December 31, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Western Montana Stockmen Active in Communities for 2014

By Kurt McPhearson, President and Kyle Middlemist , Director, Western MT Stockmen’s

We are looking forward to the coming year as an affiliate of the Montana Stockgrowers Association. We have all enjoyed a year of high cattle markets, higher than many of us ever expected to see. With the demand of good beef and the low cattle numbers it would seem that, we should expect the high markets to continue.

This last year has been an exciting and busy one here in western Montana. WMSA has been involved in various activities throughout the year. One thing we were excited and proud to do was raise money for the South Dakota producers coping with the aftermath of winter storm Atlas. Two heifers donated by WMSA president Kurt McPherson and director Greg Gardner were auctioned off in a rollover style auction with all proceeds and heifers going to South Dakota. We also gathered up eleven head of donated females from association members, hauled them to Miles City, and left them in the care of Ty Linger with “Heifers for South Dakota”. Special thanks to Montana Livestock Auction in Butte and Missoula Livestock Exchange in Missoula for helping with the auctions. Also big thanks to all the producers from western Montana who donated females and money to the cause.

Livestock producers and veterans, Charles D. Jacquier and Warren J. Trosclair, were able to participate in the Honor Flight program thanks to the help of Western Montana Stockmen

Livestock producers and veterans, Charles D. Jacquier and Warren J. Trosclair, were able to participate in the Honor Flight program thanks to the help of Western Montana Stockmen

Western Montana Stockmen’s Association has also established a “Goodwill Fund” funding projects each year to help others in need in our communities. So far in 2014, we sponsored two local livestock producers who are also veterans Charles D. Jacquier and Warren J. Trosclair to participate in the Honor Flight program. The Honor Flight is a chance for veterans to fly to Washington D.C. to be recognized alongside fellow veterans. Although the Honor Flight was a free flight for veterans, they still had the expense of getting to Billings. WMSA paid for the trip to Billings, including hotels and meals. These two gentlemen did not know each other but traveled together and had an outstanding trip. Both gentlemen are World War II veterans.

Last January, our annual meeting and banquet was a huge success with over 200 in attendance. We honored Jimme Wilson as past president of WMSA, MSGA and NCBA with our lifetime achievement award, which recognizes association members for their service to WMSA and to the cattle industry. Our Keynote speaker was Derrell Peel Agriculture Economist from Oklahoma State University. Derrel gave an excellent talk on the nation’s cattle numbers and the future of beef prices.

Our 2015 annual meeting will be held January 24 at the Best Western resort in Polson, MT. We have many things on our agenda. Along with the good markets comes many dissensions to our cattle industry that need to be addressed, but as a larger group with members all pulling together for our great industry, we can do this. There will be a chance to win one of two rifles or two pistols along with dozens of other items donated by our generous sponsors. Our speaker will be Rachel Endecott MSU Extension Beef Specialist. The food is good as well as entertainment and dancing. We always enjoy meeting cattlemen from all over our state and extend an invitation to join us.

Be sure to check us out on our Facebook page – Western Montana Stockmen’s Association. Give us a like and stay up to date with all of our events. Remember to thank your grocer for the Country of Origin labeling on our outstanding beef. Happy holidays to every MSGA member across this great state.

December 30, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Legislative Conference Offered for Young Stockgrowers

With the 2015 Montana legislative session quickly approaching, the Montana Stockgrowers Association is looking forward to another busy season representing the interests of Montana’s livestock communities. During this time, young farmers and ranchers will have the opportunity to experience the legislative process through the Calling on the Capitol Legislative Conference, taking place January 29 & 30 at the Best Western Great Northern Hotel and Capitol building in Helena.

This is an important opportunity for Young Stockgrowers members to participate in the legislative process and learn more about MSGA’s work with state agencies and legislators. Participants in the event will have the opportunity to attend legislative committee meetings and receive training on legislative advocacy, strategy and communication.

