November 4, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Defining Sustainability for Ranching and Beef | 10 Things To Know

Padlock ESAP Sustainable

Sustainability is one of the hottest topics in food and agriculture today. Whether it be used for food products on maintaining a business, many folks disagree on what sustainability looks like. There are as many ways to define sustainability as there are cattle operations in the U.S. Maybe even more.

Essentially, it boils down to managing the three pillars of sustainability – economic, ecological and social – with the long-term in mind. During a panel discussion at this year’s Young Ag Leadership Conference in Bozeman, three individuals from different sectors of agriculture, each defined sustainability in their own terms. While each definition was different, each was based on those three pillars mentioned above. None of them were wrong in their definition. Sustainability truly looks different for each operation.

In an effort to arrive at finding a common definition for sustainability for the beef industry, the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef has met this week in Sao Paulo, Brazil to identify priorities of sustainability in a beef system that is socially responsible, environmentally sound and economically viable.

  • Planet (relevant principles: Natural Resources, Efficiency and Innovation, People and the Community);
  • People (relevant principles: People and the Community and Food);
  • Animals (relevant principle: Animal Health and Welfare, Efficiency and Innovation);
  • Progress (relevant principles: Natural Resources, People and the Community, Animal Health and Welfare, Food, Efficiency and Innovation)

Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef The GRSB hopes their work to define sustainability can provide clarity on a complex issues that affects beef producers, retailers and consumers around the globe. It isn’t the intention of GRSB to create a standard or mandate for sustainable beef practices, but rather to provide a baseline when working with regional roundtables to identify opportunities for improvements and efficiencies on a local level.

What are the indicators of ranch sustainability in an area where cattle are grazing rangelands? The Sustainable Rangelands Roundtable lists 64 indicators of sustainability, We will cover 10 of them here. Do any of these apply to your operation? Maybe you can identify opportunities for improvement in areas of sustainability?

  1. Change in soil area erosion and ground cover
  2. Quality and flow of ground and surface water
  3. Condition of riparian and wetland areas
  4. Presence and availability of wildlife habitat
  5. Number of livestock on land relative to carrying capacity
  6. Return on investment for forage and livestock enterprises
  7. Suitability of animal and forage species for environment
  8. Social status and employment opportunities for workers
  9. Contributions and involvement with surrounding communities
  10. Longevity and effort to manage and maintain systems

Many farms and ranches across the country exhibit qualities of sustainability. The longevity of multi-generation operations that have been around for a century or more should be evidence of that. As long as it involves the three core principles mentioned above, sustainability looks different on each operation, but that difference shouldn’t mean one is good and the other is bad. They’re different, and that diversity should be celebrated.

The Environmental Stewardship Award Program recognizes ranches each year who are doing good work in the areas of sustainability. Be sure to read more about their stories of sustainability. Also, be sure to visit sustainable.rangelands.org to learn more from the cooperative effort by the Society for Range Management, University of Wyoming, and several other organizations. To read more about indicators of successful ranching, check out the proceedings from the Range Beef Cow Symposium XIX.

What questions do you have about sustainability for beef or ranching? Leave a comment below or email [email protected]. This is part of a month-long series of 10 Things to Know about Cattle. To read other posts in the series, click the image below.

Click this image to view all posts in the 30-day blogging series, 10 Things to Know About Cattle

Click this image to view all posts in the 30-day blogging series, 10 Things to Know About Cattle

October 23, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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MSU to Host Annual Agricultural Economics Outlook Conference Nov. 7

montana state extension logoMontana State University’s Department of Agricultural Economics and Economics and MSU Extension will host an annual Agricultural Economics Outlook Conference Friday, Nov. 7.

This year’s conference, “Montana Agriculture: Current Issues and the Role of Agriculture Research,” will run from 8:30 a.m.-noon in the Procrastinator Theater in MSU’s Strand Union Building. The program will feature MSU faculty experts on agricultural policy, the Montana economy and livestock and grain markets.

The conference’s keynote speaker, Philip Pardey, will address the changing landscape of U.S. global research for food and agriculture.Pardey is professor of applied economics at the University of Minnesota and director of the International Science and Technology Practice and Policy Center.

