May 21, 2016 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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MSGA’s Brucellosis and Bovine Tuberculosis Comments – Update of General provisions

May 16, 2016

 

Docket Clerk, USDA-APHIS

Docket No. APHIS-2011-0044

Regulatory Analysis and Development

PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8

4700 River Road Unit 118

Riverdale, Maryland  20737-1238

 

RE: Docket No. APHIS-2011-0044, Brucellosis and Bovine Tuberculosis:  Update of General Provisions

 

The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) appreciates the opportunity to comment on the proposed rule to update the general provision of the Brucellosis and Bovine Tuberculosis programs.  Since 1884 MSGA has been the voice of Montana’s cattle ranching sector and today we represent nearly 2,000 members.   MSGA has been engaged in efforts to eliminate and mitigate the threat of Brucella abortus to the livestock industry in Montana for many years.

 

MSGA does generally support the continued effort to review current regulatory mechanisms and propose changes to these programs that allow for additional flexibility and adaptability that ultimately improve the effectiveness of these two programs.  In reviewing the rule, MSGA agrees with the comments submitted by the Montana Department of Livestock and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and shares many of the same recommendations for changes to the proposed rule.

 

As stated previously, MSGA is supportive of reviewing the current rules, but opposes USDA-APHIS finalizing the proposed rule until the identified problems, concerns, and program shortfalls can be adequately addressed.

 

Currently, Montana is under extensive regulatory surveillance orders that are costly and burdensome to both APHIS and the state of Montana. These orders are also extremely burdensome to the ranching sector due to increased testing costs and decreased market value of cattle. MSGA feels strongly that in order to move forward in making positive changes to these programs, sustained efforts toward the ultimate eradication of brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis from the United States is critical.   There has been significant progress to eradicate these diseases from the U.S., but there continues to be a reservoir of brucellosis in the Greater Yellowstone Area that impacts both wildlife populations and livestock populations in this area.  It now appears that eradication of these two diseases is no longer a primary focus of the proposed rule.  The change in the definition from free status (zero prevalence) to consistent status (no reference to prevalence) and asserting that the eradication programs based on achieving zero prevalence is no longer feasible due to wildlife reservoirs is utilized to support the USDA change in program focus from eradication to control.  MSGA’s recommendation is for to USDA to prioritize the long-term eradication goal for these two diseases.  Without this effort, we are concerned that particularly brucellosis could perpetuate in the wildlife in the GYA significantly affecting Montana.

 

MSGA does agree with the MT Department of Livestock and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association DOL agrees that regulation changes are necessary for both the TB and brucellosis programs, but combining these revisions under one rule is unnecessarily complex.    MSGA’s recommendation is maintain these programs separately, due to the differences in disease management and USDA’s regulatory approach.

 

As APHIS moves forward to finalize the rule, MSGA recommends the following actions or revisions to the proposed rule:

  • Prioritize the goal of the proposed rule to include eradication of TB and brucellosis.
  • Revise the structure of the program standards to separate out these two diseases in order to allow for increase clarity and to facilitate future implementation.
  • Support collaborative efforts to facilitate research to close knowledge gaps for these two diseases.
  • Better address the roles/responsibilities of State wildlife authorities in working with livestock health issues in recognized management areas.
  • Reconsider the allowance of accredited free herds to exist in recognized management areas.
  • Develop timely and achievable epidemiological reporting for disease traceability timelines.
  • Consider breaking out State status by program species and disease.
  • Engage in stakeholder discussions to determine the most appropriate way to meet the agency’s obligation for indemnity payments under the Animal Health Protection Act.
  • Facilitate laboratory support to States/Tribes to meet the needs of enhanced surveillance initiatives in the AHPs.
  • Establish an expert stakeholder advisory group to assist in program development, provide needed transparency, and facilitate successful future implementation of the proposed rule.
  • Need to increase the direct involvement of the state animal health officials to direct epidemiological investigations in their state.
  • The rule needs to recognize the epidemiology of brucellosis in the rule, which includes seasonality, and low transmission of disease from bulls.
  • The rule needs to recognize and reflect the RB 51 vaccine doesn’t cross react with diagnostic testing.
  • Proposed rule requires a buffer zone for livestock testing and an annual test. This would require a dramatic increase in costs in Montana, where we have demonstrated the ability to conduct the needed wildlife and cattle disease surveillance.

