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November 14, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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PLC and NCBA Hail House Committee Passage of H.R. 3189

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(The following is a press release from the Public Lands Council)

WASHINGTON—(Nov. 14, 2013) Today, the Public Lands Council (PLC) and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) hailed the House Committee on Natural Resources for passage of H.R. 3189 The Water Rights Protection Act (WRPA), the bill passed as bipartisan legislation with a recorded vote of 19-14. The bill was introduced in early October by Scott Tipton (R-Colo.) and co-sponsors, Mark Amodei (R-Nev.), Rob Bishop (R-Utah), Tom McClintock (R-Calif.), and Jared Polis (D-Colo.).

WRPA was developed to protect water rights from a recent directive and actions by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) which allow the agency to usurp water rights from private entities — despite private water development and property rights. The USFS is attempting to obtain these water rights for the federal government as a condition of issuing standard land use permits; however, USFS has repeatedly failed to provide just compensation — a violation of the Fifth Amendment.

“This bill is commonsense legislation, which will allow western producers to stay in business,” said Brice Lee, PLC president and Colo. rancher. “The directive and actions by the Forest Service and their attempt to unjustly acquire these rights amounts to a total negligence of states’ water law, private property rights, and the Constitution. The full committee taking up H.R. 3189 is promising — we are urging the House to take the bill to the floor and stop the USFS directive in its infancy.”

Last month, the Subcommittee on Water and Power held a hearing on the bill, inviting a panel of witnesses who testified to the importance of water rights to private business. Witnesses explained the necessity of sovereign state water laws, which are long-established in the West. Witnesses told the subcommittee how devastating the impacts of this directive are to industries, including ski companies and federal land ranching — stressing the importance of these water rights and their significance in keeping businesses viable in western communities.

NCBA President and Wyo. rancher Scott George applauded the committee for taking up and passing the bill.

“This legislation is urgent and the committee’s hearing sends an important message to the USFS — holding them accountable and ensuring they cannot abuse water-right holders any further,” George said. “Ultimately, the USFS directive and similar actions could put a lot of folks out of business. Committee passage of this legislation is a step in the right direction for Congress and serves as an opportunity for them to protect private property rights for the livestock industry.”

Both Lee and George urge the House to move H.R. 3189 to the floor for swift passage and for the Senate to take the bill up without delay.

PLC has represented livestock ranchers who use public lands since 1968, preserving the natural resources and unique heritage of the West. Ranchers who utilize public lands own nearly 120 million acres of the most productive private land and manage vast areas of public land, accounting for critical wildlife habitat and the nation’s natural resources. PLC works to maintain a stable business environment in which livestock producers can conserve the West and feed the nation and world.
November 5, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Preventing a Federal Water Grab: H.R. 3189 the Water Rights Protection Act (WRPA)

Rachel Abeh

Rachel Abeh

Written by Rachel Abeh

The Public Lands Council (PLC) hails the house for their work on H.R. 3189 the Water Rights Protection Act (WRPA). The bipartisan bill was introduced in early October by Congressman Scott Tipton (R-Colo.) and co-sponsors, Mark Amodei (R-Nev.), Rob Bishop (R-Utah), Tom McClintock (R-Calif.), and Jared Polis (D-Colo.).

The legislation was developed to protect water rights from a recent directive by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) allowing them to potentially take water rights from private entities that are using water on federal lands. The USFS is attempting to acquire water rights for the federal government as a condition of issuing standard land use permits. The Forest Service has failed to provide just compensation; however –a violation of the Fifth Amendment.

On October 10, 2013 the House Subcommittee on Water and Power held a hearing on the bill, inviting a panel of witnesses who testified on the importance of the established state water laws and the impact of this directive on their industries, including ski areas and agriculture. The witnesses stressed the importance of these water rights and the significance of protecting these rights to sustain western businesses and rural communities.

“Once again, the federal government is overstepping its bounds,” said PLC president and Colorado rancher Brice Lee. “The Forest Service is offering special use permits only in exchange for these takes, rather than providing just compensation. Not only does their attempt to seize these rights abuse holders of those rights and prove the disregard USFS has for the individuals that rely on these permits; further, they are blatantly ignoring state sovereignty in governing water law. The level of bureaucracy we have seen with this directive is reminiscent of the Environmental Protection Agency’s work –it is both overreaching and incredibly damaging for the individuals impacted.”

H.R. 3189 would prohibit the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture from, wrongfully transferring water rights from private to federal hands. Additionally, the bill supports deep-rooted state water laws, clarifying water rights are unique to sates and it is each of the states’ jurisdictions to govern its water law.