2015 agenda items include:

Policy Issues Informational Session

Legislative & Strategy Training

State Agency Informational Sessions

Young Cattlemen’s College – D.C. Experience

Guided Capital Building Tour

State Legislature Committee Hearings

Advocacy & Networking Dinner

Breakfast with your Legislators

Advocacy for the Ranching and Beef Industry Luncheon

Calling on the Capitol begins at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 29 and continues through Friday, January 30, 2015. Event registration is $50, which includes meals and meeting expenses. 2015 Calling on the Capitol Registration Form and payment must be postmarked to MSGA (420 N. California, Helena, MT 59601) by Tuesday, January 20. Meeting capacity is 40 participants, so do not wait until the last minute to register. Online registration is available at mtbeef.org.

A room block has been reserved at the Best Western Great Northern in Helena, starting at $125/night plus taxes. Please book rooms by calling (800) 829-4047 prior to January 5, 2015 and refer to ‘Young Stockgrowers’. Group rates may not be available after release date.

Calling on the Capitol is sponsored by Bank of the Rockies and Montana Livestock Ag Credit, Inc. For more information, contact Ryan Goodman at the Montana Stockgrowers Association, by calling (406) 442-3420 or via email at [email protected].

December 29, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Receives Full Accreditation

via Montana Department of Livestock

Montana Department of Livestock DOLThe Montana Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Bozeman is fully accredited for the first time since 2003.

Lab director Dr. Bill Layton received the good news late last month from the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD) accreditation committee.

“This is a significant accomplishment for the laboratory and its customers,” Layton said. “In short, the committee is equating us with other, larger accredited laboratories, many of which are associated with veterinary colleges and have the support of a university system.”

The lab, which handles a vast majority of the diagnostic samples generated by Montana veterinarians, has been on provisional accreditation due to a series of issues related to funding, the facility and the need for an improved quality management system (QMS). While some of those issues are a work in progress, Layton said the lab was able to directly address the QMS issue.

Quality management systems, Layton said, look at all processes that could affect test results, including sample collection, choice of test kits, competency of the diagnostic technicians, delivery of results, and a thousand other details.

The lab didn’t have a full-time quality manager, Layton explained, until 2011 when the position was fully funded by a grant from the USDA-National Animal Health Laboratory Network. Now, after three years of hard work, the system is “exponentially better.”

“Prior to visiting, the accreditation site visit team was skeptical regarding the laboratory being able to develop and put into practice a system in a relatively short time. After the review, the site team was impressed with the laboratory’s progress and the quality in place,” Layton said. He credits his staff for “dedicating enormous amounts of time and effort into the building and implementation of the system while still completing their daily responsibilities.”

Accreditation is important, Layton said, because it represents an independent review of the laboratory to verify that the test procedures performed meet national and global standards required for animal disease surveillance that allows for animal and animal product movement.

MVDL Satisfaction Survey
A survey of Montana veterinarians conducted this past summer shows high usage and overwhelming satisfaction.

83% of the respondents use the lab, and 78% of those use it on a weekly-plus basis.

76% of the respondents were satisfied/very satisfied with the lab overall, while just 8% were dissatisfied/very dissatisfied.

85% of the respondents were satisfied/very satisfied with the lab’s responsiveness to technical questions and concerns.

93% of the respondents were satisfied/very satisfied with the professionalism and courteousness of lab staff.

See the complete survey at http://tinyurl.com/pnymhfj

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service logo
December 26, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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USDA extends public comment period for Conservation Stewardship Program

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is extending the public comment period on the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) interim rule. Public comments will be accepted through January 20, 2015.

“This extension will provide stakeholders with additional time to comment on the CSP interim rule,” Chief Jason Weller said. “At nearly 70 million acres, CSP is the nation’s largest conservation program.  Input through the public comment process will help NRCS finalize a CSP rule that works for participants and continues to deliver greater conservation benefits for our Nation.”

