April 28, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Equine Owners Encouraged to Consult with Vets on West Nile Virus Vaccination

Montana Department of Livestock DOLMontana’s animal health officials are encouraging equine owners to consult with their veterinarians about vaccination for West Nile virus after a spike in the number of cases last year. “We had 32 cases last year, the most since 2007, and the third highest total in the nation,” said assistant state veterinarian Dr. Tahnee Szymanski. “That’s concerning because the disease is highly preventable.” Based on MDOL data, no equines that were current on vaccinations have ever contracted the disease in Montana. In contrast, one-third of the non-vaccinated equines that contracted the disease either died or had to be euthanized (161 of 492 since 2002).

The best time to vaccinate is before mosquito activity begins, as the vaccine takes a few weeks to offer full protection. Horse owners should consult with their veterinarians to develop a vaccination plan specific to their animal and situation.

Dr. Greg Johnson, professor of veterinary entomology at Montana State University’s Department of Animal & Range Sciences, says vaccination – which is recommended as a core vaccine by the American Association of Equine Practitioners – is prudent given WNV’s unpredictability. “It’s kind of like the flu season,” Johnson said. “We can look at the existing data and forecasts and make some guesses, but we can’t really predict what West Nile is going to do or how bad it’s going to be.” However, with snowpack running at 150 percent of normal throughout much of the state, environmental conditions could be right for WNV activity later this year. “With all of that snowpack, it looks like we’ll have lots of water, and that can mean more mosquitos,” he said. A mosquito-borne disease, WNV was first found on the east coast of the U.S. in 1999. Since then, the disease has spread westward, arriving in Montana in 2002. The disease knows no climactic or geographic boundaries in Montana, and has been found statewide. Stressing the importance of vaccination, Szymanski said, is that there is no treatment for horses that contract the disease.

WNV is a reportable disease in Montana. Any confirmed or suspected case should be immediately reported to the Montana state veterinarian’s office at 406/444-2043.

For additional information, see:

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April 25, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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MSGA Board Member Recognized as Montana Neighbor

 

Image via Glasgow Courier

Image via Glasgow Courier

Gov. Steve Bullock, center, presents one of the 2014 Montana Neighbor Awards to Lee and Madylon Cornwell of Glasgow during an April 16 ceremony at the state capitol in Helena. The awards go annually to Montana landowners who exemplify the tradition of good-neighborliness through community leadership, cooperation, top-quality land stewardship and allowing public recreational access. Winners are decided by a team from Artemis Common Ground, Montana FWP, the Montana Association of Land Trusts, The Nature Conservancy, the Montana Chapter of Trout Unlimited, a rancher and the governor’s office. — via The Glasgow Courier

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April 16, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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NRCS Sets Program Funding Application Deadline for June 1

Image via NRCS EQIP

Image via NRCS EQIP

BOZEMAN, Mont., April 15, 2014–The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has set a June 1, 2014, application deadline for agricultural operators to be considered for 2015 conservation program funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

NRCS provides funding and technical assistance to help farmers and ranchers implement conservation practices that provide environmental benefits to help sustain agricultural operations. Conservation program participation is voluntary and helps private landowners and operators defray the costs of installing conservation practices.

NRCS accepts conservation program applications year-round; however, applications for 2015 funding consideration must be submitted by June 1, 2014. Applications made after the deadline will be considered in the next funding cycle. Additional information is available on the Montana NRCS website at www.mt.nrcs.usda.gov.

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The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers in order to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, reduced soil erosion and sedimentation or improved or created wildlife habitat. Learn more about how Montana ranchers utilize EQIP funding to implement conservation practices on ranches through the Montana Environmental Stewardship Awards Program.

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United States Department of Agriculture
April 15, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Tester to Montana ranchers: Today is first day to sign up for disaster assistance

Senator spreads the word about recently reauthorized livestock disaster initiatives in Farm Bill

(The following is a press release from Sen. Tester’s office) – Senator Jon Tester wants Montana ranchers to know that today is the first day to sign up for support under the recently reauthorized livestock disaster assistance initiatives in the 2014 Farm Bill.

The five-year Farm Bill passed earlier this year with Tester’s support.  It reauthorizes three livestock disaster assistance programs, including the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP), that expired in 2011.  These programs support ranchers who suffered losses in recent years, including 2012’s nationwide drought.

