2015 Montana Range Tour to showcase projects in Madison Valley region

ENNIS MT Range Tour 2015–Montana lands have great stories to tell, and the 2015 Montana Range Tour will offer unforgettable tales for attendees of this statewide event.

“This tour will have something for everyone, showcasing projects that are really making a positive impact for these landscapes,” said Sunni Heikes-Knapton, Watershed Coordinator for the Madison Conservation District. “Anyone with an eye for good stewardship will benefit by attending”.

The two-day event is Wednesday, Sept. 16 and Thursday, Sept. 17. The first stop on day one of the tour will visit a multi-year, multi-landowner noxious weed control project at the foothills of the Tobacco Root Mountains on the Sitz Angus Ranch. Lunch will follow this stop before attendees head out to the Endecott Ranch, where successful grazing strategies are helping the ranch and the health of the stream.The third stop will view the national award-winning wetland restoration project along O’Dell Spring Creek on the Granger Ranches.The first day of the tour will conclude with a hearty banquet dinner in the scenic town of Ennis.

On Sept. 17, the group will witness the history and management of the Wall Creek Game Management Area, where solutions have been created for wildlife and livestock use. Lunch along the Madison River will follow before the tour visits the Cameron Bench area, where progressive land-management approaches are increasing forage.

Les Gilman of the Rangeland Resources Executive Committee speaks highly of the planned event. “We are very excited to come to the Madison Valley for the 2015 tour.The Madison Conservation District and the conservation-minded landowners there are doing a fabulous job of caring for Montana’s resources. Grazing land for domestic livestock, habitat for wildlife, open space, and clean air and water are the benefits we all enjoy. We are looking forward to seeing some of the work being done on the ground to protect or enhance those values.”

The Montana Range Tour is an annual event sponsored by the Rangeland Resource Executive Committee and the local conservation district.  The event rotates around the state, highlighting excellence and innovation in production agriculture and natural resource stewardship, and has great support from a range of sponsors.

The tour begins at 8 a.m. Sept.16 at the Ennis Rodeo Grounds, located on Highway 287 West. Full registration costs $50 through Sept. 8, and includes the tour and all meals. Registration after Sept 8 is $60. Online and print registration information can be found at www.madisoncd.org. Hotels in this popular valley fill early- visit www.ennischamber.com to find a room and book your reservation today.

For more information on this year’s Montana Range Tour, contact:

Sunni Heikes-Knapton, Madison Conservation District- [email protected] or 406-682-3181

Karl Christians, DNRC- [email protected] or (406) 444-3022

Hay Prices and Cattle Markets Remain Firm With Good Demand

Drought Monitor Update August 6

Montana Drought Monitor Update, August 4, 2015.

Montana Drought Monitor Update, August 6, 2015. Click image to learn more.

As can be expected this time of year, it was a pretty uneventful week on the precipitation front across most of the region, including a quiet monsoon signal across the Desert Southwest. The West remains unchanged this week but the impacts (near-record/record low streamflow, water supply, water temperatures, fire, etc.) are still being felt and are of major concern as we head toward a new water year with September now on the horizon.

For the period August 6 through August 11, monsoon precipitation will again be relatively scarce across the Desert Southwest and the rest of the West will be seasonally dry as well. One significant feature worth noting is that the 8-14 day outlook projects a stronger likelihood of above-normal temperatures across the West.

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


Montana Weekly Auction Summary for Week Ending August 7

Market: Billings Livestock, Public Auction Yards, Miles City

Receipts: 1,188; Last Week 997; Last Year NA

Compared to last report: Supply of Feeder cattle this week was very light and consisted of mostly single head lots and a few larger, good quality, groups. CME futures contract prices ended with the August contract at .95 lower to close at 214.975 and September 1.35 lower at 211.475. Throughout the week, Slaughter cows sold firm with good demand. Feeding cows and Cows returning to the country sold very light. Even though supply of Slaughter bulls increased significantly this week, Slaughter bulls sold firm with good demand. The moderate supply consisted of mostly average and high dressing bulls.

