August 14, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Wilsall Cattlewoman Receives National Educator Award

suze bohleen ancw educator award presentation(Listen to the podcast at the end of this post!)

Suze Bohleen of Wilsall was recently recognized for her volunteer efforts and dedication to beef education by the American National CattleWomen (ANCW) as recipient of the 2014 Outstanding Educator of the Year award at a meeting recently held in Denver, Colorado.

The Educator of the Year award recognizes a member of ANCW who has initiated and participated in innovative and high quality programs in their local units or states in beef promotion and/or beef education. CattleWomen who receive this distinguished honor demonstrate skills in reaching a variety of audiences with creative and timely messages about beef, and show evidence of having made significant impact by telling the beef story. Fellow Montana CattleWomen nominated Bohleen for the annual award.

Across the state of Montana, Suze focuses on classroom beef education for grades 7 through 12. She works with teachers to incorporate materials and demonstrations into curriculum that teaches students how to prepare beef for their family and to make wise, healthy beef choices on a budget.

Bohleen great enjoys working with junior and high school students who, as she describes, are eager for new information and become excited about learning to cook beef. “Dealing with Junior High kids, a guy gave me a new word,” recalled Suze. “We empower them because we don’t treat them like little kids. We tell them what they can do. They can cook and they can help their families.”

Montana CattleWomen President, Wanda Pinnow of Baker, is excited to recognize Suze for her hard work and efforts in beef education. Pinnow commends Suze on her efforts saying, “She has taken our beef education programs leaps and bounds above what they once were due to her teaching background, connections and her love and passion for it.”

Many of the beef education programs conducted by the Montana CattleWomen are supported through grants and funding from the Montana Beef Council and ANCW. “Many Montana ranchers may not realize that 50 cents of their Checkoff dollar stays in the state,” says Pinnow. “Portions of those funds go to educate over 8,000 kids in the state each year, including schools like Missoula, Kalispell, Great Falls and Billings. Suze has played a large role in getting materials into these schools and providing beef education opportunities in many communities.”

When asked why she is committed to CattleWomen programs and beef education, Bohleen said, “I enjoy being a part of the beef community. As a teacher and an educator, I want to make a difference and if I can do that while doing something I believe in passionately then it’s a win-win.”

To learn more about beef promotion and education programs conducted by the Montana CattleWomen, visit their website, MontanaCattleWomen.org, or contact their office in Helena at (406) 442-3420.

August 13, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Daines Discusses Issues With Montana Agriculture Groups

Congressman Steve Daines answers questions from local television reporters prior to a meeting with Montana agricultural groups at the Stockgrowers office on August 7, 2014

Congressman Steve Daines answers questions from local television reporters prior to a meeting with Montana agricultural groups at the Stockgrowers office on August 7, 2014

Things were busy as we had several visitors at the office on Thursday afternoon, August 7. Congressman Steve Daines stopped by the Montana Stockgrowers’ office as a part of his agricultural tour across the state during the legislative August recess.

Daines met with a number of representatives from Montana’s agricultural coalition to discuss priority issues that are of concern for the state’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities. Representatives from the Grain Growers Association, Agricultural Business Association, Grain Elevators, Montana Livestock Ag Credit were on hand for the meeting. Stockgrowers staff also represented Public Lands Council and the Association of State Grazing Districts.

Each group had the opportunity to bring forward issues affecting their membership in an effort to help Daines stay up-to-date on critical matters impacting the state’s rural residents. Topics discussed included:

