September 19, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Cattle On Feed Up 3 Percent, Markets Remain Bearish

Drought Monitor Update September 17

Montana Drought Monitor September 17

Montana Drought Monitor Update, September 17, 2015. Click image to learn more.

Moderate to Extreme drought continues along and west of the Divide, now covering 38.6% of the state. No movement was seen in coverage of drought conditions compared to last report. However, with significant rainfall over portions of the state in recent days, slight improvements may be seen in the next report. Long-term conditions remain dry heading into the Fall season.

Oppressive heat continued into the first half of the period in the Northwest where the average temperatures were 10-20 degrees F above normal. Cooler temperatures moved in during the latter half of the week. For the next 6-10 day period, chances of above average temperatures are likely for the majority of the CONUS. The greatest chances are in the High Plains and down into the Great Basin and Southern California. Chances are likely that a small portion of the Northwest will experience below normal temperatures.

View the most current Montana conditions from the U.S. Drought Monitor.

USDA August Cattle on Feed Report – September 18

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 9.99 million head on September 1, 2015. The inventory was 3 percent above September 1, 2014.

Placements in feedlots during August totaled 1.63 million head, 5 percent below 2014. Net placements were 1.57 million head. During August, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 395,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 215,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 362,000 head, and 800 pounds and greater were 660,000 head. Placements are the lowest for August since the series began in 1996.

Marketings of fed cattle during August totaled 1.59 million head, 6 percent below 2014. Marketings are the lowest for August since the series began in 1996.

Other disappearance totaled 60,000 head during August, 9 percent below 2014.

View the most current Cattle on Feed Report for more information.

Montana Weekly Auction Report – September 4

Market: Billings Livestock, Public Auction Yards, Miles City

Receipts: 3,767; Last Week 2,068; Last Year 2,210

Compared to last report: Feeder steers were too lightly tested for an accurate market trend, however steady to weak undertones were seen on both yearling and spring born calves. Heifer feeder calves sold mostly steady to weak on spring born calves and mostly 10.00 lower on yearling offerings. Quality this week was mixed with long strings of very attractive spring born calves seen early in the week and mostly average quality calves the rest of the week. Yearling cattle continue to be attractive to very attractive over all, especially heifers as many are tested open replacement quality.

Weigh conditions were much improved this week with average to above average weigh up on most feeders. Flesh conditions continue to be light as many yearlings are coming off grass and many calves seen this week were out of dry country.

Feeding and replacement cow buyers showed increased interest this week as well which forced packer buyers to continue to be aggressive as they bid on cows. Slaughter bulls sold unevenly steady with feeding bull buyers pushing packers to pay more money for offerings at times. A few sets of cow offerings were in very thin condition, especially cows coming out of the western part of the state where drought conditions continue to push cows to market.

Read more in USDA’s latest Montana Weekly Market Report.

National Feeder & Stocker Cattle Summary – September 4

Receipts This Week:  Total 274,600 – 196,200 (Auctions); 44,400 (Direct); 34,000 (Video/Internet)

Compared to last week: yearling feeder cattle sold 5.00-15.00 lower, while calf prices traded 10.00-20.00 lower, with instances 25.00 lower. The feeder cattle market remains in a very bearish camp with all systems on the go to the downside. Several auctions saw the arrival of spring born calves, but have yet to see them arrive in droves. The onset of the wide spread between daytime high temperatures and overnight lows is typical of autumn’s arrival. The increased supply of calves getting ready to hit the market at lower prices will cause buyers to be extremely more selective in their purchases. With the market in a downtrend discounts will more than likely become even more severe on unweaned and fleshy calves.

Last Friday saw sharp triple-digit losses in both Live and Feeder cattle futures continued into this week with more heavy losses with the lack of any bullish news to help the market. This has market psychology extremely on the defensive side. With another week of falling prices in the fed cattle market doesn’t seem to anticipate a price rally anytime soon continues to weigh heavy on the feeder cattle market giving feeders little leverage. At this time it’s hard to say when and where fed cattle prices will bottom.

Auction volume included 53% weighing over 600 lbs and 39% heifers.

Read more from the USDA’s latest National Feeder & Stocker Cattle Summary.

