March 31, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Second Annual Ranch Sustainability Forum in Sheridan, Wyoming – May 18-20

Wayne Fahsholtz and the Padlock Ranch were the 2013 Region V Environmental Stewardship Award Program Winners. Read about the ranch's sustainability efforts here.

Wayne Fahsholtz and the Padlock Ranch were the 2013 Region V Environmental Stewardship Award Program Winners. Read about the ranch’s sustainability efforts here.

Mark your calendars for May 18-20 to attend the 2015 Ranch Sustainability Forum in Sheridan Wyoming. Sheridan College and the Padlock Ranch will host the second annual forum, along with support of First Interstate Bank.

According to event coordinator, Wayne Fahsholtz, the event’s main purpose is to provide opportunities for ranchers and other agriculturalists to learn about new practices and gain information that may help improve their businesses.

The event boasts workshops on several topics, including low stress livestock handling, profit tips, range monitoring and employee relations. Keynote speaker, Nina Teicholz, will share information related to her recent book, “Big Fat Surprise: Why meat, cheese and eggs fit in your diet.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about low stress livestock handing in a two-day workshop at the Sheridan College Edward A. Whitney Academic Center presented by Whit Hibbard, publisher/editor of the Stockmanship Journal.

Other speakers and forum topics include:

  • “Welcome to Sheridan College” – Paul Young, President, Sheridan College
  • “Agriculture at Sheridan College” – Keith Klement, Director of Agriculture, Sheridan College
  • “Hiring and Retaining Top Talent” – Kirk Jacobson, Human Resource Director for Beef Northwest Feeders
  • “Agriculture’s 2050 Challenge” – Barry Dunn, Dean of the College of Agriculture & Biological Sciences, South Dakota State University
  • Record Keeping and Mapping Software – AgTerra Technologies of Sheridan, Wyoming
  • “Keys to Healthy Ranch Businesses” – Burke Teichert, Ranch Consultant and Retired – Vice Pres., Ag Reserves, Inc.
  • “Measuring the BCS of Land – for management and markets.” – Greg Simonds, Vice-President of Ag Operations of Ensign Group; Faculty affiliate with Colorado State University Animal Science Department
  • “Marketing Trends and Influences” – Wayne Fahsholtz, Owner AgWin Group, LLC; Past CEO Padlock Ranch

The complete agenda and details can be found online at agwingroup.com. Tickets may be purchased on EventBrite, of by contacting Wayne Fahsholtz at (307) 751-4507. A room block is reserved at the Sheridan Center Best Western.

Be sure to catch up on a highlight from last year’s Ranch Sustainability Forum, as Walker Milhoan shares how Ranching Meets Technology with mobile and web tools to improve your productivity. Click here to read more.

March 24, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Powerful Voices Set Tone for AgChat Foundation’s Pacific Northwest Agvocacy Conference

agchat foundationHarrisburg, OR – The AgChat Foundation will host the 2nd Annual Pacific Northwest Regional Agvocacy conference at Northern Quest Resort and Casino in Spokane, WA, April 27-28. Attendees who register before March 20th will receive an early bird discount. The Foundation, known for providing high-quality, agriculture advocacy training to farmers, ranchers, agribusiness professionals, media and educators, will once again deliver a selection of sessions focusing on strengthening online relationships while fostering offline communications with consumers.

The conference will open with motivational keynote speaker, mom and North Dakota agvocate, Katie Pinke. A household name for bridging common ground in even the most difficult conversations, Pinke will share her experiences, purpose, insight and set a tone for understanding on all sides of the kitchen table.

Attendees can expect to learn about tips, strategies and hacks for efficient advocating and utilizing community to share their farm and ranch stories via Instagram and Pinterest. Emphasis will be placed on building communication when interacting with detractors or facing crisis situations. Additionally, they will be provided hands-on training for blogging, Twitter and other social media platforms. The event will offer the experience to network with fellow farmers, ranchers, mentors and advocates while also interacting with a consumer panel.

