Montana Stockgrowers’ Goodman Honored with Agricultural Advocate Award

There is a lot of excitement at the Montana Stockgrowers Association this year…and it’s only just January! One new announcement is that MSGA’s manager of communications, Ryan Goodman, has been selected as recipient of the “I Love Farmers, They Feed My Soul” Agricultural Advocates of the Year Award, along with Malorie Bankhead of California and three other honorable mention winners. 46010_10151864677557051_170998017_n

In an effort to recognize and reward young people who volunteer their time advocating for American family farmers and rancher ILF established the Agriculture Advocate of the Year Award in honor of the late Gus Settrini, a cattle rancher from Salinas, Calif. who enjoyed helping young people in agriculture. Winners were selected based on their advocacy efforts online in social media channels and at various public events in 2013. Goodman and Bankhead will receive custom silver buckles and a cash award.

“Hardworking, dedicated and extremely humble are words that come to mind when thinking of my dad,” said Celeste Settrini, daughter of the late Gus Settrini. “His efforts of agriculture advocacy over the years were quiet yet ever so powerful as he encouraged young people to engage in agriculture. My family is truly honored to be a part of such a tremendous program and congratulate those young people who are following their passions to reach out and communicate what we all truly love. These young people are a true testament of what my dad was all about and through them his legacy of his love for his industry can live on.”

Gus Settrini

Gus Settrini

“It’s truly an honor to be recognized with this award, but I couldn’t do it without America’s farmers and ranchers. They are the story and the foundation of my work. I am just glad to be able to use my talents to to amplify their message,” said Goodman. “It’s is humbling that the award is given in honor of Mr. Settrini. He was a great example in the ranching community and someone who greatly supported younger generations.”

​ILF is an all-volunteer movement among young people who are passionate about creating conversations about agriculture with their non-agriculture peers.

Megan Silcott, ILF President said, “We are excited to identify and reward a strong group of young advocates for our inaugural Agricultural Advocate of the Year program. Each winner is an outstanding model for others to follow in advocating for agriculture.”

 

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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 [email protected].

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Ryan Goodman Montana Stockgrowers

MSGA’s Goodman Wins National Award

Ryan Goodman Headshot IdahoThe Montana Stockgrowers Association’s staff knows how lucky we are to have Ryan Goodman on the team. His accomplishments in the agriculture communication world are outstanding and he brings that innovation to MSGA and Montana’s ranching community.

We aren’t the only ones who think Ryan is doing a great job…

On Dec. 4, 2013 Ryan was awarded the Alliance to Feed the Future Communicator of the Year Award, presented by Alliance to Feed the Future and CropLife America. This inaugural award recognizes an outstanding communicator who is helping to balance the dialogue on modern food production.

Dave Schmidt, president and CEO of the International Food Information Council, which coordinates the Alliance, stated, “The Alliance to Feed the Future Communicator of the Year Award recognizes effective and innovative new voices that are enhancing the dialogue about modern food production. These voices are concerned not just with the here and now, but with the needs of generations to come. We can’t think of a better place to award the Communicator of the Year than the Farm Journal Forum, one of D.C.’s top food and agriculture policy meetings.”

“The simple truth is that I have a passion for the cattle industry and the community of folks involved in producing our food,” says Goodman. “America’s farmers and ranchers have a compelling story to tell. Whether it is our hard work, resilience, sense of community, or passion to keep improving upon our skills, I am proud to be a part of a community focused on agriculture, and I am proud to receive this award.”

Further, Goodman, author of the blog Agriculture Proud says, “Blogging and using social media is a way to continuously tell the story of agriculture. The heart of social media is about building relationships with individuals, not only of our like mind, but to branch out to other circles.” Goodman also offers a farmer’s perspective through video vignettes he posts to his blog and on YouTube, and he has contributed several blog posts to CNN’s Eatocracy blog.

This award was presented at the 15th annual Farm Journal Forum held in Washington, D.C., where Goodman was selected from among eight finalists including top bloggers, journalists, students, farmers and other stakeholders invested in communicating about agriculture to society.

