September 16, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

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

September 16, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

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.

September 15, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Western Ranchers Discuss Policy Priorities during Annual Meeting in Cody

PLC LogoWASHINGTON – The Public Lands Council hosted its annual meeting in Cody, Wyo., last week to discuss issues critical to the western ranching industry. Session topics included the need for modernization of the Endangered Species Act, sage grouse, invasive species, wildfire management, water rights issues, and management of wild horses among others. These hot button items drew a wide attendance and speakers from national affiliate organizations, the Western Governors’ Association, Western Resources Legal Center as well as Bureau of Land Management, the US Forest Service, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

“The western ranching industry is unique in the fact that it faces an added layer of federal bureaucracy in dealing with lands managed by the government,” said Dustin Van Liew, PLC executive director. “Nearly 22,000 ranchers utilize grazing permits to graze on federal lands equating to nearly 40 percent of western cow herd and 50 percent of the nation’s sheep herd spending some time on federal lands. I’m pleased this year’s meeting brought great insight and discussion to the table.”

The potential listing of the Greater Sage Grouse under the Endangered Species Act was top of mind, as the habitat improves and even thrives, specifically in properly-managed ranching areas. James Ogsbury, executive director of the Western Governors’ Association stressed the importance of individual state involvement in land management decisions such as the potential listing of the Sage Grouse, which would not only harm the ranching industry, but potentially halt the successful conservation programs already underway by ranchers and the states.

Western Resources Legal Center Executive Director Caroline Lobdell gave an eye-opening presentation on emerging issues in animal law. One particular issue of concern being tried in the courts, she said, is attributing human rights and personhood onto animals and livestock.

The Public Lands Endowment Trust allocated nearly a half a million dollars to invest in the protection, enhancement, and preservation of the western ranching industry, including a continuation of the communications project that serves to educate policy influencers and the public on the beneficial uses of grazing on federal lands. Since inception four years ago, the Trust has distributed over $1.3 million to projects across the west.

“Grazing continues to represent a multiple use that is essential to the livestock industry, wildlife habitat, open space, and the rural economies of many western communities,” said Van Liew. “This meeting always fosters insightful conversation about the future of the industry, and we greatly appreciate those who sacrifice their time and energy to join the meeting to shape the direction of our industry.”

September 11, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Public Lands Council Hosts Annual Meeting in Cody

PLC LogoCODY, Wyo. – Western ranchers are gathering this week in Cody, Wyo., for the 2015 Public Lands Council annual meeting. As the only organization in Washington D.C. solely dedicated to representing livestock ranchers who utilize public lands, PLC’s annual meeting will focus on legislative and regulatory updates. This year’s meeting has a schedule full of top-notch speakers covering a wide range of topics.

“Each year this meeting gets better, and this year will be no exception,” said Brenda Richards, PLC president. “Ranchers in the West have had some great wins over the past year, including the passage of key provisions of the Grazing Improvement Act, because of our strong membership base and the engagement of our organization. Annual meeting is an important event as we come together to discuss some of the hot-button issues going on in the industry and develop policy priorities.”

The sessions started Thursday and cover a range of topics including the need for modernization of the Endangered Species Act, invasive species, wildfire management, water rights issues, sage grouse, and management of wild horses, and include speakers from the Western Governors Association, Western Resources Legal Center, the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service as well as industry representatives.

“As has been the case in recent years, there continues to be no shortage of issues to discuss this year, and it’s important for ranchers to engage in the conversation that shape national policy decisions,” added Richards. “With many of the best and brightest minds in the public lands policy and management business here, it is set to be a beneficial and informative meeting.”

For more information about the meeting and learn more about the organization, visit www.publiclandscouncil.org.

September 11, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Researchers seek information from Montana cattle producers and veterinarians

5L Ranch red angus calf warm in strawResearchers from Montana State University Extension and Washington State University are asking Montana beef cattle producers and veterinarians to participate in a voluntary online survey to learn more about a novel form of neonatal calf pneumonia found in Montana.

