September 28, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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State Veterinarian Appointed as Interim Executive Officer of Department of Livestock

Montana Department of Livestock DOLAccording to a press release from the Department of Livestock, Dr. Marty Zaluski has been appointed to serve as interim Executive Officer for the DOL. Zaluski assumed the interim role, vacated last week by the resignation of Christian Mackay, following a Board of Livestock meeting via conference call on Friday, September 25.

Dr. Zaluski has served as Montana state veterinarian in the DOL since 2007.

Also during Friday’s conference call, Marty Clark was chosen as the interim head of Brands Enforcement Division in the Department.

In the release, Chair of the Board of Livestock, John Lehfeldt stated, “The Board is excited to bring a seasoned employee such as Dr. Zaluski to this position to minimize any disruptions to Department operations.” Lehfeldt continued to express confidence in the direction of the Department to be on the right track moving forward.

Montana Stockgrowers will continue working with the Board of Livestock to provide input as they work to transition the Department’s leadership and identify the best candidates for the future of state’s livestock industry.

More information about the Department of Livestock can be found at liv.mt.gov.

September 26, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Cattle markets continue downward trend as Autumn volume increases

Drought Monitor Update September 24

Montana Drought Monitor September 24

Montana Drought Monitor Update, September 24, 2015. Click image to learn more.

Moderate to Extreme drought continues along and west of the Divide with no significant changes in recent weeks, except some decrease of abnormally dry areas in Eastern Montana. Long-term conditions remain dry heading into the Fall season.

Large sections of the nation experienced dry weather, reducing topsoil moisture but promoting summer crop maturation and harvesting. Above-normal temperatures dominated the Plains and upper Midwest, favoring fieldwork and helping to push summer crops toward maturity.

The overall trend toward drought persistence continued in our region, though pockets of beneficial rain were noted in the northern Rockies, Pacific Northwest, and lower Four Corners. The west was generally cooler than normal, easing stress on pastures, crops, and livestock. In the north, most of the region’s core Extreme Drought (D3) areas were dry. However, moderate to heavy rain on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula (2-4 inches, locally more) staved off D3 expansion. Farther east, 1 to 3 inches of rain eased drought intensity and coverage over central and southern Idaho, though northern portions of the state remained dry.

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

Montana Weekly Auction Report – September 25

Market: Billings Livestock, Public Auction Yards, Miles City

Receipts: 4,574; Last Week 3,767; Last Year NA

Compared to last report: Spring born feeder steers and heifers sold sharply lower this week with most sales 15.00-20.00 lower and instances of 30.00 lower on lightweight calves. Yearling feeder steers sold mostly 10.00 lower in a narrow comparison. Yearling heifers under 900 lbs sold 10.00-15.00 lower while heifers over 900 lbs sold weak to 5.00 lower with heavier weights selling with more demand than lighter weight offerings.

Quality this week was mostly average to attractive, with several very attractive sets of both yearlings and spring born calves. Flesh conditions were in buyers favor with many lightly fleshed feeders coming off grass. However, weigh up conditions were average at best this week; yearling cattle coming off grass were more likely to push excess fill than spring calves. Demand for feeder cattle was light to moderate on yearling offerings, while spring born calves saw light demand.

Slaughter cows sold mostly 5.00-6.00 lower and feeding cows sold lower as well on a notably poor quality offering this week. The best demand for cows this week was for young 2 year olds to young age cows suitable to enter a breeding program. These offerings sold fully steady on good demand. Slaughter bulls sold mostly 2.00 lower in a narrow comparison.

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

National Feeder & Stocker Cattle Summary – September 25

Receipts This Week:  Total 250,600 – 177,700 (Auctions); 53,200 (Direct); 19,700 (Video/Internet)

Compared to last week: yearling feeder cattle sold mostly 5.00-10.00 lower, with instances 15.00 lower. Calves traded mostly 5.00-15.00 lower with some sales 20.00 lower throughout the Midwest and Southeast. Discounts are quickly becoming more severe on unweaned-fleshy types which complement the larger discounts on price trends on calves.

The calf market pressure is typical of autumn’s arrival with increase headcounts of new crop bawlers and the onset of warm days and cool nights. Pre-condition yard sickpens are starting to fill as the combination of separation anxiety and shipping fever takes its toll on new purchases.

