March 3, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management: Excellence in Ag Leadership Program

Travis Brown with the King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management's Dr. Clay Mathis.

Travis Brown with the King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management’s Dr. Clay Mathis.

The King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management is expanding its outreach efforts by offering a 2-year leadership course called the “Excellence in Ag Leadership Program.” Travis Brown of Sand Springs, Montana (Facebook) and the current vice-chair of MSGA’s Young Stockgrowers Association, is one of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association-elected participants.

The goal of this program is to help develop the next generation of leaders in the ranching industry through a suite of lectureships and symposia offered to individuals in the agricultural industry. By attending these training sessions, engaging in the educational opportunities, and networking with other young beef leaders, participants will pave the way for future leadership roles in the ranch community.

“It’s truly an honor to have educational institutions like King Ranch® Institute, that have a legacy of leadership and business, invest in the future,” said Travis. The first meeting of the program was held in early February at the Cattle Industry Convention in Nashville.

Travis joined several other passionate young beef leaders from across the country.

Working closely with his family on their operation in South Carolina and running Spitzer Agribusiness, participant Ben Spitzer said, “The first workshop was immensely helpful in improving myself and realizing what to focus on in my professional development.”

“Working with young leaders across our industry will help us all improve, so that we can be more of a benefit to those who we contact in our business and in our communities. Iron sharpens iron,” said Ben Neale, commercial cattleman from Tennessee and Area Sales Manager for BioZyme, Inc.

Below is a video produced by MSGA’s Lauren Chase, featuring Travis, as well as Dr. Clay Mathis, the director and endowed chair of the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management (KRIRM), part of the Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Human Sciences at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

This leadership program will continue for the next two years with meetings at the Cattle Industry Convention and in Kingsville, TX. Be sure to follow along with the participants on the King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management’s website, Facebook page and Twitter feed.

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Tyson meat donation Montana
February 25, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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MSU Collegiate Cattlewomen making a difference with big food donation

Tyson meat donation MontanaBOZEMAN – A Montana State University club has won a national competition, and the prize – 30,500 pounds of chicken products from Tyson Foods, Inc.  – is scheduled to arrive the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 26, at the Gallatin Valley Food Bank.

The Collegiate CattleWomen’s Club won the contest by collecting 500 pounds of canned goods during the annual “Can the Griz” food drive last fall and completing other weekly assignments in the annual Animal Agricultural Alliance Online College Aggies Scholarship Competition. The Animal Agriculture Alliance is one of the largest animal agricultural industry nonprofit organizations in the country. Since the group launched the national online competition in 2009, more than 1,500 college students from more than 100 colleges and universities have participated.

Bronya Renfrow, president of the Collegiate CattleWomen’s Club, said the MSU club decided to donate its prize to the Gallatin Valley Food Bank. Food Bank Coordinator Jill Holder said the food bank will share the gift with other groups, which might include senior centers, group homes and nonprofit organizations. 

She has never received a single donation this large during her time with the food bank, Holder said.

“This donation is a really big deal, and it’s incredibly helpful to our valley families,” Holder said. “This donation will provide protein for almost an entire year, so it’s an enormous contribution. Buying protein can get expensive so we’re thankful and excited for the donation.”

Renfrow said she is proud of her club for winning the competition.

“For such a small club to be able to accomplish something like this is incredible. It’s a huge honor. It hasn’t quite sunk in how many local families the donation will help to feed,” said Renfrow from Pleasantville, Iowa, a senior majoring in agricultural education (agricultural relations).

The club only placed food boxes in Linfield Hall and the Animal Bioscience Building for the fall food drive, Renfrow said.

“We were really surprised we won the food drive because we only placed boxes in a few buildings, so it’s a real testament to the staff, students and faculty in those buildings who helped us to win this,” she said.

The Collegiate CattleWomen Club has approximately 15 members, Renfrow said. One of 27 clubs in the MSU College of Agriculture, its mission is to promote beef.

“We emphasize that meat is a good source of zinc, iron and protein, and lean meat can be good for you,” Renfrow said.

In addition to the food drive, the MSU club handed out beef sticks and fact sheets last fall for a “Meet the Meat” event on campus. Last spring, it held a 5K race and barbecue, titled “Meat at the Finish Line.” It will hold the same event this year on Saturday, April 12. Throughout the school year, club members give “Perfect Cheeseburger” presentations at elementary schools, demonstrating and explaining the nutrition in each layer of a cheeseburger.