Representative Steve Daines has been on-board with the legislation—working to protect Montana producers from this bureaucratic taking. PLC urges swift passage of this important bill, continue to express your support of WRPA by contacting Montana’s Senators to gain their engagement on this issue.

2013 Montana Stockgrowers Convention Trade Show
November 4, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Annual Convention and Trade Show to be held at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana

2013 Montana Stockgrowers Convention Trade ShowThe 2013 Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) and Montana CattleWomen (MCW) Annual Convention and Trade Show will meet at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana in Billings, Mont. on Dec. 12-14. The Convention will offer opportunities for attendees to learn tips to improve their ranch or business, find out about new products available for their animal health and ranch supply needs at the trade show, and for members to weigh in on policy discussions. Members who attend convention will be eligible to win a Ford Super Duty truck from the Montana Ford Stores.

At this year’s convention we are planning to have several amazing speakers, Sarah Calhoun, Founder and Owner of Red Ants Pants will be the featured speaker of the Opening General Session. The Zoetis Cattlemen’s Colleges will be held on Dec. 12 & Dec. 13 featuring Dr. Derrell Peel, Charles Breedlove Professor of Agribusiness, Larry Gran with Zoetis Animal Health, Dan Ellis with Zoetis Animal Health, and Dr. Rich Linhart, Managing Veterinarian with Zoetis Animal Health. The Zoetis Cattlemen’s College will feature educational topics such as Rebuilding the U.S. Beef Industry: Challenges and Opportunities, What you must know before vaccinating your cow herd: MLV vs. Killed Vaccination choices and Zoetis Ranch: An Interactive Cow Calf Game Designed to Explore Profit Opportunity from EPDs and HD50K Genetic Tests.

A major component of the convention is the setting of new policy and the review of past policies to guide the association through its day-to-day work. The policy process will begin on Thursday, Dec. 12 with the Beef Production & Marketing and Membership Development & Services committee meetings. The Land Use & Environment and Tax, Finance & Ag Policy committee meetings will be on Dec. 13. The Second Reading of Resolutions will be held on the morning of Dec. 14, with reports from each committee. The final reading, and an up or down vote on resolutions, will occur at the MSGA Business Meeting on the afternoon of Dec. 14. Resolutions that make it through the entire process will become association policy.

MSGA and Montana Ford Stores have teamed up to give a Ford Super Duty truck to one lucky member who attends convention. The drawing will be held on Saturday during the Grand Finale Banquet. To be eligible for the truck drawing, you must attend convention, be a current Rancher, Stocker/Feeder or Young Stockgrower member, and fill out the truck entry form.

For a full schedule of events, please click HERE. To learn more, please call the MSGA office at (406) 442-3420, or visit www.mtbeef.org where you can register on-line! Preregistration is available at a discounted rate for those attendees that register prior to Dec. 1. If you would like to reserve a trade show booth or sponsor part of the convention, please contact the MSGA office soon as there are limited spaces open.

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October 30, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Montana Stockgrowers Foundation on Social Media

Montana Stockgrowers Foundation LogoHelp Tell the Story of Montana Family Ranching

If you have been browsing Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest lately, you may have seen our newly launched Foundation social media accounts. MSGA’s Research, Education and Endowment Foundation is vital to helping our ranch community thrive…through scholarship opportunities, grants, avenues of public outreach and much more.

Members of MSGA can appreciate the philanthropy of REEF, but we don’t want to stop there. This is why we have created a social media platform for all the Foundation’s work. Having these outreach tools like Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest allows for us to have a much broader reach, connect with other foundations and nonprofits and explore even more ways we can help Montana and the world.

Like the development of the MSGA social media platform, REEF will build its network and create innovate ways to promote Montana ranchers. Even though we are one state association, the products we produce ultimately go beyond our borders and feed the world. REEF is here to help make sure this continues to happen. By using public relations strategies, we can bring in more people, organizations and foundations to help with educational programs and philanthropic endeavors.

Screen Shot 2013-10-08 at 11.18.26 AMWe can’t do it alone!

If you have any ideas or information to share, please contact Lauren Chase: [email protected]. If you are interested in donating to REEF, please visit: www.mtbeef.org. Together we can help educate the future of Montana ranchers, help keep our legacy growing strong and help the feed world.