Weekly Montana Hay Report – September 18

Compared to last week: Alfalfa was generally steady this week on moderate demand and light movement. Light rain moved across much of the south central portion of the state yesterday and many producers couldn’t get their 3rd cutting up in time. Most areas received only light rainfall totals of less than .5 inch, however this put a dent in many producers hope of putting up a very high dairy quality crop.

Grass hay experienced much of the same movement volumes as alfalfa. Hay for export continues to move at the bottom end of the range. Montana hay prices continue to be higher than many surrounding states as dry conditions in the western portion of the state continue to prop up prices.

  • Alfalfa:
    • Supreme: Small Squares, 200.00-225.00
    • Good: Large Squares, 150.00-170.00
    • Fair: Large Squares, 110.00-140.00; Large Rounds, 120.00
  • Grass:
    • Alfalfa Mix Premium: Large Squares: 170.00; Good Large Rounds, 125.00-140.00
    • Good: Large Squares, 135.00; Large Rounds, 120.00
    • Fair: Large Rounds, 100.00
  • Timothy Grass:
    • Premium: Small Squares, 180.00-225.00
    • Good: Large Rounds, 120.00; Small Squares, 150.00
  • Barley Straw:
    • Large Squares, 40.00-55.00

Read more from the USDA’s latest Weekly Montana Hay Report.

September 16, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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USDA Offers Help to Fire-Affected Farmers and Ranchers

United States Department of AgricultureWASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds farmers and ranchers affected by the recent wildfires in Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington State that USDA has programs to assist with their recovery efforts.

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) can assist farmers and ranchers who lost livestock, grazing land, fences or eligible trees, bushes and vines as a result of a natural disaster. FSA administers a suite of safety-net programs to help producers recover from eligible losses, including the Livestock Indemnity Program, the Livestock Forage Disaster Program, the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program, and the Tree Assistance Program.

In addition, the FSA Emergency Conservation Program provides funding and technical assistance for farmers and ranchers to rehabilitate farmland damaged by natural disasters and for carrying out emergency water conservation measures in periods of severe drought. Producers located in counties that received a primary or contiguous disaster designation are eligible for low-interest emergency loans to help them recover from production and physical losses. Compensation is also available to producers who purchased coverage through the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program, which protects non-insurable crops against natural disasters that result in lower yields, crop losses or prevented planting.

“Wildfires have caused devastating losses for many farmers and ranchers,” said FSA Administrator Val Dolcini. “Over the past several years, wildfires have increased in severity, intensity and cost as the fire season has grown longer, and drought and increased temperatures contribute to dangerous conditions. Natural disasters such as wildfires are unavoidable, but USDA has strong safety-net programs to help producers get back on their feet.”

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) can assist producers with damaged grazing land as well as farmers, ranchers and forestland owners who find themselves in emergency situations caused by natural disasters. The NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program provides financial assistance to producers who agree to defer grazing on damaged land for two years. In the event that presidentially declared natural disasters, such as wildfires, lead to imminent threats to life and property, NRCS can assist local government sponsors with the cost of implementing conservation practices to address natural resource concerns and hazards through the Emergency Watershed Protection Program.

“After natural disasters such as wildfires, it is critical that farmers, ranchers and forestland owners have financial and technical resources available to protect their natural resources and operations,” said NRCS Chief Jason Weller. “Conservation practices protect the land and aid recovery, but can build the natural resource base and may help mitigate loss in future events.”

Farmers and ranchers with coverage through the federal crop insurance program administered by the Risk Management Agency (RMA) should contact their crop insurance agent to discuss losses due to fire or other natural causes of loss. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator.

When wildfires destroy or severely damage residential property, Rural Development (RD) can assist with providing priority hardship application processing for single family housing. Under a disaster designation, RD can issue a priority letter for next available multi-family housing units. RD also provides low-interest loans to community facilities, water environmental programs, businesses and cooperatives and to rural utilities.

For the first time in its 110-year history, the Forest Service, part of USDA, is spending more than 50 percent of its budget to suppress the nation’s wildfires.

Today, fire seasons are 78 days longer than in the 1970s. Since 2000, at least 10 states have had their largest fires on record. This year, there have been more than 46,000 fires. Increasing development near forest boundaries also drives up costs, as more than 46 million homes and more than 70,000 communities are at risk from wildfire in the United States.