The event will provide the tools which will equip all to advocate for agriculture. Keynote speaker Michele Payn-Knoper, ACF board member and author of ‘No More Food Fights,’ will close by inspiring and infusing the audience with a passion for telling the story of agriculture.

“Farmers and ranchers in the pacific northwest and all across the U.S., have a unique story to tell and we are the only ones who can tell it accurately and authentically. Attending an AgChat Foundation event will provide purpose, tools and a network for successfully communicating with consumers,” says AgChat Foundation Vice-President, Marie Bowers of Harrisburg, OR.

For additional information, visit AgChat.org/PNW. Sponsorship opportunities will be available until mid-March. Inquiries should be sent to Jenny Schweigert, Executive Director by emailing [email protected].

March 23, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Thank you to our 2015 Cattle Directory Priority Page Ad Buyers!

Each year, Montana Stockgrowers Association publishes the Montana Seedstock & Commercial Cattle Directory, an extensive listing of quality cattle genetics and services available in the state of Montana from MSGA members. The Directory includes listings for commercial feeders, seedstock and commercial replacement females. There is also a large Associated Services directory included in the listings.

The annual publication, free for distribution, is a large source of funding for the Montana Stockgrowers Association. On Saturday night of Annual Convention each year, MSGA auctions off the priority page advertisements, which are the only full-color, full-page ads in the Directory. This program allows MSGA supporters an opportunity to financially contribute to Association programs and include a promotion for their annual cattle sales and market their services.

In times or record breaking cattle markets, the 2014 Priority Page Auction broke records during the recent Annual Convention. 46 Montana ranches and service providers purchased ads to be placed in the 2015-2016 Cattle Directory Publication. Please click on the company names listed below, visit their websites and thank them for their support of the Montana Stockgrowers Association.

Cattle Directory listings are available to all members of the Montana Stockgrowers Association. 2015 Cattle Directory Listings Form and should be submitted prior to June 1. Purchase your Full and Half page ads for the upcoming Cattle Directory TODAY by contacting Ryan Goodman ([email protected]) prior to June 1. See the 2015 Rate Card and Publishing Schedule for details.

Thank you for to all our supporters. To view the 2014-2015 Montana Seedstock & Commercial Cattle Directory in digital format, click here.

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March 19, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Fall Internship Opportunities in Washington D.C. with NCBA and PLC

WASHINGTON (March 18, 2015) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Public Lands Council’s government affairs office in Washington, D.C., is accepting applications for the fall 2015 public policy internship. The deadline to submit an application is April 15, 2015. More information found here.

“Growing up in California, I’ve witnessed a host of political decisions that do not always support production agriculture,” said Ben Granholm, a senior at California State University, Fresno, and 2014 policy intern. “Interning with NCBA and PLC has allowed me to become a part of the team that fights for agriculture and the beef industry each and every day. Not many college students are able to say that they lived and worked in the nation’s capital while representing our countries most vital industry.”

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.”

NCBA and PLC are affiliate organizations working on behalf of cattle producers and ranching families across the country. NCBA is producer directed and consumer focused, which creates a unique opportunity to unify policy and marketing efforts for the beef industry. Similarly, PLC works to maintain a stable business environment in which livestock producers that hold federal lands grazing permits can continue to conserve the resources and ranching heritage of the West. Together, NCBA and PLC represent the cattle and sheep industries and producers who operate on both public and private lands.

The full-time internship will begin Sept. 15, 2015 and end Dec. 18, 2015. 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.

March 9, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Looking Forward: What Does the Cattle Market Have in Store for 2015?

United States Department of AgricultureBy Brett Crosby, Custom Ag Solutions

The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) cattle inventory report for January 2015 confirms that beef herd expansion is underway.  The number of beef cows that have calved increased over 600,000 head in 2014 to 29.7 million head.  The increase in beef cow numbers is the largest since 1994 and the second largest increase in over 30 years.  The herd expansion was impressive by any measure, but especially remarkable given the cost of replacement animals and the smaller number of replacement females available compared to 1994, when there were 34.6 million beef cows in the U.S.  While increased herd numbers have been expected by many, the new inventory statistics and rapid growth leave many producers wondering what this means for cattle prices going forward.

