December 8, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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750 Ranchers Meet in Billings for 131st Stockgrowers Convention

2015 Annual Convention and Trade ShowThe 131st Montana Stockgrowers Association Annual Convention and Trade Show, held December 3-5 at Rimrock Auto Arena in Billings, drew strong crowds from ranching communities across the state.

The three-day convention featured several speakers to help ranchers learn about innovative tools and technologies available in the industry. Highlights also included nightly NFR viewing and Calcutta auction, live music from Exit 53 and Crazy Mountain Express, over $100,000 in prizes awarded and a trade show with more than 100 exhibitors representing many services across the ranching industry.

Former Navy SEAL and Butte Native, Robert O’Neill highlighted Friday’s Northern Ag Network Lunch, sharing his experience from overseas deployments and lessons of leadership ranchers can utilize in their own businesses. Congressman Ryan Zinke was on hand to address the packed house and to introduce O’Neill.

During Opening General Session, ranchers learned more about protein’s role in global food security from Grady Bishop, Senior Director with Elanco Animal Health. Bishop encouraged ranchers to be more involved in online conversations about our food supply today.

Members had the opportunity to discuss and vote on resolutions that guide policy activity for the Stockgrowers Association leading into the 2015 legislative session. Important topics of discussion included Country of Origin Labeling, wildlife and disease management, water law and tax policies.

Convention coverage, photos, videos and information about membership programs can be found on the Montana Stockgrowers Association Facebook page or website, mtbeef.org. Be sure to join MSGA for their 2016 MidYear meeting, June 9-11 in Great Falls.

The following are highlights in recognitions and awards during the Convention:

-Elections were held to fill positions on the Board of Directors due to expiring terms. Charlie Rein of Big Timber was elected to represent South Central ranchers. Kim Peterson of Havre was elected to represent North Central ranchers. Jess Drange of Ismay was elected to represent Southeastern ranchers. Jack Holden of Valier and Wayne Slaght of Ovando were reelected to serve a second term. Outgoing Board members include Jed Evjene of Two Dot representing the South Central district and Leon LaSalle of Havre representing the North Central district.

-Lacey Ehlke of Townsend was elected as Chair of the Young Stockgrowers committee. She fills the position previously held by Travis Brown of Sand Springs. Tyrel Obrecht of Lewistown was elected as Vice-Chair. Ehlke and Obrecht will represent the Young Stockgrowers on the MSGA Board of Directors.

-The 2015 Montana Environmental Stewardship Award (ESAP) was presented to Lon and Vicki Reukauf of Cherry Creek Ranch. The ranch is a commercial cow/calf operation near Town, which exemplifies the qualities of ranchers focused on environmental stewardship, sustainability and conservation. As Montana ESAP winners, Cherry Creek Ranch will compete at the regional level for the national ESAP recognition.

-Lila Taylor was recognized as the Ranching Woman of the Year. Lila and her husband, Watty, operate their cow-calf ranch near Kirby. All three of their sons and their spouses, Kirby and Misty, Jay and Cherie, and Peter and Amanda, are involved in ranching in Montana. Alongside her accomplishments as a ranching woman, Lila has been active in leadership roles in the state and her community. Lila has served in the Montana Legislature, on the Board of Public Education, and currently serves on the Montana Board of Livestock, St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation Board of Directors along with numerous other accolades.

-12 Cattlemen’s College workshops offered attendees several great opportunities for interactive learning about the tools available to improve management and record keeping on their ranches. Topics covered included cattle marketing, estate planning, nutrition, reproduction and cattle health.

-Montana Ford Stores continued their sponsorship for the seventh year to give one lucky MSGA member a 2015 Ford F-350 Super Duty pickup. This year’s winner was Ed Lord. Ed and his wife, Connie, ranch at their ranch near Philipsburg.

-For the second year, Montana Massey Ferguson dealers donated a tractor lease, which was raffled on Saturday evening. Fred Wacker of Miles City won the 8-month/200-hour lease on the 130-hp tractor and loader. NutraLix donated a saddle, which went to Lon Reukauf of Terry.

-Top Hand Club recognitions were awarded to the North Central Montana Stockgrowers from Havre, which received a John Deere Gator from Frontline Ag Solutions, and Leon LaSalle of Havre, who received a trip to San Diego, California for the 2016 Cattle Industry Convention.

-Policy meetings offered opportunity for attendees to hear updates on several issues affecting ranches, environmental and agricultural policy issues in the state. Representatives from Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Department of Livestock, Public Lands Council and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, as well as Attorney General Tim Fox were on hand to provide updates and insight on current events.