MSGA appreciates the opportunity to provide our comments on the proposed rule to update the general provision of the Brucellosis and Bovine Tuberculosis programs.  Due to the significant impacts these diseases have on animal health and our state, MSGA recommends APHIS to give careful consideration to these comments.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Errol Rice

Executive Vice President

Montana Stockgrowers Association

 

 

May 18, 2016 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Leadership Series | Guest Blog Post | Chisholm Christensen

My personal leadership story and why I’m stepping up to live larger by being a part of this program

Post by Chisholm Christensen

Chisholm

Writing is one of the more difficult and important tasks a person can undertake; requiring the author to think critically and explain effectively their topic of choice. Through writing, more so than speaking, we are able to fine-tune, rework and continually reanalyze our position free from external judgement or input until we ourselves are satisfied with the presentation and tone of our offering. This very personal task provides the writer an opportunity for personal growth while at the same time cementing his or her ideas and thoughts about the theme to be drawn upon when future circumstances dictate. We have all heard again and again how important effective communication is in any type of relationship and I think this is an area I personally excel in and a good place to start telling you my individual leadership story.

My passion for an array of subjects led me at a very young age to have an impact on my surroundings. I have a clear picture of how I think things I am passionate about should be and I learned that if I didn’t have a voice or speak up many times those things took a course leading to an outcome altogether different and many times less exemplary than the one I was wishing for. I learned that wishing doesn’t get it done. Getting mad or excessively frustrated or disrespectful didn’t have a positive effect either. I had to learn not only how to make myself heard but also how to exert an influence on other individuals involved.

Most of this learning took place at the middle and high school level as I became more confident in myself and more zealous about circumstances affecting me or having an effect on things I cared about. Being low on the executive ladder posed a problem as well. The opinion of a student, no matter how well stated, carries far less weight than that of a teacher, staff, or any adult. A sad truth I had to deal with but one that taught me the importance of team and tone. When and how you say something can be just as important as what you are saying. I was at a disadvantage at school again because it is not a democracy. In the end the teacher or adult makes the choice. I may have had a voice but I did not have a vote and that taught me how to influence people and plead my case. It has made me, in my mind, an effective communicator and flows directly into how I lead.

I put my hat in the ring to be a part of this leadership series because my passion has not waned and I am passionate about agriculture. And just as I wished to exert an influence on themes deemed significant in my past I continue to desire exemplary results in areas I am passionate about now. This leadership series is providing me with the tools to sharpen my leadership skills and a platform from which my voice can be heard.

The Leadership Series is made possible through the support of MSGA’s Research Education and Endowment Foundation. Want to learn more about our Leadership Series? Check out the website or email [email protected].

May 10, 2016 1 Comment Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Leadership Series | Guest Blog Post | Heather Fryer

Post by Heather Fryer

Heather

This year, I was selected to participate in the Inaugural Stockgrowers Leadership Series, a 12 month program hosted by the Montana Stockgrowers Association, designed to help participants succeed in their careers. What I have gathered from the class in the first four months has been more than I could have imagined.

The networking has exceeded my expectations. My classmates are hilarious, friendly people, who support each other, and we’ve all made friends in this leadership series.  We’ve learned about various operations and perspectives, shared ideas and had great discussions.  We don’t have to agree but we have to listen, be respectful and practice empathy.

We’ve met and listened to guest speakers who are knowledgeable in their subject areas. The Montana Stockgrowers work with many state agencies and boards, legislatures, leaders and other agriculture affiliates and agribusinesses. It’s beneficial to know we can call our organization and other associations with questions and it’s important to be able to work together to ensure the future of Montana ranching.

Montana agriculture has a very bright future ahead and these individuals are stepping up to leadership roles in their communities. We have some common goals.  We want to continue to our way of life, improve our operations, and help our agriculture community.  Our voices are incredibly important to agriculture, to our communities, to our interests and to our country.

