August 29, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Eastern Montana Updates from MSGA Directors

Southeastern District Update from Terry Haughian, Kinsey

Terry Haughian, MSGA Director for the Southeastern District

Terry Haughian, MSGA Director for the Southeastern District

I hope everyone has had a great summer. So far, this area has not had any real bad hail or fires. Last year this whole area was hit hard by hail, the King Valley was hit twice and the Circle County hit hard. We have had a great grass year and a great year to refill reservoirs and pits. It looks like a very good “perfect storm” year with calf markets as good as they are.

I have visited with several producers who are interested in joining MSGA because of all the issues concerning bison, water rights, sage grouse, etc. I plan to follow up after haying season is over. The good markets should help with membership this year. I believe the mid—year meetings at different venues around the state help people realize that MSGA is alive and well and a viable entity for them to take part in. I encourage all members to converse with producers in your area at the fairs, rodeo and events going on nearby. Happy Pre-Vac and shipping to all!

Northeastern District Update from Lee Cornwell, Glasgow

Lee Cornwell, MSGA Director from the Northeastern District

Lee Cornwell, MSGA Director from the Northeastern District

Things in Northeastern Montana have been busy with hay and harvest this summer. Producers have enjoyed good weather for the season as most dry land hay is already put up and the combines are rolling. Ranchers should enjoy a good Fall weaning season as calf prices are expected to remain near record highs.

Many producers have been concerned about bison management discussions throughout the state and MSGA has continued to be involved in these. Rail transportation for many grain crops has seen quite a backlog this year as farmers compete with other commodities and oil traffic. These backlogs seem to be easing up as harvest progresses and grain needs to be transported.

We have continued to be involved in discussions with the Board of Livestock concerning the DOL budget process and I believe the subcommittee focusing to correct these problems is a positive step in the right direction.

I am enjoying the opportunity to be involved in my first year on the MSGA Board of Directors and look forward to being involved in the many meetings we have scheduled this Fall season.

August 28, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Cattle Health and FDA rule changes for antibiotics labeling | Podcast

MSGA 2nd Vice President, Bryan Mussard, helped attendees learn more about the services MSGA offers Affiliate members across the state.

MSGA 2nd Vice President, Bryan Mussard, helped attendees learn more about the services MSGA offers Affiliate members across the state.

On today’s podcast, we’ll follow up on discussions held during the recent summer cattle industry conference held in Denver Colorado. In this section we’ll focus on several issues related to cattle health.

The Cattle Health and Well-Being committee passed policy regarding foreign animal diseases, which could cause a widespread quarantine and possible massive depopulation of the U.S. cattle herd. A resolution was passed to oppose the importation of live cattle, beef, and/or beef products into the U.S. from foreign countries with histories of significant chronic animal diseases and lack of strict animal disease control and eradication measures.

This committee also focused on discussion and explanation of changes in FDA rules regarding feed through antibiotics use in livestock production. This would include label changes on antibiotics, feed additives and veterinary feed directives, which would make access to these medications more difficult for ranchers. MSGA’s 2nd Vice President, Bryan Mussard from Dillon attended the meeting and has more comments in the podcast below.

Conference attendees also had the opportunity to receive an update from CattleFax senior market analyst, Kevin Good, which described the industry as transitioning from a liquidation to an expansion phase. Good said the industry is accelerating the rate of expansion, and “it’s a great opportunity to take advantage of the trend.” However, while the fundamentals are “friendly,” he said, “the market will have a correction.” And that correction could be soon. “Something needs to give,” he said. “You have to be prepared for that ceiling.”

Bryan also provides us with a great take-home message coming out of the meetings in Denver which should serve as an encouragement for Montana ranchers working with MSGA. Find out more about these topics in the podcast below, and be sure to listen to parts 1 and 2 shared in posts earlier in the week.

August 27, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

EPA Hands Over Maps Detailing the Extent of their WOTUS Proposal

EPA WOTUS Montana Expansion MapWASHINGTON (Aug. 27, 2014) –The House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology released maps today of waters and wetlands the Environmental Protection Agency has to-date refrained from making public. After multiple requests, the Agency finally handed over the maps to the committee, which appear to detail the extent of the “Waters of the United States” proposal.

“Given the astonishing picture they paint, I understand the EPA’s desire to minimize the importance of these maps,” said Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas), Chairman of the House Science Committee, in a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “But EPA’s posturing cannot explain away the alarming content of these documents. While you claim that EPA has not yet used these maps to regulate Americans, you provided no explanation for why the Agency used taxpayer resources to have these materials created.”