Official notice of the change can be found in the Federal Register. Electronic comments must be submitted throughregulations.gov.  Comments also can be hand carried or mailed to Public Comments Processing, Attn: Docket No. NRCS-2014-0008, Regulatory and Agency Policy Team, Strategic Planning and Accountability, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Building 1-1112D, Beltsville, Md. 20705.

NRCS has issued an interim rule for implementation of the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).  CSP helps agricultural producers maintain and improve their existing conservation systems and adopt additional conservation activities to address priority resources concerns. Participants earn CSP payments for conservation performance—the higher the performance, the higher the payment. Through CSP, producers install conservation enhancements to make positive changes in soil, water, and air quality; water quantity; plant and animal resources; and energy conservation. Nearly 70 million acres have been enrolled in the program since its launch in 2009.

Congress made several changes to CSP in the 2014 Farm Bill that NRCS has incorporated into this interim rule.  Additionally, NRCS has made some minor changes to make the regulation easier to read, and more importantly, the program easier to understand by producers.

The following list identifies some of the changes that are reflected in the CSP interim rule.  These changes primarily focus upon improving the competitive nature of the program, including raising the bar for the quality of projects enrolled and priority resource concerns to be addressed during the term of the CSP contract.

Noteworthy Changes in the CSP Interim Final Rule

In particular, the CSP interim rule:

  • Limits eligible land to that in production for at least 4 of the 6 years preceding February 7, 2014, the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014.
  • Requiring contract offers to meet stewardship threshold for at least two priority resource concerns and meet or exceed one additional priority resource concern by the end of the stewardship contract.
  • Allowing enrollment of lands that are protected by an agricultural land easement under the newly authorized Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP).
  • Allowing enrollment of lands that are in the last year of the Conservation Reserve Program.

A complete list of changes in the CSP IFR is available on the web or as a printer-friendly PDF.

NRCS welcomes public comment about these changes and other topics identified in the interim rule.  The official comment period has been extended to January 20, 2015.

Submit comments online at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=NRCS-2014-0008-0001

December 19, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Dept. of Agriculture Seeks Two Producers for Australia Beef Genetics Trade Mission

Helena, Mont. – In a rare opportunity to participate in Montana’s rapidly expanding beef genetics export market, the Montana Department of Agriculture is seeking two representatives from the Montana beef genetics industry to join in a trade mission to Australia in May.

Australia is currently Montana’s second largest customer for beef semen purchases, yet Montana has never been on a trade mission to the country. “This is an exciting opportunity to grow in an important market and build on existing relationships,” said Marty Earnheart, Meats and Livestock Marketing Officer.

According to a report by USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, Australia herd size is expected to fall slightly to 27.6 million head due to persistent drought in some regions of the country, with beef exports accounting for almost 70% of their production. By comparison, the United States current inventory is 95 million head with 2.55 million head in Montana.

With the recent decrease in herd size in Australia, the department sees an opportunity to expand Montana beef genetics in the region as producers look to grow in their herds in the years ahead due to increasing international demand and additional trade opportunities.

“Although Australia’s herd size is only about a quarter of the United States, they are expanding their international beef trade. By showcasing Montana’s high-quality beef genetics, we see significate market potential,” explained Earnheart.

The trip dates have yet to be finalized, but it will coincide with 2015 Beef Australia from May 4 – May 9. The exposition is held just once every three years and will feature more than 4,500 cattle from over 30 breeds and facilitate new trade and export opportunities.

Montana beef genetic representatives interested in participating in the Australia trade mission should contact meat and livestock marketing officer Marty Earnheart via email: [email protected] or call (406) 444-2402 for an application. Applicants must have a valid passport and be willing to cover half of the travel expenses.

The Montana Department of Agriculture applied for and received funds through U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc. (USLGE) from both the Market Access and Foreign Market Development programs. The awarded funds will pay for the department’s marketing officer’s travel and expenses, and at least half of each of the beef genetic representative’s travel expenses. USLGE is a not-for-profit, nationwide trade association that represents the international marketing interests of the dairy, beef, sheep, swine, and horse breeding industries.