The Montana Stockgrowers Association meets annually to discuss and vote on policy measures, which guide the Association in representing its members on local, state and federal issues. MSGA’s 2016 MidYear membership meeting will take place June 9-11 in Great Falls. To learn more about Stockgrowers programs or membership, visit mtbeef.org or contact the office in Helena, (406) 442-3420.

Click here for more 2015 Annual Convention coverage from Montana Stockgrowers.

December 6, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Speakers Highlight 2015 Annual Convention And Trade Show

As food politics change, expert says Montana ranchers need to participate

By Tom Lutey, Billings Gazette

Annual Convention Elanco Grady BishopFood politics are being reshaped by social media and millennials, and Montana ranchers need to step up, a livestock industry analyst told Stockgrowers on Friday.

“I challenge you all to get involved in social media,” said Grady Bishop, senior director of North America Market Access of Elanco Animal Health. “Let’s not let somebody take our story from us.”

Elanco is a global, innovation-driven company that develops and markets products to improve animal health and protein production in more than 75 countries.

Speaking at the Montana Stockgrowers Convention in Billings, Bishop gave an optimistic but challenging outlook about the livestock industry’s future. With 3 billion people worldwide expected to join the middle class in developing nations, the demand for beef looks positive, Bishop said.

Continue reading from the Billings Gazette.

With humor, detail and emotion, former Navy SEAL O’Neill delivers talk at Montana Stockgrowers Association lunch

By Mike Kordenbrock, Billings Gazette

Annual Convention Robert O'NeillRob O’Neill, Butte native and former Navy SEAL, was the featured speaker at Friday’s Northwestern Ag Network’s lunch at the 131st Montana Stockgrowers Association Convention and Trade Show.

He was introduced by another former SEAL, U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., who said, “Rob O’Neill represents our most important values: duty, honor, courage. And yes, he’s from Butte and he has a sense of humor.”

O’Neill, who in November 2014 said he fired the two shots that killed Osama bin Laden, said early in his talk that he wouldn’t go into detail about the bin Laden raid but did use it as a transition into his opening remarks.

“The Bin Laden raid was a proof of concept,” O’Neill said, before launching into his talk, interwoven with video footage, frequently of parachute jumps, about how “success in combat can be related to everyday life.”

After having his heart broken by a Butte girl, O’Neill said he couldn’t find the Marine recruiter, but the Navy recruiter was around. “I couldn’t swim,” O’Neill said. “I’m 19, naive and this guy’s a professional recruiter. Why’s he gonna lie to me,” O’Neill said.

Continue reading from the Billings Gazette.

Click here for more 2015 Annual Convention coverage from Montana Stockgrowers.

December 3, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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MSU-Northern Collegiate Stockgrowers to Host Heroes and Horses in Havre

MSU Northern Collegiate Logo SquareThe MSU-Northern Collegiate Stockgrowers club is proud to announce they are partnering with the North Central Stockgrowers Association and North 40 Outfitters in a fundraiser for Heroes and Horses: A Program for Reforging America’s Combat Veterans, on December 9, from 4-7 p.m. at the Holiday Village Mall in Havre.

Based in Manhattan, Montana, Heroes and Horses harnesses the power of the horse/human connection to restore trust, motivation, and self-confidence. On expeditions in Montana’s high country, the Heroes and Horses program uses a positive pressure environment to re-forge the lives of America’s combat veterans. The Heroes and Horses program re-galvanizes our nation’s veterans, challenging them to rediscover who they are and what they can be moving forward. Heroes and Horses’ focus is not about what happened, but what can happen when one chooses to press on. By “challenging what challenges them,” Heroes and Horses provides veterans the chance to make peace with their past and replace devastating memories with positive ones. Donations are needed to fund a solider through a 3-phase/completion program, at no cost to the veteran.

The fundraiser will take place on Wednesday, December 9th from 4-7pm in the parking lot facing Highway 2 at the Holiday Village Mall. Rides on a horse-drawn trailer and refreshments will be provided for a small fee. All proceeds from the rides and refreshments, in addition to all in-kind donations, will go to Heroes and Horses in support of America’s combat veterans.

For more information, please contact Mary Heller at 406-265-3708 or [email protected].

MSU Northern Collegiate Heroes and Horses

December 2, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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MSU Extension Survey on Noxious Weeds

montana state extension logoMontana State University Extension Specialists Drs. Jane Mangold and Kate Fuller are working on a survey to help gain a better understanding of how noxious weeds affect livestock producers on private rangeland in Montana. As a part of their project, they are surveying livestock operators.