“Dr. Philip Pardey is internationally recognized as the world’s leading expert on the economic effects of agriculture research and development,” said Vincent Smith, MSU professor of economics and event organizer. “His work has been funded by several international and national research institutions, and he is the go-to person on the global role of agricultural research that changes and improves lives.”

The conference, which is part of MSU’s Celebrate Agriculture weekend, is also designed to provide agricultural business leaders, agricultural bankers, producers and others in agriculture with quality, unbiased information about issues facing Montana agriculture.

“The outlook conference is an outstanding example of MSU’s commitment to the land-grant mission of bringing high-quality, relevant research findings to the citizens of Montana,” said Jeff Bader, director of MSU Extension. “The event brings important insights about the current standing and future of agriculture from a research perspective, which is always appreciated by our stakeholders.”

During the conference, MSU agricultural economics experts will present information as follows:

  • Kate Fuller will discuss the status of Montana agriculture.
  • Joe Janzen will discuss high frequency trading in agricultural futures markets.
  • Tim Fitzgerald will discuss the importance of oil and gas royalties for Montana agricultural producers.
  • Eric Belasco will discuss the livestock disaster aid program.
  • Gary Brester will discuss changes in the U.S. Fertilizer landscape.

Following lunch, MSU Extension Specialist Marsha Goetting will host a two-hour, in-depth workshop, “Transferring Your Farm or Ranch to the Next Generation.”

Registration for the conference is $25. Those who register by Wednesday, Oct. 29, will receive a free parking pass. For more information or to register please visit http://www.ampc.montana.edu/fallconference.html.

A full schedule of events for the Celebrate Agriculture weekend event is available at:http://ag.montana.edu/excellence/agappreciation.htm.

October 3, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Farmland Film Premiers on Hulu

Image via FarmlandFilm.com

Image via FarmlandFilm.com

Everyone has a food choice. Some prefer convenience while others seek out and desire products from niche markets. Either way, we know that farmers and ranchers across the country grow that food. Production Agriculture in this country has been an aging population as many members of the older generation hang on to the operations for longer periods of time.

However, a new documentary film, Farmland, chooses to focus on the younger generation who has returned to the land, carrying on the traditions of older generations, while at the same time, figuring out how to make their own marks on farming and ranching. Farmland, which was in theaters this past summer with only a few showings in the state of Montana, is now available free on Hulu for a limited time. This is the first opportunity I’ve had to watch the film and it’s definitely worth an hour of your time.

Farmland explores the challenges that coming with being a young person in agriculture, following 6 individuals who range from a Texas cattle rancher, pig, poultry, row crop and CSA and organic vegetable farmers. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the film and what additional challenges you believe families encounter while trying to pass the farm or ranch to the next generation.

Encourage your friends and neighbors to watch the film, especially those who don’t have the opportunity to experience agriculture first-hand. See what their opinions are and use it as an opportunity for discussion on how things look moving forward in the farming and ranching business.

We’ll be showing the film tonight at the Young Ag Leadership Conference in Bozeman. It’ll be interesting to see what comments surface after that groups watches the documentary.

October 1, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Ranchers Reflect on Community One Year After Atlas Blizzard

Image courtesy of Weather.com

Image courtesy of Weather.com

It’s hard to believe, but this weekend marks the one year anniversary of the Atlas Blizzard. The unexpected early-season storm targeted a region surrounding western South Dakota, burying thousands of ranches below feet of snow, killing thousands of livestock, and leaving hundreds of ranchers devastated, cleaning up the aftermath. The event, largely going unnoticed by national media, resulted in the national ranching community gathering in support, raising millions of dollars toward cleanup and recovery efforts, along with many ranchers donating replacement heifers to aid those who had lost nearly everything.

While many ranchers and communities from the region are far from complete recovery after the storm, many are thankful for the support from their peers and reflect on the reactions as we approach this anniversary. The following is a letter sent out by those affected and we want to share those with you today.

Thank you from those impacted by Atlas…

As we near the one-year anniversary of winter storm Atlas, the ranching people and communities devastated by the storm would like to say “thank you” to everyone who rallied behind us and extended such kindness and generosity toward us over the course of the past year.

It is an indescribably humbling, blessed experience to be on the receiving end of such grace and giving as that which poured into western South Dakota and the surrounding area in the weeks and months following the storm. You have impacted our lives in the most powerful, positive way, restoring our faith in humanity and increasing our love and appreciation for our lifestyle and those we share it with.