Visit https://go.usa.gov/3eDeF to learn more about USDA disaster preparedness and response. For more information on USDA disaster assistance programs, please contact your local USDA Service Center. To find your local USDA Service Center go to http://offices.usda.gov.

–USDA Press Release

August 30, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Cattle Markets Trending Down, Extreme Drought Expands in West

Drought Monitor Update August 27

Montana Drought Monitor August 27

Montana Drought Monitor Update, August 27, 2015. Click image to learn more.

Extreme drought continues to expand west of the Divide, now covering 18% of the state. In the northern Rockies and Pacific Northwest, the USDA Forest Service reported approximately 40 large wildfires in progress as of August 26th, as warm and very dry weather persisted.

Moderate drought (D1) was expanded across southeast portions of Idaho. The change is based on low stream flows in the Teton and Henrys Fork basins, and precipitation deficits during the last 60-90 days. Extreme drought (D3) coverage was expanded across east-central Washington, and north-central and northeastern Oregon. Some considerations in the D3 expansion across the Northwest include daily record low stream flows, short-term (2-month) Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) values, and low precipitation amounts from June 1 – present time throughout the region. In some cases, record or near-record dryness was reported for the June 1 – present time.

View the most current Montana conditions from the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Montana Weekly Auction Report – August 28

Market: Public Auction Yards, Miles City

Receipts: NA; Last Week NA; Last Year NA

Compared to last report: No weekly summary was posted for Montana markets this week due to light tests, however unevenly steady undertones were noticed on all yearling feeders. Feeder cattle quality was mostly average to attractive, with a few strings of very attractive offerings coming off grass. Flesh conditions were mostly very light to light today as many offerings were coming out of dry country. Demand for feeder cattle was mostly moderate, with moderate to good demand seen at times as buyers continue fight for good lightly fleshed grass cattle to fill feedlots.

Individual reports are available for Billings Livestock and Public Auction Yards.

Read more in USDA’s latest Montana Weekly Market Report.

National Feeder & Stocker Cattle Summary – August 28

Receipts This Week:  Total 372,100 – 139,000 (Auctions); 30,700 (Direct); 202,400 (Video/Internet)

Compared to last week: yearlings traded 5.00-10.00 lower with calves selling 10.00-20.00 lower, with instances 25.00-30.00 lower. Order buyers this week were extremely cautious after aggressive pressure from the Stock Market tumble and with very bearish outside markets keeping a strain on all commodity markets. This had order buyers wanting and needing to buy feeders cheaper this week. The cattle complex remains focused on the ability for outside market fundamentals to stabilize and to steady. Demand for calves was light to moderate, with best demand for yearlings; several auctions were getting ready for the “fall run” noting the arrival of new-crop bawling calves this week. With corrections coming in the feeder cattle market, this has prices retreating with pressure coming from fed cattle prices heading back to their summer lows.

Many backgrounders and cattle grazers who have held a little too long are not going to see a rally they have enjoyed in the past, as many yearling steers weighing from 850-950 lbs are trading both sides of 200.00; Prices dropping 10.00-15.00 from early summer highs. As fed cattle prices are declining, cattle feeders are adjusting what they pay for feeder cattle. So far this year, feeder cattle prices have been too high in relation to fed cattle prices and even despite lower feeder cattle prices this week demand remains good for yearlings in the Northern Plains.

Livestock markets remain vulnerable and reacted with lower prices in reaction to global financial worries mostly coming from China’s economic fears. Traders know this affects the commodity markets and as a result, funds have been mostly sellers to reduce their exposure in the commodities. The sell-off in the cattle complex is much hastier and fast paced than the rallies, just getting back to even is a big task.

Auction volume included 52% weighing over 600 lbs and 34% heifers.

Read more from the USDA’s latest National Feeder & Stocker Cattle Summary.

Weekly Montana Hay Report – August 28

Compared to last week: Alfalfa was steady this week and excellent movement was seen across the state. Demand for Alfalfa was moderate this week on moderate offerings. Grass hay experienced much of the same movement volumes as alfalfa. The western half of the state continues to remain in extreme drought and this region continues to see the best demand for both grass and alfalfa. Wildfires continue to cause smoky, hazy conditions for much of the central and eastern half of the state. This has forced many producers to watch the forecast very closely as hay drying times have increased drastically.