Read more from USDA’s latest Montana Weekly Auction Summary.


National Feeder & Stocker Cattle Summary – August 7

Receipts This Week:  Total 341,400 – 104,300 (Auctions); 46,700 (Direct); 190,400 (Video/Internet)

Compared to last week: calves and yearlings sold steady to 5.00 higher with instances up to 10.00 higher across the Midwest and Southern Plains. Last week’s higher fed cattle market caused feeder prices to rebound this week. Demand was good on light to moderate receipts. Cattle futures all turned green on Monday with triple-digit gains of over 3.00 on feeder cattle contracts but, failed to charge ahead the rest of the week. Monday’s rally in the futures was supported by higher fed cattle trade last Friday with ideas that a seasonal bottom has been found.

Short bought packers had some immediate needs to buy fed cattle and hopefully have found a spot where fed cattle prices want to turn around. Cattle futures seem at this time to have many traders on the sidelines taking a wait and see attitude. Feeder cattle prices pretty much are going to be driven by the fed cattle market and if fed cattle have put in a summer low, how much upside potential does the fed cattle market have? The market still needs some kind of news to bring fat cattle up to a level where feeders will make money when finished.

A strong US dollar and continuing to import beef at a good pace; are factors that have bought us to a place where we are moving meat domestically and abroad at a slower pace which has created some excess. The US Jobs report was released Friday morning showing job growth remaining steady with 215,000 jobs added a little below expectations. Signs of slack persist as unemployment remains flat at 5.3%.

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


Weekly Montana Hay Report – August 7

Compared to last week: Alfalfa sold steady to 10.00 higher. Grass sold steady. Trade for all types of hay was slow to inactive. Rain throughout the week greened pastures, making buyers less likely to seek out bailed hay. This rain also dampened second cutting forcing producers to bail wet hay. Throughout the coming week, the state is expected to experience mostly clear weather and warm temperatures.

  • Alfalfa:
    • Supreme: Small Squares, 210.00-220.00
    • Good: Large Rounds, 150.00-160.00
    • Fair: Large Squares, 115.00-140.00
  • Grass:
    • Premium: Large Squares, 125.00-140.00
    • Good: Large Squares, 100.00-120.00
  • Timothy Grass:
    • No Market Test

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

National Cattlemen’s Foundation accepting applications for W.D. Farr Scholarships

National-Cattlemens-Foundation-logoThe National Cattlemen’s Foundation is now accepting applications for the W.D. Farr Scholarships for the 2015-16 school year. The annual W.D. Farr Scholarship awards were established by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation in 2007 to recognize outstanding students who plan to pursue careers in meat science and animal agriculture. Each $12,000 award recognizes superior achievement in academics and leadership, and will allow graduate students to further their study in fields that benefit the cattle and beef industry. Application deadline is August 31.

“By helping to make my student loan debt much more manageable, the W.D. Farr Scholarship has allowed me to pursue my interests at law school so that I may become a great legal advocate for farmers and ranchers,” said 2014 scholarship recipient, Ariel Overstreet-Adkins. “Knowing that my friends in the cattle industry support my efforts has been a constant source of encouragement in the face of a challenging and rigorous law school curriculum.”

Adkins received the award during her final year of law school at the University of Montana, where she focused her studies on property, land use, natural resource and water law. She said Farr’s legacy has set an example for others to aspire toward.

Josh Ison, PhD student at Texas Tech University studying food safety and epidemiology within animal science, echoed Adkin’s sentiment stating that the scholarship helped mitigate expenses associated with his dissertation research.

“This scholarship has supported my travel and subsistence for a research fellowship in antimicrobial resistance surveillance in Paris, France, to perform my dissertation research,” said Ison.

