Young Cattlemen's Conference Montana Application

The Young Cattlemen’s Conference, Trip of a Lifetime

Is your dream to travel the country and learn about the different aspects of the beef industry? The Montana Stockgrowers Association’s Foundation, along with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, can send you on this once in a lifetime trip… via the Young Cattlemen’s Conference.

Denver, Chicago, Washington D.C.

Young Cattlemen's Conference Montana ApplicationEach summer, NCBA takes around 62 participants from across the US on a multi-city, two-week journey through the beef supply chain. The tour will begin in Denver with a comprehensive overview of the industry.  The group will take an in-depth look at many of the issues affecting the beef industry and what NCBA is doing to address these issues on behalf of its members, plus receive a comprehensive view of market information from Cattle-Fax.

The group will then travel to JBS Five Rivers’ Kuner Feedyard, one of the nation’s largest cattle feeding operations, a one-time capacity of over 100,000 head located in Northern Colorado.  They will then tour the JBS Greeley facility, one of the nation’s largest beef packing and processing plants.  JBS will host the group and will be sharing with them their views of the beef industry from a processor standpoint.

Chicago is the next destination.  Here the group will visit the Chicago Board of Trade & OSI, Inc. one of the nation’s premiere beef patty manufacturers. The participants will then travel to the nation’s Capitol.  They will get a chance to meet with their respective congressmen and senators.  In addition, the group will visit with a number of regulatory agencies that make decisions affecting agriculture.

Last YCC trip, Montana’s representative Travis Brown had the wonderful opportunity to testify on behalf of Montana’s ranchers at the House Natural Resources Committee Hearing.

Apply for YCC by February 15th

Are you interested in participating this summer? MSGA’s Research & Education Endowment Foundation will select one applicant to send on the YCC trip – covering the conference tuition expenses and $500 in airfare. It is packed-full of adventure, education and networking with fellow young cattlemen and women…and it serves as an experience that will impact the way you view the beef industry for the rest of your life.

Fill out your 2014 Montana YCC application online – bit.ly/YCC14MSGA

“The Montana Stockgrowers Association and Foundation is committed to investing in the development and education of leaders in the agriculture business, and the Foundation sees a positive return on the investment in the Young Cattlemen’s Conference delegates,” said Dusty Hahn, Foundation chairman.

MSGA’s Foundation is only able to send one participant per year. This year’s application deadline is Feb. 15. To apply, you must be between the ages of 25-50 and can commit to two weeks this June. Please contact the MSGA office to get the application: (406) 442-3420 and for more information, email MSGA’s Lauren Chase at Lauren@mtbeef.org.

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Montana Young Stockgrowers Walker Milhoan Convention

Montana Ranchers are Role Models

Montana Young Stockgrowers Walker Milhoan Convention

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

By Walker Milhoan, Collegiate Stockgrowers member, University of Montana

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

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

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

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

 

Collegiate Montana Stockgrowers MSU Northern Convention

Zoetis Cattlemen’s College offers ranchers interactive learning

Collegiate Montana Stockgrowers MSU Northern Convention

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zoetis Cattlemens College Montana Stockgrowers Convention

 

NCBA and PLC Update from Rachel Abeh

Rachel Abeh

Rachel Abeh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top 5 ways Collegiates gain from being engaged

MSGA Collegiate Stockgrowers Montana State Northern HavreLast week, I had the opportunity to travel to our Collegiate Stockgrowers meetings in both Bozeman and Havre. Both groups are preparing for Thanksgiving break and Final Exams. The visit was a good chance to meet many of our members, remind them of the benefits of being a Montana Stockgrowers Student member and the advantage of networking and learning opportunities at our upcoming Convention.

Our Collegiate members are inspired and engaged members of their respective University communities. Although they may come from different areas of the state and study programs, they have a common interest in being a part of the ranching community.

Supporting our Young and Collegiate members lends itself to the strengthening of MSGA in the years to come. Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders. Every opportunity we can use to help them gain more experience and leadership skills, the better prepared they will be for what lies ahead.

What advice do I have to give to Collegiate members looking for opportunities with Montana Stockgrowers?

  1. Take advantage of networking opportunities. Events like our upcoming Annual Convention are the best opportunity you will have to meet leaders within our ranching community. Find out what changes are occurring within the ranching community through these events and learn how they may affect you.
  2. Introduce yourself and leave an impression. Give a firm handshake, look people in the eye, and try your best to remember names. You never know who you may be talking to and leaving a good impression with the right people will pay off down the road.
  3. Seek hands-on experiences outside your comfort zone. It may seem very uncomfortable at the time, but learning how others work in your industry and gaining a better idea of the larger picture helps you understand more about what you want to do for a career and why you want to do it. Internships on different ranching operations was the best thing I ever did to learn more about how I want to shape my future in the ranching community.
  4. Find a mentor. Look for people you want to be like and are respected in their circles and abroad. Find someone who is willing to answer questions and gives you encouragement to learn more. Those connections made through mentorship will last a lifetime. MSGA offers a Mentorship program that will connect you with some of the best leaders in Montana’s ranching community.
  5. Have fun, but stay focused. You’re  only young once. Enjoy it, but don’t let a fun night out wreck what you’ve worked so hard to obtain. Take advantage of opportunities to branch out. You can always return home, but when you’re young, it’s easier to travel and explore the opportunities offered to you.

Montana State University Collegiate Stockgrowers logoLevel of student involvement is highly correlated to student success and development that last well beyond the days of college life. Encouraging our younger generations to get involved in groups like Collegiate Stockgrowers sets us (and them) up for a brighter future.

As a person not far removed from my college undergraduate days, I am very thankful for the mentors I have and those members of the ranching community who gave me opportunity and advice.

What advice do you have for younger members of the ranching community?

Younger members, what development opportunities would you like to see most through a Stockgrowers program?

C.R. Morrison Bronze Sculpture Texas Tradition

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 (csg.msu@gmail.com) or find them on Facebook for more details.

Walker MIlhoan Montana Collegiate Stockgrowers

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?

Montana State University Collegiate Stockgrowers logo

MSU Collegiate Stockgrowers host Reception

Montana State University Collegiate Stockgrowers logoCome join us during MSU’s Celebrate Ag!! Weekend for our 2nd Annual Collegiate Stockgrower Reception! It will be Friday, October 25 from 5-6pm in the first floor lobby of the Animal Bioscience Building. We will have appetizers and drinks, as well as guest speakers! We will be selling raffle tickets for a CR Morrison Bronze.

Contact us at csg.msu@gmail.com or call John Henry at 406-853-4938 for questions or bronze tickets. Hope to see you there! Bring a friend, or two!

National Cattlemens Beef USA logo

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 internship@beef.org. 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 internship@beef.org. More information and the internship application are available on NCBA’s website.

 

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.