  • Alfalfa:
    • Supreme: Small Squares, 200.00-225.00
    • Good: Large Squares, 150.00-170.00
    • Fair: Large Squares, 115.00-140.00; Large Rounds, 120.00
    • Utility: Large Squares, 100.00 Old Crop
  • Grass:
    • Alfalfa Mix Good: Large Rounds: 125.00
    • Good: Large Rounds, 120.00
    • Fair: Large Rounds, 100.00
    • Utility: Large Rounds, 90.00 Old Crop
  • Timothy Grass:
    • Premium: Small Squares, 180.00-225.00
    • Good: Large Rounds, 120.00; Small Squares, 150.00
  • Barley Straw:
    • Large Squares, 40.00-55.00

Read more from the USDA’s latest Weekly Montana Hay Report.

May 6, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Veterinary Feed Directives and Natural Resources Legislation| Podcast

Antibiotics Use Livestock ResistanceOne of the bigger topics last week’s Montana Nutrition Conference was a discussion with Dr. Bruce Hoffman of Elanco Animal Health and Dr. Marty Zaluski, Montana State Veterinarian. These two had a great question and answer session regarding changes with Veterinary Feed Directives and our ability to continue using feed grade antibiotics in the livestock industry.

Montana Stockgrowers has been working with Dr. Hoffman and we’ll be providing you plenty of information about these changes and the relationships ranchers will need to build between their veterinarians and feed dealers with the implementation of these new regulations.

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Hoffman for a lengthy discussion regarding these VFDs. He explained the changes in requirements in more detail and what we need to know before the new rules are in place by the end of 2016. Key points in the changes coming with Veterinary Feed Directives include the importance of involving veterinarians and nutritionists in our management decisions, abiding by label uses for antibiotics, and ensuring customers that we’re being good stewards of our resources in these conversations about antibiotics use in livestock.

On today’s podcast we’ll have a portion of that conversation, as well as some information about what Elanco is doing to bring greater awareness to the importance of protein in providing healthy food for the hungry amongst a rapidly growing global population through their Feed The Nine Campaign. Follow #FeedThe9 on Twitter or go to SensibleTable.com for more information.

But first, Ryan Goodman will catch up with MSGA Director of Natural Resources, Jay Bodner, for a quick review of a few bills during the Montana Legislative Session that affect wildlife management and landowner property rights here in Montana.

January 7, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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The Most Recent Beef Demand Numbers and What They Mean | Infographic

via Chaley Harney, Montana Beef Council

We recently caught up with Glynn Tonsor, Associated Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics at Kansas State University and Gary Brester, Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics and Economics, Montana State University, for an update about beef demand and the role of the checkoff in helping keep demand strong through targeted marketing efforts.

“Sixteen out of the last 17 quarters we’ve had a year-over-year increase, the only exception being the first quarter of this year,” said Tonsor. “And I think a large part of why that’s going on is continued ongoing success of marketing the right products to the right people, and quite frankly, the segment of the public that continues to purchase beef is a slightly different segment than it used to be.”

Tonsor went on to explain that per capita consumption is going down, but we haven’t simply taken away two pounds from every household in the U.S. Tonsor believes the industry is doing better at recognizing that and aligning what they produce with who is able and willing to buy it.

Quarterly All Fresh Retail Beef Demand Index

Quarterly All Fresh Retail Beef Demand Index

“And I have no reason to think that’s going to stop in the fourth quarter, said Tonsor. “The increase in the third quarter basically reflects the facts that we had less beef consumed, specifically we had a 4.6 percent decline, and it’s important to recognize that consumption decline is mainly just because we produced less. That’s just we produced less therefore per capita consumption is down. And what actually occurred was we had 11.3 percent increase in price in the third quarter compared to the third quarter 2013.”

Tonsor said despite fairly wide-spread confusion on the topic, per capita consumption is not demand, as consumption alone says little about the value consumers place on beef offerings.

“Demand increased. Basically nobody made the public pay more for those reduced pounds, but they did. And they not only paid more, they paid more than we expected. And that only occurs, what they are doing voluntarily, if they are seeing more value in there than was anticipated.”

