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Internship Opportunities with NCBA

Several opportunities have recently opened up for young producers to gain experience in the cattle industry on a larger scale. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has announced internship opportunities for both short- and semester-long positions. The deadlines are coming up soon. Be sure to apply today.

Internships are a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience and broaden your horizons within the industry. Even if you have grown up in the ranching business. gaining exposure and awareness of how the industry operates on the national level is a valuable learning opportunity.

Spring and Summer Public Policy Internships

(NCBA) government affairs office in Washington, D.C., is accepting applications for spring and summer 2014 public policy internships. The deadline to submit an application for these opportunities has been extended to Oct. 14, 2013.

“NCBA’s public policy internship gives college students a one-of-a-kind view into the policy making process in Washington, D.C., while helping them prepare to transition from college to career,” said NCBA Executive Director of Legislative Affairs Kristina Butts. “We are looking for college students with an interest in the beef industry, public policy and communications to help NCBA represent cattlemen and cattlewomen in Washington, D.C. The internship is designed to work closely with the lobbying team on Capitol Hill and assist with NCBA’s regulatory efforts.”

The full-time spring internship will begin Jan. 6, 2014, and end May 9, 2014. The full-time summer internship will begin May 19, 2014 and end Aug. 22, 2014. To apply, interested college juniors, seniors or graduate students should submit the application, a college transcript, two letters of recommendation and a resume to [email protected]. More information and the internship application are available on NCBA’s website.

“This isn’t a ‘check-the-box’ style of internship. NCBA’s public policy interns work alongside NCBA staff on critical issues ranging from agriculture policy to trade, the environment and more.” Butts said. “If you or someone you know is interested in this opportunity, we encourage you to apply.” – See more at from BeefUSA.

2014 Cattle Industry Convention Internships

(NCBA) government affairs office in Washington, D.C., is accepting applications for internships during the 2014 Cattle Industry Convention in Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 3-7, 2014. The deadline to submit an application for this opportunity is Oct. 27, 2013.

The Cattle Industry Convention is the oldest and largest convention for the cattle business. The 2014 event will be the 116th annual convention. The convention and trade show create a unique, fun environment for cattle industry members to come together to network and create policy for the industry.

“Our internship positions provide a unique opportunity for students to gain first-hand experience and to interact with leaders from every segment of the cattle and beef industry,” said NCBA Public Policy Analyst Mallory Gaines. “The convention internship program provides an excellent opportunity to network with people throughout the beef industry. NCBA strives to provide time for students to maximize their opportunities to network and learn during the upcoming convention in Nashville.”

The annual Cattle Industry Convention boasts over 5,500 attendees and a trade show with more than 250 booths. Interns are offered a unique, behind-the-scenes experience of setting up the trade show, manning the NCBA Political Action Committee (NCBA-PAC) booth, assisting with the NCBA-PAC auction, helping members vote on NCBA policy, working with the media and helping to guide cattlemen and cattlewomen to convention events.

To apply, interested college juniors, seniors or graduate students should submit the convention internship application, a college transcript, two letters of recommendation and a resume to [email protected]. More information and the internship application are available on NCBA’s website.

 

Government Shutdown affects Agriculture

This week’s government shutdown has directly impacted several federal programs funded by appropriations. Those programs deemed essential to national security or funded by user fees will continue operating, some on a reduced basis. Most other employees have been affected by furloughs. (Source: USDA)

The following USDA activities will continue:

  • Meat, poultry and processed egg inspection services.
  • Grain and other commodity inspection, weighing and grading services funded by user fees.
  • Inspections for import and export activities to prevent the introduction and dissemination of pests into and out of the U.S.
  • Forest Service law enforcement and emergency and natural disaster response efforts.
  • Continuity and maintenance of some research measurements and research-related infrastructure, such as germplasm, seed storage, and greenhouses.
  • Care for animals, plants and associated infrastructure to preserve agricultural research.