I applied to the class because it sounded like a terrific opportunity and I wanted to learn how to better help agriculture through advocacy and policy. I believe this class is most beneficial for individuals who want to be involved in their communities but aren’t quite sure where to begin.  For producers and business owners, who have been working on their operation for a while and are ready to take it to the next level.  For individuals, who want to have input in the future of Montana ranching.  This series has improved our listening skills, showed us our individual strengths and given us the tools to spread our positive message of what we do for a living, why it’s important and how much we love our work!

 

The Leadership Series is made possible through the support of MSGA’s Research Education and Endowment Foundation. Want to learn more about our Leadership Series? Check out the website or email [email protected].

May 4, 2016 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Leadership Series | Guest Blog Post | Justin Iverson

STEPPING UP AND LIVING LARGER….

by Justin Iverson

Justin

Backseat drivers. The first to speak up and the last to get behind the wheel.

This year I took a risk, stepped out of my comfort zone and jumped into the driver’s seat. I’ve held leadership positions throughout the years but never felt fully at home.

Most of the time I fell into those positions because no one else would take them and I have a problem saying no if asked. Feeling the need to sharpen the axe a bit I decided to take advantage of an opportunity through the Montana Stockgrowers Association. They developed a new 12 month Leadership Series to help folks like myself prepare for a future in leadership positions. Securing a spot in the class was the easy part.

You’ve heard of the training programs where the students are broken down to be built back up in the desired model. Our program isn’t as intense as that but our leadership styles and philosophies are broken down, analyzed, digested, and finally crystallized into a model that is unique to each of us. Working through the program, there are plenty of a-ha moments; mine tend to be “Duh!” moments.

Teasing out my personal style, my strengths, and my weaknesses was not easy, nor was it comfortable. What I’m finding, though, is that I’ve known about these all along, hence the Duh! moments. I like to lead with humor, honesty and integrity, knowledge, practicality, all while helping others. Utilizing these strengths should help me be a better leader. Working with those talents will hopefully lead to more cohesion in my efforts. One of the great lines in class was “Trust of self comes first. Know yourself, then lead others.”

Acknowledging weaknesses is not pleasant. Looking at your strengths is a lot like fishing for compliments. Digging into your weak underbelly, flat out sucks. As it turns out, I’m pretty much terrible at empathic listening. I get so wrapped up in defending my position or decision that I fail to listen fully to the other side. I listen to defend, not to understand.

So what is the end game here? I feel that improved leadership skills can be utilized in many settings. At home on the ranch I can practice better communication. On the volunteer fire department as Assistant Chief I can be a stronger officer in difficult situations for our community. In the Montana Stockgrowers Association I can be a better voice for the needs of producers in the state. I have a ways to go but I’m headed in the right direction.

I want to be better. I want to be a driver.

 

Want to learn more about our Leadership Series? Check out the website or email [email protected].

April 27, 2016 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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REEF Announces Selections for Young Cattlemen’s Conference

MSGA’s Research & Education Endowment Foundation Announces Selections for Young Cattlemen’s Conference

Helena, MT – Montana Stockgrowers Association’s Research & Education Endowment Foundation (REEF) has selected two delegates to represent MSGA at the Young Cattlemen’s Conference this year. Andy Kellom of Hobson, MT and Ariel Overstreet-Adkins of Helena, MT will represent MSGA at this year’s conference. The Young Cattlemen’s Conference, held June 1 – June 9, 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 cattlemen 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.

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. It is through the support of REEF and the Young Stockgrowers that MSGA is able to send two people to this conference.

Andy

Andy Kellom is the cattle manager for Bos Terra LP. He manages the day to day cattle operations for a 7,000 head stocker operation and a 15,000 head feedlot. In addition to his responsibilities at Bos Terra, he also runs a personal herd of 500. He is the Vice President of the Judith Basin Stockgrowers and Chairman of the Cattle Feeders Subcommittee for MSGA. Andy was instrumental in the startup of Verified Beef and development of the USDA Process Verified Program and database to provide Age and Source, NHTC, Never Ever 3, and Grass Fed Verification to cow-calf producers. He believes the knowledge and experience he gains on the YCC trip will be invaluable to him as an individual MSGA member, he intends to continue to “be at the table” to contribute to the process of policy development.