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.

Annual Convention and Trade Show 2014
December 17, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Montana Stockgrowers Convention Brings Ranchers to Billings

The 130th Montana Stockgrowers Association Convention and Trade Show, held at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana in Billings, December 11-13, drew strong crowds from ranching communities across the state.

The three-day convention featured a large number of speakers to help ranchers learn more about available management tools, as well as outlook on the current status of cattle markets, industry trends, environmental and wildlife issues. Governor Steve Bullock highlighted Opening General Session with a supportive message for Montana’s ranching communities. Members had the opportunity to discuss and vote on resolutions that guide policy activity for the Stockgrowers Association leading into the 2015 legislative session.

Saturday’s Grand Finale Banquet featured almost $100,000 in prizes thanks to generous sponsors and included live music from Wylie and the Wild West. The annual Cattle Directory auction raised record amounts thanks to strong support from Seedstock, Commercial and Industry partners.

Convention coverage, photos, videos and information about membership programs can be found on the Montana Stockgrowers Association Facebook page or website, mtbeef.org. Be sure to join MSGA for their 2015 Mid-Year event, held in Bozeman in early June.

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

-Elections were held to fill positions on the Board of Directors due to expiring terms. Gene Curry of Valier was elected as President and Bryan Mussard of Dillon as first Vice President. Fred Wacker of Miles City was elected to the position of second Vice President and Jess Drange of Ismay will fill his position as Director representing Southeastern Montana. Race King of Dillon was elected to represent the Western District. Outgoing Board members include President Tucker Hughes of Stanford and Western District representative Ray Marxer of Twin Bridges.

-Travis Brown of Sand Springs was elected as Chairman of the Young Stockgrowers committee. He fills the position previously held by Lacey Sutherlin of Stevensville. Lacey Ehlke of Townsend was elected as Vice-Chair. Brown and Ehlke will represent the Young Stockgrowers on the MSGA Board of Directors.

-The 2014 Montana Environmental Stewardship Award (ESAP) was presented to Jed and Annie Evjene of the American Fork Ranch. The American Fork is a commercial cow/calf operation near Two Dot, which exemplifies the qualities of ranchers focused on environmental stewardship, sustainability and conservation. As Montana ESAP winners, the American Fork will compete at the regional level for the national ESAP recognition.

-Bev Fryer of White Sulfur Springs was recognized as the Ranching Woman of the Year. Fryer and her husband, Ed, raise cattle at the Castle Mountain Ranch, where Bev takes charge of calving more than 300 heifers each spring and training horses, alongside raising a family. Bev is active in area youth and CattleWomen’s activities, ranch rodeos, and guides hunters looking for elk each year.

-16 Cattlemen’s College workshops offered attendees several great opportunities for interactive learning about the tools available to improve management and record keeping on their ranches. Topics covered included cattle marketing, estate planning, nutrition, reproduction, cattle health, and leadership training.

-Montana Ford Stores continued their sponsorship for the sixth year to give one lucky MSGA member a 2014 Ford Super Duty pickup. This year’s winner was Paula Bischoff. Paula and her husband, Gary, ranch at the 99 Bar Cattle Company near Alzada.

-Montana Massey Ferguson dealers donated a tractor lease, which was raffled on Saturday evening. Tom and Lilian Ostendorf of Powderville won the 8-month/200-hour lease on the 130-hp tractor and loader. NutraLix donated a saddle, which went to Sam Obrecht of Turner.

-Top Hand recognitions were awarded to Southeastern Montana Livestock Association from Miles City, which received a John Deere Gator from Frontline Ag, and Kyle Middlemist of Dixon, who received a paid trip to San Antonio, Texas for the 2015 Cattle Industry Convention.

