March 10, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Young Stockgrowers Host Calling on the Capitol – Legislative Conference

Lacey EhlkeBy Lacey Ehlke, Townsend, Young Stockgrowers Vice Chair

This year’s Calling on the Capitol Legislative Conference, hosted by the Young Stockgrowers, was a very informative and productive two days in Montana’s capitol city. We 20 attendees from all over the state become involved in the key issues affecting Montana ranchers.

The event started with a great overview of the issues focused on in the 2015 Legislative Session, presented by MSGA’s Jay Bodner. We then formed a round table discussion to talk about these issues, the major ones being the Board of Livestock Budget, Sage Grouse population, and the CSKT Water Compact. In that discussion, we were able to talk to all participants and find out how these issues directly affected them, as well as getting some questions answered for those affected. The social hour and dinner later that evening allowed us to get to know the fellow attendees, as well as continue some very meaningful discussion.

Calling on the Capitol 2015 Legislative Conference YSGThe next morning, we were fortunate enough to have breakfast with over 15 of our local legislators from both the Montana House of Representatives and Senate. During this breakfast, it was clear the legislators wanted to hear our input on the issues affecting ranchers in the state, which was both encouraging and rewarding. Following breakfast, we had a presentation from both the DNRC and Fish, Wildlife & Parks, and were able to ask questions of the presenters. Errol Rice then gave us a legislative training to prepare everyone for the visit to the Capitol that afternoon.

To wrap up, we all headed to the Capitol to see the legislature in action. The timing worked out perfectly, as we witnessed a joint session of the House and Senate, who were then addressed by Montana’s Congressman Ryan Zinke.

A comprehensive tour of the Capitol building itself followed and we completed the day by listening in to the Senate Natural Resources Committee meeting that afternoon.

As the newly elected Vice Chair of the Young Stockgrowers, I felt extremely lucky to be able to attend such a wonderful event. I am trying to become more involved in the organization, and this was a perfect way to do so. I recommend it to all Young Stockgrowers, not only for all the useful knowledge you walk away with, but for the lifelong friends you will make over the course of two days. These issues the MSGA staff work so hard on affect each one of us as ranchers, and it is crucial that we keep ourselves informed.

March 3, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

MSU Collegiate Stockgrowers Elect 2015 Officer Team

Back, L-R: Amanda Williams, Connor Hodgskiss, Brady Johnson, Kamron Ratzburg, Kyle Moore Front, L-R: Brittany Hansen, Kensey Mikkelsen, Marni Wade

Back, L-R: Amanda Williams, Connor Hodgskiss, Brady Johnson, Kamron Ratzburg, Kyle Moore
Front, L-R: Brittany Hansen, Kensey Mikkelsen, Marni Wade

The New Year and semester at Montana State University brought a new officer team for the Collegiate Stockgrowers! The team has made plans and goals for the year and is very excited for what the club has in store.

The new 2015 Collegiate Stockgrowers Officer Team includes:

  • President – A sophomore is Kamron Ratzburg from Sunburst, majoring in Animal Science, Pre-Vet option.
  • Vice President – Brittany Hansen, from Ekalaka, is a sophomore in the Pre-Nursing program.
  • Secretary – Baker native, Marni Wade is in her junior year of Business Management with an Entrepreneurship and Accounting minor.
  • Treasurer – From Choteau, Connor Hodgskiss is double majoring in Ag-Business and Crop Sciences in his sophomore year.
  • Historian – From Hobson, Kensey Mikkelsen is in her sophomore year majoring in Exercise Science with a minor in Ag-Business.
  • Social Media Specialist – Amanda Williams is a freshman double majoring in Animal Science, Livestock Management & Industry option and Rangeland Ecology & Management. She is from Miles City.
  • Agriculture Student Council Representative – Brady Johnson, from Hinsdale, is a junior in Animal Science, Livestock Management & Industry option with a minor in Business Administration.
  • Agriculture Student Council Representative – Originally from Maine, Kyle Moore is studying both Ag-Business and Animal Science in his freshman year.

As in the past, we have a Work Crew available to help ranchers/farmers with any job. Branding help is always popular in the spring, but we aren’t limited to only helping with brandings. If you or someone you know needs any kind of ranch/farm help, please contact Vice President Brittany at her email: [email protected], a few days in advance if possible.

Our meetings are the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month at 6 pm in the Animal Bioscience Building Room 138 and we’d love to have you join us if you’re in Bozeman! Do you know an MSU student that we should contact about joining CSG? Let us know at [email protected]. Don’t forget to “like” our Facebook page and stay updated with us!