Most other USDA activities may not be continued during a government shutdown. These activities include:

  • All farm loans and other farm payments (including direct payments, market assistance loans, and disaster assistance programs).
  • Provision of conservation technical and financial assistance (such as Conservation Reserve Program, Environmental Quality Incentives Program, and easement programs).
  • Provision of new rural development loans and grants for housing, community facilities, utilities and businesses.
  • Agricultural export credit and other agricultural trade development and monitoring activities.
  • All recreation sites across the U.S National Forest System.
  • Most forest fuels reduction activities in and around communities.
  • Market news reports, NASS statistics, and other agricultural economic and statistical reports and projections.
  • Investigation of packers and stockyards related to fraudulent and anti-competitive activities.
  • Assistance for the control of most plant and animal pests and diseases unless funded by cooperators or other non-appropriated sources.
  • Research facilities except for the care for animals, plants and associated infrastructure to preserve agricultural research.
  • Provision of new grants or processing of payments for existing grants to support research, education, and extension.
  • ERS Commodity Outlook Reports, Data Products, research reports, staff analysis, and projections. The ERS public website would be taken offline.

A more complete list of agency contingency plans can be found on the White House website.

Related stories on the impact for Montana agriculture:

Montana Beef Ambassadors

Montana Beef Ambassadors compete at national level

The Montana Beef Ambassadors traveled to Springdale, Arkansas to compete for the 2014 National Beef Ambassador team on September 27-28. Allie Nelson (Senior) and Elizabeth Armstrong (Junior) both competed and represented Montana well. Contestants from 23 different states, including 22 Seniors and 12 Juniors, joined together at the competition which included events in Issues Response, Media Interview, Consumer Promotion, and Youth Presentation. The 2014 National Beef Ambassador team was announced Saturday evening and includes Justana Von Tate, Texas; Emma Morris, California; Rachael Wolters, Tennessee; Tori Summey, Arizona and Sierra Jepsen, Ohio.

Participants began the weekend of events on Friday with a tour of the Tyson Innovations Center and Jac’s Ranch. The event was highlighted with great insights shared by American National Cattlewomen President Barbara Jackson, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Scott George, Cattlemen’s Beef Board Chairman Weldon Wynn and Arkansas Beef Council Executive Director Travis Justice, followed by keynote speakers Butch Calhoun, the Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture, and Yvonne Thaxton. Archived video footage of the event can be viewed at www.ihigh.com/nbap.

Congratulations to Allie and Elizabeth and all of the Montana Cattlewomen who have worked hard preparing for the competition. Montana Stockgrowers Association thanks you and encourages your continued work to advocate for the beef community. Follow the MT Beef Ambassadors on Facebook and Twitter.

National Beef Ambassador Competition 2013 2014

The NBAP competition, hosted by Arkansas Cattlewomen and the American National Cattlewomen, is funded in part by The Beef Checkoff Program (www.MyBeefCheckoff.com). Learn more about the program at www.NationalBeefAmbassador.org.

Registration Open for the 2013 Young Ag Leadership Conference

Register now for the Young Ag Leadership Conference (YALC), set to take place October 11-13 at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.

The YALC is a collaborative effort between nine of Montana’s agricultural organizations, offering attendees a chance to discuss current ag issues, take part in various workshops, meet with industry leaders and network with fellow young people who live Montana agriculture.

Anyone aged 18-40 and interested or involved in any facet of agriculture is encouraged to attend. The conference is put together by a committee of representatives from each of the following: Montana Agri-Business Association, Montana Cattlemen’s Association, Montana 4-H Foundation, Montana FFA Foundation, Montana Farm Bureau Federation, Montana Farmers Union, Montana Grain Growers Association, Montana State University College of Agriculture, and the Montana Stockgrowers Association.

“Ag Venture 2013,” a day camp for children ages 3 & up, will be offered for the first time this year. Ag Ed students from Montana State University will engage kids in a fun and positive environment to promote agriculture. This camp will take place all day Saturday, allowing parents to fully participate in the jam-packed agenda while knowing their youngsters are enjoying a fun day of activities and learning.

Registration will open at 4PM on Friday, October 11 with the social beginning at 6 PM. The weekend’s festivities will kick off with dinner and an entertaining program. Saturday’s schedule is full of workshops, discussion groups and networking opportunities. Participants can choose between six workshop topics and two discussion group themes. The topics included in this year’s workshop sessions range from drought management to bioethics, improving soil health to risk management for beginning farmers and ranchers. Saturday’s luncheon will feature an insightful and entertaining talk by Cort Jensen of the Montana Department of Agriculture. The discussion group topics offered are “America & The World”: A look at U.S. commodities, trade and the current issues affecting them and “Montana Ag Business: Getting a Job and Making it Last.”