Please take a few minutes to fill out their short survey, here: https://montana.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_efizQ3kCbk99map.

Any questions or comments, or requests for survey results, should be addressed to Kate Fuller at [email protected] or Jane Mangold at [email protected].  Kate and Jane thank you very much for your time!

December 1, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Webinar Outlines 2016 Calf Market Expectations

Cattle Fax Market Outlook 2014CENTENNIAL, CO — Cow-calf margins will shrink as the U.S. beef cowherd expands, but producers can ensure future profitability by adjusting business plans for the supply increase. An upcoming free CattleFax webinar will address a 2016 outlook for the cow-calf segment and entire beef sector, while exploring continued cowherd expansion.

The CattleFax Trends+ Cow-Calf Webinar will be at 5:30 p.m. MT, Jan. 20, 2016. To participate in the webinar and access program details, producers and industry leaders simply need to register online at www.cattlefax.com/meetings.aspx

One of the most aggressive U.S. beef cowherd expansions in the last four decades will increase beef supplies and pressure cow-calf profitability over the next several years. As profits narrow during that time, well-informed producers can maintain healthy margins by adjusting production, marketing and risk management plans with increasing supplies in mind.

  • CattleFax analysts will discuss a variety of topics in the one-hour session, including:
  • Cattle and feedstuff market projections for the next 12 to 18 months
  • Supply and margin expectations based on U.S. beef cowherd expansion estimates
  • Expected returns of beef cows over their productive life and potential opportunities.

The Trends+ webinar series informs cattle producers about current market conditions and provides providing decision-friendly advice regarding management decisions. The analysis and strategies shared through the webinar series has reached more than 2,500 producers, and sponsorship from Elanco Animal Health is making the seminar free for all attendees.

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CattleFax is a member-owned organization that serves producers in all segments of the cattle and beef business. CattleFax is the global leader in beef industry research, analysis and information. Since 1968, the organization’s exclusive industry database has set the standard for market information and analysis. Visit www.CattleFax.com to learn more and become a member.

November 30, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Montana Agriculture in the Classroom Releases the Montana Invasive Species Education Project

montana department of agriculture logoThe Montana Agriculture in the Classroom program has released a comprehensive educational project on invasive species to help increase public awareness, identification, and reporting procedures.

Species which are non-native (invasive or alien) to Montana interfere and often destroy native plants, wildlife and livestock habitat, forests, waterways, and food crops.  These species, which may not harm the environment in their native area, can cause destruction and major problems when introduced to a new environment.

“The impact to agriculture and the environment can total in the millions of dollars once an invasive species is introduced. The best defense is to prevent their introduction in the first place. Where introduction does occur, we need to increase our ability to respond with education to identify and report threats from potential invasive species,” said Director Ron de Yong.

Invasive species addressed in this project include:  insects, plant diseases, nematodes, snails, clams, mollusks, crustaceans, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and noxious weeds. Over the past hundred years many plants, insects, and animals have been introduced into North America. Not all of them become invasive and push aside native varieties, but when they do, it can be devastating for the environment and economy, and even impact human health.

Invasive species use every trick in the book to hitch a ride to a new land – some have been spotted for sale on the internet, brought in as pets, or sold for ornamental landscaping. Step one is to learn about potential invasive alien invaders in your area.  The Montana Invasive Species Education project includes identification cards, a poster, pocket guides, and other resource materials.  Educators will be provided with lesson plans, a curriculum book on invasive species, and other materials aligned to state learning standards.  The project is available on the website or by contacting Lorri Brenneman at [email protected].

This project is a cooperative awareness and educational campaign of the following: Montana Department of Agriculture – Agriculture in the Classroom; Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation; Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks; Montana Noxious Weed Education Campaign; USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Montana Department of Transportation; Region 1 U.S. Forest Service; and Montana/Dakota Bureau of Land Management.

The Montana Department of Agriculture’s mission is to protect producers and consumers, and to enhance and develop agriculture and allied industries. For more information on the Montana Department of Agriculture, visit agr.mt.gov.

November 24, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Op-Ed: Tax Extenders are Critical to Stable Rural Growth

Philip Ellis_headshotAs we approach the end of the year, minds turn toward family, Christmas, big dinners, and snow. But for many in rural America, it’s also time to wrap up the tax year and set the strategy for the year ahead. For cattle producers and farmers equipment purchases, new buildings, and other major capital expenses are logical considerations. Unfortunately, for many the tax code has looked more like a gamble than a sure bet. Key provisions like Section 179 deductions and bonus depreciation that had been extended in 2014, again have been pushed to the end of the year. Earlier this year, the House permanently extended both Section 179 and bonus depreciation, but the Senate has yet to act. Without action, Section 179 dropped back down from $500,000 to $25,000 and bonus depreciation completely disappeared for the current tax year.