W.D. Farr was the first president of the National Cattlemen’s Foundation, and served as president of the American National Cattlemen’s Association, which would later become the NCBA. His career spanned 75 years and included innovations in cattle feeding, uniform beef grading, water conservation and banking.

To apply for the scholarship, graduate students planning to pursue a career in meat science or the beef industry should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a description of applicant’s goals and experience, a statement of belief in the industry as well as a review of the applicant’s graduate research and three letters of recommendation. For more information and to apply, visit nationalcattlemensfoundation.org.

Application Open for Beef Industry Internship in Washington D.C.

National Cattlemens Beef USA logoThe National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Public Lands Council’s government affairs office in Washington, D.C., is accepting applications for the spring 2016 public policy internship. The deadline to submit an application is Oct. 1, 2015.

NCBA Executive Director of Legislative Affairs ,Kristina Butts, said this is a great opportunity for students with an interest in the beef industry and public policy.

“The internship gives college students the opportunity to work alongside staff on a range of issues that impact U.S. cattlemen and women,” Butts said. “The internship is designed to work closely with the lobbying team on Capitol Hill; to assist with NCBA and PLC’s regulatory efforts; and to work closely with the communications team.”

Producer-led and consumer-focused, NCBA is the nation’s oldest and largest national organization representing America’s cattle producers. PLC is the only organization in Washington, D.C., dedicated solely to representing cattle and sheep ranchers that utilize federal lands. The organizations work hand-in-hand on many issues, sharing office space in the heart of the nation’s capital.

Summer 2015 intern Chris Pudenz said the internship has been a great experience and has him considering job opportunities in D.C. in the future.

“I’ve learned so much about policy issues that impact the beef industry in far-reaching ways: Country-of-Origin Labeling, the “waters of the United States” regulation, international trade agreements, the potential impact of foreign animal diseases, and many more,” said Pudenz, who is a junior at Hillsdale College studying economics. “The work I do is always valued, and I know that I’m working alongside first-rate NCBA staff to help U.S. beef producers every day. Before this summer, I had no desire to work in a Congressional office, but now I’m seriously considering working on Capitol Hill after I graduate from college. I didn’t really know what to expect from this internship before I arrived in D.C., but looking back I can’t imagine having spent the summer any other way.”

The full-time internship will begin January 11, 2016 and end May 13, 2016. To apply, interested college juniors, seniors or graduate students should submit the application, college transcripts, two letters of recommendation and a resume to [email protected]. More information about the NCBA public policy internship is available on BeefUSA.org.

Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame announces 2015 inductions

Montana Cowboy Hall of FameThe Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame & Western Heritage Center (MCHF & WHC) recently announced the eighth class of inductions into the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame. The inductees were chosen from a field of candidates nominated by the general public. Inductees are honored for their notable contributions to the history and culture of Montana.

“The board of trustees, our volunteer network from around the state, has reviewed this year’s nominations and completed the voting process,” said Bill Galt, White Sulphur Springs rancher and MCHF & WHC president. “This process gives local communities a strong voice in who will represent them in the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame exists to honor those—famous cowboy or not—who have made an impact in their community and serve as a symbol of Montana’s authentic heritage for future generations.”

The MCHF & WHC board of directors has designated 12 trustee districts across the state from which up to 20 trustees may be appointed. Nomination criteria established by the board for the Class of 2015 inductions allowed the election of up to one Living Inductee and two Legacy Inductees from each of the 12 districts. In the case of a tie, winning nominees are jointly inducted.