While a 600,000 head increase is sizeable, the U.S. beef cow herd is still small by historical measures and has decreased by over 3.9 million since 1996.  Nearly half of that decrease, 1.7 million head, came in 2012 and 2013 alone, when a drought ravaged the Southwest and forced massive herd liquidations.  Even if cattle numbers continue to increase at the 2014 rate, it will take several years just to get the U.S. herd back to the size it was only four years ago.  Clearly, total per capita beef supply in the US will remain at historically low levels for several years while the U.S. population continues to grow, resulting in per capita beef supply and beef prices remaining at or near their current levels.

While the current herd expansion suggests that calf prices likely hit their high water mark in the fall of 2014, prices should remain strong in 2015.  The 2015 calf crop is likely to be 10 to 15 percent higher than 2014, but calf supplies will likely remain tight while producers retain inordinately large numbers of heifers during this expansion phase.  As a result, deferred feeder cattle futures suggest calf prices holding very close to the levels seen last fall.  Of course, there is still a long time between now and the fall, and corn prices and winter wheat conditions this fall will play a large part in determining calf prices late in the year.

Feed cost and forage availability aren’t the only sources of uncertainty for this year’s calf prices.  Exports have been incredibly strong and a strengthening economy has also supported domestic beef demand.  Therefore, a U.S. recession or a global economic slowdown could have a substantial adverse impact on cattle prices.  With the U.S. beef herd expanding and a strong dollar and soft oil prices indicating global economic uncertainty, there is more downside risk for cattle prices than upside potential.

With increased downside market risk, this is a good year to consider carefully managing price risk.  Forward contracts, futures, options, and RMA’s Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) insurance are all worth considering.  If fundamentals hold steady, the calf market is expected to remain strong, so producers should consider a risk management strategy that limits or softens unexpected downside market moves.  Also, because a repeat of 2014’s explosive upside move is unlikely, 2015 is probably a good year to consider early forward contracts at current price levels.

Despite national herd expansion, the next several years should remain profitable for cow/calf producers.  Beef demand domestically and abroad is strong, and heifer retention that is fueling expansion will help offset the effects of larger calf crops in the coming years.  With prices still near historic highs, however, a price risk management strategy should be employed to protect against downside movements triggered by high feed costs or macroeconomic issues.  For 2015, the old adage “Nobody ever went broke locking in a profit” is a good one to remember.

Custom Ag Solutions (CAS) is a USDA/RMA education partner that works to promote risk management tools, including Federal crop insurance programs such as the Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) program.

CAS neither sells nor services crop insurance policies.  For a list of crop insurance agents, please visit www.USDA.RMA.gov/tools/agent.html.  For more information, visit the RMA website at www.USDA.RMA.gov.

March 5, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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20 Montana Ranches Needed for 2015 Summer Research Project

Agri-Best Feeds is looking to work in conjunction with the Growth Through Agriculture Program sponsored by the Montana Department of Agriculture to do a summer research project on ranches throughout Montana evaluating the economic benefit of increased average daily gain on either calves or yearlings by feeding SweetPro and Redmond salt.

This project looks to work with approximately 20 ranches in different areas across Montana. Each ranch will put 75 to 200 head per ranch on the feeding program and compare the average daily gain to a contemporary group (same sex calves, similar genetics, range, water, etc.) of cattle on the rancher’s mineral and salt program. Each ranch will work with the researchers to put the protocols into place for around a 180 to 205 day trial that will look to run from calving to weaning for the cow/calf operation and the summer grazing period for a yearling operation.