Rachel Endecott, MSU Extension beef specialist, and colleagues at WSU said that a unique form of neonatal calf pneumonia has been diagnosed in several Montana beef herds over the last 6-8 years. The majority of affected calves are relatively normal at birth, but go on to develop signs of pneumonia within the first 1-4 days of life and die due to respiratory failure, Endecott said. A small proportion of calves with this problem are born dead, she added.

Samples from these animals have been submitted to veterinary diagnostic laboratories where they were diagnosed with pneumonia, but a specific cause was not identified, according to Endecott. Researchers believe that affected herds typically experience a three to five percent (or greater) increase in calf losses associated with this problem the first year it is recognized, and 0.5-1.0 percent greater calf losses in subsequent calving years. Endecott said more information is needed to better understand the problem.

MSU Extension and WSU researchers will use the data collected through these surveys to help investigate the prevalence of this unique form of neonatal calf pneumonia in Montana and better estimate its impact on producers, Endecott said. The survey results will then be used to help guide a study to determine the cause of the disease and develop a treatment and/or management strategy to prevent calf losses.

Endecott noted the survey should take only a couple of minutes.

“We appreciate the involvement of all beef cattle producers and veterinarians in helping us better understand this illness so that we can manage it appropriately,” Endecott said.

The surveys can be found online at http://animalrangeextension.montana.edu/beef.

Contact: Rachel Endecott, (406) 994-3747 or [email protected]

September 10, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Livestock Groups Consider MOU for Brucellosis Management | Podcast

PodcastThe National Public Lands Council is hosting their annual meeting this week in Cody, Wyoming. Several Montana ranchers are taking advantage of the close proximity to attend the conference and meeting with public land users from across the country. Montana Stockgrowers and Montana Public Lands Council has several representatives at the meeting and we’ll be catching up later with Jay Bodner to learn more about the big topics of discussion coming out of the event.

Ranchers representing the Montana Public Lands Council in Cody this week include Vicki Olson of Malta and MPLC President, John and Joe Helle from Dillon, George Trischman from Sheridan and Johnny Schultz

Earlier, Montana Stockgrowers took part in a Tri-State Meeting prior to the PLC conference in Cody, to meet with representatives from our neighboring states of Idaho and Wyoming. MSGA Executive Vice President, Errol Rice, shares more about the topics discussed on the Stockgrowers podcast. As part of the meeting, the three states agreed to encourage state and federal agencies to create a working committee that will work toward better solutions for managing brucellosis in the Greater Yellowstone Area.

Click here to listen to today’s podcast on a new page.

September 9, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Cattle Crawl – Progressive Beef Dinner in Billings, October 11

PowerPoint PresentationExperience a night of culinary fusion, Montana style! Meet local chefs and local beef producers as they bring you their latest creations during a walking tour of three premiere downtown Billings restaurants. Registration is open for the 2015 Cattle Crawl, taking place in downtown Billings on Sunday, October 11, beginning at 5:00 p.m.

The Cattle Crawl is an opportunity to acquaint urban consumers with area ranchers to feature beef in a creative way. The tour kicks off at Uberbrew for an opportunity for diners to enjoy beef appetizers at one of the area’s most popular gastropubs and breweries. The dinner tour then continues with stops at The Rex Restaurant and TEN at The Northern.

The annual Cattle Crawl is made possible by Montana beef producers and their Checkoff dollars. Proceeds benefit leadership and education programs for young ranchers involved with the Montana Stockgrowers Association.

Tickets are $65 per person and include food, drinks and a commemorative Montana Cattle Crawl pint glass. Tickets must be purchased by October 1. This event is limited to 30 participants, so be sure to register early to attend this fun evening of beef dishes and fun in downtown Billings.

Click here to register today.

September 8, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

State Adds Three New Invasive Plants to Noxious Weed List

Common Reed (Phragmites australis) - Click image to learn more

Common Reed (Phragmites australis) – Click image to learn more

The State of Montana updated the Montana State Noxious Weed List to include three new plants and shifted the priorities of three existing weeds effective July, 2015.