Social media sites:

***Help spread the word! Share these sites with all of your family friends! 

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October 28, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Montana Stockgrowers Foundation to Donate Book Proceeds to Rancher Relief Fund

Montana Stockgrowers Foundation Logo(Helena, MT) Montana Stockgrowers Association Research, Education and Endowment Foundation (REEF) announced today that a portion of the proceeds from each copy of “Big Sky Boots: Working Seasons of a Montana Cowboy” sold through Saturday, December 14, will be donated to support the Rancher Relief Fund. Earlier this month an early season winter storm moved through the area killing tens of thousands of livestock, leaving many ranchers devastated and heartbroken.

“We at Montana Stockgrowers are deeply saddened by the news of our fellow ranchers’ losses,” said Dusty Hahn, MSGA Foundation Chairman. “As ranchers ourselves we can relate when times get hard. MSGA is eager to help our fellow ranchers in South Dakota and surrounding states.”

The South Dakota Rancher Relief Fund was established on October 8, 2013 by the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, South Dakota Stockgrowers Association and South Dakota Sheep Growers Association to provide support and relief assistance to those in the agriculture industry impacted by the blizzard of Oct. 4-7, 2013.

In response to the devastation, Hahn said “as Stockgrowers, we’re always at the mercy of Mother Nature, but extraordinary events such as this bring out a sense of community and compassion for fellow producers. The ranching families featured in Big Sky Boots remind us of our neighbors impacted by this storm. REEF hopes that with the sales of Big Sky Boots, we can provide some relief to those in need.”

“Big Sky Boots” is the first in a five-part Montana Family Ranching Series from the MSGA Research, Education and Endowment Foundation Program. In “Big Sky Boots” readers can journey through the ranching year and learn about the great people that take care of the land, livestock and their families. This first book focuses on the cowboys themselves; the men and the seasons.

Copies of Big Sky Boots can be purchased through the Montana Stockgrowers Association website or by contacting the MSGA office at (406) 442-3420.

Big Sky Boots Montana Family Ranching Project Coffee Table Book

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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.

The Research, Education and Endowment Foundation of the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established to ensure the future of Montana’s cattle industry through producer and public education, and promotion of MSGA programs.

Montana Ranching Family Kiley Martinell
October 17, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Martinell to represent MSGA on Beef Council

Kiley Martinell Montana Beef Council StockgrowersKiley Martinell of Choteau, recently joined the Montana Beef Council Board as a representative for Montana Stockgrowers.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the MSGA for nominating me for the position on the Montana Beef Council Board. I grew up on a farm/ranch in Choteau, and my interests always tended to lean toward the animal side of my family’s operation. I attended college at MSU-Bozeman, where I earned a degree in Animal Science and met my future husband Heath Martinell. Upon graduation, I worked for Trans Ova Genetics as a bovine embryologist. After four years with Trans Ova we decided it was time to move back to Heath’s family’s ranch in Dell. We currently work together with his parents, Allen and Yvonne Martinell, raising commercial cattle. In addition to helping on the ranch, I work part time for Dr. Chuck Gue as an embryologist and stay involved in our community by serving on the school board, the Lima swimming pool board and as a 4-H leader. We feel fortunate to raise our children on a ranch in a rural community (Macie (12), Taryn (9), and Kalen (6)).

I am excited to serve on the Montana Beef Council Board, representing beef producers across the state to help with decisions on promoting and educating people about beef. I look forward to helping the Beef Council continue to push forward for a strong beef industry and a terrific product. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or concerns, I will get them addressed as best I can. The Montana Beef Council has a mission statement that sums up their purpose in the beef industry. “To protect and increase demand for beef and beef products through state, national, and international consumer marketing programs (promotion, education and research), thereby enhancing profit opportunities for Montana beef producers.”

Thanks again for this chance to be an advocate for beef!

Red Ants Pants Logo Sarah Calhoun
October 16, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Red Ants Pants – Sarah Cahoun at MSGA Convention

Sarah Calhoun Red Ants Pants

Sarah Calhoun, Founder – Red Ants Pants

Montana Stockgrowers and Montana CattleWomen are excited to announce an entertaining and motivational speaker for the 129th Annual Convention and Trade Show, which takes place December 12-14 at Holiday Inn Grand MT in Billings. Sarah Colhoun, founder of Red Ants Pants, brings her experiences of starting and running a small business with some creative ways of marketing to the Opening General Session. Registration for the Convention is now available online at MTbeef.org.

Sarah Calhoun grew up on a farm in Connecticut and received her degree in Environmental Studies from Gettysburg College. After five years working outdoor education jobs, including instructing for Outward Bound and leading trail crews, she was rather fed up with wearing men’s work pants.

Sarah moved to Bozeman in 2004 where she purchased a copy of How to Start a Small Business for Dummies. Upon learning what a business plan was, she promptly wrote one, started designing pants, and Red Ants Pants was born.