If Congress fails to act in December, producers will not be able to take these provisions into account during this tax year. Congress can retroactively extend these provisions, but in the real world, we cannot retroactively make plans or purchases. These provisions are key considerations when making the decision to purchase machinery and equipment. Those capital expenditures provide the pass through growth for much of the rural economy that relies on agriculture. That is why it is so important for Congress to act to pass a multi-year extension of Section 179 and bonus depreciation in early December. Producers need access to these tools while they still may be of use this tax year, and the certainty in future years to plan without waiting until the last minute to make major financial decisions.

We understand all too well the cyclical nature of the markets and weather we live with every day. These forces are beyond our means to control. But the tax code should not be as unpredictable as the weather or the markets. There is bi-partisan support for these provisions, and these provisions provide inducements for small businesses nationwide to grow and expand. In turn, that increases economic growth in areas where it is needed most. I encourage you to join with the members of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association in talking with your members of Congress and ask them to pass a multi-year tax extender package.

By: Philip Ellis, NCBA President

November 15, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Cattle Markets Volatile, Hay Trade Favors Cattlemen

Drought Monitor Update November 12

Montana Drought Monitor November 12

Montana Drought Monitor Update, November 12, 2015. Click image to learn more.

Periods of snow and moisture arriving in early November have significantly improved drought conditions across much of Montana during the past few weeks. However, one-third of the state, mostly west of the Divide remain in drought conditions. Areas where drought was more entrenched will need abundant precipitation to continue much farther into the wet season before any notable improvement could evolve.

After significant winds during the past few days, some gusts reaching 90+ mph east of the Divide, conditions should calm into the week ahead. Weather forecasters are predicting the first push of arctic air moving into the state as early as next weekend. Many NRCS SNOTEL sites are reporting below average for this time of year.

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

Montana Weekly Auction Report – Week of November 15

Market:

Montana Weekly reports are now released on Mondays. Read more in USDA’s latest Montana Weekly Market Report.

National Feeder & Stocker Cattle Summary – November 13

Receipts This Week:  Total 344,900 – 286,600 (Auctions); 23,400 (Direct); 34,900 (Video/Internet)

Compared to last week: the bulk of the feeder supply consisted of calves which traded mostly 10.00-20.00 lower, instances 25.00-30.00 lower. Yearlings on a light supply traded mostly 5.00-15.00 lower. Direct trade was mostly 5.00-12.00 lower. Last week’s CME “Sky is Falling” attitude continued into this week, keeping stomachs turning and cattle prices hard to manage and resentful to say the least. Buyers became noticeably price cautious and conscious on calves and yearlings.

Cattle futures have remained very volatile, as volatility appears to be out of control. CME cattle futures rebounded on Wednesday with limit moves higher and added to their positions on Thursday but closed Friday with sharp triple-digit losses as the agony and the ecstasy continues. Prices for futures and cash seem to fall faster and further than expected or as one would suggest. Before last week the market had tried to hold the line and continue to wait day by day to see what the next move would be. We have had tremendous weather to feed cattle that have performed very well and a packer who hasn’t had to chase the market; adjusting their kill schedules and having plenty of cattle bought forward. The heavy weight fed cattle situation is improving but not over, U.S. beef exports are near 13 percent lower year to date.

Auction volume included 35% weighing over 600 lbs and 37% heifers.

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

Weekly Montana Hay Report – November 13

Compared to last week: Alfalfa was generally steady on light to moderate. Weather conditions have been mostly in cattlemens favor over the last few weeks as many cows and calves remain out on pasture. Demand for hay remains mostly light as a result. Producers needing to move hay have been forced to do so at weaker prices over the last few weeks as demand for hay has lightened. Many cattlemen purchased large quantities of hay late in the summer and as a result they are sitting well on feed needs. A mild fall and limited snow fall totals have limited feed use only adding to demand issues.

Demand for dairy quality, 3rd cutting hay remains limited. Dairy producers continue search for deals and many have already purchased hay for the year. Producers continue to price hay at 1.00 per RFV point, however demand for hay is very limited above 185.00 per ton at any quality level. Grass hay saw light to moderate movement and mostly light demand this week. Prices for grass hay were steady to weak as pressure continues to be seen from from neighboring states.