Cattle futures and cash prices continued their free-fall from last week with no-way of applying the brakes to stop the bleeding. Heavy liquidation selling took place again this week in the cattle futures with limit losses on Wednesday. Futures continued in their flush out mode on Thursday closing again with sharp triple-digit losses, but then traded limit higher to close on Friday; perhaps to give some hard to come by hope for next week. Any justification for high priced feeders has worn out its welcome, as losses keep mounting for cattle feeders and the near term outlook still looking bleak. This has the feeder cattle market accelerating to the downside as feeder cattle prices now stand as excessively overpriced.

Last week’s Cattle on Feed Report did have somewhat positive news in smaller placements than expected, but lower placements are not providing any help to the fed cattle or feeder cattle market. Market psychology and beef demand definitely need a reversal along with cleaning up heavy fed cattle coming to market.

Auction volume included 49% weighing over 600 lbs and 40% heifers.

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

Weekly Montana Hay Report – September 25

Compared to last week: Alfalfa was generally steady this week on moderate demand and light to moderate movement. Perfect weather conditions have helped producers across the west-central portion of the state put up excellent quality 3rd cutting. With third cutting still going up very few sales have taken place, however limited sales have moved at around 1.00 per RFV point. Grass hay experienced moderate movement this week with sales steady to weak. Hay for export continues to move at the bottom end of the range.

  • Alfalfa:
    • Supreme: Small Squares, 200.00-225.00
    • Premium: Large Squares, 180.00
    • 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, 115.00-120.00
    • 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 25, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Sage Grouse not listed as Endangered Species

sageGrouseOn Tuesday, September 22, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services announced that the greater sage grouse would not be listed as an endangered species. This is a significant accomplishment following extensive work by officials, industry and conservation groups in 11 states who have worked to form plans for conservation of the bird’s habitat.

Department of the Interior Secretary Sally Jewell made the announcement on Tuesday via video. Click here to watch and read her statement.

Montana Stockgrowers Association, Montana Public Lands Council and Montana Association of State Grazing Districts are supportive of the recent decision. Even with sage grouse not listed under ESA, our organizations will still be working on this issue on our members’ behalf, at both the state and federal level.

At the state level, Montana has developed state legislation and a state plan, which will be operational by January 1, 2016. In order to accomplish this accelerated time schedule, we will be participating in all facets of the program, such as:

  • Attendance at the Montana Sage Grouse Oversight Team (MSGOT) meetings
  • Further developing program rules for mitigation and habitat exchanges
  • Development of landowner incentives

The MSGOT will hold two more meeting this fall, with the next being November 17 in Helena. Click here to learn more about Montana Sage Grouse Management.

In addition to the state plan development, our organizations will be also working on the federal level. On the federal side, BLM has just released their Resource Management Plans (RMP) for the state. These plans provide the direction for public land and federal minerals managed by the Bureau of Land Management and provide a framework for the future management direction for the planning area.

With the release of these RMPs, we will be:

  • Reviewing these plans as it relates to impacts to livestock grazing
  • Work with the agency to ensure livestock grazing is not impacted by sage grouse decisions
  • Clarify specific criteria and requirements within the document and how they will impacting livestock producers.

Montana’s leadership provided statements regarding the DOI and USFWS announcement on Tuesday:

Our organizations also request input from our members on areas of possible concerns or program areas where livestock producers can receive some benefit. Please contact the MSGA office if you have any further questions. Stay tuned to MSGA News updates and emails for more information as it becomes available.

September 24, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Fundraiser Auction Supports Environmental Stewardship

montana environmental stewardship award programOn Friday, September 18, ranchers and Billings-area residents gathered for a night of beef, wine and fun at Yellowstone Cellars and Winery, hosted by Clint Peck. Proceeds from the event go to support the Montana Environmental Stewardship Program (ESAP).

The night’s events included good wine, fresh beef tri-tip grilled by Chef Megan Jessee thanks to the Montana Beef Council, and several donated items auctioned by Ron Dinkle. The auction raised more than $4,000, which will go toward outreach efforts to help ranchers share their stories of environmental stewardship.