Noxious weeds are invasive plants that have been determined to have the potential to or have actual detrimental impacts to Montana’s environment and economy. Propagation of these state listed noxious weeds is prohibited by law. They are prioritized by the establishment of the weed and management criteria.

“Noxious weeds can impact the ecology of local areas in many ways and they can have a large impact on Montana’s agricultural sector. We update the list to reflect the highest priority noxious weeds that we try to prevent from becoming established or propagated within the state,” said Statewide Noxious Weed Coordinator Dave Burch.

One new plant was added to the priority 1A list, Common reed (Phragmites australis ssp. australis), which has been detected within the state. A priority 1A listing means the weeds are not present or have a very limited presence in Montana. If a weed is designated as a priority 1A it requires preventive measures, education about the noxious weed and eradication if detected.

“It’s extremely important that we do all we can to prevent, educate and, if necessary, eradicate any new priority 1A noxious weeds; based on their invasive behavior in nearby states, we believe that they can have a very detrimental effect on our landscape.  We often rely on eyes and ears out in the field to help manage and prevent noxious weeds from becoming established, so it is important to know the state’s priority noxious weeds, and help identify and inform weed managers,” said Jane Mangold, Associate Professor and MSU Extension Invasive Plant Specialist.

Brazilian waterweed (Egeria densa) and Parrot Feather Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum aquaticum or M. brasiliense) were added to the Regulated Plant List. Regulated plants require that none are sold or transported in Montana. Eurasian watermilfoil and Flowering rush were moved to a Priority 2A, while Hoary alyssum was moved to Priority 2B. Follow the link to view the current Montana Noxious Weed list: agr.mt.gov/agr/Programs/Weeds/PDF/2015WeedList.pdf

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.

MSU Extension is a statewide educational outreach organization that applies unbiased, research-based university resources to address practical needs. For more information on MSU Extension, visit www.msuextension.org.

September 6, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Cattle Markets See Slight Correction, Continued Downward Pressure

Drought Monitor Update September 3

Montana Drought Monitor September 3

Montana Drought Monitor Update, September 3, 2015. Click image to learn more.

Moderate to Extreme drought continues along and west of the Divide, now covering 40% of the state. A continuing lack of precipitation across western Montana prompted a slight eastward shift of all drought categories.

Recent days have brought beneficial precipitation for western Washington (1.5 inches), northern Montana (2-4 inches). This combined with cooler temperatures and higher elevation snow have brought some fire and smoke relief for the region. As of Sunday afternoon, several fires are listed as active in Montana. Many areas west of the Divide remain in Stage II fire restrictions.

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

Montana Weekly Auction Report – September 4

Market: Billings Livestock, Public Auction Yards, Miles City

Receipts: 2,103; Last Week 1,529; Last Year 1,087

Compared to last report: Yearling feeder steers and heifers were too lightly tested in any one particular weight category for an accurate market trend, however steady to firm undertones were noticed on steers and steady to weak undertones were noticed on heifers. Quality this week was mixed with both average plain made offerings and very high quality fancy strings of both young calves and yearlings. Weigh-up conditions for yearlings were average to below average at times with many offerings coming straight off grass pushing some fill. Flesh conditions were very light to moderate. Flesh conditions varied drastically this week due to variable pasture and range conditions across the state. Demand for most feeder cattle was moderate, with moderate to good demand seen at times for higher quality offerings.

Weigh-up cows sold with light to moderate demand throughout the week. Weigh-up conditions were average to below average with many cows coming out of very dry country. Quality this week was mostly below average to average and notably higher than last week. Demand for Slaughter cows was mostly moderate with packers showing more willingness to purchase higher quality cows. Slaughter cows sold mostly steady on like quality. Feeding cow buyers showed some increased interest this week as higher quality cattle came through the ring.