-Attendees received encouraging and informative messages from many speakers throughout the 3-day convention. Governor Steve Bullock addressed the crowd during Friday’s Opening General Session and was very encouraging about supporting Montana’s ranching industry, natural resources and continued opportunities for trade and marketing of cattle and beef products. Greg Hanes, Assistant Vice President of International Marketing with U.S. Meat Export Federation, provided attendees with a great overview of international marketing opportunities for U.S. beef and insight on how Checkoff dollars contribute to promotion in those markets. Lois Olmstead gave attendees encouragement and motivation during Saturday’s Inspirational breakfast.

-Policy meetings offered opportunity for attendees to hear updates on several issues affecting ranches, environmental and agricultural policy issues in the state. Representatives from Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Department of Livestock, Public Lands Council and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association were on hand to provide updates and insight on current events. Topics of high interest included sage grouse, CSKT Water Compact, Department of Livestock, markets and animal health.

December 12, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Ranchers Roll Into Billings for MSGA Convention

Ranchers were rolling into Billings for the first day of MSGA’s 130th Annual Convention. Thursday’s agenda was filled with Cattlemen’s Colleges workshops, a Young Stockgrowers meeting, along with Membership and Land Use policy committees and the Opening Trade Show Dinner. Friday’s agenda will be highlighted by Beef Production & Marketing and Ag Policy committees. Governor Steve Bullock is scheduled to speak at Opening General Session and Cattlemen’s College workshops continue through Saturday. Be sure to see yesterday’s post for a list of those speakers.

MSGA Board Member, Ray Marxer welcomes the Land Use & Environment Committee on Thursday of Annual Convention

MSGA Board Member, Ray Marxer welcomes the Land Use & Environment Committee on Thursday of Annual Convention

During the Membership Committee meeting, attendees heard from a number of researchers and extension specialists from the Montana State University system. Montana’s research and extension program continue to leaders in the nation when it comes to contributions in the cattle industry. Research efforts continue to investigate aspects of cattle and ranch management and our extension programs are working hard to make that information available to the ranching communities.

The conversations in the Land Use & Environment policy committee were dominated by sage grouse conservation and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) Water Compact. Ranchers across the state may be affected in different manners by possible future agreements. Attendees spent much of the afternoon listening to updates from those familiar with the topics and discussed on how Sage Grouse management and the Compact may affect land owners and water rights in different regions of Montana. The Land Use Committee will continue Friday morning with land owner and land use topics, as well as program updates from several state agencies.

Montana State Map ConventionWe invite everyone to join us for the next two days to celebrate our 130th year. As you are at the registration desk, be sure to mark your spot on the state map so we can see where Convention attendees are traveling from across Montana. Be sure to look at our Convention programs for a full meeting agenda, or view an abbreviated version in our Online Agenda.

December 10, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Western Montana MSGA Director Reflects on Value of Involvement

Ray and wife, Sue

Ray and wife, Sue

Hello again from western Montana! What a summer and fall we have had. Pasture and hay production has been good and the markets for cattle never higher! We got a taste of reality in the last couple of days when we went from 60+ degrees to -15 with 20 Mph winds. These difficulties are quite common in the life and business of raising cattle.

Attitudes in general are quite good across the area but there are still many challenges facing us that can turn those attitudes south in a hurry. Those challenges are the reason we need all ranchers to be members of MSGA. While membership dues are very important to operate an organization like this, it is more important that we have everyone’s input and voice in making decisions that will affect us all.

It is essential that we know how issues affect each of us personally and have the facts about the issue before we make a decision as an organization that could affect us all and future generations as well. Many of the issues we are challenged with are quite large in scope and affect more folks than just us in Montana. So being involved is very important if you want to guide your destiny and protect your ability to ranch.

I have found two things to be quite sure: 1) Change is going to happen whether you like it or not and 2) It is a lot easier to accept change if it is your idea. So come to convention and let us hear from you. It is easier not to be involved and be just another victim, but you can be more effective by being part of the discussion prior to decisions being made. I for one would rather live with the choices I make than the chances I take.