Knowledge of the maps came as the Committee was doing research in preparation for a hearing regarding the proposed “Waters of the United States” rule. The maps were kept hidden while the Agencies marched forward with rulemaking that fundamentally re-defines private property rights, said Chairman Smith.

“It is deplorable that EPA, which claims to be providing transparency in rulemakings, would intentionally keep from the American public, a taxpayer-funded visual representation of the reach of their proposed rule,” said Ashley McDonald, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association environmental counsel. “Unfortunately, it is just another blatant contradiction to the claims of transparency this Administration insists they maintain.”

These maps are very similar to the maps produced by NCBA and other agricultural groups, which also showcase the EPA’s extensive attempt to control land across the country. These maps show individual states facing upwards of 100,000 additional stream miles that could be regulated under the proposed regulation.

“This is the smoking gun for agriculture,” said McDonald. “These maps show that EPA knew exactly what they were doing and knew exactly how expansive their proposal was before they published it.”

The maps are available on the House Committee website here. The Montana map is available by clicking here (maps are large files and may take a few seconds to load).

Related Articles:

August 27, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

EPA changes to Waters of U.S., Beef Sustainability and Checkoff Increases | Podcast

solar filled water tankOn today’s post we follow up with a podcast from the recent summer cattle industry conference held in Denver, Colorado. A broad range of issues were discussed at the meeting, but the subject drawing the most conversation was EPA‘s proposed changes to the Waters of the U.S. rule. We provided a preliminary analysis of the proposed rule changes in an earlier blog post. Click here to read more.

Ariel Overstreet-Adkins, who has been working on comments for the issue on behalf of MSGA, attended the meeting and shared a few comments. “Some of the major concerns the panelists brought up are some of the same concerns we’ve had while looking at this proposal. These include the broad definition of tributary, the change of definition of adjacent to include all waters and not just wetlands, and a really undefined catch all of other waters. Across the board, this rule seems to increase uncertainty, even though the EPA says they’re trying to make things more certain. We believe this is going to be costly for many industries across the U.S. and not just agriculture.”

The Property Rights and Environmental Management committee members also passed a resolution to lead the development of a beef sustainability program, inclusive of the beef value chain and stakeholders, which addresses the continued advancement in areas such as economic viability, production efficiencies, animal care and handling, environmental conservation, human resources and community support. MSGA believes this is a positive move for the industry to establish and verify sustainable practices most ranchers already utilize.

The Cattlemen’s Beef Board and Committees concerning the Beef Checkoff also held meetings while in Denver. One of the highlights of those meetings comes from a working group looking at the proposed Checkoff increase to $2 per head. Several industry groups are working together on a proposal for changes.

Listen to the podcast below for more on these topics. This is just the second portion of our podcast covering the recent summer industry meetings in Denver. Stay tuned for our next podcast where we’ll talk about important policy issues discussed during the meetings, including cattle health issues including disease concerns surround the import of foreign beef and changes to the FDA’s antibiotic labeling rules. We’ll also find out more about CattleFax’s outlook for the cattle industry.

August 26, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Importance of Being Involved at the National Meetings | Podcast

tucker hughes stanford - msga presidentEach year, leaders from across the cattle industry meet for a summer meeting in Denver, Colorado as another opportunity to discuss important issues and to vote on policy guiding the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Cattlemen’s Beef Board. This year, Montana ranchers had a strong showing as several members of MSGA leadership made the trip to represent our members and voice our concerns during the meetings. For the next few days, we will hear from some of those Montana ranchers and their perspectives on the meetings.

Today, we hear from MSGA’s President, Tucker Hughes on the importance of being involved and present at the national meetings. “The whole officer team attended several meetings up so we share what we learn with staff and leadership,” describes Tucker. “Being involved in these discussions lets us answer questions and be informed, accurate, and articulate when we talk with our congressional delegations about the issues with the facts in front of us.”

We also hear from a Past President of MSGA and current NCBA Region V Vice President, Tom Hougen of Melstone. “Summer conference gives us a real opportunity to discuss issues that affect not only Montana, but also the western states I represent. I have learned over the last 2.5 years that issues affecting Montana also affect all of the Western states. Issues at the forefront seem to be driven by environmental groups, the government with EPA and the Endangered Species Act. Those organizations or agencies are, whether they mean it or not, affecting our ability to ranch. Involvement with NCBA gives us a stronger, more unified voice in Washington D.C. and the ability to work together to try to save our ranches for our children and our grandchildren.

Listen to the podcast below for more from these Montana ranchers. This is just the first portion of our podcast covering the recent summer industry meetings in Denver. Stay tuned for our next podcast where we’ll discuss important policy issues discussed during, including EPA’s proposed changes to the Waters of the U.S. Rule, industry-wide efforts to improve sustainability beef checkoff increases, and cattle health issues including disease concerns surround the import of foreign beef and changes to the FDA’s antibiotic labeling rules.

