Montana Stockgrowers AssociationNews Archives - Page 40 of 45

Zmags Montana Stockgrowers February Cover

February 27, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association

Montana Zmags

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Montana Stockgrowers Goes Digital

2014 Montana Cattle Directory digital zmags cover

2013-2014 Montana Seedstock and Commercial Cattle Directory. Click image to view,

For the past several years, Montana Stockgrowers has embraced advances in the digital resources available to distribute news and information for the Montana ranching community. Engagement in platforms such as social media have allowed MSGA to become an important part of the ranching dialogues on a national scale, both with producers and consumers. This month, MSGA is taking another step toward embracing technologies with the launch of digital Z-mags publications.

The Z-mags platform is a digital magazine that allows readers to have more interaction with publications, full color graphics, and searchable features that allow for a better reading experience. This digital platform allows MSGA to improve and expanded our content and information without adding the cost of additional printing.

Digital publications also make our work more of a resource for the cattle and ranching community by placing the information literally in the palm of your hand. Z-mags shows up great, not only on your desktop, but also on mobile devices like tablets and smart phones. This allows cattle marketers to better utilize publications like our Montana Seedstock & Commercial Cattle Directory when seeking contacts for available cattle in the state of Montana. This Directory is available on our website under the News tab.

We are excited about this opportunity for expanded content in our monthly publications too. This new platform allows for more information and updates from our organizations and affiliated associations to reach the hands of our members each month. The February edition of the Montana Stockgrowers Update contains 29 pages with articles from MSGA Officers, Board Members, Young and Collegiate Stockgrowers, REEF, and highlights ranchers and affiliates from across the state. This can also be viewed on our website under the News tab.

February 2014 Montana Stockgrowers Update. Click image to view.

To learn more about how to use the new Zmags platform, we’ve put together a brief YouTube video to explain the features. We hope you take advantage of the expanded and interactive content. And keep in mind, content contributions from MSGA members is always welcome!

February 21, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association

Charlie Russell Montana Historical Society

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Montana Historical Society to Host Charlie Russell Birthday Celebration

MHS is excited to unveil the cover of Montana’s Charlie Russell. This book will be available in September and will include color reproductions of every Russell artwork in the amazing collection. Want to reserve a copy? Contact the museum store at (406) 444-2890 or [email protected].

The Montana Historical Society in Helena is celebrating the 150th anniversary of cowboy artist Charlie Russell’s birthday with day-long activities and the grand opening of its remodeled Mackay Gallery of Charles M. Russell Art.

The event will be on the date of Russell’s birth, March 19th, Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with the grand gallery re-opening at 6 p.m.

The MHS Museum staff is refreshing the Russell Gallery, which will now include special pull out drawers to allow visitors to get close up views of Russell’s illustrated letters and other smaller artworks on paper in MHS’ world-class collection. The Russell Gallery will be closed from February 20-March 19 to prepare for the event.

It begins at 10 a.m. with free admission and birthday cake all day long, a chance to sign up for a copy of MHS’ forthcoming “Montana’s Charlie Russell: Art in the Collection of the Montana Historical Society,” and special sales of Russell prints and other items in the Museum Store.

Also at 10 a.m. Russell Gallery guide Marti Cook will be available to answer questions and provide insight into Russell’s work. From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Kirby Lambert and Jennifer Bottomly- O’Looney, authors of the new MHS Russell book, will be in the gallery to meet the public and talk about Russell informally.

At 6:15 p.m. cowboy poet Mike Logan will read some of his poems based on C.M. Russell and the West in the MHS auditorium. At 7 p.m. MHS Director Bruce Whittenberg will welcome guests for a short program. At 7:30 p.m. actor Greg Younger will tell a story from Trails Plowed Under as C.M. Russell.

There will be a lookalike contest with special prizes for those who attend in costume as Charlie Russell of his wife Nancy. There will be free appetizers and a cash bar during the opening.

Special thanks to event sponsors the Montana Stockgrowers Association and Handle With Care. For information visit www.montanahistoricalsociety.org or call 406-444-2694.

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February 19, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association

Cattle Internship Montana Ranch

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Montana Beef Industry Internship

Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is seeking a student intern for the summer of 2014. The internship will focus on involvement in the beef cattle community of Montana and will include work with MSGA Policy, Communications, and Marketing and Membership staff members.

General Description and Responsibilities

The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a producer-driven, producer directed organization, which brings together policy and marketing efforts in Montana’s cattle and beef industry. MSGA will have one internship position available for the summer of 2014. MSGA enjoys providing a unique work experience at a premier agricultural organization. Our internship program allows students to gain first-hand experience while applying university skills. MSGA values the opportunity to enhance our relationships with quality agricultural students and universities.