Ray and family

Ray and family

One of the most valuable features of MSGA to all of us out on the ground is our leadership team and staff that have an understanding of issues that we may not. Many times the big picture effect on our industry is lost on us out in the country, and that is when it is important for leadership and staff to keep things in perspective for us. We are coming up on another legislative session in Helena that promises to be more challenging as the people of our state continue more toward urban lifestyles and less toward Agriculture.

This will be my last convention as a board member as I have fulfilled four years on the board. I have truly enjoyed the time spent and the great folks on the board and staff. I have had the pleasure of serving during two different presidencies: Watty Taylor and Tucker Hughes. Both are great guys who have done a great deal for our industry. I have also had the pleasure of serving on the executive board as well. This involves more budgets and nut and bolt issues that really affect the organization. The board and leadership have done some good things on behalf of MSGA membership throughout those years. One of the big tasks that was accomplished was helping Errol and staff operate without the aid of a huge grant. Another was divesting Stockgrowers’ shares of Verified Beef, a venture that had run its course. Still another was the additional membership level established for smaller producers.

We have an excellent staff and incoming leadership with very good candidates for the officer and board positions. They truly are the cream of the crop in our state. I want to thank you all for allowing me to serve on the board and represent you, and my family for supporting that service.
See you at the convention, Ray Marxer

December 6, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Update from South Central Montana Ranchers

Jed EvjeneWinter has returned to central Montana, as I am writing this article it is -18 below zero! We have been blessed with great Fall weather, high cattle prices and plenty of grass in the pastures.

There has been a lot going on around South Central Montana with calves being shipped and cattle work wrapping up just in time for this first winter blast of cold weather. There has been much discussion around the subjects of EPA’s Waters of the U.S., bison being moved to Fort Peck and elk overpopulation here in the Crazy Mountains.

Your Board of Directors has been busy attending local affiliate meetings around the state during November. It is exciting to travel around to the different affiliate meetings, visiting with people and learning about different issues in each area. This is a time when we as MSGA Directors can lend a helping hand and hopefully keep members up to date on issues that are facing ranchers on a state and national level. So please call us of the MSGA office with any questions on issues ranchers are facing in your area.

One of the pressing issues discussed at my local Crazy Mountain Stockgrowers meeting was the overpopulation of elk on the eastern slopes in Sweet grass County. The elk population is placing heavy grazing pressure on area forage stands and competing with hay production on local cattle ranches. Local ranchers have been discussing opportunities to work with hunters to address the issue.

Tim Todd and myself attended the Musselshell Stockgrowers banquet in Roundup in October. We gave an update of what MSGA has been up to. We are very excited to see this group getting back together and offered up any assistance that we can to help that process along. So welcome back Musselshell Stockgrowers!

We’re looking forward to the MSGA Annual Convention in Billings on December 11-13 and hope to see you all there! On site registration will be available if you weren’t able to preregister. The 14+ Cattlemen’s Colleges available, along with all the usual Association meetings will make the trip well worth your time!

December 5, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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National Cattlemen’s Foundation Accepting Applications for Beef Industry Scholarship

National-Cattlemens-Foundation-logoDENVER – Applications for 2015-16 beef industry scholarships sponsored by the CME Group are now being accepted. Ten scholarships of $1,500 each will be awarded to outstanding students pursuing careers in the beef industry.

Students studying education, communication, production, research or other areas related to the beef industry should consider applying for the scholarship. Applicants must be a graduating high school senior or full-time undergraduate student enrolled at a two or four year college.

The National Cattlemen’s Foundation administers the program. Applicants for the 2015-16 scholarship will be required to write a one page letter expressing future career goals related to the beef industry. They also must write a 750 word essay describing an issue in the beef industry and offering solutions to this problem.

Applications should be submitted by Dec. 19, 2014 and sent to National Cattlemen’s Foundation, 9110 E. Nichols Ave., Suite 300, Centennial, CO 80112. The winning recipients will be announced on Jan. 15, 2015.

For more information visit www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org. Click here for the online application form.

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The National Cattlemen’s Foundation is advancing the future of the beef industry with passion and urgency.