We are so proud of Ryan for all the work he has done and all he has yet to do. Be sure to follow Ryan on social media on the MSGA social media sites, as well as his personal platforms:

 

ESAP Application logo

NCBA Environmental Stewardship Award Calls for Entries

ESAP Application logoDENVER — The 24th annual Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) has officially opened its nomination season for 2014. Established in 1991 by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF) and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), the program has recognized the outstanding stewardship practices and conservation achievements of U.S. cattle producers for more than two decades. Regional and national award winners are honored for their commitment to protecting the environment and improving fish and wildlife habitat while operating profitable cattle businesses.

Seven regional winners and one national winner are selected annually by a committee of representatives from universities, conservation organizations, federal and state agencies, and cattle producers. The nominees compete for regional awards based on their state of residency, and these seven regional winners then compete for the national award. Candidates are judged on management of water, wildlife, vegetation, soil, as well as the nominee’s leadership and the sustainability of his or her business as a whole.

“America’s cattlemen and women have always been focused on environmental stewardship and conservation, and these awards give us a chance to celebrate their dedication,” said NCBA President Scott George. “Over the past two decades, the ESAP program has inspired cattle producers to try new techniques, and shown the world that we are the true environmentalists. If you haven’t taken the opportunity in the past to nominate a ranch family you know, now is the time!”

Any individual, group or organization is eligible to nominate one individual or business that raises or feeds cattle. Past nominees are eligible and encouraged to resubmit their application; previous winners may not reapply. Along with a completed application, the applicant must submit one nomination letter and three letters of recommendation highlighting the nominee’s leadership in conservation.

The program is sponsored by Dow AgroSciences, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the NCF and NCBA.

Applications for the 2014 ESAP award are due Mar. 7, 2014. For more information and a complete application packet visit: www.environmentalstewardship.org. – See more at BeefUSA.org.

2013 Montana Stockgrowers Convention Trade Show

Annual Convention and Trade Show to be held at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana

2013 Montana Stockgrowers Convention Trade ShowThe 2013 Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) and Montana CattleWomen (MCW) Annual Convention and Trade Show will meet at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana in Billings, Mont. on Dec. 12-14. The Convention will offer opportunities for attendees to learn tips to improve their ranch or business, find out about new products available for their animal health and ranch supply needs at the trade show, and for members to weigh in on policy discussions. Members who attend convention will be eligible to win a Ford Super Duty truck from the Montana Ford Stores.

At this year’s convention we are planning to have several amazing speakers, Sarah Calhoun, Founder and Owner of Red Ants Pants will be the featured speaker of the Opening General Session. The Zoetis Cattlemen’s Colleges will be held on Dec. 12 & Dec. 13 featuring Dr. Derrell Peel, Charles Breedlove Professor of Agribusiness, Larry Gran with Zoetis Animal Health, Dan Ellis with Zoetis Animal Health, and Dr. Rich Linhart, Managing Veterinarian with Zoetis Animal Health. The Zoetis Cattlemen’s College will feature educational topics such as Rebuilding the U.S. Beef Industry: Challenges and Opportunities, What you must know before vaccinating your cow herd: MLV vs. Killed Vaccination choices and Zoetis Ranch: An Interactive Cow Calf Game Designed to Explore Profit Opportunity from EPDs and HD50K Genetic Tests.

A major component of the convention is the setting of new policy and the review of past policies to guide the association through its day-to-day work. The policy process will begin on Thursday, Dec. 12 with the Beef Production & Marketing and Membership Development & Services committee meetings. The Land Use & Environment and Tax, Finance & Ag Policy committee meetings will be on Dec. 13. The Second Reading of Resolutions will be held on the morning of Dec. 14, with reports from each committee. The final reading, and an up or down vote on resolutions, will occur at the MSGA Business Meeting on the afternoon of Dec. 14. Resolutions that make it through the entire process will become association policy.

MSGA and Montana Ford Stores have teamed up to give a Ford Super Duty truck to one lucky member who attends convention. The drawing will be held on Saturday during the Grand Finale Banquet. To be eligible for the truck drawing, you must attend convention, be a current Rancher, Stocker/Feeder or Young Stockgrower member, and fill out the truck entry form.