The 2015 inductees into the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame are:

  • District 1: Living Award – Miles “Bud” Geer, Nashua. Legacy Award – Circle C Ranch, Zortman and Montie Montana, Wolf Point.
  • District 2: Living Award – Marvin K. Ley, Glendive. Legacy Award – C.A. “Bud” Kramer, Jordan and Chappel Brothers Corporation (CBC’s), Prairie Elk.
  • District 3: Living Award – Jack L. “Slug” Mills, Boyes (tie) and Doug Wall, Miles City (tie). Legacy Award – Charles G. Patten, Broadus and Manly Anderson Moore, Sr., Broadus.
  • District 4: Living Award – Robert “Bud” Boyce, Big Sandy. Legacy Award – Larry Kane, Big Sandy and Harry Stuart Green, Big Sandy (tie) and Miller Brothers Land and Livestock, Chinook (tie).
  • District 5: Living Award – Jay Joseph Contway, Great Falls. Legacy Award – Alfred Bertram “Bud” Guthrie, Jr., Choteau and Mary “Stagecoach Mary” Fields, Cascade (tie) and Doctor Ernest Bigalow Maynard, Choteau (tie).
  • District 6: Living Award – Eldon H. Snyder, Lewistown. Legacy Award – Montana Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Western Music Rendezvous, Lewistown and Merle J. Boyce, Winifred.
  • District 7: Living Award – Henry Albert “Hank” Scobee, Hardin. Legacy Award – Malcolm S. Mackay, Roscoe and Charlotte “Rusty” Linderman Spaulding, Belfry.
  • District 8: Living Award – Joseph W. “Joe” Enger, Helena. Legacy Award – Auchard Creek School, Augusta.
  • District 9: Legacy Award – Robert “Bob” Shiplet, Clyde Park and Thomas R. “Tom” Hunter, Clyde Park (tie) and Robert Anderson “Bob” Haugland, Belgrade (tie).
  • District 10: Living Award – Richard B. “Dick” & Patricia B. “Tricia” Vinson, Thompson Falls. Legacy Award – C.R. Williams, Kalispell.
  • District 11: Living Award – Frank R. Mason, Jr., Corvallis. Legacy Award – Vernon Woolsey, Stevensville and Clarence Barron “C.B.” Rich, Seeley Lake.
  • District 12: Living Award (three-way tie) Edward Francis “Butch” O’Connell, Butte, “Gunner” Gun Again, Dillon, and John W. “Jack” Briggs, Dell. Legacy Award – Melvin R. Icenoggle, Ennis and Scottish Chieftain, Hamilton.

Since the initial round of inductions to the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2008, including this year’s inductions, 240 inductees have been honored. Full biographies for past inductees are available on the MCHF & WHC’s website, montanacowboyfame.org.

In July, the MCHF & WHC commenced its first phase of construction in the central location of Big Timber, Mont., with modifications to the Hall of Fame headquarters and the creation of a world-class outdoor arena. The arena’s programming will allow the MCHF & WHC to highlight and celebrate the many traditions of our western heritage and cowboy way of life through quality western sporting events.

For more information about the MCHF & WHC, or for more details on the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame inductees, please contact Christy Stensland by calling (406) 653-3800, emailing [email protected], or visiting montanacowboyfame.org.

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The mission of the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame & Western Heritage Center is to “honor our cowboy way of life, American Indian cultures and collective Montana Western heritage.” We exist to serve as a resource to all who wish to see this way of life passed forward to the next generation. Our vision is “to be the state’s premier destination attraction that celebrates and passes forward Montana’s unique western culture and heritage.”

Rain Brings Slight Drought Relief, Hay Prices Hold Firm

Drought Monitor Update July 30

Montana Drought Monitor Update, July 30, 2015. Click image to learn more.

Frontal rains and leftover moisture from Hurricane Dolores brought above-normal precipitation to parts of California, Nevada, Montana, and the Pacific Northwest this week. The heavier rainfall amounts ranged from half an inch to 2 inches, with less than half an inch common. This is the dry season for the Far West, so even minor amounts of rain equate to well above normal.

A frontal low near the end of the week gave parts of Montana 3+ inches of rain, resulting in contraction of D0-D2 east of the Rockies. The lack of mountain snowpack has contributed to record and near-record low streamflows across much of the Pacific Northwest, with tinder-dry conditions resulting in the closing of the forests in northern Idaho.