 

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February 18, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Montana State University’s Collegiate Quiz Bowl Teams Takes 4th in Nation

Montana Team Finishes Fourth in Nation at 2014 Cattle Industry Convention Quiz Bowl Competition

MSU Quiz Bowl Team (Pictured L to R): Drew Gaskill of Volberg, Katy Klick of Simms, Dr. Rachel Endecott (Sponsor), Jared Hardaway of Belgrade, and Lane Schmitt of Chinook

Winning several local and regional competitions throughout the year, Montana State University’s Collegiate Quiz Bowl team competed for the national title during the 2014 Cattle Industry Convention in Nashville in early February. These Bobcats were Kenneth Gaskill, Katy Klick, Jared Hardaway, Lane Schmitt and advisor, Dr. Rachel Endecott.

The competition places teams from across the country head-to-head to answer complex questions about the livestock industry as quickly as possible. In game show style, the student to “buzz in” first has the opportunity to answer the question and his or her team is then awarded points for correct answers and lose points for incorrect attempts.

During the national competition, MSU competed against teams from Kansas State University and Penn State University. Out of all the teams in nation, the Bobcats took home the 4th place spot. Congratulations to these students and help us to let them know how proud we are of them!

Below is a video feature of the Montana State University team. Click play to view.

February 3, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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NILE Scholarships Now Available

Northern International Livestock Exposition Foundation logoBillings, Mont. – The NILE Scholarship program funded by the NILE Foundation, is now accepting applications for scholarships for the 2014-2015 academic year. Since 1990, the NILE has awarded scholarships to deserving FFA and 4-H students that have been actively involved in their respective programs and communities, excelled in the classroom, and participated in NILE events. “New this year are the Joe Fouts Memorial 4-H and FFA Scholarships. Awarding this scholarship to both a 2014 graduate and 4-H member as well as, a graduating FFA member is truly an honor. All of us at the NILE are thrilled to continue the mission of the organization by assisting in the education of our youth.” says Jennifer Noble, General Manager of the NILE. “Fouts was a member of 4-H for 10 years and remained a strong supporter of 4-H and FFA throughout his life. These scholarships will continue his legacy of support for these organizations.”

Similar to last year, the NILE Scholarship Committee will be awarding three levels of scholarships. First will be the one-time scholarship awarded to high school seniors, similar to what the NILE has always done. The second level of scholarships offered will also be a one-time grant, but will be for students already enrolled in College or a Vo-Tech school. Finally, the third level, which will offer the greatest scholarshiped amount, will be a rolling scholarship. The rolling scholarships will be offered to a select group of High School Seniors who will have the opportunity to renew the scholarship yearly, up to four years of their secondary education. Recipients of rolling scholarships will be chosen from the pool of applicants that are current seniors in High School.

Each year the NILE touches the lives of nearly 10,000 youth through its many programs, events, “live” animal scholarships, and college scholarships. Every year the NILE provides over $55,000 in cash and live animal scholarships.

The NILE Foundation was established in 2009 as a supporting arm of the NILE organization, which is dedicated to the promotion of livestock, agriculture education, and respect for the western culture.

Scholarship applications and guidelines can be found at the NILE’s website, www.thenile.org/scholarships or by contacting the NILE Office. Applications must be into the NILE Office by March 14, 2014. Applications incomplete or late will not be considered. Scholarships will be awarded and announced in April.

 

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Montana State University Collegiate Stockgrowers
January 30, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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January Collegiate Stockgrower Update

Montana State University Collegiate StockgrowersBy Kelsey Haughian, Secretary, Montana State University

A new semester has begun for members at Montana State University! We are excited to see what the semester will bring for Collegiate Stockgrowers as it is bound to be busy and fun for this crew! A new team of officers will be the first thing on the agenda in the coming weeks.

We ended last semester with the Annual Convention in Billings. We are thankful to be given such an opportunity as collegiate members to attend Convention. Over the four days, 12 members were able to meet others in the industry from across the state, as well as attend meetings on Tax, Finance and Ag Policies and Beef Production & Marketing. The club also appreciated the opportunity to speak at the Finale Banquet and draw for our bronze raffle.

The bronze raffle was a huge success, raising over $2,500! The winner of the bronze was Baylie Rodenbaugh of Miles City. Baylie is a high school junior and the daughter of Jeff and Cathy Rodenbaugh. Baylie bought her ticket at the Southeastern Montana Stockgrowers Association affiliate meeting in Miles City. Thank you to everyone who supported us in this fundraiser!

On January 15 – 19, 13 collegiate members from Bozeman and Havre traveled to Denver to take in a once-in-a-life time opportunity. Members toured the JBS-5 Rivers feedlot and JBS packing plant, along with the headquarters of the National Cattleman’s Beef Association and the take in the National Western Stock Show. This trip allows students to learn about the beef cattle industry from a national perspective.

Our meetings are the second and fourth Wednesday of every month. We would love to have MSGA members come and be our guest, to speak a few words of advice, and mostly interact with our young members! For questions/inquires, email [email protected]. And don’t forget to “like” our Facebook page!