For a full schedule of events, please click HERE. To learn more, please call the MSGA office at (406) 442-3420, or visit www.mtbeef.org where you can register on-line! Preregistration is available at a discounted rate for those attendees that register prior to Dec. 1. If you would like to reserve a trade show booth or sponsor part of the convention, please contact the MSGA office soon as there are limited spaces open.

Montana Stockgrowers Foundation Logo

Montana Stockgrowers Foundation on Social Media

Montana Stockgrowers Foundation LogoHelp Tell the Story of Montana Family Ranching

If you have been browsing Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest lately, you may have seen our newly launched Foundation social media accounts. MSGA’s Research, Education and Endowment Foundation is vital to helping our ranch community thrive…through scholarship opportunities, grants, avenues of public outreach and much more.

Members of MSGA can appreciate the philanthropy of REEF, but we don’t want to stop there. This is why we have created a social media platform for all the Foundation’s work. Having these outreach tools like Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest allows for us to have a much broader reach, connect with other foundations and nonprofits and explore even more ways we can help Montana and the world.

Like the development of the MSGA social media platform, REEF will build its network and create innovate ways to promote Montana ranchers. Even though we are one state association, the products we produce ultimately go beyond our borders and feed the world. REEF is here to help make sure this continues to happen. By using public relations strategies, we can bring in more people, organizations and foundations to help with educational programs and philanthropic endeavors.

Screen Shot 2013-10-08 at 11.18.26 AMWe can’t do it alone!

If you have any ideas or information to share, please contact Lauren Chase: [email protected]. If you are interested in donating to REEF, please visit: www.mtbeef.org. Together we can help educate the future of Montana ranchers, help keep our legacy growing strong and help the feed world.

Social media sites:

***Help spread the word! Share these sites with all of your family friends! 

Montana Stockgrowers Foundation Logo

Montana Stockgrowers Foundation to Donate Book Proceeds to Rancher Relief Fund

Montana Stockgrowers Foundation Logo(Helena, MT) Montana Stockgrowers Association Research, Education and Endowment Foundation (REEF) announced today that a portion of the proceeds from each copy of “Big Sky Boots: Working Seasons of a Montana Cowboy” sold through Saturday, December 14, will be donated to support the Rancher Relief Fund. Earlier this month an early season winter storm moved through the area killing tens of thousands of livestock, leaving many ranchers devastated and heartbroken.

“We at Montana Stockgrowers are deeply saddened by the news of our fellow ranchers’ losses,” said Dusty Hahn, MSGA Foundation Chairman. “As ranchers ourselves we can relate when times get hard. MSGA is eager to help our fellow ranchers in South Dakota and surrounding states.”

The South Dakota Rancher Relief Fund was established on October 8, 2013 by the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, South Dakota Stockgrowers Association and South Dakota Sheep Growers Association to provide support and relief assistance to those in the agriculture industry impacted by the blizzard of Oct. 4-7, 2013.

In response to the devastation, Hahn said “as Stockgrowers, we’re always at the mercy of Mother Nature, but extraordinary events such as this bring out a sense of community and compassion for fellow producers. The ranching families featured in Big Sky Boots remind us of our neighbors impacted by this storm. REEF hopes that with the sales of Big Sky Boots, we can provide some relief to those in need.”

“Big Sky Boots” is the first in a five-part Montana Family Ranching Series from the MSGA Research, Education and Endowment Foundation Program. In “Big Sky Boots” readers can journey through the ranching year and learn about the great people that take care of the land, livestock and their families. This first book focuses on the cowboys themselves; the men and the seasons.

Copies of Big Sky Boots can be purchased through the Montana Stockgrowers Association website or by contacting the MSGA office at (406) 442-3420.

Big Sky Boots Montana Family Ranching Project Coffee Table Book

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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.

The Research, Education and Endowment Foundation of the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established to ensure the future of Montana’s cattle industry through producer and public education, and promotion of MSGA programs.