The newly reauthorized programs are retroactive to October 1, 2011.  Montanans should contact their local FSA offices for more information about applying.

Tester, a dry-land farmer from Big Sandy, successfully got USDA to quickly implement the initiatives so ranchers in Montana and across the country could get the assistance they need.

“Today is the first day for Montana ranchers affected by recent disasters to apply for needed assistance,” Tester said.  “I encourage all ranchers to utilize all available resources so we can keep our state’s number one industry strong.”

Tester pushed the President for quick implementation of these provisions because it took more than a year for LIP and LFP to begin after the last Farm Bill became law in 2008.

The Farm Bill includes numerous other Tester priorities, including extending Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) through 2014, support for beginning farmers and ranchers and savings of $23 billion.

More information about the Livestock Indemnity Program is available HERE, about the Livestock Forage Disaster Program HERE and about the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised First Program HERE.

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Montana Range Days Scholarship Applications Havre Montana
April 15, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Montana Range Days Offers Three Scholarships – Due April 30

Montana Range Days Scholarship Applications Havre MontanaMontana Range Days, Inc. is an annual event that celebrates the importance of range and provides opportunities for learning about range and range management. To encourage young people to continue with education and careers in Range Science and related fields, three scholarships are offered through Montana Range Days.

Montana Range Days Scholarship ($1,000.00)

To assist young Montanan’s education of rangeland, Montana Range Days, Inc. has established the Montana Range Days Scholarship. To be eligible, the applicant must be majoring in Range Science or a related field. The scholarship winner will be awarded $1,000.00 upon successful completion of the semester of college.

Harold and Lillian Jensen Scholarship ($1,000.00)

Harold and Lillian Jensen, long time ranchers from Baker, established a scholarship of $1,000.00 annually, to assist a young person who has an interest in Range Science. Harold was a past Chairman of the Montana Range Days, Inc. Steering Committee, and was the local Chairman for the 1985 and 1986 Range Days events hosted in Baker by the Fallon county Range Committee. The recipient must be present for the presentation of this scholarship at Range Days in June! The Scholarship has to be used at a Montana University or college.

Bob Sitz Memorial Scholarship ($1,000.00)

Bob Sitz was a rancher committed to improving range management. He believed in the youth of Montana and sought to ensure a bright future for Montana’s rangeland through education. Bob was a strong supporter of Montana Range Days. In memory of Bob, the Sitz Family has established a scholarship of $1,000.00 annually and to be announced at Montana Range Days. The winner will receive this scholarship upon successful completion of one semester at a Montana university or college.

Montana Range Days, Inc. is committed to providing learning opportunities, which enable participants to develop a better understanding of the importance of Montana’s rangelands. To further this commitment, Montana Range Days, Inc. encourages high school seniors or college students to apply for the Montana Range Days Scholarships. Members of the Montana Range, Inc. Steering Committee will select the scholarship winners based on the following criteria:

  1. Involvement in range activities and youth events.
  2. Leadership in school and community activities.
  3. Academic achievement.
  4. Financial need.

Applications must be received by the Montana Range Days, Inc. Steering Committee by April 30, 2014. Submitting one application qualifies the applicant for all three (3) scholarships. For more details and a copy of the application form, visit the Montana Range Days website.

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April 14, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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130th Mid-Year Meeting in Miles City Brings Concert, Parade and Ranch Rodeo

Montana Stockgrowers 2014 Mid-Year Meeting Miles CityHold on to your hats and kick up your heels because the 130th Montana Stockgrowers Association Mid-Year Meeting in Miles City promises to be a weekend to remember, June 13-14. This year’s event will be highlighted by an amazing concert on Friday night featuring The Bellamy Brothers and opening act Copper Mountain Band!

“Miles City is very excited about the opportunity to host MSGA’s 130th Mid-Year and we look forward to a great meeting and events,” says Fred Wacker, MSGA Board of Directors member and rancher from the Miles City area. “In addition to Friday night’s concert, Mid-Year attendees will be treated to a horse parade in downtown, followed by the ranch rodeo on Saturday afternoon.”

RSVP in the Facebook event and keep up with the conversation by using #MSGA14 online!

Mid-Year is one of two major meetings MSGA holds annually where members will gather to discuss the issues facing Montana ranching families and set interim policy to guide the association through the rest of the year. Policy and Committee meetings this year will be hosted at the Miles City Community College.