Pasture and range conditions were rated poor to very poor across 47% of Oregon, 41% of Washington, and 14% of Idaho, which were slight increases compared to the previous week. Crop harvesting continued, and while most crops were in fair to good condition across the region, 32% of the winter wheat crop in Oregon was rated in poor to very poor condition.

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


Montana Direct Feeder Cattle Report for Week Ending July 31

Market: Billings Livestock, Public Auction Yards

Receipts: 1,225; Last Week 0; Last Year 550

Compared to last week: Downward pressure put on the feeder market due to a lack of support from Live Cattle contracts has limited demand for calves and feeders. Supply consisted of 100 percent over 600 lbs and 16 percent heifers. Steers – 925 lbs. @ $204.90 Current FOB. Heifers – 535 lbs. @ $233.00 October FOB

Read more from USDA’s latest Montana Feeders Cattle Report.


National Feeder & Stocker Cattle Summary – July 31

Receipts This Week:  Total 144,500 – 106,100 (Auctions); 36,900 (Direct); 1,500 (Video/Internet)

Compared to last week: lower prices continued in the feeder cattle markets as feeder cattle and calves traded mostly 5.00-10.00 lower. Auction receipts were mostly light this week due to the hot temperatures and high humidity causing high heat index levels of near and over 110 degrees in areas across the Midwest and Southern Plains. Receipts for the most part continue to be dominated by yearling cattle over 700 lbs which is where the best demand exists at this time. Demand remains moderate to good with best demand in the Northern Plains for yearlings.

Last week and into Monday of this week Live Cattle and Feeder Cattle contracts took a pounding as long term bulls were nowhere to be found. The cattle complex did finally pull off a positive day of trading on Tuesday with triple-digit gains that extended with modest gains into Wednesday. But, the sometimes upside potential has no sense of urgency to rally much higher anytime soon. Pretty much everybody in the industry knows expansion is well underway, but it will be over a year before many of the heifers retained will calve.

A strong US dollar and weaker export demand from the Pacific Rim countries especially Hong Kong and Japan have beef exports struggling; also beef exports to Mexico have been laboring as well. Competing meat prices are strikingly lower than year ago levels as pork prices hit their all-time highs last summer during the PEDv outbreak and chicken prices were also stronger last year. Corn crop is now rated 70% good to excellent up 1% from last week, with 78% in the silking stage. Corn prices have moved lower this week as favorable weather is in the forecast for the next week.

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


Weekly Montana Hay Report – July 31

Compared to last week: Alfalfa was steady to firm this week on increased demand across the state. Interest for all hay continues to increase as drought conditions continue across eastern and western Montana, as well as, along the highline. Hay marketed locally was steady this week, while hay to ship to dry locations pushed prices higher. Demand for alfalfa is mostly moderate and moderate to good in some drier locations.

Grass hay held steady after many farmers raised prices last week. Many parts of the state are in the middle of cutting second cutting. Drought conditions eased some this week with 35.69% of the state in Moderate to Extreme drought as of Thursday’s report. That’s a 6.62% decline from last week after spotty, light rain showers fell across the state.

  • Alfalfa:
    • Supreme: Small Squares, 200.00-210.00
    • Good: Large Squares, 150.00-200.00; Large Rounds, 150.00-160.00
    • Fair: Large Squares, 115.00-140.00
  • Grass:
    • Good: Large Rounds, 100.00
    • Large Squares, 100.00-120.00
  • Timothy Grass:
    • Premium: Small Squares, 210.00.
    • Good: Large Round, 120.00

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

REAL Montana announces Class II Leadership Participants

real montana logoBOZEMAN – Montana State University Extension announced Class II of REAL Montana (Resource Education and Agriculture Leadership), a two-year program focused on building a network of informed and engaged leaders to advance the natural resource industries in Montana.