Historically Agri-Best has seen and increase in average daily gains up to 4/10 of a pound utilizing SweetPro and Redmond salt compared to simply grazing with a good mineral program. The day cost for this program ranges from $0.42 to $0.48 per pair (or yearling) but the increased weight gain pays for all of the vitamin, mineral, protein, and energy needs of the cow, calf, and calf in gestation plus puts more dollars in the producer’s pockets and all on less grass.

For the summer research project, the selected ranches will pay $0.12 per pair (yearlings per head) per day for the animals on trial to participate in the program as a replacement value to their current salt and mineral program as well as supplying their normal mineral and salt for the control group. Agri-Best Feeds will carry the remaining cost of the program and deliver product into the ranch as well as working with the rancher on managing the feeding program. At the end of the trial period, the average gain increase will be multiplied by the contracted calf/yearling price and the proceeds split 50/50 between the rancher and Agri-Best Feeds. For example, a 4/10 pound average daily gain increase on $2.00 calves would produce an additional $.80 per day that would be split equally between the rancher and Agri-Best Feeds. The $.40/head on 100 head for 180 days would give the rancher an additional profit of $72/head or $7,200.

Other areas that this research project will evaluate are conception rates, forage usage, body condition, weaning ease and growth, and overall herd health.

Requirements to Participate in the 2015 Summer Feeding Research Project include:

  1. The management ability and commitment to follow the research protocol
  2. Enough cattle (pairs or yearlings – min of 100 head with 50 on trial/50 control) of:
    • Similar genetics
    • Same age (focusing on first and second calf heifers for the target of the bulk of the study)
    • Same sex on calves/yearings
  3. Same/similar range conditions (forage type, quality, quantity, etc.)
  4. Same/similar water (quality, availability, etc.)

The Growth through Agriculture Program seeks to add value to Montana’s agricultural products and have the prospects to create and/or retain jobs in Montana by funding projects that meet their criteria through grants and loans. Agri-Best Feeds, 2010 MSU College of Business State Farm Montana Family Business of the Year, seeks to equip farmers and ranchers to maximize land and livestock by distributing unique high performing products.

If you are interested in more information about this research project or to receive an application to participate in this research call 866 601-6646 and ask for Scott Anderson or email [email protected].

February 26, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Meet the American Fork Ranch | Environmental Stewardship Award Winners

American Fork Ranch Environmental Stewardship Jed Evjene David StevensMontana’s ranchers depend on the land and its resources to be successful business enterprises. As such, it is imperative to be good stewards of their environment and its resources, implementing practices that promote sustainability and conservation. Since its inception in 1991, the Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) has honored ranchers across the United States who implement these practices and are great examples of being stewards of their resources.

For the past 25 years, Montana Stockgrowers Association has proudly sponsored the Montana ESAP program, and with support of the Montana Beef Council, recognize this year’s Montana recipient, the American Fork Ranch of Two Dot, as a ranch going above and beyond to implement good stewardship practices for their land, resources, wildlife and community.

The American Fork Ranch (Facebook), a commercial cow-calf operation in Wheatland and Sweet Grass counties, is owned by the Stevens Family and is managed by Jed and Annie Evjene. Jed is a long-time active member of the Montana Stockgrowers Association and currently serves as Director of the South Central district for the Association.

American Fork Ranch Environmental Stewardship Annie Evjene“The Stevens family, Annie and I, along with all of our crew could not be more proud to receive this recognition,” says Jed Evjene. “Over the past 17 years, we’ve worked hard to preserve the legacy of this ranch, improve its pastures, croplands and cattle. Making a ranch like this work while being conscious of the environment around us takes a good team and we’re honored to be Environmental Stewardship Award recipients.”

The ranch, established in 1882 as a sheep operation, was purchase by Colonel Wallis Huidekoper and designated “The American Ranch”. An idealistic soldier, Huidekoper built a series of whitewashed and red-roof structures along a plumb line, to form an orderly village that still stands today. In 1945, Col. Robert T. Stevens purchased the operation and renamed it as “The American Fork Ranch”. Steven’s vision was that the ranch would remain as a consistent and economically viable unit in the community, rather than a vacation or leisure home for future generations of the family.