Ariel

Ariel Overstreet-Adkins was the Director of Communications for MSGA until she left to attend law school with the goal of becoming a more effective advocate for rural Montana and agriculture. This May she will graduate from the University of Montana School of Law with her juris doctor degree. After graduation she will spend a year clerking for a U.S. District Court judge in Montana. In the fall of 2017 she will begin work as an associate at the Moulton Bellingham law firm in Billings where her focus will be on natural resource and agricultural law, particularly water and property law. Ariel is confident that the YCC trip will give her further education and insight to be a great advocate for Montana’s family ranchers whether in the courtroom, the Legislature, or in the court of public opinion.

MSGA would like to thank all those that applied and congratulate Andy and Ariel on their selection!

###

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.

April 27, 2016 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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MSGA, MASGD &PLC File Brief in Grazing Allotment Case

Montana Stockgrowers Association, Montana Public Lands Council, Montana Association of State Grazing Districts, along with the Southwestern Montana Stockmen’s Association, and National Public Lands Council filed our amicus brief on March 24th, in the case regarding two grazing allotments in the Gravelly Mountains.  The case was brought forward by the Gallatin Wildlife Association, with claims that grazing would cause irreparable harm to grizzly bears and bighorn sheep.  This case would directly affect permittees Helle Livestock and Rebish/Konen livestock, as well have potential national significance.  The case is being heard in front of U.S. District Court Judge Brian Morris.  Judge Morris denied the original injunction and the case will proceed with oral arguments scheduled for May 26th in Great Falls.  The briefs in the case are available for review below, including briefs filed by the Montana Farm Bureau Federation, Montana Wool Growers Association, American Sheep Industry and Helle Livestock and Rebish/Konen Livestock.

Have questions? Please contact the MSGA office.

 

(126) Sheep Industry Resp Brief in Opp to Plntfs Motion for SJ

Dkt 127 MFBS’s Amicus Brief

Dkt 129 Def-Int Motion for SJ

MSGA-MASGD-PLC -Helle Amicus Brief

April 26, 2016 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Leadership Series Guest Blogger: Katelyn Dynneson

The Leadership Series was challenged this month to write a blog post that shares their personal leadership story and why they’re stepping up to live LARGER by being a part of this program. Below we are sharing Katelyn Dynneson’s blog post. Katelyn is the 4th generation on her family’s operation where they run a custom back-grounding feedlot, cow-calf operation and farm. She attended Montana State University and received a BS in Agricultural Business with a second major in Economics. Katelyn returned to the farm full-time after college and I have been loving every minute of it.

Thanks for sharing this with us Katelyn!

Katelyn

“I am incredibly honored to be a part of the inaugural Montana Stockgrowers Association Leadership Series. I applied to be a part of this program because I am truly passionate about my agriculture community and I want to learn how to be a great rancher and the best advocate I can be.

Throughout the program I have been learning more about my personal leadership brand. It has really opened up my eyes to who I am and what I enjoy doing. It has made me realize how dedicated I am to promoting what my family and other farmers and ranchers do in agriculture. For the past few years, I have been sharing my family’s story on our ranch’s Facebook page. I love connecting with consumers and sharing what my family does day to day. Part of the reason I joined the program was to improve on my skills and hopefully encourage others to share their stories as well.

The most valuable lesson I have learned from this program is that I need to do things that align with my leadership brand. I cannot give my all if I do not fully believe in what I am doing. It is okay to not be involved in every single thing. Instead, I need to focus my energy and my talents on the things that I am best at and truly care about. This is why I serve on the board of the MonDak Area Stockgrowers and am an active 4-H leader. I try to find programs and organizations that follow my leadership brand.

Thanks to our coaches, Ryan and Sarah, I continue to learn more about myself and my leadership brand. So far I have learned that I will fight tooth and nail for our agriculture community. I’m not afraid to talk about a controversial topic and I try my best to be well educated on the issues facing our community. I am also not afraid to jump into a task and get things done. Organizations are run by those who show up and voice their opinions, and I am one of those people that is willing to do what it takes to make a difference. I am not easily intimidated by new or different challenges and I love to learn. I am proud to be a face for agriculture.