To those who donated livestock or money to the cause, we did receive them but at times without the original donor’s name attached. As you likely know, there is no greater gift to a rancher than a good bred heifer or cow, and while we found it difficult to accept such a costly and incredible gift, they have made all the difference. The same can be said of the monetary donations that found their way to our mailboxes. We are the independent type, as you likely are, and we hold ourselves accountable for making it on our own. But, those dollars came at critical times for us and covered bills that would have been difficult to find funds for otherwise.

There are those who donated their craft to auctions to generate funds, the communities and individuals who organized and delivered amazing Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets, and those who took the time to write, call or email personal words of encouragement. There were the people who traveled to areas impacted to help rebuild following the storm, the businesses who donated their goods and services, and those who developed online resources to help both those impacted and those wishing to help.

This is only a smattering of the countless acts of kindheartedness executed on our behalf. A glimpse into the hours individuals, families and companies put into helping us make it through the effects of the storm. Because of these efforts we are going to make it, and if you didn’t hear it from someone personally, please take it from all of us – thank you! You have made a magnificent difference in our present and future success, and we thank God for each and every one of you who took the time to help us in your own way. While we hope to never have to repay the favor, we stand ready with the example you set in our minds eye should the time ever come. May God bless you and American agriculture.

Sincerely,
The ranching families and communities hit by winter storm Atlas in Oct. 2013

Immediately following the storm, ranchers in the area's hit hardest by the Oct., 2013 winter storm Atlas searched and were devastated to find a staggering number of animals had succumbed to the record breaking snow, wind and cold wrought by the storm.

Immediately following the storm, ranchers in the area’s hit hardest by the Oct., 2013 winter storm Atlas searched and were devastated to find a staggering number of animals had succumbed to the record breaking snow, wind and cold wrought by the storm.

It took 16 days for power to be restored to every household in western South Dakota following the Atlas blizzard. West River Electric Association employees as well as over 100 additional helpers worked tirelessly to get power back on in both rural and more populated areas.

It took 16 days for power to be restored to every household in western South Dakota following the Atlas blizzard. West River Electric Association employees as well as over 100 additional helpers worked tirelessly to get power back on in both rural and more populated areas.

Numerous thoughtful donations found their way into the homes of those impacted by Atlas, including a complete Thanksgiving feast organized and delivered by North Dakota communities. From homemade pies and loaves to bread to a turkey, thermos and hope inspired artwork, gifts such as this touched the hearts of those on the receiving end.

Numerous thoughtful donations found their way into the homes of those impacted by Atlas, including a complete Thanksgiving feast organized and delivered by North Dakota communities. From homemade pies and loaves to bread to a turkey, thermos and hope inspired artwork, gifts such as this touched the hearts of those on the receiving end.

T-shirts made by the Lauderdale County Junior Cattlemen's Association of Alabama to commemorate their trip to South Dakota to help families in the Union Center area in the summer of 2014. More than 30 young people stayed with area ranching families, providing free labor in addition to 21 donated yearling heifers.

T-shirts made by the Lauderdale County Junior Cattlemen’s Association of Alabama to commemorate their trip to South Dakota to help families in the Union Center area in the summer of 2014. More than 30 young people stayed with area ranching families, providing free labor in addition to 21 donated yearling heifers.

A first-calf heifer donated to a ranching family who lost livestock in the Atlas blizzard takes a peak outside with her newborn calf in the spring of 2014.

A first-calf heifer donated to a ranching family who lost livestock in the Atlas blizzard takes a peak outside with her newborn calf in the spring of 2014.

Heifers for South Dakota was started immediately following the storm, and had donated more than 1,000 bred heifers or cows to ranching families who lost livestock in the blizzard as of June, 2014. Many families also received livestock donations directly from friends or family in the months following the storm.

Heifers for South Dakota was started immediately following the storm, and had donated more than 1,000 bred heifers or cows to ranching families who lost livestock in the blizzard as of June, 2014. Many families also received livestock donations directly from friends or family in the months following the storm.

Yearling heifers who survived Atlas as calves, as well as a handful of donated heifers, enjoy the lush summer grass of 2014. Their generation will significantly help in rebuilding herds who suffered losses in the storm.