After a day full of information and networking, Saturday will wrap up with dinner and an evening of relaxation in the many pools and tubs offered at Fairmont Hot Springs. The weekend will be capped off with Amanda Radke of BEEF Magazine’s “5 Simple Ways to be a Better Agvocate Now.” Register now so you don’t miss this exciting, one-of-a-kind weekend!

Cost of registration for the YALC is only $25, with all meals provided and enrollment costs for the “Ag Venture Day Camp” is $10 per child. After the pre-registration date of October 4, fees increase to $35.

To register for YALC go to the Montana Farm Bureau Federation website or contact Mariah Baumann Shammel at (406) 462-5639 or [email protected].

 

MSU Steer-A-Year program returns for 2013-14

Montana ranchers can once again donate steers to Montana State University. The Steer-A-Year program is back for the 2013-14 school year.

–MSU News Service

BOZEMAN – Montana State University has resumed its Steer-A-Year program after a one-year hiatus.

Montana ranchers who want to donate a steer to benefit students in MSU’s College of Agriculture should contact Extension Beef Cattle Specialist Rachel Endecott. Steers will be accepted Oct. 14 through 18. They will be housed and fed to finish at the Bozeman Agriculture Research and Teaching Farm west of Bozeman.

Donors will be honored at MSU’s Celebrate Agriculture!! on Oct. 25 and 26, Endecott said. Performance data (28-day gains and carcass performance) from the steers will be collected throughout the school year. The top feeder steer and donor will be announced at Celebrate Agriculture!! The top carcass and donor will be announced in the spring.

Donated steers make a direct impact on students, particularly those participating in the livestock judging program, Endecott said. The steers also contribute to the educational experiences of dozens of students in the College of Agriculture since the steers are used in animal science courses throughout the school year. Those courses include “Beef Cattle Management,” “Livestock Management – Beef Cattle,” “Meat Science,” and “Livestock Evaluation.”

For more information about the Steer-A-Year program or how to donate a steer, contact Endecott at (406) 994-3747 or [email protected]

Montana Stockgrowers Mentorship program

Mentorship Program Applications

Montana Stockgrowers Mentorship programAs the average age of our ranching community grows older, opportunities for younger generations to learn valuable skills become increasingly important. One of the best avenues for younger ranchers to gain insight is through mentorship experiences. To facilitate this, MSGA is launching a Mentorship Program to pair a member of the Collegiate and Young Stockgrowers with a mentor in a similar field within the Montana beef industry. Mentor groups will be expected to communicate periodically and meet in person throughout the year. The hope is to build informal relationships where young producers can develop life skills and learning opportunities through one-on-one interactions with mentors.

Program Expectations

Participants in the program will interact and grow through meeting a series of expectations:

**Communicate though social media, telephone, or email
**CSG/YSG member should have a list of goals and discuss them with the mentor
**Meet in person at an event (MSGA convention, industry event in the area, etc)
**Organize one visit during the year — on the mentor’s ranch or business
**Answer survey questions every three months as a progress report
**Complete a reflection at the end of the year discussing what each other learned, how having a mentor/mentee benefits the beef industry, and a brief overview of interactions

Participants in the Mentorship program will be recognized at the annual convention upon completion.

To learn more about the program. contact Lauren Chase at the MSGA office, or by email ([email protected]). Complete the application below or download by clicking hereApplications are due by November 1, 2013.

Applications can be filled out here.

Follow MSGA on Pinterest

Follow the Montana Stockgrowers on Pinterest for all our latest pins, including working ranch photos, beef recipes and all sorts of cattle fun!

Advertise with us!

Learn how you can reach our members with advertisements for your products or services by reviewing the 2013 MSGA Advertiser’s Rate Card and Publication Schedule!

Trichomoniasis Information

Montana State University Extension has released “Bovine Trichomoniasis: Fact Sheet for Montana Cattle Producers” online. This fact sheet was compiled by Dr. Rachel Endecott, MSU Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, and chair of MSGA’s Education and Research subcommittee, along with Dr. Tahnee Szymanski, Montana Department of Livestock Staff Veterinarian. The fact sheet  provides information about about the disease trichomoniasis, how it affects cattle, prevention tips, and regulations for reporting and management of the disease in Montana.

2012 Montana Seedstock & Commercial Cattle Directory

The 2012 Montana Seedstock & Commercial Cattle Directory is available in print as well as online. Click here to view the Directory online. If you would like to have a hard copy mailed to you, please email [email protected].