of Dillon was elected to represent the Western District. Outgoing Board members include President Tucker Hughes of Stanford and Western District representative Ray Marxer of Twin Bridges.

-Travis Brown of Sand Springs was elected as Chairman of the Young Stockgrowers committee. He fills the position previously held by Lacey Sutherlin of Stevensville. Lacey Ehlke of Townsend was elected as Vice-Chair. Brown and Ehlke will represent the Young Stockgrowers on the MSGA Board of Directors.

-The 2014 Montana Environmental Stewardship Award (ESAP) was presented to Jed and Annie Evjene of the American Fork Ranch. The American Fork is a commercial cow/calf operation near Two Dot, which exemplifies the qualities of ranchers focused on environmental stewardship, sustainability and conservation. As Montana ESAP winners, the American Fork will compete at the regional level for the national ESAP recognition.

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

-16 Cattlemen’s College workshops offered attendees several great opportunities for interactive learning about the tools available to improve management and record keeping on their ranches. Topics covered included cattle marketing, estate planning, nutrition, reproduction, cattle health, and leadership training.

-Montana Ford Stores continued their sponsorship for the sixth year to give one lucky MSGA member a 2014 Ford Super Duty pickup. This year’s winner was Paula Bischoff. Paula and her husband, Gary, ranch at the 99 Bar Cattle Company near Alzada.

-Montana Massey Ferguson dealers donated a tractor lease, which was raffled on Saturday evening. Tom and Lilian Ostendorf of Powderville won the 8-month/200-hour lease on the 130-hp tractor and loader. NutraLix donated a saddle, which went to Sam Obrecht of Turner.

-Top Hand recognitions were awarded to Southeastern Montana Livestock Association from Miles City, which received a John Deere Gator from Frontline Ag, and Kyle Middlemist of Dixon, who received a paid trip to San Antonio, Texas for the 2015 Cattle Industry Convention.

-Attendees received encouraging and informative messages from many speakers throughout the 3-day convention. Governor Steve Bullock addressed the crowd during Friday’s Opening General Session and was very encouraging about supporting Montana’s ranching industry, natural resources and continued opportunities for trade and marketing of cattle and beef products. Greg Hanes, Assistant Vice President of International Marketing with U.S. Meat Export Federation, provided attendees with a great overview of international marketing opportunities for U.S. beef and insight on how Checkoff dollars contribute to promotion in those markets. Lois Olmstead gave attendees encouragement and motivation during Saturday’s Inspirational breakfast.

-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 Beef Association were on hand to provide updates and insight on current events. Topics of high interest included sage grouse, CSKT Water Compact, Department of Livestock, markets and animal health.

December 12, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Ranchers Roll Into Billings for MSGA Convention

Ranchers were rolling into Billings for the first day of MSGA’s 130th Annual Convention. Thursday’s agenda was filled with Cattlemen’s Colleges workshops, a Young Stockgrowers meeting, along with Membership and Land Use policy committees and the Opening Trade Show Dinner. Friday’s agenda will be highlighted by Beef Production & Marketing and Ag Policy committees. Governor Steve Bullock is scheduled to speak at Opening General Session and Cattlemen’s College workshops continue through Saturday. Be sure to see yesterday’s post for a list of those speakers.

MSGA Board Member, Ray Marxer welcomes the Land Use & Environment Committee on Thursday of Annual Convention

MSGA Board Member, Ray Marxer welcomes the Land Use & Environment Committee on Thursday of Annual Convention

During the Membership Committee meeting, attendees heard from a number of researchers and extension specialists from the Montana State University system. Montana’s research and extension program continue to leaders in the nation when it comes to contributions in the cattle industry. Research efforts continue to investigate aspects of cattle and ranch management and our extension programs are working hard to make that information available to the ranching communities.

The conversations in the Land Use & Environment policy committee were dominated by sage grouse conservation and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) Water Compact. Ranchers across the state may be affected in different manners by possible future agreements. Attendees spent much of the afternoon listening to updates from those familiar with the topics and discussed on how Sage Grouse management and the Compact may affect land owners and water rights in different regions of Montana. The Land Use Committee will continue Friday morning with land owner and land use topics, as well as program updates from several state agencies.

Montana State Map ConventionWe invite everyone to join us for the next two days to celebrate our 130th year. As you are at the registration desk, be sure to mark your spot on the state map so we can see where Convention attendees are traveling from across Montana. Be sure to look at our Convention programs for a full meeting agenda, or view an abbreviated version in our Online Agenda.

Annual Convention and Trade Show 2014
December 11, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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130th Annual Convention Hosts Featured Speakers

Our 130th Annual Convention kicks off today and we could not be more excited! Everything is coming together here at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana in Billings and attendees are already streaming in. To celebrate 2014 and the growth that our organization and the cattle business has experienced, we’ve greatly expanded the educational workshop opportunities during the 3-day Convention!

Along with featured speakers at our General Sessions, including Governor Steve Bullock, Lois Olmstead, and Greg Hanes from U.S. Meat Export Federation, we have 16 Cattlemen’s College sessions that will cover a vast number of topics directly related to cattle and ranch management. Below is an overview of their sessions and times of appearance. For a full Convention schedule, grab a program at registration or see our Online Agenda. Be sure to follow us on Social Media all week for continuous updates and use the hashtag #MSGA14!