February 6, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

National Effort Places Renewed Focus on Young Beef Leaders

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – A new program from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is placing renewed focus on this country’s young beef producers. The NCBA Young Beef Leader (YBL) program, which involves state affiliates from across the country, will give young people 21-35 years old opportunities for education and increased involvement in local, regional and national industry efforts.

The initiative was announced following an NCBA YBL Roundtable Feb. 5 during the 2015 Cattle Industry Convention in San Antonio, Texas. Included in the roundtable, sponsored by Caterpillar and attended by representatives from 36 state and breed affiliates, was a state sharing forum and discussion of what the new program would include and how it would be conducted. In addition, representatives from seven regions were elected to serve on a Steering Committee for the new program.

Elected chairman of the new YBL Steering Committee was Keith Nantz of Maupin, Oregon. Nantz said the program has an important function in today’s beef industry.

“We need to engage the next generation in a way that keeps them involved and gives them opportunities,” said Nantz. “This effort will open the door to our youth in the areas of production, policy and leadership.”

Elected to the Steering Committee were Chris Jeffcoat, Pennsylvania, American Angus Association (Region I); Jacob Nyhuis, Georgia Cattlemen’s Association (Region II); Ben Novack, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (Region III); April Bonds, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (Region IV); Matt Hunt, Colorado Livestock Association (Region V); Amber Miller, Nevada Cattlemen’s Association (Region VI); and Jaclyn Wilson, Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association (Region VII).

The NCBA YBL program will place particular attention on creating a strong state/national partnership, with NCBA state and breed affiliates playing a key role both in guiding the new program and in developing the young leaders in the future. Funding and staff support from NCBA will make additional state initiatives possible. Ryan Goodman is participating in the program on behalf of the Montana Stockgrowers Association.

A social for those interested in supporting the program, also sponsored by Caterpillar, was held Feb. 4.

Nantz encourages other young producers to get involved in this effort. “It’s a chance to strengthen relationships and networking, enabling growth on both the personal and industry levels,” he said.

For more information on the NCBA YBL program, contact Sara Arp at [email protected].

February 3, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

MSU Extension and MSGA Announce 2014 Steer of Merit Certifications

MSU Extension Montana Nutrition Conference and Livestock ForumMontana State University Extension and the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) distinguished 118 “Steers of Merit” out of 930 entries for 2014. Out of 622 steers entered in the Carcass Division, 76 were deemed Steers of Merit. In the Ultrasound Division, 42 out of 308 entries received the distinction.

“The Steer of Merit award promotes and recognizes the production of the highest quality of Montana beef with carcass characteristics that meet the U.S. beef industry’s standards of excellence,” said Errol Rice, MSGA’s executive vice president. “We are proud to sponsor this great youth program that teaches and awards 4-H and FFA beef projects that have met or exceeded these industry benchmarks in order to meet both domestic and global consumer demand for the 21st century.”

The exhibitors and breeders of the top five steers in each category were honored at MSGA’s Annual Convention, Dec. 11-13 in Billings at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana. The top five steer entries in the Carcass Division were:

  1. Sydney Greenslade, Beaverhead County (Probst Livestock, breeder)
  2. Blake Toyne, Beaverhead County (John & Sandy Dixon, breeder)
  3. Skyler Frame, Lake County (Skyler Frame, breeder)
  4. Kenny Pauley, Beaverhead County (Roberts & Heffner, breeder)
  5. Cierra Lamey, Beaverhead County (Cory Lamey, breeder).

The top five steer entries in the Ultrasound Division were:

  1. Jake Kraft, Yellowstone County (breeder unknown)
  2. Levi Mydland, Carbon County (Bryan Vincent, breeder)
  3. Raegan Nansel, Yellowstone County (Gillespie Livestock, breeder)
  4. Tysa Oswald, Carbon County (Oswald Farms, breeder)
  5. David James, Big Horn County (Colt Johnson, breeder).

The number of Steer of Merit certifications for 2014 decreased by 17 steers, with 14 fewer entries submitted compared to 2013.

“Steer of Merit certification decreased slightly in 2014 compared to 2013,” said Rachel Endecott, Montana State Extension Beef Cattle Specialist. “Most areas of the state had good cattle feeding weather and conditions in summer 2014. Cattle might have been able to finish quite easily and this may have resulted in slightly lower overall cutability in the entries.”

The Montana Steer of Merit program was initiated in 1967 as a joint effort between the Montana Stockgrowers Association and Montana State University Extension. The program was designed to measure, record, and improve carcass characteristics in beef cattle. Data from these carcasses has been summarized and analyzed statistically. Over time, significant increases have been made in quality grade and in yield grade, or cutability, indicating that cattle can be selected for leaner carcasses with higher cutability and still maintain high quality grade as reflected by marbling.