Opening General Session on Friday morning will include an address by current president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Texas cattleman, Bob McCann. A ranch tour on Friday afternoon will include stops at Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory, Range Riders Museum, WaterWorks Art Museum, and OptiBlend Industries.

Everyone is welcomed to join us on Friday, June 13th for an amazing concert featuring The Bellamy Brothers at the Eastern Montana Fairgrounds! The Bellamy Brothers have received nearly every music award there is to have, and they even hold the record in both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association for the most duo nominations.  They have written countless worldwide hits, crossed the globe just as their music has crossed genres, brought reggae to the Grand Ole Opry, and recorded 45 albums.

The concert will also bring in Copper Mountain Band as the opening act, a high-energy country music group from the great state of Montana. With a fiery passion for their craft and an appeal to all audiences, they incorporate music from many genres and styles into their performances.

Saturday, June 14th will bring more fun and excitement as attendees finish policy meetings, enjoy an Old Times All-Horse/Livestock Parade, grab a bite to eat at the Young Stockgrowers Tailgate Luncheon, and then head off to cheer on their favorite teams at the Miles City Ranch Rodeo!

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn, and Sleep Inn. Discounted rates start at $90 and must be reserved by May 5th. For more information about MSGA’s 2014 Mid-Year Meeting, contact MSGA’s office at (406) 442-3420 or join the Facebook event. Registration packets are available online at www.mtbeef.org.Registrations received before June 2 will receive discount pricing.

United States Department of Agriculture
April 11, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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USDA Announces Funding to Train and Educate Next Generation of Farmers and Ranchers

United States Department of AgricultureThe following is a Press Release from the USDA, April 11, 2014 – Today, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the availability of more than $19 million in grants to help train, educate and enhance the sustainability of the next generation of agricultural producers through the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP).

“USDA is committed to the next generation of America’s farmers and ranchers because they represent the future of agriculture and are the backbone of our rural economy. As the average age of farmers continues to rise, we have no time to lose in getting more new farmers and ranchers established.” said Secretary Vilsack. “Reauthorizing and expanding the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program is one of the many resources the 2014 Farm Bill gave us to build America’s agricultural future. Through this program, we can build a diverse next generation of farmers and ranchers.”

BFRDP is an education, training, technical assistance and outreach program designed to help farmers, ranchers and managers of non-industrial private forest land – specifically those aiming to start farming and those who have been farming or ranching for 10 or fewer years. It is managed by the National Institutes of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). NIFA will competitively award grants to organizations conducting programs to help beginning farmers and ranchers. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply (applications are due June 12, 2014).

Priority will be given to projects that are partnerships and collaborations led by or including non-governmental, community-based, or school-based agricultural educational organizations. All applicants are required to provide funds or in-kind support from non-federal sources in an amount that is at least equal to 25 percent of the federal funds requested.

By law, at least five percent of available funding will be allocated to programs and services for limited-resource and socially-disadvantaged beginning farmers and ranchers and farmworkers. Additionally, another five percent of available funding will be allocated for programming and services for military veteran farmers and ranchers.

BFRDP was authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill, receiving $100 million to be awarded over the next five years. The program was originally funded through the 2008 Farm Bill. Since then, NIFA has awarded more than $66 million through 136 grants to organizations that have developed education and training programs. More than 50,000 beginning farmers and ranchers have participated in projects funded by BRFDP.

NIFA is hosting two upcoming webinars for interested applicants on April 30 and May 6 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern. The first webinar will focus on general guidelines for the program, while the second webinar will focus on the funding allocations for socially-disadvantaged and military veteran farmers and ranchers.

Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people’s daily lives and the nation’s future. More information is available at: www.nifa.usda.gov.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay)

Public Lands Council Internship
April 11, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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NCBA and PLC are Accepting Applications for 2015 Public Policy Internship

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Public Lands Council government affairs office in Washington, D.C., is accepting applications for the spring 2015 public policy internship. The deadline to submit an application is June 30, 2014.

“NCBA and PLC’s internship is a great opportunity to experience policy making first-hand,” said Emily Buck, a University of Tennessee senior and spring 2014 intern. “I enjoyed working alongside a team that makes a powerful impact on legislation while staying true to their roots. It’s rewarding to be able to advocate for cattle producers across the nation, and I would encourage students interested in agricultural policy to apply.”