Yearling heifers who survived Atlas as calves, as well as a handful of donated heifers, enjoy the lush summer grass of 2014. Their generation will significantly help in rebuilding herds who suffered losses in the storm.

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September 5, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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NILE Merit Heifer Applications Now Online!

nile merit heifer programThe Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE) is once again taking applications for participants in the 2014 – 2015 NILE Merit Heifer Program.  The Merit Heifer program is a “live animal” scholarship that strives to help youth get a start in the beef cattle business by awarding heifer calves to participants chosen based on merit, future goals, and ability to care for the animal. Any youth ages 12-16, who is a 4-H or FFA member, may apply.

Applications must be postmarked no later than September 15.  An application is available online at www.thenile.org or by calling the NILE office.

During the program duration, participants are responsible for raising the heifer, arranging for her to be bred, completing the record keeping procedure and bringing the animal back one year later as a bred replacement heifer for exhibit at the NILE Stock Show.

Bill Pelton, Merit Heifer Chairman, says, “This program would not be possible without the generous support of our donor ranchers and we are very grateful to them.”  This year the NILE will select twenty-five recipients and match them up with donors from across the region.  In addition to application from eligible recipients, the NILE is also taking applications from ranches wishing to participate through the donation of a heifer calf.

All application must be postmarked by September 15, 2014.  For more information and applications regarding the Merit Heifer Program, please go to:  www.thenile.org or call the NILE office at 406.256.2495.

August 27, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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EPA Hands Over Maps Detailing the Extent of their WOTUS Proposal

EPA WOTUS Montana Expansion MapWASHINGTON (Aug. 27, 2014) –The House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology released maps today of waters and wetlands the Environmental Protection Agency has to-date refrained from making public. After multiple requests, the Agency finally handed over the maps to the committee, which appear to detail the extent of the “Waters of the United States” proposal.

“Given the astonishing picture they paint, I understand the EPA’s desire to minimize the importance of these maps,” said Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas), Chairman of the House Science Committee, in a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “But EPA’s posturing cannot explain away the alarming content of these documents. While you claim that EPA has not yet used these maps to regulate Americans, you provided no explanation for why the Agency used taxpayer resources to have these materials created.”

Knowledge of the maps came as the Committee was doing research in preparation for a hearing regarding the proposed “Waters of the United States” rule. The maps were kept hidden while the Agencies marched forward with rulemaking that fundamentally re-defines private property rights, said Chairman Smith.

“It is deplorable that EPA, which claims to be providing transparency in rulemakings, would intentionally keep from the American public, a taxpayer-funded visual representation of the reach of their proposed rule,” said Ashley McDonald, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association environmental counsel. “Unfortunately, it is just another blatant contradiction to the claims of transparency this Administration insists they maintain.”

These maps are very similar to the maps produced by NCBA and other agricultural groups, which also showcase the EPA’s extensive attempt to control land across the country. These maps show individual states facing upwards of 100,000 additional stream miles that could be regulated under the proposed regulation.

“This is the smoking gun for agriculture,” said McDonald. “These maps show that EPA knew exactly what they were doing and knew exactly how expansive their proposal was before they published it.”

The maps are available on the House Committee website here. The Montana map is available by clicking here (maps are large files and may take a few seconds to load).

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PBS Ag Live Answering Montana Ranching Questions
August 20, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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We hear about reduced inventories in beef cattle – what are the facts?

PBS Ag Live Answering Montana Ranching QuestionsGary Brester of the College of Ag has shared some of his research findings with Ag Live. To learn more about PBS’ Montana Ag Live program, visit their website. Submit your questions to be answered by MSU experts in future columns by emailing [email protected].

Inventories are, indeed, down in the US…increased support of crops has had some producers leaving cattle; even though cattle prices are up, a producer doesn’t see increased payoff until that cow is sold, but increased hay prices come long before that – some producers just can’t wait until day of sale; the age of producers is increasing; and technological changes haven’t helped cattle producers the way they might have helped crop producers (GPS, for example, has changed crop practices for many).

In the hog industry, structural change has almost eliminated hog cycles and cattle may be going the same route –a highly technological market has the power to change contracting practices or help establish alliances that haven’t traditionally existed.