Kurt Alme, Yellowstone Boys & Girls Ranch Foundation

Dec. 11 & 12 Cattlemen’s College – “Farm & Ranch Estate Planning”

Do I need a Will? Which is better, a Will or Revocable Living Trust? Do I need Powers of Attorney, a Living Will and Advance Directives? Is Uncle Sam going to be my heir? (Discussing gift, estate, income, capital gains and Affordable Care Act) How do I reduce the taxes I will pay?

Greg Nunnery, Ph.D, RangeMate America

Dec. 11 & 13 Cattlemen’s College – “Nutrition Concepts for your Cow Herd”

Dr. Kevin Hill, DVM, Merck Animal Health

Dec. 11 & 12, Cattlemen’s College – “Adding Value to Calves: Data from Superior Livestock”; “Vaccination Strategies for Lifetime Calf Health”; “Parasite Control Programs: Emerging Resistance to Ivermectins”

Dr. JP Pollreisz, Zoetis Animal Health

Dec. 11 & 12 Cattlemen’s College – “Judicious use of Anti-infectives”

Effective, appropriate and humane use of antibiotics in beef cattle while maintaining a safe and high quality product.

Larry Gran, Zoetis Animal Health

Dec. 11 & 12 Cattlemen’s College – “GeneMax Advantage”

GeneMax Advantage is a genomic test for 75% and higher Black Angus females. The test ranks heifers for net return using three economic index scores, indentifies genetic outliers for four additional traits and facilitiates multi-sire assignment from cadidate Zoetis HD 50-K-tested sires. GeneMax Advantage delivers more dependable information for heifer selection, mating, and marketing decisions.

ABS, Accelerated, Genex,Origen and Select Sires

Dec. 12 & 13 Cattlemen’s College – “Successful Strategies for your Breeding Program”

ABS, Accelerated, Genex,Origen and Select Sires are teaming up to present a interactive workshop for cattle producers to improve conception rates in their AI Programs. The workshop will include 5 different workshops: A breeding barn demonstration, proper semen handling and Synchronizing, AI techniques and a few tips on marketing your calf crop. This exciting hands on workshop will be presented twice during convention and we hope to see all of you there!

Matt Bitz, One Montana

Dec. 13 – “Beef Processing Plant Feasibility Presentation”

Can a meat processing plant be built in Montana?  This is the question that One Montana, a Bozeman-based nonprofit, has been working to answer for the last year.  They have conducted a feasibility study examining, marketing, location, design, labor, and economic impacts in order to answer the question.  President Bill Bryan and Program Manager Matt Bitz will present the project findings in a forum and take questions on Saturday morning at 10 AM.

Greg Hanes, U.S. Meat Export Federation

Dec. 13, President’s Lunch – “International Markets: The Importance of the American Beef Producer”

With 96 percent of the world’s population outside the United States and improving economies worldwide, the international markets will play a larger and more important role for the American beef producer.  A contractor to the Beef Checkoff, Greg Hanes, assistant vice president of international marketing and planning at the U.S. Meat Export Federation, will provide background on the organization, discuss the importance to Montana’s cattle producers, and highlight some of the challenges and opportunities in markets around the world.

Lois Olmstead

Dec. 13, Inspirational Breakfast – “Finding an adventure isn’t hard to do…just look from where you are standing”

Lois shares how to live with joy and courage. Inspiring others is something that has become part of her everyday life. She impacts audiences with her positive views of living a joyful life.

Brett Crosby & Cole Swanser, Custom Ag Solutions

Dec. 13, Cattlemen’s College – “Making the Most of a Strong Cattle Market”

Have you always thought that your price risk management skills were a little…lacking?  Record price movements in the cattle markets have increased the potential benefits of developing a strategy for taking advantage of high prices and protecting yourself from downturns.  Join cattle producer and industry expert Brett Crosby and agricultural economist Kole Swanser to learn how simple and effective risk management strategies can help you sleep better at night and keep a bigger share of the potential profits from today’s historically strong market.  Listen to a market outlook, learn about available tools and strategies, and then get “hands on” experience through a real world simulation to see just how much more control you can have over your bottom line.

Dr. Jeanne Rankin, DVM, MSU Extension-Agro-Emergency Project

Dec.13, Cattlemen’s College – “Biosecurity: How does it affect your pocket book?

Will your livestock operation survive a Foreign Animal Disease infection found in the United States? What if it is in Montana?  In YOUR County? ON YOUR RANCH? Dr. Rankin will share her insights on Foreign Animal Disease (like Foot and Mouth Disease) and new, emerging diseases like Porcine Endemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv):  what these diseases look like and how they spread, what producers can do to limit or prevent these diseases, what the state and federal government response will be and how producers can reduce these risks by having a good biosecurity plan in place. In the second hour participants will engage in a real-life FMD scenario, (table-top exercise) in Montana, actively responding to the findings of an index case within a herd and the implications to continuity of livestock business for all cloven-hoofed animals within a 20 mile radius. Beef, dairy, sheep and pork operations will be represented at 1/32 scale using toy barns, corrals and livestock; pastures, rivers and roads will complete the transportation corridors.  Come play in the sandbox!