 

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January 29, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Laramie Pursley: 2014 Miss Rodeo Montana

Laramie Pursley

The Montana Stockgrowers Association was lucky to find one young lady in the northern part of the state to help start and lead one of our collegiate clubs. Laramie Pursley of Chinook jumped at the opportunity to help at MSU-Northern in Havre. She has done other things to support MSGA as well…like volunteering at Convention and being a participant in the Mentorship Program. These are just a few reasons why we are proud of her, but recently, she impressed us yet again! Laramie competed in her local rodeo circuit and was just crowned Miss Rodeo Montana.

I interviewed Laramie on her reaction to winning the title and what her hopes are for the year…

What does it mean to you to be crowned Miss Rodeo Montana? It means a whole lot! Rodeo queens are people I have always looked up to and what they represent.

What is the activity as queen that you’re most excited about? I am most excited about traveling and seeing the great state. When you go to school 20 minutes from where you graduated… it’s a big opportunity to get to travel and meet people.

How does it feel that many young Montana girls will be looking up to you as a role model? That makes me want to work hard and be someone they can ask questions to about rodeo and life. I really want to encourage girls to run for these titles! There are local queen contests all over the state.

What is your favorite part about rodeo? My favorite part about rodeo is the tradition it represents; the hard work it takes; accomplishments that are felt when you win, and the family-friendly atmosphere it portrays.

What are your hopes for the next year as queen? My hopes as Queen are to represent women, rodeo and the Montana the best I can, encourage future queens, endorse the farming/ranching lifestyle, and so on… I have lots of hopes!

What was your reaction when you found out you would be Miss Rodeo Montana? My reaction was just surprise! Even though I was the only contestant… I had to compete for a certain score at the pageant. It was really nerve-racking 

What does Montana rodeo mean to you? Montana Rodeo means a lot, this really is the Last Best Place!

What does Montana mean to you? Montana means the world to me! I love this state in its diversity and traditional country way of life.

 

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January 27, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Everything you need to know before traveling to 2014 Cattle Industry Convention in Nashville

Cattle Industry Convention 2014 NCBA Trade Show Nashville TNThe 2014 Cattle Industry Convention held February 3-7 at Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee (location information), is expected to be the largest ever with over 5,700 preregistered attendees. With everything that is packed into the schedule, it is important to be aware of events taking place before you travel to Nashville.

All the information you will need for preparation and events information is listed online (full schedule here). Be sure to download the 2014 Cattle Industry Convention mobile application for all your information on the go. Just search for “CIC2014” in the app stores. The official hashtag to keep track of CIC on all social media platforms is #BeefMeet. Be sure to mention MSGA on Twitter (@MTStockgrowers) and Facebook.

Here are the highlights from the agenda for the 2014 Cattle Industry Convention:

Delta B will be the hub for everything you need at convention – Registration, Information, Nashville Tourism and Restaurant Guides, charging stations and technology center. There will be Wi-Fi available in all meeting locations.

Registration is still available online (On-Site opens at 6:00 a.m. daily). Kiosks will be available for check-in for all preregistrations. There will be no hard-copy materials for registration – the bar code on your name badge is the key to all events and information. There will be a ribbon bar where you will need to pick up all identifying ribbons for events during convention. These will not be included in your registration materials.

For Montanans at CIC, be sure to attend the Montana Stockgrowers Social on Wednesday night, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., in Cheekwood G/H. DuPont sponsors the event. Also, catch Northern Ag Network’s Russell Nemetz on Thursday morning as he emcees the Best of Beef Breakfast at 7:00 a.m. in the Presidential Ballroom. The Padlock Ranch, Montana and Regional Environmental Stewardship Award winner, will recognized at different events throughout CIC and is up for the National award.

The Cattlemen’s College takes place on Monday night and Tuesday starting at 7:00 a.m. with 19 presentation available for hands-on and classroom experiences. Highlighting these will be McDonald’s Vice President, Bob Langert, discussing the “Global Sustainability of Beef.”

The Trade Show is SOLD OUT with over 300 vendors and 5.7 acres of exhibition space. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Montana Stockgrowers Association crew in Booth #1815. Stop by and visit us as we bring a little piece on Montana to the Show. Trade Show hours are Tuesday (5:00 – 8:00 p.m.), Wednesday and Thursday (10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.). Blue and Gold will take over the Trade Show on Thursday as FFA youth will be invited to attend.

Opening General Session takes place at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday featuring Capitan Richard Phillips and the Peterson Farm Brothers. General Session II will feature Archie Manning’s discussion on leadership and hopefully the proud dad of a super bowl championship.

On Wednesday beginning at 8:00 a.m., the CattleFax seminar takes place. Unlike previous years, this Outlook seminar is now open to all CIC registrants without a separate ticket. Following the CattleFax seminar will be a discussion on the Architecture of Consumer Demand. The panel discussion will consist of perspectives from a food blogger, chef, the distribution chain and Wendy’s. The topic will center around “reaction to a recent industry scan on consumer buying trends for beef.”