Required Qualifications

Junior or Senior undergraduate standing and graduate students considered
Must have completed at least some junior level undergraduate course work
Must be available for at least 12 consecutive weeks during the summer of 2014
Must be majoring in a field related to agriculture
Preferably have a background in (or working knowledge of) the cattle or beef industry

Additional Intern Qualifications

Strong working knowledge of Montana cattle industry and Montana ranchers. Must possess excellent oral presentation and interpersonal skills. Works well in a team environment. Customer and membership service is essential. Should have strong computer skills: word processing, internet navigation/research; some presentation and design software (PowerPoint, InDesign, Photoshop) and social media skills are a plus. Candidate must possess the skills, resourcefulness and desire to handle multiple projects at once, ensuring their success from concept to completion. Must be a solutions oriented self-starting individual.

Internship Application Process

To apply, applicants will be required to submit the following by April 1, 2014

Copy of Official College Transcript(s)
Completed Student Internship Application (bit.ly/MSGAIntern2014)
Two Letters of Recommendation
Cover Letter and Resume

A more detailed description of the internship, application forms and required materials are available online at bit.ly/MSGAIntern2014 or by calling the MSGA office in Helena at (406) 442-3420. Application packets must be completed by April 1, 2014.

Contact Ryan Goodman, MSGA Manager of Communications for more Information.
420 N California, Helena, MT 59601
Phone: (406) 442-3420
Email: [email protected]

February 18, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association

2014 Cattle Industry Convention Cattle Industry Montana State University MSU Extension Quiz bowl Rachel Endecott

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Montana State University’s Collegiate Quiz Bowl Teams Takes 4th in Nation

Montana Team Finishes Fourth in Nation at 2014 Cattle Industry Convention Quiz Bowl Competition

MSU Quiz Bowl Team (Pictured L to R): Drew Gaskill of Volberg, Katy Klick of Simms, Dr. Rachel Endecott (Sponsor), Jared Hardaway of Belgrade, and Lane Schmitt of Chinook

Winning several local and regional competitions throughout the year, Montana State University’s Collegiate Quiz Bowl team competed for the national title during the 2014 Cattle Industry Convention in Nashville in early February. These Bobcats were Kenneth Gaskill, Katy Klick, Jared Hardaway, Lane Schmitt and advisor, Dr. Rachel Endecott.

The competition places teams from across the country head-to-head to answer complex questions about the livestock industry as quickly as possible. In game show style, the student to “buzz in” first has the opportunity to answer the question and his or her team is then awarded points for correct answers and lose points for incorrect attempts.

During the national competition, MSU competed against teams from Kansas State University and Penn State University. Out of all the teams in nation, the Bobcats took home the 4th place spot. Congratulations to these students and help us to let them know how proud we are of them!

Below is a video feature of the Montana State University team. Click play to view.

February 14, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association

Farm Bill Livestock Livestock Indemnity Program United States farm bill

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Senate gets President to implement quick livestock disaster assistance

(The following is a press release from Sen. Tester) – Senator Jon Tester today secured a victory for Montana ranchers when he successfully got the President to quickly implement the livestock disaster assistance programs included in the recently passed Farm Bill.

After the five-year Farm Bill became law earlier this month, Tester called on the President to move forward with the initiatives so ranchers in Montana and across the country could get the assistance they need.

The 2014 Farm Bill reauthorized the Livestock Indemnity Program and the Livestock Forage Disaster Program – two initiatives that expired in 2011 and are needed by ranchers who suffered losses during the nationwide drought in 2012 and South Dakota’s blizzard in October 2013.

“Getting livestock disaster assistance up and running will let more Montana ranchers get the support they need,” Tester said. “I appreciate the President making this assistance a priority and will keep supporting Montana’s hard-working producers.”

Tester pushed the President for the quick implementation of the Farm Bill because it took more than a year for the two assistance programs to begin after the last Farm Bill became law in 2008. The newly reauthorized programs will be retroactive to October 1, 2011.

The Livestock Indemnity Program and Livestock Forage Disaster Program will support ranchers affected by the 2012 drought that led to disaster declarations in 33 states and ranchers hurt by the devastating blizzard in South Dakota that reduced many herds by more than 50 percent.

Ranchers can apply for assistance starting on April 15.

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.

Tester’s letter to the President, which was signed by 23 other Senators, is available online HERE

(For more coverage, see these stories from Feedstuffs and AgriPulse.)

February 14, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association

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Cattle Headlines – Week of February 14, 2014

Popular photo of the week: Young Stockgrowers member, Travis Brown participated in the The King Ranch Institute leadership program. View all our photos from Cattle Industry Convention on Facebook.