A smaller run of cull bulls was seen this week, and many of these bulls were destined to be put on feed. Slaughter bulls sold mostly 3.00 lower. 2-3 year old cows sold with good demand this week as buyers fought over limited offerings.

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

National Feeder & Stocker Cattle Summary – September 4

Receipts This Week:  Total 211,300 – 140,700 (Auctions); 54,400 (Direct); 16,200 (Video/Internet)

Compared to last week: yearlings traded mostly steady to 3.00 higher (mostly early to midweek) with calves selling steady to 5.00 higher. Several auctions late in the week mostly in the Northern Plains were 5.00-10.00 lower when compared to two weeks ago. After last week’s emotional and very draining week of trading with big moves to the downside in the commodity and equity markets feeder cattle and fed cattle prices were some of the biggest victims of the purge. Calf and yearling prices definitely had room to correct higher; which at most auctions showed some stability and strength this week. The best demand for yearlings remains in the Northern Plains and the availability of yearling cattle is very tight which has created a good competition from cattle buyers needing to procure yearling cattle.

The fall run will soon be underway and usually calf prices feel the pressure as they are pulled off grass as receipts increase with many unweaned and fleshy calves coming to market. For the most part, feeder cattle prices are still feeling pressure from the losses of current fed cattle prices. We have previously seen huge premiums carried by the feeder cattle to the fat cattle and are starting to see a reality check as feeders are seeing prices dropping faster than the fats. Packers are seeing some decent margins, but want to keep those as long as possible, while feedyards are trying to get some of it back; fighting lower bids.

Fears of China’s financial concerns continue to bleed over into U.S. equity and commodity markets which produce a risk mentality for many of the agriculture markets and outlook for livestock prices. The velocity of last week’s sell-off should not be a surprise, but it does leave an impression on the markets. This keeps traders’ attitudes, positions and frame of minds changing fast and in a hurry.

Auction volume included 53% weighing over 600 lbs and 36% heifers.

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

Weekly Montana Hay Report – September 4

Compared to last week: Alfalfa was fully steady this week on moderate demand and light movement as many producers are in the fields harvesting other crops. Grass hay experienced much of the same movement volumes as alfalfa. Hay prices across the state have remained steady over the last few weeks. Rain is forecasted and currently falling over much of the northern half of the state and is a very welcomed sight for many dry areas. Much of the central part of the state received rain over the weekend making it hard for producers to put up third cutting. Smoky conditions from wildfires has eased some within the last week.

  • 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
  • Grass:
    • Alfalfa Mix Good: Large Rounds: 125.00-140.00
    • Good: 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 4, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Internship Opportunities Available for the Cattle Industry Convention

National Cattlemens Beef USA logoDENVER – Applications are now being accepted for the 2016 Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Trade Show internships. If you are a college junior or above and are interested in being a part of the cattle industry’s largest event you are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA, a passion for the cattle and agricultural industry and the ability to travel to San Diego Jan. 25-30. NCBA President, Philip Ellis, said this internship is a great opportunity for college students to gain first-hand experience and network with leaders from every segment of the cattle and beef industry.

“Convention interns will benefit from a behind the scenes look at the cattle industry’s most prestigious event,” said Ellis. “The skills they are able to take from their experience and the contacts they make during this internship will last a lifetime.”

Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show interns are vital to the success of the event and a valued member of the team. Student interns will help many different NCBA staff members with a variety of meetings and events. Students should be prepared for a wide range of responsibilities from overseeing committee sign-in to working closely with the NCBA Political Action Committee and Cattlemen to Cattlemen television program.

“In addition to working with leaders in the cattle industry, the convention internship gives student the opportunity to meet and work with other young people from across the country,” said Ellis. “I would strongly recommend anyone who is interested to apply for this one-of-a-kind opportunity.”

Applications for the Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show internship are due by Oct. 1. For more information and to apply click here or go to www.BeefUSA.org and click on careers. Apply today and get ready to Set Sail for San Diego.