As current ranch managers, Jed and Annie Evjene, joined the ranch in 1998, a consensus among the owners had already began to refocus the ranch’s efforts to be better stewards of the land, conserve their natural resources and ensure the ranch’s economic and environmental sustainability. The changes focused on the principles of utilizing the best available scientific knowledge and business practices, enhancing stewardship values with long-term perspectives to invest in the land and environment, and to preserve the ranch’s historic value and beauty.

Over the past 17 years, the Stevens and Evjenes families have focused on establishing relationships among all key aspects of the ranch: rangeland, water, crop production, cattle herd, wildlife, cottonwood forests, employees, family, community and the beef industry to integrate a model of sustainability. These cooperative efforts have led to relationships and projects in coordination with professionals from numerous universities, state and federal agencies, area and state Stockgrower organizations, and several youth programs.

The Evjenes have a knack for intensive record management, allowing them to use that information to tract what works and what does not when managing the ranches resources. The results have been implementing grazing practices, with the use of more than 25 miles of interior fencing, 15,500 feet of stock water pipeline, spring water development, and weed control to develop grazing systems that better utilize resources in a manner that complements the landscape and environment.

American Fork Ranch Environmental Stewardship Jed EvjeneThe cowherd at the American Fork has been managed to adapt to its environment over the past two decades. Reducing cow size, along with management of grazing and water systems, has allowed for better and more uniform utilization of forage supplies, increased calf weaning weights, minimized cow inputs and overall improvements in cow efficiency and operation sustainability. The calves are raised and marketed without the use of artificial hormones or supplements, and have shown consistent adaptations to market demands using improved herd genetics. A severe drought in 2012 threatened feed supplies for the herd, but thanks for foresight in grazing management and temporary herd reduction, the ranch survived the drought period with minimal negative impacts.

Today, the American Fork Ranch is home to a diverse population of plant species and managed wildlife populations. Intensive record keeping, over a decade of range monitoring, water development projects and weed management have led to pasture conditions that promote diverse plant species and thick stands of stockpiled forage for year-round grazing. A heavy focus on riparian area management has allowed for recovery of plant species, Cottonwood forest regrowth, improved water quality and enhanced wildlife habitat, even in the presence of livestock grazing.

“Even though the Stevens family may not live here year round, they are all involved in the ranching operation,” says Annie Evjene. “Especially the third and fourth generations of the Stevens family know a lot about the ranching business and are trying to carry on to the next generation.”

“The Stevens kids are like our own. When they come to the ranch, they jump right in with the crew, can run any piece of equipment, move cattle and are excited about sharing the experience of this ranch with others. It’s an all-around team effort,” says Jed.

MESAP logo PNGAs recipient of this year’s Montana ESAP recognition, the American Fork will submit an application this month for the regional ESAP awards, to be announced in July 2015. Throughout 2015, Montana Stockgrowers will continue to share more about the American Fork Ranch, the Stevens and Evjene families, and their work as examples of Environmental Stewardship within the Montana ranching community.

To learn more about the Montana Environmental Stewardship Award program, click here. The Montana ESAP program is partially sponsored by the Montana Beef Checkoff programs.

February 25, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Roundtable on U.S. and Canadian Agricultural Policy and Trade Issues

Canadian Rancher Feeding CattleCanadian and U.S. cattle producers may reside on separate sides of an international board and conduct business under different government regulations, but they encounter many similar issues, as was the topic of discussion during a recent round table at the Canadian Western Agribition. On behalf of the Montana Stockgrowers Association, I participated in a discussion on U.S. and Canadian Agricultural Policy and Trade Issues in Regina, Saskatchewan on November 25, 2014.

Panel members included representatives of Canadian Agriculture organizations from Alberta and Saskatchewan, along with U.S. representatives from the states of Montana, Michigan, Nebraska and Colorado. During the course of discussion, several topics related to the cattle industry in both countries were addressed, and conversations revealed opportunity for collaboration in many areas.