In the US, if you compare numbers from 1999 to 2013, we have gone from about a 130 million head to just under 90 million…while Argentina has stayed at about 50 million, Australia is steady at  around 30 million and Canada is about 15 million.  Of that group, only the US has reduced numbers, but we are also the largest producer so that has ramifications worldwide.

Montana Ag Live Column is provided in cooperation with Montana PBS and Montana State University. To learn more, contact Dr. Gary Brester at MSU,

August 18, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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2014 Governor’s Range Tour will highlight sustainable grazing practices in Mission Valley

Montana Annual Governor's Range TourRONAN, Mont. – This year’s Governor’s Range Tour will provide a great opportunity for producers, range professionals and the general public to see and discuss sustainable grazing practices on a number of Mission Valley livestock operations.

The two-day event begins on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014, and concludes on Friday, Sept. 5.

“This year’s tour will focus on improving pasture conditions and financial returns,” said Chris Malgren, administrator of the Lake County Conservation District. “We’re highlighting a number of area ranches using innovative grazing strategies.”

The first day of the tour will open with a presentation on grazing techniques and holistic pasture management by Ben Montgomery and Justin Morris, both with the Montana Natural Resource Conservation Service. Following the presentation, tour participants will visit three ranches to hear their success stories using intensive and high stock density pasture grazing. The first is David Sturman’s operation, which uses mob grazing with sheep, while the second and third properties, owned by brothers Vern and Dennis Schlabach, respectively, will highlight their improved pasture conditions and forage production on their properties from the use of mob grazing with cattle.

Day one of the tour will conclude with a discussion at Jake Yoder’s ranch regarding the value of cattle grazing weeds, and improving animal condition and calf weights by making improvements in grazing management on a degraded hay field. There will also be a body condition scoring workshop with Rachel Endecott, MSU Beef Cattle Extension Specialist.

“This scoring demonstration will offer a great way for producers to quickly and accurately gauge livestock health and nutritional status in the field,” said Malgren.

Day one of the tour will conclude with a banquet at the Ninepipes Lodge. Ray Beck, DNRC Deputy Director, will serve as Master of Ceremonies and Governor Steve Bullock (invited) is the scheduled keynote speaker.

Day two of the tour will feature an electric fencing demonstration and workshop. Montgomery and Morris will review the different materials, layout options, and discuss tips and techniques for making temporary fencing easy and effective.

The Governor’s Range Tour is an annual DNRC-sponsored event that rotates around the state, highlighting excellence and innovation in production agriculture and natural resource stewardship.

“The tour is an excellent opportunity for landowners, the general public and resource management folks to discuss issues and share experiences,” said Jim Simpson, Lake County Conservation District Supervisor. “We’re excited to be hosting it this year and hope to see plenty of people come out.”

Registration for the tour begins at 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 4 at the Amish Community Center, located on the corner of Allison and Foothills roads just outside of St. Ignatius, Mont.

Full registration costs $40.00 and includes the tour, lunch and banquet; the tour and lunch only costs $15.00, while a ticket for the banquet only is $30.00. Registration is available on the day of the event, but pre-registration is encouraged.

For more information on this year’s Governor’s Range Tour, contact Chris Malgren, Ben Montgomery or Heidi Crum (contact information at top of this release).

To download a poster and registration form, visit the Montana DNRC Web site at http://www.dnrc.mt.gov/cardd/consdist/rangelandmanagement.asp or the DNRC Rangeland Resources Program Facebook page at https://www.facebook,com/MontanaRangeProgram.

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August 8, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Cattle Producers Discuss Policy Priorities at Industry Summer Conference

National Cattlemens Beef USA logo(The following is a press release from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association)

Members of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association addressed current policy priorities at the 2014 Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Denver this month, passing new resolutions and directives for the 2014 Policy Agenda.

“Our policy committees are tasked with a broad spectrum of issues, with everything from environmental regulation to nutrition policy to trade barriers on the agenda,” said Bob McCan, NCBA president and Victoria, Texas, cattle producer. “Cattle producers gather from across the country to discuss the biggest issues facing the cattle industry right now and make specific decisions on how to move forward on these priorities.”

Along with revisions to current policies, NCBA members analyzed the overall state of the industry in one-on-one discussions with top government representatives, trade officials and other industry leaders.