Wayne Slaght Ovando Montana Stockgrowers Association Board of Directors
August 22, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Director’s Update: Western Montana

By Wayne Slaght, MSGA Director, Western District

Wayne Slaght Ovando Montana Stockgrowers Association Board of DirectorsAs the second half of 2014 begins, everyone has cattle out on grass, keeping a close eye on them and putting up the hay for another Montana winter.

If you had a chance to go to the Mid-Year Stockgrowers meeting in Miles City last month, you were treated to a great event. Compliments go out to Fred, Terry, and the staff of MSGA. They did a great job of putting this amazing event together and I for one, thank you for all the blood, sweat and tears it to make it run so smoothly!

Calf prices are the hot topic right now for stock growers! We are receiving record prices for our cattle at this time. It’s great for the industry and producers everywhere are smiling about the prices we are receiving.

The local affiliate groups are working on many issues. I just attended the monthly meeting of the Rocky Mountain Stockgrowers. They are energetic groups who have many irons in the fire. I believe their president, Kim Skinner is also giving an update so, I’ll let him talk about their specific issues.

I am going to the western Montana Stockmen’s meeting later this week.

I hope all of the affiliate members are out working hard a generating more MSGA memberships and trying to win the John Deere Gator that was generously donated to us by Frontline Ag. Click here to learn more – mtbeef.org/tophand.

I am very honored to be a first year member of the Board of Directors of such a great organization. I still have a lot to learn, but am willing to help in any way I can. Should you have a need or concern, please feel free to give me a call. Hoping that summer in our great state is treating you well and that your hay crops are proving to be abundant!

August 22, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Director’s Update on Events in North Central Montana

By Leon LaSalle, MSGA Director, North Central District

Youth participate in Super Starters events at the recent Montana Range Days

Youth participate in Super Starters events at the recent Montana Range Days

Greetings from North Central Montana where haying season is in full swing! It is not nearly as productive as last year’s record production, but we are still thankful for what we are getting. We had a dry, cold spring, which has definitely affected our production in the hay fields, and our native range is still looking good.

Since I last provided an update in February, the North Central Stockgrowers hosted the March Board meeting in Havre and treated board members, staff and local businesses to a meet-and-greet prime rib lunch.

North Central Stockgrowers President, Teddy Crowely

North Central Stockgrowers President, Teddy Crowley

I have been attending the local affiliate’s meetings on a regular basis to keep MSGA’s presence on a local level. One of the items that came out of this was MSGA working with North Central Stockgrowers to help sponsor the banquet for Montana Range Days, held at Beaver Creek County Park in June.

The North Central Stockgrowers wanted to provide the participants with a high quality BEEF dinner for their dedication to Range Days. Scott Young of Bear Paw Catering and the Havre Eagles Club served a magnificent prime rib dinner to highlight how high quality forage can produce high quality beef. Many of the long time instructors and participants commented that it was the best meal they ever had at Range Days.

North Central Stockgrowers is issuing a challenge to the South Central Stockgrowers to follow our lead and sponsor next year’s Range Days banquet. It is our hope that we have started a tradition that will carry on for years to come much like Montana Wool Growers tradition of providing a barbeque lunch for range days.

I also want to thank Fred Wacker and Terry Haughian for all their hard work on a great Mid-Year meeting. I never thought I would get to help herd cattle through Miles City or any other city for that matter.

Young Adult groups participate in the recent Montana Range Days events near Havre

Young Adult groups participate in the recent Montana Range Days events near Havre

PBS Ag Live Answering Montana Ranching Questions
August 20, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

We hear about reduced inventories in beef cattle – what are the facts?

PBS Ag Live Answering Montana Ranching QuestionsGary Brester of the College of Ag has shared some of his research findings with Ag Live. To learn more about PBS’ Montana Ag Live program, visit their website. Submit your questions to be answered by MSU experts in future columns by emailing [email protected].

Inventories are, indeed, down in the US…increased support of crops has had some producers leaving cattle; even though cattle prices are up, a producer doesn’t see increased payoff until that cow is sold, but increased hay prices come long before that – some producers just can’t wait until day of sale; the age of producers is increasing; and technological changes haven’t helped cattle producers the way they might have helped crop producers (GPS, for example, has changed crop practices for many).

In the hog industry, structural change has almost eliminated hog cycles and cattle may be going the same route –a highly technological market has the power to change contracting practices or help establish alliances that haven’t traditionally existed.