Wanting to live in a rural Montana ranching town, in 2005 she moved to White Sulphur Springs and set up her office, storefront, and distribution center in an old historic saddle shop. In October 2006, she opened the doors to the first ever company dedicated to making work pants for women. Finally…workwear for women!

Red Ants Pants was founded in 2006 by Sarah Calhoun. Tired of wearing men’s work pants that didn’t fit, Calhoun designed pants that would fit, function and flatter working women. The pants are made in the USA and that will not change. Red Ants Pants is based out of White Sulphur Springs, Montana where the storefront, distribution center, and international headquarters all reside in a historic saddle shop. Known for their grass-roots marketing efforts, including ‘Tour de Pants’, the direct sales business model is proving effective, even in tough economic times.

In 2011 Red Ants Pants put on the first annual Red Ants Pants Music Festival, where 6,000 fans came to dance their pants off in a cow pasture listening to some top bands including Lyle Lovett. The Red Ants Pants Foundation was formed as the non-profit branch of the project, in support of women’s leadership, working family farms and ranches, and rural communities. The festival continues its success into the third year with Merle Haggard headlining the 2013 event.

With a recent trip to the White House and keynoting at several national speaking events, Calhoun continues to be amazed how this company has become so much more than just a pair of pants. “It’s neat to show that we can do big things in small towns,” she reflects. A new Red Ants Pants ad campaign that profiles kickass women of history uses a tagline that resonates with the culture of the company: “Step into these pants and see what you can do.”

Learn more about Sarah on her website, RedAntsPants.com, read the Red Ants Pants blog, or follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

**Material from RedAntsPants.com contributed to this post.

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National Cattlemens Beef USA logo
October 10, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Internship Opportunities with NCBA

Several opportunities have recently opened up for young producers to gain experience in the cattle industry on a larger scale. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has announced internship opportunities for both short- and semester-long positions. The deadlines are coming up soon. Be sure to apply today.

Internships are a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience and broaden your horizons within the industry. Even if you have grown up in the ranching business. gaining exposure and awareness of how the industry operates on the national level is a valuable learning opportunity.

Spring and Summer Public Policy Internships

(NCBA) government affairs office in Washington, D.C., is accepting applications for spring and summer 2014 public policy internships. The deadline to submit an application for these opportunities has been extended to Oct. 14, 2013.

“NCBA’s public policy internship gives college students a one-of-a-kind view into the policy making process in Washington, D.C., while helping them prepare to transition from college to career,” said NCBA Executive Director of Legislative Affairs Kristina Butts. “We are looking for college students with an interest in the beef industry, public policy and communications to help NCBA represent cattlemen and cattlewomen in Washington, D.C. The internship is designed to work closely with the lobbying team on Capitol Hill and assist with NCBA’s regulatory efforts.”

The full-time spring internship will begin Jan. 6, 2014, and end May 9, 2014. The full-time summer internship will begin May 19, 2014 and end Aug. 22, 2014. To apply, interested college juniors, seniors or graduate students should submit the application, a college transcript, two letters of recommendation and a resume to [email protected]. More information and the internship application are available on NCBA’s website.

“This isn’t a ‘check-the-box’ style of internship. NCBA’s public policy interns work alongside NCBA staff on critical issues ranging from agriculture policy to trade, the environment and more.” Butts said. “If you or someone you know is interested in this opportunity, we encourage you to apply.” – See more at from BeefUSA.

2014 Cattle Industry Convention Internships

(NCBA) government affairs office in Washington, D.C., is accepting applications for internships during the 2014 Cattle Industry Convention in Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 3-7, 2014. The deadline to submit an application for this opportunity is Oct. 27, 2013.

The Cattle Industry Convention is the oldest and largest convention for the cattle business. The 2014 event will be the 116th annual convention. The convention and trade show create a unique, fun environment for cattle industry members to come together to network and create policy for the industry.

“Our internship positions provide a unique opportunity for students to gain first-hand experience and to interact with leaders from every segment of the cattle and beef industry,” said NCBA Public Policy Analyst Mallory Gaines. “The convention internship program provides an excellent opportunity to network with people throughout the beef industry. NCBA strives to provide time for students to maximize their opportunities to network and learn during the upcoming convention in Nashville.”

The annual Cattle Industry Convention boasts over 5,500 attendees and a trade show with more than 250 booths. Interns are offered a unique, behind-the-scenes experience of setting up the trade show, manning the NCBA Political Action Committee (NCBA-PAC) booth, assisting with the NCBA-PAC auction, helping members vote on NCBA policy, working with the media and helping to guide cattlemen and cattlewomen to convention events.