Entertainment will be alive and well again this year at CIC as only Nashville and do. On Wednesday night, the Viva Nashvegas party takes place with live entertainment in the Opryland Events Center. Thursday night, Cattlemen and women will take over the Opryland for an exclusive show from Diamond Rio, John Conlee, Sarah Darling, and more. Cowboy’s Night at the Opry will be followed by the Red Solo Cup After-Party in the Gaylord Opryland.

For Young Producers at CIC, there will be a YPC Social on Tuesday from 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. and the YPC meeting takes place on Wednesday from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Collegiate events include a Roundtable discussion and Career Fair on Thursday. American National Cattlewomen meetings start on Monday at 8:00 a.m. and continue throughout the week.

Business and Policy meetings and discussion takes place at CIC on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. The Region V Caucus meeting takes place on Wednesday from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. in Ryman Ballroom A/B/D/E. Friday morning the Joint CBB & NCBA Federation Board of Directors, Cattlemen’s Beef Board, and NCBA Board of Directors meetings start at 7:30. a.m.

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January 21, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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NCBA Accepting Applications for Public Policy Internship

WASHINGTON (Jan. 20, 2014) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s and the Public Lands Council government affairs office in Washington, D.C., are accepting applications for the fall 2014 public policy internship. The deadline to submit an application is Feb. 17, 2014.

“NCBA and PLC’s internship is a great opportunity to see firsthand a grassroots effort at work in the nation’s most powerful city,” said Rachel Abeh, a Montana State University senior and fall 2013 intern. “I have a better understanding of the complexity and implications of the political issues facing our ranchers back here in the West, along with a greater appreciation for the lobbyists who work on behalf of our producers day in and day out.”

See more thoughts from Rachel Abeh about her recent internship in our video posted yesterday.

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.

“From food safety and trade to environmental issues and taxes, this internship will give college students the opportunity to work alongside staff on many critical issues affecting 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 Sept. 8, 2014 and end Dec. 13, 2014. 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 www.BeefUSA.org.

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

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Public Lands Council Internship
January 20, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Washington D.C. intern: Working on behalf of Montana’s Ranchers


IMAG0813The Montana Stockgrowers Association’s Foundation is proud to support our state’s bright and talented youth as they explore opportunities across the country. This fall, we sponsored Rachel Abeh of Livingston, Montana to intern with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association in Washington D.C. During her time there, she worked with the NCBA and Public Lands Council team as they worked on behalf of not only Montana ranchers, but the nation’s beef producers.

If you are interested in helping us send more students, like this one, on once in a lifetime trips, please consider donating to the Foundation today.

 

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January 20, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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MSU Extension and MSGA announce 2013 Steer of Merit certifications

Montana Stockgrowers and Extension Steer of Merit Recipients

L to R, Lane Brush (Madison County), Randy Kramer (Carbon County), Kayla Sylvia (Lewis and Clark County), Shelbie Oblander (Yellowstone County), Ty Handy (Richland County), and Rachel Endecott (MSU Extension)

Montana State University Extension and the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) distinguished 135 “Steers of Merit” out of over 900 entries for 2013. Out of 775 steers entered in the Carcass Division, 111 were deemed Steers of Merit. In the Ultrasound Division, 24 out of 141 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. 12-14 in Billings at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana. The top five steer entries in the Carcass Division were: 1) Timothy Eash, Lincoln County (Ed Braaten, breeder); 2) Randy Kramer, Carbon County (Justin Oswald, breeder); 3) Karleigh Bolin, Missoula County (Jeremy & Kate Roberts, breeder); 4) Kayla Sylvia, Lewis and Clark County (Troy Wheeler, breeder); and 5) Lane Brush, Madison County (Gerald Brush, breeder).

The top five steer entries in the Ultrasound Division were: 1) Mackenzie Lepley, Yellowstone County (breeder unknown); 2) Ty Handy, Richland County (Larry & Lauri Handy, breeder); 3) Brielle Gorder, Richland County (Allen Gasho, breeder); 4) Shelbie Oblander, Yellowstone County (Pam & Dale Bilyeu, breeder); and 5) Jalyssa Gorder, Richland County (Gartner-Denowh Angus Ranch, breeder).

The number of Steer of Merit certifications for 2013 increased by nine steers, with 26 more entries submitted compared to 2012.

“Steer of Merit certification didn’t change much in 2013 compared to 2012,” said Rachel Endecott, Montana State Extension Beef Cattle Specialist. “This was the second fair season under the new hot carcass weight and back fat standards set by the Steer of Merit Committee in 2011; perhaps some adjustment to the new standards is occurring. And summer 2013 probably had better cattle feeding weather and conditions than summer 2012.”

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.

 

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