In its 25th year, ESAP recognizes Montana ranchers who go the extra mile to preserve and enhance the resources on their land through management that promotes environmental stewardship, conservation and sustainability. These practices include management that promotes

  • Conservation of natural resources,
  • Coexistence with wildlife habitat,
  • Clean water sources,
  • Range health and diversity,
  • Healthy, wholesome beef products, and
  • Sustainable contributions to rural economies

Each year, Montana Stockgrowers recognizes ranchers at the forefront of conservation and stewardship with a commitment toward improved sustainability within the beef industry. Ranchers must complete an extensive application and share their story of work in the areas of

  • Diversity in Rangeland and Wildlife Management,
  • Sustainability on the Ground and in Rural Communities,
  • Partnerships Toward Improved Ranching, and
  • Environmental & Economic Management Goals.

State winners selected by the Montana Stockgrowers Association advance to the regional and national levels. Montana has a strong history of regional and national winners in years since ESAP was established. This year, the American Fork Ranch from Two Dot is the Region V ESAP winner and will continue to compete for the National award, to be announced January 27-29 in San Diego.

The 2016 Montana ESAP recipient will be announced at the Stockgrowers Annual Convention, December 3-5 in Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings.

To learn more about Montana ESAP or to donate to the program, visit mtbeef.org.

September 23, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Department of Livestock Leadership Resigns

Montana Department of Livestock DOLThe Montana Board of Livestock convened in Helena September 21-22. Following Monday’s morning session, the Board of Livestock released information announcing the resignation of Executive Officer, Christian Mackay and John Grainger, Brands Division Administrator.

Mackay said he is leaving to pursue other interests and wishes the board and staff the best of luck in the coming months and years ahead. The Board of Livestock accepted his resignation.

“MSGA appreciates the service of Christian MacKay and John Grainger to Montana’s cattle and livestock industry. We appreciate the working relationship that we had with the Department of Livestock during their tenure and we wish them both the best of luck in their future endeavors”, said Errol Rice MSGA Executive Vice President. “MSGA looks forward to working with the Board of Livestock as they look to transition the department’s leadership.”

MSGA presented comments to the board during their deliberation of the FY16 and FY17 budget. The board took action to increase the cattle per capita fee from $2.15 per head to $2.19 per head. The MSGA board voted unanimously on August 27th to support allowing the board of livestock up to a 10 cent per head increase for per capita fees on cattle for their FY16 and FY17 budget cycle.

An industry-working group chaired by MSGA President Gene Curry, continues to offer input to the board of livestock on budgetary considerations, policies and procedure and board governance training.

More information about the Department and Board of livestock can be found at liv.mt.gov.

UPDATED: The Board of Livestock also received the resignation of dairy industry representative, Jeff Lewis, during this week’s meeting.

September 22, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Senate Reauthorizes Mandatory Livestock Price Reporting Without Critical Provision

WASHINGTON (Sept. 22, 2015) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association appreciates the efforts of the Senate in reauthorizing Mandatory Livestock Price Reporting through 2020. NCBA President, Philip Ellis, a Wyoming cattle producer, said this information provides producers greater transparency in market conditions.

“Transparency is essential to the functioning of our livestock markets, and our ability as producers to make decisions critical to our profitability,” said Ellis. “We appreciate the Senate’s reauthorization of this provision before it expired at the end of the month. Unfortunately, due to the actions of Senator Stabenow, not only does this legislation lack the status of an essential service, the bill differs substantially from the House version; subjecting producers to further delay and uncertainty.”

Mandatory Price Reporting requires meat packers to report to USDA the prices they pay for cattle, hogs and sheep purchased from farmers and ranchers for slaughter, as well as the prices they receive for the sale of wholesale beef, pork and lamb. Mandatory Price Reporting also requires USDA to issue daily, weekly and monthly livestock and meat market reports.

“For American’s cattlemen and women, market transparency is not a luxury,” said Ellis. “Cattle markets are complex and ever-changing, and cattle producers like myself rely on the information provided by price reporting to make informed decisions. The actions of Senator Stabenow have ensured that cattle producers will not have access to this critical market information in the event of a government shutdown.”

In contrast to the House version, the Senate’s Mandatory Price Reporting legislation does not make the program an essential government service, rendering the program vulnerable to future government shutdowns. Due to these differences, the legislation now must be conferenced with the House, and signed by the President prior to expiration on Sept. 30, 2015.