Here’s a quick look at your headlines from the cattle community this week. Montana Stockgrowers members, check your email for a more extensive list of weekly headlines in your Weekly Stockgrowers Update.

Administrative rule on fees open for comment: The Montana Department of Livestock (DOL) is proposing to increase fees on some supplies such as health certificates and establish fees on some special programs that are offered by the DOL. These proposals have been under consideration for a couple years. Fees on health certificates were last revised in 2003 while fees on special programs (seasonal grazer, 6 month horse passports, etc..) would be entirely new. The proposed rule was published in early February, and is open for public comment through March 31. It is available on their website here. For more information, contact the DOL.

Over 9 million pounds of beef recalled: On Saturday, February 8^th the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a Class I recall of more than 8.7 million pounds of beef because the facility, Rancho Feeding Corporation, “…processed diseased and unsound animals and carried out these activities without the benefit or full benefit of federal inspection,” according to the FSIS recall announcement. So far, USDA has only confirmed the retail locations in California. Read more from Beef Producer.

Get BQA Certified For Free Until April 15: For the second year, Boehringer Ingelheim is partnering with the checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program to sponsor certification for all producers who enroll from February 3 through April 15. Take advantage of the open certification period here. BQA is important to the cattle industry as it gives producers a set of best practices for producing a safe and high-quality beef product. It also gives consumers the assurance that the beef they eat is both healthy and wholesome. Read more from BEEF.

Gold Medalist discusses journey from Idaho cattle ranch to Sochi Olympics: Snowboarders like Shaun White can command millions of dollars in endorsements, but Kaitlyn Farrington from Sunny Valley, Idaho had to make do with more modest means when she set out on the path to Olympic gold. Read more from Reuters and NBC Olympics.

Be sure to follow Montana Stockgrowers throughout the week as we provide continual updates on Association Events and Industry News through our Facebook and Twitter (@MTStockgrowers) accounts, as well as here on our blog. Have story we need to share? Send us a message through any of these accounts or our Contact page.

February 3, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association

FFA Scholarships Montana NILE NILE Foundation NILE Scholarship Scholarship

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NILE Scholarships Now Available

Billings, Mont. – The NILE Scholarship program funded by the NILE Foundation, is now accepting applications for scholarships for the 2014-2015 academic year. Since 1990, the NILE has awarded scholarships to deserving FFA and 4-H students that have been actively involved in their respective programs and communities, excelled in the classroom, and participated in NILE events. “New this year are the Joe Fouts Memorial 4-H and FFA Scholarships. Awarding this scholarship to both a 2014 graduate and 4-H member as well as, a graduating FFA member is truly an honor. All of us at the NILE are thrilled to continue the mission of the organization by assisting in the education of our youth.” says Jennifer Noble, General Manager of the NILE. “Fouts was a member of 4-H for 10 years and remained a strong supporter of 4-H and FFA throughout his life. These scholarships will continue his legacy of support for these organizations.”

Similar to last year, the NILE Scholarship Committee will be awarding three levels of scholarships. First will be the one-time scholarship awarded to high school seniors, similar to what the NILE has always done. The second level of scholarships offered will also be a one-time grant, but will be for students already enrolled in College or a Vo-Tech school. Finally, the third level, which will offer the greatest scholarshiped amount, will be a rolling scholarship. The rolling scholarships will be offered to a select group of High School Seniors who will have the opportunity to renew the scholarship yearly, up to four years of their secondary education. Recipients of rolling scholarships will be chosen from the pool of applicants that are current seniors in High School.

Each year the NILE touches the lives of nearly 10,000 youth through its many programs, events, “live” animal scholarships, and college scholarships. Every year the NILE provides over $55,000 in cash and live animal scholarships.

The NILE Foundation was established in 2009 as a supporting arm of the NILE organization, which is dedicated to the promotion of livestock, agriculture education, and respect for the western culture.

Scholarship applications and guidelines can be found at the NILE’s website, www.thenile.org/scholarships or by contacting the NILE Office. Applications must be into the NILE Office by March 14, 2014. Applications incomplete or late will not be considered. Scholarships will be awarded and announced in April.

January 28, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association

Agriculture I Love Farmers Montana Stockgrowers Association Ryan Goodman

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Montana Stockgrowers’ Goodman Honored with Agricultural Advocate Award

There is a lot of excitement at the Montana Stockgrowers Association this year…and it’s only just January! One new announcement is that MSGA’s manager of communications, Ryan Goodman, has been selected as recipient of the “I Love Farmers, They Feed My Soul” Agricultural Advocates of the Year Award, along with Malorie Bankhead of California and three other honorable mention winners.