In the US, if you compare numbers from 1999 to 2013, we have gone from about a 130 million head to just under 90 million…while Argentina has stayed at about 50 million, Australia is steady at  around 30 million and Canada is about 15 million.  Of that group, only the US has reduced numbers, but we are also the largest producer so that has ramifications worldwide.

Montana Ag Live Column is provided in cooperation with Montana PBS and Montana State University. To learn more, contact Dr. Gary Brester at MSU,

August 18, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

2014 Governor’s Range Tour will highlight sustainable grazing practices in Mission Valley

Montana Annual Governor's Range TourRONAN, Mont. – This year’s Governor’s Range Tour will provide a great opportunity for producers, range professionals and the general public to see and discuss sustainable grazing practices on a number of Mission Valley livestock operations.

The two-day event begins on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014, and concludes on Friday, Sept. 5.

“This year’s tour will focus on improving pasture conditions and financial returns,” said Chris Malgren, administrator of the Lake County Conservation District. “We’re highlighting a number of area ranches using innovative grazing strategies.”

The first day of the tour will open with a presentation on grazing techniques and holistic pasture management by Ben Montgomery and Justin Morris, both with the Montana Natural Resource Conservation Service. Following the presentation, tour participants will visit three ranches to hear their success stories using intensive and high stock density pasture grazing. The first is David Sturman’s operation, which uses mob grazing with sheep, while the second and third properties, owned by brothers Vern and Dennis Schlabach, respectively, will highlight their improved pasture conditions and forage production on their properties from the use of mob grazing with cattle.

Day one of the tour will conclude with a discussion at Jake Yoder’s ranch regarding the value of cattle grazing weeds, and improving animal condition and calf weights by making improvements in grazing management on a degraded hay field. There will also be a body condition scoring workshop with Rachel Endecott, MSU Beef Cattle Extension Specialist.

“This scoring demonstration will offer a great way for producers to quickly and accurately gauge livestock health and nutritional status in the field,” said Malgren.

Day one of the tour will conclude with a banquet at the Ninepipes Lodge. Ray Beck, DNRC Deputy Director, will serve as Master of Ceremonies and Governor Steve Bullock (invited) is the scheduled keynote speaker.

Day two of the tour will feature an electric fencing demonstration and workshop. Montgomery and Morris will review the different materials, layout options, and discuss tips and techniques for making temporary fencing easy and effective.

The Governor’s Range Tour is an annual DNRC-sponsored event that rotates around the state, highlighting excellence and innovation in production agriculture and natural resource stewardship.

“The tour is an excellent opportunity for landowners, the general public and resource management folks to discuss issues and share experiences,” said Jim Simpson, Lake County Conservation District Supervisor. “We’re excited to be hosting it this year and hope to see plenty of people come out.”

Registration for the tour begins at 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 4 at the Amish Community Center, located on the corner of Allison and Foothills roads just outside of St. Ignatius, Mont.

Full registration costs $40.00 and includes the tour, lunch and banquet; the tour and lunch only costs $15.00, while a ticket for the banquet only is $30.00. Registration is available on the day of the event, but pre-registration is encouraged.

For more information on this year’s Governor’s Range Tour, contact Chris Malgren, Ben Montgomery or Heidi Crum (contact information at top of this release).

To download a poster and registration form, visit the Montana DNRC Web site at http://www.dnrc.mt.gov/cardd/consdist/rangelandmanagement.asp or the DNRC Rangeland Resources Program Facebook page at https://www.facebook,com/MontanaRangeProgram.

August 15, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

MSU Extension offering summer sale on ‘Range Plants of Montana’ book

BOZEMAN – Montana State University Extension is offering a sale on its book “Range Plants of Montana.” A color guide to iderange plants of montana bookntifying rangeland plants, the book is designed to be a useful reference for ranchers, land management personnel, students and nature enthusiasts.

About two-thirds of Montana, 62 million acres, is classified as rangeland, which supports a large diversity of animal and plant species on varying geography.

“Rangelands provide much of what makes Montana special – open space for ranching and recreation, clean air and water and abundant wildlife,” said Jeff Mosley, MSU professor of range science and Extension range management specialist. “The color photographs and non-technical language in Range Plants of Montana will help you discover the plants that inhabit our rangelands and enable you to more fully appreciate the beauty, diversity and complexity of these native ecosystems.”

“Range Plants of Montana” reviews 96 common grasses, forbs and shrubs, including characteristics, site and habitat, management considerations and notes on the plant’s response to grazing. Color photos of each plant and drawings are included to assist in identifying grasses, as well as an illustrated glossary and index.

The 124-page, spiral bound book is on sale for $9.99 through August 30. “Range Plants of Montana” and many other publications can be ordered online www.msuextension.org/store or by calling the MSU Extension Distribution Center at (406) 994-3273.