Montana Ranching Family Kiley Martinell

Martinell to represent MSGA on Beef Council

Kiley Martinell Montana Beef Council StockgrowersKiley Martinell of Choteau, recently joined the Montana Beef Council Board as a representative for Montana Stockgrowers.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the MSGA for nominating me for the position on the Montana Beef Council Board. I grew up on a farm/ranch in Choteau, and my interests always tended to lean toward the animal side of my family’s operation. I attended college at MSU-Bozeman, where I earned a degree in Animal Science and met my future husband Heath Martinell. Upon graduation, I worked for Trans Ova Genetics as a bovine embryologist. After four years with Trans Ova we decided it was time to move back to Heath’s family’s ranch in Dell. We currently work together with his parents, Allen and Yvonne Martinell, raising commercial cattle. In addition to helping on the ranch, I work part time for Dr. Chuck Gue as an embryologist and stay involved in our community by serving on the school board, the Lima swimming pool board and as a 4-H leader. We feel fortunate to raise our children on a ranch in a rural community (Macie (12), Taryn (9), and Kalen (6)).

I am excited to serve on the Montana Beef Council Board, representing beef producers across the state to help with decisions on promoting and educating people about beef. I look forward to helping the Beef Council continue to push forward for a strong beef industry and a terrific product. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or concerns, I will get them addressed as best I can. The Montana Beef Council has a mission statement that sums up their purpose in the beef industry. “To protect and increase demand for beef and beef products through state, national, and international consumer marketing programs (promotion, education and research), thereby enhancing profit opportunities for Montana beef producers.”

Thanks again for this chance to be an advocate for beef!

Red Ants Pants Logo Sarah Calhoun

Red Ants Pants – Sarah Cahoun at MSGA Convention

Sarah Calhoun Red Ants Pants

Sarah Calhoun, Founder – Red Ants Pants

Montana Stockgrowers and Montana CattleWomen are excited to announce an entertaining and motivational speaker for the 129th Annual Convention and Trade Show, which takes place December 12-14 at Holiday Inn Grand MT in Billings. Sarah Colhoun, founder of Red Ants Pants, brings her experiences of starting and running a small business with some creative ways of marketing to the Opening General Session. Registration for the Convention is now available online at MTbeef.org.

Sarah Calhoun grew up on a farm in Connecticut and received her degree in Environmental Studies from Gettysburg College. After five years working outdoor education jobs, including instructing for Outward Bound and leading trail crews, she was rather fed up with wearing men’s work pants.

Sarah moved to Bozeman in 2004 where she purchased a copy of How to Start a Small Business for Dummies. Upon learning what a business plan was, she promptly wrote one, started designing pants, and Red Ants Pants was born.

Wanting to live in a rural Montana ranching town, in 2005 she moved to White Sulphur Springs and set up her office, storefront, and distribution center in an old historic saddle shop. In October 2006, she opened the doors to the first ever company dedicated to making work pants for women. Finally…workwear for women!

Red Ants Pants was founded in 2006 by Sarah Calhoun. Tired of wearing men’s work pants that didn’t fit, Calhoun designed pants that would fit, function and flatter working women. The pants are made in the USA and that will not change. Red Ants Pants is based out of White Sulphur Springs, Montana where the storefront, distribution center, and international headquarters all reside in a historic saddle shop. Known for their grass-roots marketing efforts, including ‘Tour de Pants’, the direct sales business model is proving effective, even in tough economic times.

In 2011 Red Ants Pants put on the first annual Red Ants Pants Music Festival, where 6,000 fans came to dance their pants off in a cow pasture listening to some top bands including Lyle Lovett. The Red Ants Pants Foundation was formed as the non-profit branch of the project, in support of women’s leadership, working family farms and ranches, and rural communities. The festival continues its success into the third year with Merle Haggard headlining the 2013 event.

With a recent trip to the White House and keynoting at several national speaking events, Calhoun continues to be amazed how this company has become so much more than just a pair of pants. “It’s neat to show that we can do big things in small towns,” she reflects. A new Red Ants Pants ad campaign that profiles kickass women of history uses a tagline that resonates with the culture of the company: “Step into these pants and see what you can do.”

Learn more about Sarah on her website, RedAntsPants.com, read the Red Ants Pants blog, or follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

**Material from RedAntsPants.com contributed to this post.

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 [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.