September 21, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Governor Bullock Announces Trade Mission to Taiwan, South Korea

Montana Governor Steve Bullock today announced that he will lead a seven-day trade mission to Taiwan and South Korea in the fall of 2015. Governor Bullock made the announcement during his remarks at the Why Asia Matters to Montana public forum that took place in Bozeman as part of the 2015 Asia + Montana Bozeman Retreat coordinated by the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center, the City of Bozeman, and Montana State University.

“With an increasingly connected global economy, I am committed to enhancing the competitiveness of Montana businesses in the international marketplace,” said Bullock. “I look forward to strengthening our trade relations with these two countries and promoting the quality and authenticity of Montana’s businesses, products, and people.”

The mission will bring together leaders in business, education, and government to focus on creating export opportunities for Montana businesses as well as strengthening the diplomatic and trade relationships between the economies of Montana, South Korea, and Taiwan. The mission will take place October 24 – 30 and include Montana business owners who have identified export opportunities in the Asia Pacific region.

Organized by the Governor’s Office and the Montana Department of Commerce, the trade mission will include high-level meetings with officials in the Taiwanese and South Korean governments, business and investment meetings for the business delegation, and joint seminars to promote Montana in both countries.

“We are putting together a fast-paced, business-focused trip that will open doors for Montana businesses and strengthen diplomatic and trade relations between Montana and Taiwan and South Korea,” said Montana Department of Commerce Director Meg O’Leary.

With more than 95 percent of the world’s population and 80 percent of the world’s purchasing power outside the United States, future economic growth and jobs in Montana increasingly depend on expanding international trade and investment opportunities. Last fall, Governor Bullock led a similar mission to the People’s Republic of China. Since then, Montana has hosted numerous inbound trade delegations from China and connected qualified Chinese companies with Montana businesses looking to grow and expand in the market. This past week, an international energy conference took place in Billings as a result of a meeting Bullock had with Chinese energy officials during the mission.

Participating businesses will have the opportunity to take advantage of trade facilitation services provided by the U.S. Commercial Service, which are designed to connect businesses with top-level corporate and government leaders in one-on-one business meetings. Participants will be responsible for individual trip expenses.

–Press Release, August 28. Stay tuned to learn more about how this trip will involve ranchers and beef trade.

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 18, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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NCF Accepting Applications for Beef Industry Scholarship

National-Cattlemens-Foundation-logoDENVER (Sept. 15, 2015) – The National Cattlemen’s Foundation is now accepting applications for 2016-17 beef industry scholarships sponsored by the CME Group. Ten scholarships of $1,500 each will be awarded to outstanding students pursuing careers in the beef industry.

“The CME Beef Industry Scholarship enables us to invest in the next generation of our nation’s food producers, while helping them understand the importance of risk management to the beef industry,” said Tim Andriesen, CME Group Managing Director of Agricultural Commodities. “For more than 25 years, NCBA has been a key partner in advancing risk management education to future beef industry leaders through this important scholarship program.”

The CME Beef Industry Scholarship was introduced in 1989 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Live Cattle futures contract on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. It recognizes and encourages talented students who will one day be industry leaders. Students studying education, communication, production, research or other areas related to the beef industry should consider applying for the scholarship.

Applicants for the 2016-17 scholarship will be required to write a one-page letter expressing future career goals related to the beef industry. They also must write a 750-word essay describing an issue in the beef industry and offering solutions to this problem. Applicants must be a graduating high school senior or full-time undergraduate student enrolled at a two or four-year college.

Applications should be submitted by October 30, 2015 and sent to National Cattlemen’s Foundation, 9110 E. Nichols Ave., Suite 300, Centennial, CO 80112. The winning recipients will be announced during the Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in San Diego, Cali., Jan. 27-29, 2016.

For more information visit www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org.

September 16, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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National Public Lands Council Meeting – Podcast with Vicki Olson

PodcastLast week, Montana Public Lands Council Directors attended the National Public Lands Council annual meeting, held in Cody, Wyoming. MPLC Chair, Vicki Olson of Malta, visited with us to review important topics that were discussed affecting Montana ranchers. These topics included Sage Grouse, PLC dues increase, emerging Animal Welfare law education, Bighorn and domestic sheep conflicts, and a change of leadership for national PLC.

Click here to listen to the podcast in a new window.