  • EPA’s Waters of the U.S. proposed ruling and its impact on farmers and ranchers across the state. Daines noted that this has been the number one issue for the agriculture community as he has traveled across the state. (Click here for MSGA’s preliminary analysis)
  • The importance of neonicotinoids use as a seed treatment and crop protectant for wheat growers was a concern, especially as it relates to criticisms of being associated with declining beef populations.
  • Grain elevators are concerned about increased inspections and fines imposed from OSHA. Elevator operators appreciate the emphasis on safety, but would like to see more cooperation from OSHA on compliance issues and information.
  • Rail transportation for grain growers across the state continues to be an issue of great importance as competition increases for exporting the state’s commodities. Rail backlogs, price competition, and union strikes at sea ports continue to put a strain on moving grain, especially as summer and fall harvests progress.
  • Implementation of Farm Bill programs through FSA offices continues to be a priority for farmers and ranchers across the state. Importance is placed on information sharing between FSA and producers to make sure available programs are implemented in a timely manner.
  • As cattle prices continue to reach record levels, access to operating capital is a growing concern for producers and banking institutions. Importance in placed on making sure banking and financial regulations are not a burden on banks being able to provide for their customers.
  • For cattle and sheep producers across the state, cooperation with federal agencies is important for access to grazing lands. Producers want to ensure their allotments are not threatened by retirement of the agreements.
  • Listing of the sage grouse as an Endangered Species continues to concern the state’s ranchers. Montana’s state sage grouse plan is due out this Fall and the state needs time to implement the plan and have time to showcase the effects before 2015 implementation of the federal rule.
  • Management of weed control, along with conifer and sagebrush encroachment on rangelands continues to be an important issue for grazing allotments on U.S. Forest Service lands. Concerns were raised about USFS budgets for these issues and allowance for wildfire control to be treated partially as natural disaster budget issues.

Prior to meeting at the Stockgrowers office in Helena, Congressman Daines spent the morning with Townsend rancher, Dusty Hahn. Hahn gave Daines a hands-on look at issues affecting central Montana ranches, including grazing leases on private and public lands, management of irrigation projects and raising livestock on a family operation.

The Montana Stockgrowers looks forward to continued work with all of our Congressional leadership and cooperative efforts with all members of the state’s agriculture coalition to address issues affecting Montana’s farming and ranching communities.

To learn more about our legislative and policy efforts, visit mtbeef.org or contact the MSGA office in Helena, (406) 442-3420.

National Cattlemens Beef USA logo
August 8, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Cattle Producers Discuss Policy Priorities at Industry Summer Conference

National Cattlemens Beef USA logo(The following is a press release from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association)

Members of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association addressed current policy priorities at the 2014 Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Denver this month, passing new resolutions and directives for the 2014 Policy Agenda.

“Our policy committees are tasked with a broad spectrum of issues, with everything from environmental regulation to nutrition policy to trade barriers on the agenda,” said Bob McCan, NCBA president and Victoria, Texas, cattle producer. “Cattle producers gather from across the country to discuss the biggest issues facing the cattle industry right now and make specific decisions on how to move forward on these priorities.”

Along with revisions to current policies, NCBA members analyzed the overall state of the industry in one-on-one discussions with top government representatives, trade officials and other industry leaders.

“Right now, priority issues include the EPA’s proposed waters of the United States rule, tax reform and ongoing international trade issues,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Colin Woodall. “We are engaged in a long list of policy priorities all year long. After the meetings in Denver, NCBA’s D.C. staff is headed back to Washington, ready to hit the ground running with the list of recommendations and policy updates.”

In the Property Rights and Environmental Management committee members passed a resolution to lead the development of a beef sustainability program, inclusive of the beef value chain and stakeholders, that addresses the continued advancement in areas such as economic viability, production efficiencies, animal care and handling, environmental conservation, human resources and community support.

The Cattle Marketing and International Trade Policy passed a resolution for NCBA to support changes to Mandatory Price Reporting. Accurate and detailed market information is imperative for sound decision making, and the directive calls for support of changes to ensure the data reflects the market place.

And NCBA’s 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, thus compromising national security and jeopardizing the U.S. beef supply. As such, 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.