There are several mutual concerns for U.S. and Canadian cattle producers, as we share several market influences, consumers and environmental challenges. Governmental agencies outside of agriculture for both countries seem to present similar challenges for livestock producers. Coming out of the trip, my impression was of great encouragement for the conversations at hand and the opportunities that lay ahead for future correspondence.

With positive cattle and beef markets for producers in both countries, recent years have been positive for the industries. Canadian and U.S. cattle herds share many genetics and marketing influences. Maintaining free trade agreements between the two governments is crucial for this continued success of the North American beef industry. Addressing labor shortages and increased government regulations continue to be concerns for both industries.

Opportunity exists for collaboration in areas of research between Canadian and U.S. institutions. The need to prevent duplicative research is needed for great progress. Partnerships and sharing of information would improve knowledge of current study subjects and allow for better collaboration when geographical similarities will allow.

Several subjects were discussed during the panel session. Conversations were dominated by the following topics.

Public Communication Efforts

An emphasis on consumer awareness of agricultural and food practices, and providing good science information is a concern of the industry. Industry partnerships continue to be critical in making these connections for sustainability and marketing, however retailers have expressed it is not their role to educate their customers about cattle production. McDonalds Canada has been working on sustainability efforts, with hopes to have a system in place by 2017. The retailer has yet to define sustainability, possibly waiting on actions out the Global Sustainable Beef Roundtable. Several panelists emphasized the importance of producer involvement in consumer conversations, realizing the need to build trust before using facts in dialogues, “leading with knowledge, not facts.”

Environmental and Wildlife Regulations

Government regulations in areas of environmental sustainability and wildlife habitats concerns both Canadian and U.S. cattle producers. In western provinces and states, sage grouse habitat and potential listing as an endangered species is a threat to large acreage of grazing lands, more so in the U.S. CAFO regulations for both countries continue to see pressure. Cattle feeding in western Canadian provinces continues to grow with greater access to feed grains. The need to be proactive in these areas was recognized.

Generational Transfer and Estate Planning

Estate planning and transitioning management to future generations remains a topic of concern for Canadian and U.S. cattle operations. Though these situations vary greatly between regions and operations, the consensus recognizes the need for having this conversation and planning before it is too late. Older generations tend to retain the majority of operational management for many years, not allowing younger generations to take part until later in life. This may often result in fewer members of younger generations returning to production agriculture.

U.S. Country of Origin Labeling Regulations

Canadian Western Agribition Show CattleCountry of Origin Labeling regulations for meat products imposed by the U.S. continue to be a dominant concern for Canadian cattle producers. The Canadian Agriculture Ministry and Industry groups maintain opposition to mandatory labeling laws and believe the rules must be repealed. This also raises concerns for consumer perceptions as more customers express desires to learn more about where their food comes from. There are mixed opinions among U.S. cattle producers on COOL regulations and industry groups are working to have the laws changed.

Free trade and cooperation among Canadian and U.S. cattle and beef industries remains crucial for the success of both industries. Much opportunity exists for collaboration and partnerships for cattle producers that will lead to success on both sides of the border.

Montana Stockgrowers Association looks forward to future occasions to discuss the issues at hand and the exploration of opportunities for collaboration and partnerships with our Canadian counterparts.

February 20, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Senate Committee Passes SB 262 on CSKT Water Compact

This morning, the Senate Judiciary Committee took executive action on Senate Bill 262 (Implement CSKT water rights settlement). The bill passed committee by a vote of 8-4 and will now advance to the Senate floor.

Republican Senators Chas Vincent (Libby, bill sponsor), Doug Kary (Billings) and Nels Swandal (Wilsall) joined Democrats Robyn Driscoll (Billings), Cliff Larsen (Missoula), Mary McNally (Billings), Mary Sheehy Moe (Great Falls) and Diane Sands (Missoula) to vote in support of the bill. We encourage you to reach out to these Senators in appreciation for the support of this important piece of legislation.