This program has already given me numerous invaluable skills and experiences. I have the pleasure of working with an outstanding group of individuals that share my passion for agriculture. My improved communication and advocating skills have already helped with connecting with consumers and fellow ranchers. Not to mention the skills we have learned to make us better ranchers. This program has been amazing thus far and I cannot wait to see what else it has in store for us. I hope this program continues for many years and future groups gain as much as I have. Thank you Montana Stockgrowers, Ryan and Sarah for allowing me this opportunity to better myself. I truly appreciate it.”

Interested in connecting with Katelyn? You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!

April 19, 2016 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Rancher Discusses Critical Habitat Designations

NCBA Federal Lands Committee Chair Robbie LeValley discusses the potential consequences of Fish and Wildlife Service’s recently finalized rule regarding critical habitat designations, which expands their ability to designate habitat.   – See more online.

 

April 11, 2016 1 Comment Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Meet the Leadership Series | Justin M. Iverson

Justin M. Iverson

Justin

Hometown

Potomac

About

3rd generation Montanan working on the family cow/calf operation.
Bachelor’s Degree from The University of Montana in Health and Human Performance; Go Griz! Married to a wonderful 5th generation Montanan.

Occupation

Rancher, Greenough Potomac Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief

What sparked your interest in agriculture?

Mom and Dad kicked each son in our family off the ranch to find our own path. After 12 years of living in rural Central Oregon, I am the first to figure out that I really wanted to be back on the home place. I spent the last five years there in a suit and tie in an office and couldn’t wait to get back to Montana for long weekends branding, haying, farming, or building fence. In 2012 we pulled the trigger, sold our house in Oregon, and relocated to Potomac. The desire to work closely with family and the land was a powerful motivator.

What makes a great leader?

Experience makes a great leader. The practical application of knowledge gained in the classroom and copious amounts of patience and forgiveness from those we lead builds that experience.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

I would learn to play the Mandolin. It is impossible to not have a good time when someone plays an instrument around a fire.

Where do you hope to be in five years?

In five years I will be on the ranch wrapping up another calving season, energized for one more year. I hope to be involved in leadership positions within the ranching community locally and statewide.

What do you hope to gain from the leadership series?

At the end of the day I want to be a better producer. Utilizing the knowledge and skills from the program to create the necessary environment for that success is the challenge.


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April 11, 2016 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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USDA value-added producer grant funding available

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

USDA, Rural Development State Director John Walsh today April 8th that USDA is making up to $44 million available to farmers, ranchers and businesses to develop new bio-based products and expand markets through the Value-Added Producer Grant program.

 “Agriculture is Montana’s largest industry and adding value to this industry’s products will only help Montana’s farmers, ranchers, and rural business owners increase economic opportunities for their families and communities” said Walsh. “The Value-Added Producer Grant program is an under-utilized program in Montana.  This program can help expand agriculture markets and deliver a higher dollar return to producers.”

Value-Added Producer Grants help eligible applicants enter into value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of bio-based value-added products.  Generating new products, creating and expanding marketing opportunities, and increasing producer income are the goals of this program.  These grants support planning activities, such as developing a business plan, as well as provide working capital to implement viable value-added business plans.  Grants are awarded through a national competition. The maximum grant amount for planning grants is $75,000 and $250,000 for working capital grants.  Matching resources are required.

 More information on how to apply is on page 20607 of the April 8 Federal Register. The deadline to submit paper applications is July 1, 2016. Electronic applications submitted through grants.gov are due June 24, 2016. Additional information and assistance is available through the USDA Rural Development Office serving your county.

   Since 2009, USDA has awarded 1,126 Value-Added Producer Grants totaling $144.7 million. USDA awarded 205 grants to beginning farmers and ranchers.

  In Montana, Poor Orphan Creamery, located in the Laurin community, received a $15,750 grant in 2014.  The working capital grant helped the sheep dairy to produce value-added hand-crafted farmstead cheeses from milk harvested from their flock of Icelandic dairy sheep.  The cheese is now sold throughout the United States and Internationally.

Congress increased funding for the Value-Added program in the 2014 Farm Bill. That law builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past six years, while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for taxpayers.

Since 2009, USDA Rural Development has invested $11 billion to start or expand 103,000 rural businesses; helped 1.1 million rural residents buy homes; funded nearly 7,000 community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care facilities; financed 180,000 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines; and helped bring high-speed Internet access to nearly 6 million rural residents and businesses.