Brester added that when we have less to go around, and if people still want the product, meaning demand has not declined, then price has to increase because it is the mechanism that markets use to allocate scarce goods and resources.

“Yes, some people will consume less and some will consume none at all. But as Tonsor said, this is what has to happen if demand has not declined for other reasons such as lower incomes and recession. Higher prices are not an indication that demand has declined. They are an indication that either people want more of the product, or we do not have enough to meet those desires,” said Brester.

Tonsor went on to explain what kinds of things are allowing demand to grow despite the supply challenges, and how the checkoff is playing a vital role in that process.
“It’s a fair statement that the beef industry has done a lot better job of target-marketing products and basically developing new products for the appropriate consumer. The flat iron steak did not exist 10 years ago. That is a product now that brings more value to that carcass than was the case using the same poundage somewhere else before. The beef checkoff was one of multiple supporters in that effort. The mix of muscle cut versus ground is not the same across the country and we have mixed data on this. But the industry is doing a better job of coordinating what segment of the population wants ground beef, what segment wants steak, and sending it to the appropriate markets.”

Brester concluded that “From a Montana perspective, cow-calf producers must keep in mind that consumers want beef, not calves. Hence, when consumers want beef products, their preferences are manifest in higher prices at every level of the marketing chain. Ultimately, the largest impacts from changes in demand are disproportionately manifest in that segment of the marketing channel that is most fixed in supply, that is, the most difficult to expand—calves. Good management practices are rewarding including those that provide value, such as quality, consistency and better health, to the rest of the marketing system.”

Beef Demand Consumption Infographic

Click to view full-size version

January 1, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Southwest Montana Stockmen’s Reflect on Active 2014

Over the last year or so we have accomplished some good things and feel that with the help of MSGA and others we have warded off some troublesome issues as well.

Both Beaverhead and Madison counties petitioned and voted to establish a livestock protective committee. The committees are authorized to assess up to 50 cents per head on cattle 9 months or older and 20 cents per head on sheep. These funds could be used in almost any way that protects the interests of the livestock industry in the county as decided upon by the committee. The Department of Revenue will collect this for us for free and the money stays in the county under supervision of the committee. These two groups should complement each other very well dealing with similar problems and close proximity.

Once again, the Yellowstone Bison were a hot topic over the past year. The proposal was to allow bison to venture out of the park to the north into a large designated area. There was an EA done on the issue and SWMSA commented on them. We supported the “no action alternative.” At least for the time being the bison are not allowed out of the usual area.

The sage grouse was at the forefront of almost all natural resource uses in the west this year. The State of Montana and the BLM each have developed management alternatives that will hopefully be enough to suppress the listing of the bird on the endangered species list. We commented on both the State and Federal plans. We don’t necessarily like everything in the alternatives that we supported but they will be better than the mandates if the bird gets listed.

The grizzly bear is currently on the endangered species list. We commented on an EA that had alternatives of management to warrant the de-listing. The numbers of bears are way up and conflicts are increasing. We were in favor of an alternative that provided for more liberal measures of mediating livestock/bear conflicts and did not lock up any additional federal land for multiple use.

In southwest Montana we have wonderful country to live and produce in. It is also a constant challenge to keep up with the times and protect this way of life. We have brucellosis, wolves, grizzlies, sage grouse, water, weeds, dead timber, and a multitude of other issues that affect natural resource use on private, state, and federal lands. We appreciate all that MSGA does on all these issues and more.

John Hagenbarth, President
Southwest Montana Stockmen’s Association
Dillon, MT

December 31, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Western Montana Stockmen Active in Communities for 2014

By Kurt McPhearson, President and Kyle Middlemist , Director, Western MT Stockmen’s

We are looking forward to the coming year as an affiliate of the Montana Stockgrowers Association. We have all enjoyed a year of high cattle markets, higher than many of us ever expected to see. With the demand of good beef and the low cattle numbers it would seem that, we should expect the high markets to continue.