Further, NCBA urges USDA to include U.S. cattle industry stakeholders in any negotiations with foreign countries relating to efforts that may affect the health of the U.S. cattle industry and provide the U.S. cattle industry opportunities to comment on new procedures for developing risk analyses for any foreign country with significant chronic animal disease issues wishing to export live cattle, beef, and/or beef products into the U.S.

USDA protocols should be substantiated by sound, scientific evidence and that animal health related regulations not be used as non-tariff trade barriers.

All of these policies from the committees were passed by the full NCBA board of directors.   The official NCBA Policy Book is a detailed compilation of policy priorities on cattle industry issues. The full NCBA 2014 Policy Agenda can be found online at: www.beefusa.org.

August 8, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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DOL Survey: High Use of Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, Satisfaction with Services

Montana Department of Livestock DOL(The following is a press release from the Montana Department of Livestock)

A recent survey of Montana veterinarians shows that they use the Montana Diagnostic Veterinary Laboratory in Bozeman, use it frequently and are overwhelmingly satisfied with the services it provides.

The survey, conducted in June and July, was designed to gauge veterinarians’ satisfaction with the lab and identify potential areas for improvement.

“We wanted to know how practicing veterinarians feel about the lab,” said Christian Mackay, executive officer for the Montana Board of Livestock. “We’ve always known that the lab receives a vast majority of the state’s diagnostic samples and has solid support, but we wanted some specifics.”

And according to the survey…

  • 83 percent of the respondents use the lab, and 78 percent of those use it on a weekly-plus basis.
  • 76 percent of the respondents were satisfied/very satisfied with the lab overall, while just 8 percent were dissatisfied/very dissatisfied.
  • 85 percent of the respondents were satisfied/very satisfied with the lab’s responsiveness to technical questions and concerns.
  • 93 percent of the respondents were satisfied/very satisfied with the professionalism and courteousness of lab staff.

“The numbers show high usage and a high rate of satisfaction,” Mackay said.

Other survey questions focused on satisfaction with turnaround time (84 percent satisfied/very satisfied), online instructions (57 percent satisfied/very satisfied), ordering of test materials (72 percent satisfied/very satisfied), and clarity of reports received from the lab (78 percent satisfied/very satisfied).

The two most common reasons for using the lab were convenience and cost, which were listed by 81 and 66 percent, respectively, of the survey’s respondents.

In addition to the survey questions, Mackay said respondents also provided useful information in the form of comments.

The survey, which was conducted on surveymonkey.com, was open to practicing Montana veterinarians – there are about 500 – and drew 136 respondents.

In a separate survey conducted by the Montana Veterinary Medical Association at its midsummer meeting, 93 and 90 percent of the respondents, respectively, said their practice and the state of Montana would be significantly impacted if the lab were closed. Ninety percent of the respondents in the same survey said they believe the lab plays a needed public health role.

“It’s pretty clear that the state’s veterinarians feel that the lab is an asset,” Mackay said.

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August 7, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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REEF Welcomes Gary Adams as new Trustee

Gary Adams of Billings

Gary Adams of Billings

At the recent meeting for the Trustees of the Research and Education Endowment Foundation, Gary Adams of Billings joined as the newest Trustee. We welcome Gary and are excited about the enthusiasm and experience he brings to REEF! Below is a brief introduction and statement he provided for us. Learn more about our work at mtbeef.org/reef.

I would like to thank the Research and Education Endowment Foundation of Montana Stockgrowers Association for asking me to serve on their Board of Trustees.

For the past 25 years I have worked for the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch and Foundation, engaged with ranchers all across Montana.  Many of those ranchers are members and directors for MSGA. I don’t know a better way to give back to MSGA and its membership for all they have done for the kids at YBGR, than to offer my skills to the Foundation’s Board.

Many of MSGA’s members are calf donors to YBGR to our programs.  Several of our kids from YBGR attend MSGA’s Annual Convention with a shoe-shining booth.  That is their way of saying “thank you” to the members of the MSGA for their support.