To be designated a Steer of Merit, carcasses are evaluated by a qualified individual using information that relates to yield of lean meat and eating quality. Beef carcasses must meet criteria set by the Steer of Merit Committee in the areas of hot carcass weight, dressing percent, fat thickness over 12th rib (back fat), total rib eye area, yield grade, percent cutability, and quality grade. Computer software programs help compile data and rank carcasses for state and county awards. Data is also analyzed periodically to track genetic and feed management progress. The minimum standards for Steer of Merit are reviewed each year and the program is updated to meet the changing industry standards.

For more information about the Steer of Merit program call Rachel Endecott, Montana State Extension Beef Cattle Specialist at (406) 994-3747.

January 26, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

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 22, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

$1,000 Educational Heritage Scholarship Application Due April 1

reefLogoMontana Stockgrowers Association’s Research & Education Endowment Foundation (REEF) is offering an Educational Heritage Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. This annual scholarship is awarded to a MSGA student member.

Last year’s scholarship recipient was Ariel Overstreet Adkins of Big Timber, MT. Upon receiving the 2014 award, Ariel, a student at the University of Montana School of Law said, “this scholarship means a tremendous amount to my family and I as we work to pay for school. Scholarships allow students like me to graduate with less debt, which is significant because it means that I am going to be able to work on issues for the people I care about.”

To be eligible for the Educational Heritage Scholarship, students must currently be enrolled in college and have completed at least one semester of coursework, be a member of Montana Stockgrowers Association, and demonstrate a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.

Applicants must complete the application form (mtbeef.org/educational-heritage-scholarship), include a copy of their current transcript, write a 500-word essay discussing their educational pursuits and what they hope to do with their education, and include two letters of recommendation.

Applications must be completed and postmarked or mailed no later than April 1, 2015.

For more information on these scholarships and to apply online, visit the MSGA website at mtbeef.org. For questions, please email Jesse Gill at [email protected]. If you are interested in these scholarships but are not currently a member of MSGA, join today. Student memberships start at just $20.

The Research and Education Endowment Foundation (REEF) of the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established to provide resources for education and research that supports the Montana Stockgrowers Association in enhancing the Montana ranching community, as excellent environmental stewards, in their production of healthy beef for the world.

 

Public Lands Council Logo
January 21, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Public Lands Council Offers Scholarships for Legislative Conference in D.C.

The Public Lands Council is once again offering two Nick Theos scholarships of $250, complimentary hotel accommodations on Capitol Hill, and complimentary conference registration to attend the annual Spring Legislative Conference in Washington, DC, March 23-26, 2015.

PLC represents public lands ranchers in Washington, DC. Since 1968, PLC has worked with Congress and the federal land management agencies to maintain a stable business environment in which livestock producers can conserve the West and feed the nation and world.

Nick Theos, a founding member of PLC and great supporter of the livestock industry, passed away on April 11th, 2013 at the age of 92. It is because of the Theos family and the Nick Theos PLC Scholarship Program that young people are able to attend our annual Legislative Conference in Washington, DC.

In an effort to get more college students involved with PLC issues and provide them with an unforgettable learning experience, we are offering this chance to meet members of Congress and their staff; attend meetings with agency officials; and hear from the leading experts and influencers in the industry. Scholars will be able to actively participate in our efforts to promote and support public lands grazing at our Nation’s Capital.

Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in public lands ranching. We ask that they complete the attached form and include a letter of recommendation from a teacher or professor, FFA mentor, livestock association, or other leader that can attest to the professionalism and interest of the applicant. If selected, applicants should be prepared to give short remarks to meeting attendees during lunch on Tuesday, March 24th.  PLC will provide hotel rooms and registration fees. Sponsorships to help cover travel costs are encouraged.

Application forms and letters of recommendation are due by COB Friday, February 6, 2015. The PLC Executive Committee will select the two recipients and PLC staff will notify them by Friday, February 13th.

The 2015 PLC Nick Theos Scholarship Application is available by clicking here.

January 15, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Collegiate Stockgrowers Launch at Montana Western

Montana Stockgrowers Association is proud to announce the formation of a third Collegiate Stockgrowers club. Students at the University of Montana Western in Dillon have been hard at work this past fall semester to launch the student club affiliated with MSGA.

Although the Collegiate Stockgrowers are new to the Western campus, they already have big plans to increase involvement in the community. “We are introducing ourselves to local businesses and talking to anyone who is interested,” says Haley Rayl, club Secretary. “We have been contacted by many local ranchers looking for help this calving season with general ranch hand duties.”