To apply, interested college juniors, seniors or graduate students should submit the convention internship application, a college transcript, two letters of recommendation and a resume to [email protected]. More information and the internship application are available on NCBA’s website.

 

Give Black Hills logo South Dakota Rancher Relief Fund
October 9, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Donate to Rancher Relief Fund & Help South Dakota Producers Devastated by October Blizzard

Give Black Hills logo South Dakota Rancher Relief Fund

Click for link to Rancher Relief Fund

In wake of the devastating October Blizzard that affected many parts of South Dakota, we at Montana Stockgrowers are deeply saddened by the news of our fellow ranchers’ losses and as ranchers ourselves we can relate when times get hard. MSGA is eager to help our fellow ranchers in South Dakota by forwarding you this information on how you can help. A designated Rancher Relief Fund has been established to benefit those affected by the storm.

BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, South Dakota Stockgrowers Association and South Dakota Sheep Growers Association established the South Dakota Rancher Relief Fund Oct. 8, 2013 with the Black Hills Area Community Foundation to provide support and relief assistance to those in the agriculture industry impacted by the blizzard of Oct. 4-7, 2013.

The fund will be administered by the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association, the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association and the South Dakota Sheep Growers Association for the direct benefit of the livestock producers impacted by this devastating blizzard.

To Donate

To donate to the Rancher Relief Fund visit, www.giveblackhills.org and search “Rancher Relief Fund” or click on this link. Donors can also mail checks to Black Hills Community Area Foundation/SD Rancher Relief Fund made out to the “Rancher Relief Fund.” Address: PO Box 231, Rapid City, 57709.

More about the sponsoring organizations

The mission of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association is to Advance and protect the interests of all cattlemen by enhancing profitability through representation, promotion and information sharing. Our vision is to be a producer-oriented organization that consumers and producers rely on for factual information to enhance a profitable business climate and promote environmental stewardship. To learn more visit, http://www.sdcattlemen.org/ or contact Jodie Anderson at 605.945.2333.

The South Dakota Stockgrowers is a grassroots, non-profit organization of independent livestock producers dedicated to the continued success and viability of the domestic livestock industry. Since 1893 our mission has remained unchanged, “to promote and protect the South Dakota Livestock industry.” To learn more visit, www.southdakotastockgrowers.org or contact Silvia Christen at 605.342.0429.

The South Dakota Sheep Growers is the trade association for sheep producers of South Dakota, representing both farm flocks and range operations. We are a state member of the American Sheep Industry, the sheep industry voice involved in: meat safety, marketing, regulations through national education, communication and lobbying and legislation. We focus on lamb and fiber promotion on a state-wide basis and keeping members updated on issues affecting the sheep industry. To learn more visit, www.sdsheepgrowers.org or contact, Max Matthews at 605.490.0726.

Montana Padlock Ranch Environmental Stewardship
October 9, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Padlock Ranch among regional Environmental Stewardship award winners

Montana Padlock Ranch Environmental StewardshipNCBA Press Release

DENVER – Seven cattle operations from across the country were recognized as 2013 regional Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) winners during the 2013 Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Denver, Colo., today. The seven regional winners will compete for the national ESAP award, which will be announced during the 2014 Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show in Nashville, Tenn.

ESAP, now in its 23rd year, was created to recognize beef producers who make environmental stewardship a priority on their farms and ranches while they also improve production and profitability. The ESAP award is sponsored by Dow AgroSciences; USDA-NRCS; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA); and the National Cattlemen’s Foundation.

The regional winners are Mountain Meadows Farm, Sudbury, Vt.; Kissimmee Park Properties, St. Cloud, Fla.; BitterSweet Acres, Greenville, Iowa; Frank and Sims Price Ranch, Sterling City, Texas; Padlock Ranch Company, Ranchester, Wyo.; Kualoa Ranch, Kane‘ohe, Hawaii; and Gracie Creek Landowners Association, Burwell, Neb.

Regional and national award winners have been commended for their commitment to protecting the environment and improving fish and wildlife habitats while operating profitable cattle operations. The common trait among all winners is the desire to leave the land in better shape for future generations while also inspiring the next generation of land stewards.

“America’s farmers and ranchers are passionate about their land, and it shows through conservation and environmental stewardship efforts,” said NCBA President Scott George. “The cattle industry is continually improving upon our environmental sustainability, and these seven finalists set an example that we should all strive to achieve. We look forward to naming one of these seven great cattle operations as our 2014 national ESAP award winner in Nashville next year.”