One of the goals I hope to bring to MSGA’s Foundation Board is a greater awareness of the creative options available to MSGA members in passing on their ranch to the next generation and ways to eliminate the amount of taxes paid through the sale of the land, cattle and machinery. At the heart of both organizations is the desire to help youth and to educate through agriculture.  Again, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve.

August 5, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Big Timber native awarded W.D. Farr Scholarship from National Cattlemen’s Foundation

Ariel Scholarship Presentation Plaque--Ariel Overstreet-Adkins, a native of Big Timber, was recently awarded the W.D. Farr Scholarship from the National Cattlemen’s Foundation. The $12,000 scholarship is awarded to two graduate students each year, recognizing superior achievement in academics and leadership, while working to benefit the beef cattle industry. The award was presented at the Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Denver, Colorado.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF) and NCBA for the incredible honor,” said Overstreet-Adkins as she accepted the award. “It has been great to learn more about W.D. Farr’s life, leadership, vision and legacy; and it is certainly humbling for my name to even be mentioned in the same sentence as W.D. Farr.”

Ariel continued showing her appreciation by adding, “I have been incredibly blessed this summer to receive support from my friends in the cattle industry, with scholarships from the Montana Stockgrowers Foundation, Montana CattleWomen, and today from NCF. These scholarships mean a tremendous amount to me and my family as we work to pay for law school. These scholarships will allow me to graduate with less debt, which is significant because it means that I am going be able to work on issues for the people that I care about.”

Overstreet-Adkins is especially thankful to MSGA and MCW for their support. “Both associations have been instrumental in my professional development. Working for MSGA in communications, then having the opportunity to lobby for the Stockgrowers and CattleWomen at three Montana legislative sessions, really solidified my passion for the cattle industry.”

Ariel is a student at the University of Montana School of Law in Missoula. Expecting to graduate in 2016, Overstreet-Adkins intends to help ensure the continued influence of agriculture and rural America, by practicing with a focus on natural resource and environmental law, especially water law from an agricultural perspective.

Overstreet-Adkins received her undergraduate degree from Princeton University, where she graduated with Honors while studying Cultural Anthropology in 2006. For the five years prior to law school she worked for the Montana Stockgrowers Association in charge of the Association’s communications efforts and serving as a lobbyist at the Montana legislature for three sessions to help advocate for Montana ranchers.

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. 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. Farr died at age 97 in August 2007.

United States Department of Agriculture
August 4, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Walsh cosponsors bill to ‘beef up’ livestock industry

(The following is a press release from the office of Senator John Walsh) Montana ranchers applaud Senator’s leadership to improve resources for cattle ranching families

(US SENATE)—Senator John Walsh last week cosponsored legislation that improves and updates Agriculture Department resources for Montana ranchers.

The American Livestock Protection and Ranching Opportunity Act establishes a Livestock Disease Initiative and authorizes $5 million annually to study bovine brucellosis and other livestock diseases.  Walsh’s bill also prohibits the import of foreign beef until the USDA certifies the exporting country is totally free of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).

“Montana ranchers produce the highest quality beef in the world,” Walsh said.  “This bill protects local ranchers by investing in brucellosis prevention and emphasizing country of origin labeling.  We value our agriculture producers, they are stewards to the land in our great state, and our public policy should reflect that.”

Montana ranchers applaud Walsh’s leadership on this bill:

“We applaud Senator Walsh’s work to address some major issues our members face on a daily basis,” said Errol Rice, Executive Vice President of the Montana Stockgrowers Association. “We look forward to working with Senator Walsh and take on brucellosis and increase disaster support for Montana’s ranchers.” 

“Montana Farmers Union appreciates Senator Walsh’s sponsorship of a bill that addresses the concerns and contributions of Montana’s livestock producers,” said Montana Farmers Union President Alan Merrill.  “We value the Senator’s multi-pronged approach that supports livestock disease research, protects Montana markets by maintaining our foot and mouth disease-free status, and provides a mechanism to make adjustments to the Livestock Forage Program.  In addition, MFU members have long supported country-of-original labeling (COOL) and welcome the Senator Walsh’s strong statement of support.” 