As you know, Montana Stockgrowers Association came out in support of the CSKT Water Compact last month. You can read our press release here.

On Monday of this week, the President Gene Curry testified in support of the Compact, SB 262, in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He outlined why the Stockgrowers Association supports this critical legislation:

  • The compact includes numerous protections for historic water users that would not be available through litigation.
  • In those cases where the CSKT are granted off reservation rights with a time in memorial priority date, the rights are limited in a manner to protect historic water use
  • If the compact is not ratified, water right claims filed by the CSKT will likely be larger, more senior and likely encompass a greater area of the state.
  • Regardless the outcome of the litigation it will be expensive, lengthy and disruptive to the current adjudication process

“It is important to pass this critical piece of legislation and not force thousands of family ranchers in similar situations of this type of litigation,” said Curry during his testimony.

To protect Montana’s ranchers, we need YOU to Take Action in support of the Compact.

Call your Senator and House members today and tell them to support the Compact – (406) 444-4800. Let them know that the compact is the right choice for ranchers. Individual contact information can be found on the Montana Legislature’s website.

For more information on the compact, you can go to the DNRC website and read more. MSGA will share more information about the compact in next week’s member newsletter.

February 20, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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NCBA: Dietary Guidelines Recommendations are Misleading

WASHINGTON  – Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture released the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s report. This report is a recommendation to the Secretaries as they develop the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans that will be released later this year. Unfortunately, the report is inconsistent, and if adopted will lead to conflicting dietary advice. On one hand, the Committee has endorsed the Mediterranean style diet, which has higher red meat levels than currently consumed in the U.S.; and on the other hand, they have left lean meat out of what they consider to be a healthy dietary pattern.

Dr. Shalene McNeill, Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist with National Cattlemen’s Beef Association said the recommendation that a healthy dietary pattern should be lower in red meat is not consistent with scientific evidence and would be unsound dietary advice.

“Lean meat is red meat. Today’s beef supply is leaner than ever before with more than 30 cuts of beef recognized as lean by government standards,” said McNeill. “The protein foods category, which includes meat, is the only category currently consumed within the current guidelines, and it is misleading to conclude that a healthy dietary pattern should be lower in red meat.”

According to the report, “dietary patterns with positive health benefits are described as high in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, seafood, legumes, and nuts; moderate in low- and non-fat dairy products; lower in red and processed meat; and low in sugar-sweetened foods and beverages and refined grains.”

Unfortunately, the statement disregards the positive role of lean meat. Lean beef is one of the most nutrient rich foods, providing high levels of essential nutrients such as zinc, iron and protein, as opposed to empty calories.

Dr. Richard Thorpe, Texas medical doctor and cattle producer, said the key to a healthy lifestyle is building a balanced diet around the healthy foods you enjoy eating, coupled with physical activity.

“It is absurd for the Advisory Committee to suggest that Americans should eat less red meat and focus so heavily on plant-based diets,” said Thorpe. “The American diet is already 70 percent plant based and to further emphasize plant-based diets will continue to have unintended consequences. The Advisory Committee got it wrong in the ‘80s advising a diet high in carbs, and look at what that got us – an obesity problem. My colleagues and I commonly encourage people to include lean beef more often for their health, not less.”

Thorpe added, “We are disappointed the Advisory Committee would go outside the purview and expertise of nutrition/health research to bring in topics such as sustainability. We urge the Secretaries to reject the Advisory Committee’s recommendations on topics outside of diet and health.”

Lean meat plays an important role in the American diet and science shows it needs to be recognized as part of a healthy dietary pattern just as it was in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. On behalf of U.S. cattle producers that work each and every day to provide a nutritious and healthful beef product for consumers, we encourage Secretaries Burwell and Vilsack to reject the Advisory Committee’s recommendation that healthy American diets should be lower in red meat. The process was incomplete with flawed conclusions specific to health benefits of red meat’s role in the American diet.