“Right now, priority issues include the EPA’s proposed waters of the United States rule, tax reform and ongoing international trade issues,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Colin Woodall. “We are engaged in a long list of policy priorities all year long. After the meetings in Denver, NCBA’s D.C. staff is headed back to Washington, ready to hit the ground running with the list of recommendations and policy updates.”

In the Property Rights and Environmental Management committee members passed a resolution to lead the development of a beef sustainability program, inclusive of the beef value chain and stakeholders, that addresses the continued advancement in areas such as economic viability, production efficiencies, animal care and handling, environmental conservation, human resources and community support.

The Cattle Marketing and International Trade Policy passed a resolution for NCBA to support changes to Mandatory Price Reporting. Accurate and detailed market information is imperative for sound decision making, and the directive calls for support of changes to ensure the data reflects the market place.

And NCBA’s Cattle Health and Well-Being committee passed policy regarding foreign animal diseases, which could cause a widespread quarantine and possible massive depopulation of the U.S. cattle herd, thus compromising national security and jeopardizing the U.S. beef supply. As such, a resolution was passed to oppose the importation of live cattle, beef, and/or beef products into the U.S. from foreign countries with histories of significant chronic animal diseases and lack of strict animal disease control and eradication measures.

Further, NCBA urges USDA to include U.S. cattle industry stakeholders in any negotiations with foreign countries relating to efforts that may affect the health of the U.S. cattle industry and provide the U.S. cattle industry opportunities to comment on new procedures for developing risk analyses for any foreign country with significant chronic animal disease issues wishing to export live cattle, beef, and/or beef products into the U.S.

USDA protocols should be substantiated by sound, scientific evidence and that animal health related regulations not be used as non-tariff trade barriers.

All of these policies from the committees were passed by the full NCBA board of directors.   The official NCBA Policy Book is a detailed compilation of policy priorities on cattle industry issues. The full NCBA 2014 Policy Agenda can be found online at: www.beefusa.org.

August 8, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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DOL Survey: High Use of Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, Satisfaction with Services

Montana Department of Livestock DOL(The following is a press release from the Montana Department of Livestock)

A recent survey of Montana veterinarians shows that they use the Montana Diagnostic Veterinary Laboratory in Bozeman, use it frequently and are overwhelmingly satisfied with the services it provides.

The survey, conducted in June and July, was designed to gauge veterinarians’ satisfaction with the lab and identify potential areas for improvement.

“We wanted to know how practicing veterinarians feel about the lab,” said Christian Mackay, executive officer for the Montana Board of Livestock. “We’ve always known that the lab receives a vast majority of the state’s diagnostic samples and has solid support, but we wanted some specifics.”

And according to the survey…

  • 83 percent of the respondents use the lab, and 78 percent of those use it on a weekly-plus basis.
  • 76 percent of the respondents were satisfied/very satisfied with the lab overall, while just 8 percent were dissatisfied/very dissatisfied.
  • 85 percent of the respondents were satisfied/very satisfied with the lab’s responsiveness to technical questions and concerns.
  • 93 percent of the respondents were satisfied/very satisfied with the professionalism and courteousness of lab staff.

“The numbers show high usage and a high rate of satisfaction,” Mackay said.

Other survey questions focused on satisfaction with turnaround time (84 percent satisfied/very satisfied), online instructions (57 percent satisfied/very satisfied), ordering of test materials (72 percent satisfied/very satisfied), and clarity of reports received from the lab (78 percent satisfied/very satisfied).

The two most common reasons for using the lab were convenience and cost, which were listed by 81 and 66 percent, respectively, of the survey’s respondents.

In addition to the survey questions, Mackay said respondents also provided useful information in the form of comments.

The survey, which was conducted on surveymonkey.com, was open to practicing Montana veterinarians – there are about 500 – and drew 136 respondents.

In a separate survey conducted by the Montana Veterinary Medical Association at its midsummer meeting, 93 and 90 percent of the respondents, respectively, said their practice and the state of Montana would be significantly impacted if the lab were closed. Ninety percent of the respondents in the same survey said they believe the lab plays a needed public health role.

“It’s pretty clear that the state’s veterinarians feel that the lab is an asset,” Mackay said.

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