“The most probable result will be that a FMD epidemic will crash the rural economy and seriously jeopardize this country’s economic recovery,” said Gilles Stockton, board member of Montana Cattlemen’s Association. “The proposition that we would import meat from counties with active FMD is just crazy. I commend Senator Walsh for being proactive on this issue and I hope his colleagues see reason and support this bill.”

The legislation also assists ranchers with feed costs in the Greater Yellowstone Area when they are under government-mandated quarantines for brucellosis, requires USDA to use most recent and accurate market prices in the Livestock Indemnity Program, and provides price adjustments in the Livestock Forage Program for high-value feed to help ranchers through drought situations.

Walsh is the only member of Montana’s congressional delegation on an Agriculture Committee.

August 1, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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FWP Bison Discussion Group Meeting Held in Billings

Jay BodnerBy Jay Bodner, MSGA Director of Natural Resources

MSGA attended and participated in the latest Bison Discussion Group, convened by MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks.  The meeting was held in July 14-15 in Billings, MT.  The discussion group included various interests such as agriculture, sportsmen, bison advocates and legislators.  This was the second meeting held by MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks to discuss the development of an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) that would consider a range of alternatives to bison reintroduction.

The first day of the meeting included a public comment period, where ranchers were well represented and made it very clear there would be no support for free roaming bison in MT.  In addition, there were also concerns over containment, meeting population objectives, displacement of grazing, range conditions and the significant funding that would be required.

The group was then divided into smaller groups to help develop a list of possible alternatives that would be further evaluated by FWP as it develops the EIS.  The alternatives consisted of a: tribal/state partnership, private/public partnership, placement on federal lands and a no action alternative that continue current bison management activities.  While many of these alternatives have been discussed, one alternative discussed the formation of a “citizen management committee” that would have actual authority to make management decisions.  This type of committee would most likely require legislation action.

The final task of the group members was to consider what type of funding options might be available.  Many of the members discussed the challenges with adequate long and short term funding and also the funding requirement in state law (SB 212).

At the conclusion, Mike Volesky, Chief of Staff for FWP, stated the Department would take the materials developed by the group and continue working on the EIS.  He stated the schedule of the EIS would be to develop a comprehensive plan by the fall or winter, hold a 90-day comment period and finalize the document by next spring.  The group discussed the possibility of meeting again to review the draft document, but no decisions were finalized.

MSGA will continue to update members on this important topic and would like to thank those members that participated in the discussion and those that traveled to attend and provide public comments. Provide your feedback on the Bison Management Plans to the Stockgrowers Association and join us during the Policy Committee Meetings at Annual Convention in December. Email [email protected] or call (406) 442-3420.

July 31, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Board of Livestock Creates Budget Subcommittee, Encourages Industry Participation

Montana Department of Livestock DOL(The following is a press release from the Montana Department of Livestock after their Board meeting on Tuesday, July 29, 2014. Minutes from the meeting will be available on the DOL website. The Montana Stockgrowers encourages ranchers and members to provide us with feedback. Please contact us through email or call (406) 442-3420.)

In an effort to address funding issues for the Department of Livestock, the Montana Board of Livestock has created a subcommittee for budget oversight, guidance and planning.

Board chair Jan French, a cattle rancher from Hobson, appointed board members John Scully (Ennis/cattle), Brett DeBruycker (Denton/cattle) and John Lehfeldt (Lavina/sheep) to the subcommittee at yesterday’s Board of Livestock meeting, and encouraged industry groups to take a seat at the table and help find solutions to recent funding shortfalls.

“It’s clear that we have some issues with the budget, and that industry is concerned,” French said. “So the best way to move forward is by communicating and working together.”

Errol Rice, executive vice president of the Montana Stock Growers Association, said the state’s oldest industry group plans on playing a prominent role and hopes that other groups will also get involved.