  • Alfalfa:
    • Supreme: Small Squares, 200.00; Large Squares 150.00-185.00
    • Premium: Large Squares, 140.00-180.00
    • Good: Large Squares, 150.00-170.00
    • Fair: Large Squares, 80.00-135.00
    • Utility: Large Squares, 100.00
  • 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 Squares, 80.00-100.00; Large Rounds, 80.00-110.00
  • Timothy Grass:
    • Premium: Small Squares, 180.00-225.00
    • Good: Large Rounds, 120.00; Small Squares, 150.00
  • Barley Straw:
    • Large Squares, 35.00
  • Wheat Straw:
    • Large Squares, 25.00; Large Rounds, 50.00

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

November 6, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Senate Acts on WOTUS Legislation

waterThis week, the Senate finally took up a series of votes on the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers’ “waters of the United States” rule. A major priority for cattle ranchers and all land-use stakeholders, Montana Stockgrowers has been working aggressively with our Congressional Representatives and Attorney General Tim Fox to repeal WOTUS and limit EPA’s attempt at overreach in controlling our water on private lands.

Earlier this week, the Senate took a vote on SB 1140 – Federal Water Quality Protection Act, sponsored by Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), which failed to obtain the necessary 60 votes to pass. SB 1140 aimed to repeal WOTUS in favor of rules to “protect traditional navigable water and wetlands from water pollution, while also protecting farmers, ranchers and private landowners.”

Montana Stockgrowers Association, along with Attorney General Tim Fox and Montana Chamber of Commerce signed on in support of SB 1140. Senator Steve Daines supported the bill and testified in front of Congress, sharing comments from MSGA President, Gene Curry.

“MSGA thanks Senator Daines for supporting SB 1140, the Federal Water Quality Protection Act, and his continued opposition to work to stop the final WOTUS rule. This rule is an unwise and unwarranted expansion of EPA’s regulatory authority over Montana’s waters, and would have a significant detrimental impact on Montana’s ranchers.”

Watch Daines’ testimony regarding WOTUS here. Following the vote, Senator Jon Tester signed on to a letter to EPA administrator, Gina McCarthy, encouraging the agency to “provide clearer and concise implementation guidance to ensure that the rule is effectively and consistently interpreted,” recognizing this as something ranchers deserve.

The Senate then turned to consideration of a joint resolution of disapproval sponsored by Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). The vote in support of the joint resolution showed bi-partisan support and the resolution passed 53-44. SJ 22 “would order the EPA and Corps to withdraw the WOTUS rule and would prevent the agencies from further similar rulemaking.” (Farm Progress) The joint resolution must still be considered by the House before going to the President’s desk.

Montana Stockgrowers continues to work aggressively with our state and national leaders to represent the interests of our members on this important national policy. We encourage all MSGA members to attend policy committee meetings during our upcoming Annual Convention for further discussion on this and other important policy topics.

A full Annual Convention agenda and registration can be found on our website at mtbeef.org.

November 5, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Montana State Ag College to Recognize Outstanding Alumni

Montana State Celebrate AgricultureThis weekend (November 6-7), Montana State University will Celebrate Agriculture with a number of events on campus to recognize contributions of the College of Agriculture and Montana’s largest industry. Friday’s events will include an Economics Outlook Conference with a number of great speakers. Read more about the included topics. Friday evening, our Collegiate Stockgrowers will host a reception at the Animal Bioscience Building beginning at 4 p.m.

Saturday’s events will include a Harvest Breakfast, recognizing several leaders and award recipients, followed by Bobcats Football taking on Southern Utah at 1:40 p.m.

MSGA is excited to share that our current President, Gene Curry, MSU alumni, will be recognized as the college’s honorary and outstanding alumni, along with Jerry Nielsen, MSU Professor Emeritus, during the college’s Celebrate Agriculture Harvest Breakfast event..

Nielsen taught at MSU from 1966-1999 and has a long history of supporting and advocating for soil science at MSU. He was also instrumental in the recent legislation naming the Scobey Soil Series as Montana’s official state soil and a newly remodeled campus soil lab.

Curry is an Animal and Range Sciences graduate of the college and manages a family cattle operation in Valier, Mont. Curry has a lengthy career of service in supporting Montana agriculture and MSU programs, evidenced by his contribution to myriad boards and committees.

MSGA congratulates both these gentlemen on their accomplishments in Montana’s agricultural community. We hope you’ll take the opportunity to thank them and take part in the MSU Celebrate Ag events in Bozeman this week.