In an effort to recognize and reward young people who volunteer their time advocating for American family farmers and rancher ILF established the Agriculture Advocate of the Year Award in honor of the late Gus Settrini, a cattle rancher from Salinas, Calif. who enjoyed helping young people in agriculture. Winners were selected based on their advocacy efforts online in social media channels and at various public events in 2013. Goodman and Bankhead will receive custom silver buckles and a cash award.

“Hardworking, dedicated and extremely humble are words that come to mind when thinking of my dad,” said Celeste Settrini, daughter of the late Gus Settrini. “His efforts of agriculture advocacy over the years were quiet yet ever so powerful as he encouraged young people to engage in agriculture. My family is truly honored to be a part of such a tremendous program and congratulate those young people who are following their passions to reach out and communicate what we all truly love. These young people are a true testament of what my dad was all about and through them his legacy of his love for his industry can live on.”

Gus Settrini

“It’s truly an honor to be recognized with this award, but I couldn’t do it without America’s farmers and ranchers. They are the story and the foundation of my work. I am just glad to be able to use my talents to to amplify their message,” said Goodman. “It’s is humbling that the award is given in honor of Mr. Settrini. He was a great example in the ranching community and someone who greatly supported younger generations.”

ILF is an all-volunteer movement among young people who are passionate about creating conversations about agriculture with their non-agriculture peers.

Megan Silcott, ILF President said, “We are excited to identify and reward a strong group of young advocates for our inaugural Agricultural Advocate of the Year program. Each winner is an outstanding model for others to follow in advocating for agriculture.”

January 23, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association

Department of Agriculture Market Access Program Montana

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Mont. Department of Agriculture Looks to Expand Beef Genetic Exports to South Africa

Helena, Mont. – Montana, known around the world as having some of the highest quality beef genetics, is continually looking for new markets. This year, after receiving funding, the Montana Department of Agriculture meat and livestock marketing officer Marty Earnheart, Montana State University Interim Dean and Director of the College of Agriculture and Agricultural Experiment Stations Dr. Glenn Duff, and two Montana beef genetic industry producers are poised to travel to South Africa in late January to assess the South African beef genetics market.

“Our high quality beef genetics are a multi-million dollar industry, with demand growing constantly,” said Ron de Yong, director of the Montana Department of Agriculture. “Usually, after visiting markets and getting to know our counterparts overseas, we can begin expanding our reach, and generating business opportunities for Montana’s beef genetics industry. What an opportunity for two representatives from the industry to travel to South Africa.”

The South African beef sector has been identified as an emerging market for Montana’s beef genetics industry (embryos, semen and live animals for breeding purposes). A 2012 report by the Republic of South Africa Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, found a beef consumption deficit, consuming more beef than it produced. Further, market analysis found growing beef consumption across Africa, with population on the continent set to double by 2050.

“Capitalizing on this program has been a boon for Montana beef producers in the genetics business. The work done by the Montana Department of Agriculture and Ms. Earnheart has had a profound impact on the Montana beef industry; for example, the mission to Russian in 2010 has generated some $23 million of trade revenue for Montana’s beef genetic industry,” explained Dr. Glenn Duff, Interim Dean and Director of the College of Agriculture and Montana Agricultural Experiment Stations at Montana State University.

The Montana Department of Agriculture applied for funds through U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc. (USLGE); both the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development program awarded funding to the department. 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.

“We believe there is strong potential in South Africa for Montana beef genetics; the initial numbers look good,” explained Marty Earnheart, meat and livestock marketing director. “This is a great opportunity for two representatives from the Montana beef genetic industry to be involved in expanding business opportunities, and to meet representatives from the South African beef industry.”

January 21, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association

Internship National Cattlemen's Beef Association NCBA Public policy

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NCBA Accepting Applications for Public Policy Internship

WASHINGTON (Jan. 20, 2014) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s and the Public Lands Council government affairs office in Washington, D.C., are accepting applications for the fall 2014 public policy internship. The deadline to submit an application is Feb. 17, 2014.

“NCBA and PLC’s internship is a great opportunity to see firsthand a grassroots effort at work in the nation’s most powerful city,” said Rachel Abeh, a Montana State University senior and fall 2013 intern. “I have a better understanding of the complexity and implications of the political issues facing our ranchers back here in the West, along with a greater appreciation for the lobbyists who work on behalf of our producers day in and day out.”

See more thoughts from Rachel Abeh about her recent internship in our video posted yesterday.

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 Sept. 8, 2014 and end Dec. 13, 2014. 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].

Categories News

Montana Stockgrowers Goes Digital

Montana Historical Society to Host Charlie Russell Birthday Celebration