The class of 20 participants was competitively selected from a pool of highly qualified candidates, all of who represent a variety of agriculture and natural resource industries. REAL Montana is funded through a partnership with MSU Extension and private industry.

REAL Montana is a two-year program featuring eight in-state seminars, a four-day national study tour in Washington D.C. and a ten-day international trip. Seminar topics include: agriculture institutions and agencies, natural resource development, public speaking/media, economics, state and federal policy, international trade, urban/rural relationships, water issues, transportation, labor and production costs and entrepreneurship.

The first seminar takes place September 17-19 in Bozeman.

Class II participants are: 

Paul Babb, Butte: Community Relations Manager with NorthWestern Energy

Katie Cooper, Willow Creek: Director and ranch hand at Cooper Hereford Ranch; Co-owner of McDonagh Construction

Lacey Ehlke, Townsend: Co-owner of Ehlke Herefords; Young Stockgrowers Vice-Chair; Secretary/Treasurer of the Montana Hereford Association

Chaley Harney, Billings: Executive Director of the Montana Beef Council

Megan Hedges, Chester: Vice President of Heydon Farms Inc.

Jill Herold, Shepherd: Agronomist and Sustainable Solutions Specialist for Syngenta; Vice President and Treasurer for Yellowstone Cattlewomen

Tom Hougen, Melstone: Owner of Hougen Ranch; National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Region V Policy Vice President

Karli Johnson, Sidney: Finance Manager at R&J Ag Supply; Sidney Chamber Board of Directors

Bryan Lorengo, Anaconda: Safety Consultant for the MT Logging Association; Anaconda School Board Chairman

Brian Marler, Great Falls: Marketing and western region asphalt sales for Calumet-Montana Refining

Farrah McGregor, Cascade: Branch manager for Northwest Farm Credit Services

Nick Miller, Helena: Construction Manager and Vice President of Helena Sand & Gravel

Tracy Mosley, Wilsall: MSU Park County Agriculture and Natural Resource Extension Agent; Vice Chair of the Park County Cooperative Weed Management Area

Maggie Nutter, Sweetgrass: Co-owner of Certain Creek Ranch; President of Marias River Livestock Association

Darcia Patten, Broadus: Co-owner of Graham MT Ranch, Inc.; President of the Powder River/ Carter County Farm Bureau; Montana Farm Bureau Equine State Chair

Nicole Rolf, Miles City: National Affairs Director for Montana Farm Bureau Federation; President of the Montana 4-H Foundation

Molly Schwend, Laurel: Manager of Community Relations and Public Affairs at Cloud Peak Energy

Jacob Smith, Glen: Part owner of Smith 6-S Livestock

Marc Vogel, Ballantine: Owner of North 40 Ag and partner in Vogel Land & Cattle Co; President of the Huntley Project Lions Club

LaVon Wagler, Wolf Point: CHS Inc. Location Manager

Complete program information is available at www.realmontana.org or by contacting Janelle Booth, (406) 994-6480,[email protected].

Montana Running Ranchers Take Beef Message on 200-Mile Relay

Montana Running Ranchers logoIn the world of running and fitness, challenges are king as obstacle courses and overnight-relay races have gained popularity in recent years by fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers. Montana ranchers are taking part in the fun and using this scene as an opportunity to advocate for beef as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.

On July 17 and 18, twelve members of the Montana Running Ranchers relay team took part in the Ragnar Relay Series Northwest Passage race. This event began in Blaine, Washington and covered 200(ish) miles, wrapping up in Langley. The team finished the race in just under 27 hours, placing 26th in the division, out of 354 teams.

This year’s course took the team along iconic sights of the northwest Washington coast. Right from the start near the Canadian border, team members ran in view of the Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges, Deception Pass and the Puget Sound. The team ran through the night and completed the race on Whidbey Island northwest of Seattle.

The Montana Running Ranchers Relay team consists of members from the state’s ranching community, participating in large relay events outside the state and connecting with beef consumers from across the country. During previous years, the team has traveled to events in Colorado, Napa Valley and the Hood to Coast event in Oregon.