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.

“From food safety and trade to environmental issues and taxes, this internship will give college students the opportunity to work alongside staff on many critical issues affecting 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.”

The full-time internship will begin Jan. 12, 2015 and end May 8, 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 www.BeefUSA.org.

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The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy.  As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef.  Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or [email protected].

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Montana Stockgrowers Leadership Meeting Senator John Walsh Washington D.C.
April 9, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Senator meets with Montana Stockgrowers, discusses concerns affecting ranchers

Montana Stockgrowers Leadership Meeting Senator John Walsh Washington D.C.

Pictured from left to right are Gene Curry (Valier),Tucker Hughes (Stanford), Sen. Walsh, Watty Taylor (Busby),Errol Rice (Helena), Tom Hougen (Melstone),Wanda Pinnow (Baker).

(The following is a press release from U.S. Senator, John Walsh) – Senator John Walsh today announced that starting Tuesday, April 15, Montana farmers and ranchers can sign up for disaster assistance programs.

The disaster assistance programs will be implemented by USDA, bringing long-awaited relief for many livestock producers. The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) will provide payments to eligible producers for livestock deaths and grazing losses for calendar years 2012forward.

 “Montana’s farmers and ranchers not only generate the most economic growth in our state, they generate some of the best products in the world,” said Walsh.  “News of the enrollment period for the disaster assistance program is welcome, but far overdue. I will continue to bring Montana’s voice to the Senate and I will continue to fight against FSA office closures that could prevent Montana’s farmers and ranchers from enrolling in the disaster relief program or accessing other resources they rely on.”

Disaster assistance, possible Farm Service Agency (FSA) office closures, sage grouse, and the effects of diseases on Montana livestock were discussed during a meeting Walsh had today with representatives of the Montana Stockgrowers Association.

During the meeting with Montana Stockgrowers, Walsh highlighted the beginning of this enrollment period and discussed the negative consequences if the Obama Administration’s plan to close 250 FSA offices goes through.  Last week, Walsh wrote to the leaders of the appropriations subcommittee with jurisdiction, urging them to maintain funding for the FSA offices and block the Administration’s proposal.

The Stockgrowers also expressed their concern over the effects of bovine brucellosis on Montana’s livestock, and the possibility of using federal funds to research the disease in cattle.

April 9, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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MSGA brings back the Top Hand Club with Frontline Ag Sponsorship

Affiliate Mentorship ProgramHelena, Mont. – The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is excited to announce its first year partnership with  Frontline Ag. Frontline Ag is an “Official Affiliate Top Hand Club Sponsor” of the Montana Stockgrowers Association and they have been instrumental in helping MSGA to implement the Affiliate Top Hand Club for 2014. This year’s top prize will be a John Deere Gator sponsored by Frontline Ag.

The Top Hand Club is a part of Stockgrowers’ Affiliate Mentorship Program, announced earlier this year, as a renewed effort to strengthen local affiliate members across the state.

“We have been hard at work this year making plans to bring back our Top Hand Club to our membership. We could not have accomplished this without the very generous support of Frontline Ag” said Tucker Hughes, Montana Stockgrowers Association President. “John Deere makes a great, dependable product that holds up on our Montana ranches. We appreciate the commitment Frontline Ag has made to our membership and the Montana Stockgrowers Association!”

The Affiliate Top Hand Club is the Montana Stockgrowers Association’s “member-recruit-a-member” program, which has been developed to recognize those Local Affiliate Associations and members who continually give their time and effort to help increase the strength of their state organization, the Montana Stockgrowers Association.Frontline Logo

The Top Prize for the Affiliate Top Hand, a John Deere Gator from Frontline Ag, will be awarded to the Local Affiliate Association that recruits the highest number of new memberships for MSGA within the current recruitment year. The winner will be announced at MSGA’s Annual Convention to be held Dec. 11-13, 2014 in Billings at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana.

To learn more about MSGA’s 2014 Affiliate Top Hand Club and to find information on the individual membership top hand prizes please visit www.mtbeef.org.

Listen to this post as a podcast on SoundCloud! Click HERE – bit.ly/MSGATopHandFrontline

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The Montana Stockgrowers Association, a non-profit organization representing nearly 2,500 members, strives to serve, protect and advance the economic, political, environmental and cultural interests of cattle producers, the largest sector of Montana’s number one industry – agriculture.

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