This last year has been an exciting and busy one here in western Montana. WMSA has been involved in various activities throughout the year. One thing we were excited and proud to do was raise money for the South Dakota producers coping with the aftermath of winter storm Atlas. Two heifers donated by WMSA president Kurt McPherson and director Greg Gardner were auctioned off in a rollover style auction with all proceeds and heifers going to South Dakota. We also gathered up eleven head of donated females from association members, hauled them to Miles City, and left them in the care of Ty Linger with “Heifers for South Dakota”. Special thanks to Montana Livestock Auction in Butte and Missoula Livestock Exchange in Missoula for helping with the auctions. Also big thanks to all the producers from western Montana who donated females and money to the cause.

Livestock producers and veterans, Charles D. Jacquier and Warren J. Trosclair, were able to participate in the Honor Flight program thanks to the help of Western Montana Stockmen

Livestock producers and veterans, Charles D. Jacquier and Warren J. Trosclair, were able to participate in the Honor Flight program thanks to the help of Western Montana Stockmen

Western Montana Stockmen’s Association has also established a “Goodwill Fund” funding projects each year to help others in need in our communities. So far in 2014, we sponsored two local livestock producers who are also veterans Charles D. Jacquier and Warren J. Trosclair to participate in the Honor Flight program. The Honor Flight is a chance for veterans to fly to Washington D.C. to be recognized alongside fellow veterans. Although the Honor Flight was a free flight for veterans, they still had the expense of getting to Billings. WMSA paid for the trip to Billings, including hotels and meals. These two gentlemen did not know each other but traveled together and had an outstanding trip. Both gentlemen are World War II veterans.

Last January, our annual meeting and banquet was a huge success with over 200 in attendance. We honored Jimme Wilson as past president of WMSA, MSGA and NCBA with our lifetime achievement award, which recognizes association members for their service to WMSA and to the cattle industry. Our Keynote speaker was Derrell Peel Agriculture Economist from Oklahoma State University. Derrel gave an excellent talk on the nation’s cattle numbers and the future of beef prices.

Our 2015 annual meeting will be held January 24 at the Best Western resort in Polson, MT. We have many things on our agenda. Along with the good markets comes many dissensions to our cattle industry that need to be addressed, but as a larger group with members all pulling together for our great industry, we can do this. There will be a chance to win one of two rifles or two pistols along with dozens of other items donated by our generous sponsors. Our speaker will be Rachel Endecott MSU Extension Beef Specialist. The food is good as well as entertainment and dancing. We always enjoy meeting cattlemen from all over our state and extend an invitation to join us.

Be sure to check us out on our Facebook page – Western Montana Stockmen’s Association. Give us a like and stay up to date with all of our events. Remember to thank your grocer for the Country of Origin labeling on our outstanding beef. Happy holidays to every MSGA member across this great state.

December 10, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Western Montana MSGA Director Reflects on Value of Involvement

Ray and wife, Sue

Ray and wife, Sue

Hello again from western Montana! What a summer and fall we have had. Pasture and hay production has been good and the markets for cattle never higher! We got a taste of reality in the last couple of days when we went from 60+ degrees to -15 with 20 Mph winds. These difficulties are quite common in the life and business of raising cattle.

Attitudes in general are quite good across the area but there are still many challenges facing us that can turn those attitudes south in a hurry. Those challenges are the reason we need all ranchers to be members of MSGA. While membership dues are very important to operate an organization like this, it is more important that we have everyone’s input and voice in making decisions that will affect us all.

It is essential that we know how issues affect each of us personally and have the facts about the issue before we make a decision as an organization that could affect us all and future generations as well. Many of the issues we are challenged with are quite large in scope and affect more folks than just us in Montana. So being involved is very important if you want to guide your destiny and protect your ability to ranch.

I have found two things to be quite sure: 1) Change is going to happen whether you like it or not and 2) It is a lot easier to accept change if it is your idea. So come to convention and let us hear from you. It is easier not to be involved and be just another victim, but you can be more effective by being part of the discussion prior to decisions being made. I for one would rather live with the choices I make than the chances I take.

Ray and family

Ray and family

One of the most valuable features of MSGA to all of us out on the ground is our leadership team and staff that have an understanding of issues that we may not. Many times the big picture effect on our industry is lost on us out in the country, and that is when it is important for leadership and staff to keep things in perspective for us. We are coming up on another legislative session in Helena that promises to be more challenging as the people of our state continue more toward urban lifestyles and less toward Agriculture.