Motnana Running Ranchers Ragnar 2015 VanThe race events provide an opportunity for Montana Running Ranchers to connect with others who have similar interests in health and fitness. The teams vans were decorated in Team Beef logos and brands from area ranches who sponsored the trip. These brands (and steaks) do not go unnoticed by event participants, which often leads to opportunities to answer several questions about beef as part of a healthy diet, Montana’s ranchers and the cattle industry.

This year’s team members include team captain, Aeric Reilly of Great Falls, Ryan Goodman of Helena, Casey Coulter of Brusett, Sarah Nash of Harlowton, Billie Jo Holzer of Moccasin, Christy Gerdes of Huntley, Evelyn Halverson of Big Timber, Rachel Keaster of Belt, Christy Pletan of Harlowton, Rex Reilly of Stanford, and Ronnie Halverson of Big Timber. This year’s team also included an out of state recruit and Montana State alumnus from Ione, Oregon, Ed Rollins.

The team certainly appreciates support of local businesses and Montana ranchers who contribute to the opportunity for this advocacy effort. High Country Snack Foods supplied beef jerky and pemmican for the team to share with runners along the course. A special thank you to Western Ag Reporter for helping promote the team throughout the year.

Montana Running Ranchers Ragnar 2015 Blaine WashingtonBe sure to follow Montana Running Ranchers team members throughout the year as they compete in running events across the state and continue sharing their experiences with runners from outside the agriculture community. Follow the team throughout the year by joining the “Montana Running Ranchers/ Team Beef Montana” group on Facebook.

To learn more about joining Team Beef Montana, a consumer outreach program of the Montana Beef Council, visit montanabeefcouncil.org.

2015 team sponsors included the following Montana ranches and businesses:

  • Montana Beef Council
  • Montana Farmers Union
  • Montana Land Reliance
  • Western Ag Reporter
  • Silveus Insurance Group
  • Stockgrowers
  • U.S. Cattlemens
  • Dick and Cathy Holzer
  • Rance Gerdes
  • Indian Creek Ranch
  • Mick & Earline Gaettle
  • Jerry Jones
  • Earl & Glenda Stucky
  • Deegan Ranch
  • Walborn Cattle Co.
  • Neal & Janice Woldstad
  • John & Jeanne Mohr
  • Redland Red Angus
  • Sharon Livingston
  • Linda Grosskropf
  • Ehlke Herefords
  • Ginger Silvers
  • Mike & Debbie Hammond
  • 3C Cattle Company – Chad and Lacey Sutherlin

Department of Agriculture’s Hay Hotline Source for Producers Short on Hay

With severe and extreme drought expanding throughout the state this growing season, some cuttings of hay and pasture haven’t been as productive as years past. The Montana Department of Agriculture’s Hay Hotline is available to producers as an online tool to connect buyers and sellers of hay and pasture.

“We started the Hay Hotline during the droughts that impacted the state in nineties. Ever since it went online, it has been a popular and useful tool for producers when they are in need or looking to sell. Even in a good year parts of our state can be dry or unproductive and the hotline is an easy tool to find the resources needed,” said Director Ron de Yong.

The U.S. Drought Monitor shows that abnormally dry to extreme drought conditions cover nearly three-fourths of the state. With the relatively mild winter and low snow pack, many areas reported that grass and grazing pasture was not in good shape. The most recent crop progress report by National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) rated pasture and rangeland as 26 percent either poor or very poor, 42 percent as fair, 28 percent as good, and only 4 percent as excellent. The 5-year average for pasture and rangeland in Montana is 19 percent poor or very poor, 24 percent fair, 38 percent good, and 19 percent excellent.

“We didn’t get off to a great start this year and it’s really showed up in the dryland grass and summer rangeland. Most people have gotten their first cut of hay done but they are worried about getting a second cut this year,” explained de Yong.