Local MSGA members have been big supporters of the Collegiate Stockgrowers club during the formation. MSGA 1st Vice President, Bryan Mussard of Dillon, and several members of the Southwestern Montana Stockmen’s Association who are local to Dillon have expressed interest in helping the University club grow on campus and in the community.

The Western Collegiates hope to bring educational opportunities to the Western campus that will help students learn more about the ranching industry in and around Dillon. Mike Rose, current President and club co-founder, recognized the impact of Beaverhead County’s ranching industry to the state and hopes to support local ranchers through club service projects. The Collegiates have also been working with area high school programs to work with their agriculture programs, involving younger students in learning and service projects.

Several members of the Western CSG group made the trip to Billings for MSGA’s Annual Convention in December. The students participated in Cattlemen’s College workshops, attended policy committee meetings and made good use of their time networking with Stockgrower members from across the state.

Western students will join other Collegiate Stockgrower members from Montana State University in Bozeman and MSU-Northern in Havre on an educational trip to the National Western Stock Show in Denver next month. The cooperation of all three collegiate clubs speaks to the involvement and energy surrounding Montana’s Collegiate and Young Stockgrower membership programs.

To contact the Collegiate Stockgrowers at University of Montana Western, email [email protected]. To learn more about Collegiate and Young Stockgrowers programs, contact Ryan Goodman at the MSGA office, (406) 442-3420 or [email protected].

Public Lands Council Logo
January 9, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

NCBA and PLC Accepting Summer Internship Applications

WASHINGTON – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s and the Public Lands Council‘s government affairs office in Washington, D.C., is accepting applications for the summer 2015 public policy internship. The deadline to submit an application is Feb. 9, 2015.

“NCBA and PLC provide opportunities that very few other internships can offer,” said John Weber, South Dakota State University animal science senior and spring 2014 intern. “They truly make you feel part of the team working on key policy issues that impact the beef industry. The internship gives you the opportunity to cover topics ranging from animal welfare to trade and allows you the chance to advocate on behalf of the industry on Capitol Hill.”

NCBA Executive Director of Legislative Affairs Kristina Butts said this is a great opportunity for students with an interest in the beef industry and public policy.

“The internship gives college students the opportunity to work alongside staff on a range of issues that impact U.S. cattlemen and women,” Butts said. “The internship is designed to work closely with the lobbying team on Capitol Hill; to assist with NCBA and PLC’s regulatory efforts; and to work closely with the communications team.”

The full-time internship will begin May 18, 2015 and end Aug. 21, 2015. To apply, interested college juniors, seniors or graduate students should submit the application, college transcripts, two letters of recommendation and a resume to [email protected]. More information about the NCBA public policy internship is available on BeefUSA.org.

###
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].

January 8, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Emphasizing Involvement for Young Stockgrowers

Lacey Sutherlin Stevensville Young StockgrowersBy Lacey Sutherlin, Stevensville, Outgoing Young Stockgrowers Chair

Wow! What a convention we had last month! Great attendance, outstanding Cattleman’s Colleges, powerful discussion in the committee meetings, and do not forget the incredible giveaways! We are very lucky to have the support and sponsorships that we do from Montana businesses. Without these sponsorships, the convention would not be the one of kind event that it is today.

I would like to thank all of the membership for making my time as Young Stockgrower Board member an excellent experience. I am very honored to have been given the opportunity to serve all of you for the last couple of years. I will have the unforgettable memories and the relationships I made along the way for a life time. This is an organization with a foundation of great members, led by a board of directors who have devoted their time to improving the organization and representing all of us on a local and national level, supported by an irreplaceable staff.

While traveling to meetings and events these last two years there is a powerful group of young people that are involved in Montana agriculture in all aspects of the industry. I met young men and women that are involved in production agriculture, agribusinesses, cattle genetics and an enthusiastic group of college students paving their way into the future.

In closing, I would encourage all of you one last time to get involved in this organization and take the time to be advocates of Montana Agriculture, because if we do not do it ourselves, no one is going to do it for us. As Young Stockgrowers, the best leaders, role models and mentors we have in Agriculture are the members of the Montana Stockgrowers.

Throughout the year, there are multiple Stockgrower events you can attend to stay informed and involved. Just around the corner is Young Ag Couples Conference, Calling on the Capital and the Affiliate Mentorship Program (AMP) all happening in January and February in Helena. Do not forget about Young Cattlemen’s Conference Applications that are due in February.

Be sure to contact me if there is anything I can do to help you along the way. [email protected]. Travis Brown was elected as your Chairmen of Young Stockgrowers and Lacey Ehlke was elected as your Vice Chairman and you are in good hands!

Thank you all again & Happy New Year! –Lacey Sutherlin