This will be my last convention as a board member as I have fulfilled four years on the board. I have truly enjoyed the time spent and the great folks on the board and staff. I have had the pleasure of serving during two different presidencies: Watty Taylor and Tucker Hughes. Both are great guys who have done a great deal for our industry. I have also had the pleasure of serving on the executive board as well. This involves more budgets and nut and bolt issues that really affect the organization. The board and leadership have done some good things on behalf of MSGA membership throughout those years. One of the big tasks that was accomplished was helping Errol and staff operate without the aid of a huge grant. Another was divesting Stockgrowers’ shares of Verified Beef, a venture that had run its course. Still another was the additional membership level established for smaller producers.

We have an excellent staff and incoming leadership with very good candidates for the officer and board positions. They truly are the cream of the crop in our state. I want to thank you all for allowing me to serve on the board and represent you, and my family for supporting that service.
See you at the convention, Ray Marxer

December 6, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Update from South Central Montana Ranchers

Jed EvjeneWinter has returned to central Montana, as I am writing this article it is -18 below zero! We have been blessed with great Fall weather, high cattle prices and plenty of grass in the pastures.

There has been a lot going on around South Central Montana with calves being shipped and cattle work wrapping up just in time for this first winter blast of cold weather. There has been much discussion around the subjects of EPA’s Waters of the U.S., bison being moved to Fort Peck and elk overpopulation here in the Crazy Mountains.

Your Board of Directors has been busy attending local affiliate meetings around the state during November. It is exciting to travel around to the different affiliate meetings, visiting with people and learning about different issues in each area. This is a time when we as MSGA Directors can lend a helping hand and hopefully keep members up to date on issues that are facing ranchers on a state and national level. So please call us of the MSGA office with any questions on issues ranchers are facing in your area.

One of the pressing issues discussed at my local Crazy Mountain Stockgrowers meeting was the overpopulation of elk on the eastern slopes in Sweet grass County. The elk population is placing heavy grazing pressure on area forage stands and competing with hay production on local cattle ranches. Local ranchers have been discussing opportunities to work with hunters to address the issue.

Tim Todd and myself attended the Musselshell Stockgrowers banquet in Roundup in October. We gave an update of what MSGA has been up to. We are very excited to see this group getting back together and offered up any assistance that we can to help that process along. So welcome back Musselshell Stockgrowers!

We’re looking forward to the MSGA Annual Convention in Billings on December 11-13 and hope to see you all there! On site registration will be available if you weren’t able to preregister. The 14+ Cattlemen’s Colleges available, along with all the usual Association meetings will make the trip well worth your time!

November 14, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Fall Update for Northeast Montana Ranching

jim steinbeisser, sidney montanaWhat a year we are having in the cattle business with prices never seen before!  Many of us have wondered just how much our consumers will be willing to pay for beef.  Well, apparently a healthy amount!  With this increase in prices comes an increase in pressure to produce a better, more consistent product.  We in Montana and the Northern Plains in general, lead the industry in producing high quality beef but there is always room for improvement.  Now is not the time to rest on our laurels but a time to invest in better genetics and improve our management practices overall.

We have some challenges before us especially in the area of government encroachment of our private property rights.  Case in point is the EPA’s attempt to expand the types of water and land that would be subject to federal permit requirements as well as expanding the regulations on farming and ranching practices on our own land! The comment period has been extended to Nov. 14th (today).  Go to www2.epa.gov/uswaters to register your comments to this rule.  Feel free to contact me or the MSGA office if you have any questions.

Another challenge to our private property rights is the sage grouse issue and the potential of it being listed as an endangered species.  It has been said that the sage grouse could have a major impact on ranching in the western U.S.  We have anti-grazing folks using this issue to get cattle off of federal lands.  Don’t be fooled.  This could have serious impacts on private lands as well.  MSGA has been engaged with this issue from the beginning and will continue to be.

This fall is sure looking good in eastern Montana.  We’ve had some late summer and early fall rains and now some early snow.  Our weaning weights should be good.

I wish you all a great fall and I look forward to visiting with you at our affiliate meetings and convention in December.

–Jim Steinbeisser, Sidney, MSGA Northeast District Director