The latest NASS report also showed that 91 percent of the first alfalfa hay and 88 percent of other hay cutting was complete, “that is about 20 percent ahead of our typical five-year average,” according to de Yong. “If we continue to get some moisture, maybe we can get another cutting or two to carry producers through the winter.”

The department maintains the Hay Hotline as a service to the agricultural industry, making it available with the expectation that all buyers and sellers will treat each other in an equitable and lawful manner. Visit the online tool at agr.mt.gov/agr/Producer/HayHotline/.

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 department, visit agr.mt.gov.

Cattle Producers Gather in Denver to Establish Direction for Industry, Set Policy Priorities

National Cattlemens Beef USA logoMore than 600 cattle producers gathered for the Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Denver July 16-18 to help set direction for industry programs. The event included meetings of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Cattlemen’s Beef Board, American National CattleWomen and National Cattlemen’s Foundation.

This has been a great year for cattlemen and women, and the optimism for our industry shows at this meeting,” said Philip Ellis, NCBA President and Chugwater, Wyo., cattleman. “With great prices and moisture across much of cattle country, spirits are high.”

A Checkoff Program update started the meeting, providing those attending for CBB or NCBA Federation an overview of programs being conducted to increase consumer demand for beef. The Conference’s opening general session gave attendees a glimpse of the industry’s proposed Long Range Plan 2016-2020 and included an industry overview from CattleFax.

Checkoff committees and subcommittees representing Convenience, Freedom to Operate, Global Growth, Beef’s Image, Market Research, Taste, Value and Nutrition and Health will begin this afternoon, and continue their discussions through Friday morning. At the same time, NCBA Policy committees, representing Agricultural and Food Policy; Tax and Credit; Cattle Health and Well-Being; Federal Lands; Cattle Marketing and International Trade; Property Rights and Environmental Management will be meeting.

Throughout the meeting, the various policy committees reviewed expiring policies and discussed proposed policy brought forward from the NCBA’s state affiliates. According to Ellis, the leadership of the association renewed their dedication to the policy priorities for 2015.

“The Cattle Industry Summer Conference is the time when our producer members are able to gather and tackle the business of the association,” said Ellis. “From continuing and renewing current and expiring policy, to discussing and passing policy to tackle the upcoming and emerging issues, this is our chance to work together to ensure NCBA remains on the forefront representing our membership.”

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans process continues with Congressional oversight. NCBA members remain committed to working with the administration and Congress to ensure the final guidelines reflect the highest quality science and the role of lean beef in a healthy diet.

The EPA has finalized their “waters of the United States” rule, and NCBA’s membership stands firmly opposed to this land grab by the administration. NCBA continues to work with Congress to rein in the administration’s regulatory onslaught and has joined with other land use groups in litigation again the agency.

NCBA members continue their strong support of trade, which adds value to our cattle and returns over $350 for each head of cattle sold. With the passage of Trade Promotion Authority, NCBA supports finalization and passage of the Trans Pacific Partnership and other pending free trade agreements. With preferential trade agreements currently in place, and other countries actively negotiating, the United States cannot afford to fall behind in this critical area. While COOL has for many years been a cost to the industry without benefit to producers or consumers, the NCBA urges the Senate to act quickly in passing repeal language, following the strong bi-partisan action in the House.

Although USDA/APHIS finalized their import rules for Northern Argentina and a region in Brazil, these rules were pushed through without the necessary risk assessments and jeopardize the health of our domestic herd. NCBA will continue to work with Congress and the administration to ensure the proper process is followed before allowing inspection and exports from these areas with a history of Foot-and-Mouth Disease.

NCBA continues to work with the state and federal governments to ensure multiple use on public grazing lands. Ranchers are closest to the lands and the best stewards of the natural resources, ensuring productive use, maintaining open space, and mitigating fire hazards. We will continue to ensure these uses are accounted for in future range management plans and wildlife habitat decisions.