“It’s a positive move,” Rice said of the subcommittee. “We’re looking forward to working with the board members and representatives from other livestock industry groups on issues like the budget, cash flow and the diagnostic laboratory. We have to keep looking forward.”

French said the one-day meeting was busy and productive, including the formation of the subcommittee.

In other board news:

  • Market audit compliance officer Laura Hughes reported on the pending sale of Headwaters Livestock Auction in Three Forks.
  • The Animal Health Division proposed administrative rule changes for tuberculosis testing on elephants (ARM 32.3.227); for handling anthrax-infected carcasses (ARMs 32.3.1002 and 32.3.1001); for tuberculosis testing on cervids (ARM32.3.221 and 32.3.602a); and for repeal of a rule requiring brucellosis vaccination for imported cattle (ARM 32.3.212a and 32.2.212).
  • Attorney Rob Stutz updated the board on the state Supreme Court’s recent decision to reaffirm the board’s 12-day milk labelling rule after a lengthy legal battle.

The next board meeting has been scheduled for September 29-30.

United States Department of Agriculture
July 30, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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USDA Reports Show Total Cattle and On Feed Inventory Declines

July 1 Cattle Inventory Down 3 Percent from 2012

All cattle and calves in the United States as of July 1, 2014, totaled 95.0 million head, 3 percent below the 97.8 million on July 1, 2012. This is the lowest all cattle and calves inventory for July 1 since the series began in 1973. After a year absence due to sequestration, the July Cattle report has been reinstated.

All cows and heifers that have calved, at 39.0 million, were down 2 percent from July 1, 2012.

  • Beef cows, at 29.7 million, were down 3 percent from July 1, 2012.
  • Milk cows, at 9.3 million, up 1 percent from July 1, 2012.

Other class estimates on July 1, 2014 and the changes from July 1, 2012, are as follows:

  • All heifers 500 pounds and over, 14.9 million, down 5 percent.
  • Beef replacement heifers, 4.1 million, down 2 percent.
  • Milk replacement heifers, 3.9 million, down 5 percent.
  • Other heifers, 6.9 million, down 7 percent.
  • Steers, weighing 500 pounds and over, 13.5 million, down 4 percent.
  • Bulls, weighing 500 pounds and over, 1.9 million, unchanged.
  • Calves under 500 pounds, 25.7 million, down 3 percent.
  • All cattle and calves on feed for slaughter, 11.6 million, down 6 percent.

The 2014 calf crop is expected to be 33.6 million, down 1 percent from 2013 and down 2 percent from 2012. Calves born during the first half of the year are estimated at 24.3 million, down 2 percent from 2013 and down 3 percent from 2012.

United States Cattle on Feed Down 2 Percent

Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 10.1 million head on July 1, 2014. The inventory was 2 percent below July 1, 2013. The inventory included 6.46 million steers and steer calves, down 1 percent from the previous year. This group accounted for 64 percent of the total inventory. Heifers and heifer calves accounted for 3.60 million head, down 5 percent from 2013.

Placements in feedlots during June totaled 1.46 million, 6 percent below 2013. Net placements were 1.38 million head. During June, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 400,000, 600-699 pounds were 245,000, 700-799 pounds were 320,000, and 800 pounds and greater were 490,000.

Marketings of fed cattle during June totaled 1.85 million, 2 percent below 2013. This is the lowest fed cattle marketings for the month of June since the series began in 1996.

Other disappearance totaled 75,000 during June, 19 percent above 2013.

United States All Cattle on Feed down 6 Percent from 2012

Cattle on feed July 1, 2014, from all feedlots in the United States, totaled 11.6 million, down 6 percent from the 12.30 million on July 1, 2012. Cattle on feed in feedlots with 1,000 or more head accounted for 87 percent of the total cattle on feed on July 1, 2014, up slightly from July 1, 2012.

Released July 25, 2014, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).