Montana Stockgrowers to Host 134th Annual Convention in Billings

December 11-13. Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) will celebrate 134 years of serving the state’s ranchers at their Annual Convention & Trade Show. This year’s meetings at the Northern Hotel and DoubleTree Hotel in Billings will feature a trade show, educational workshops, and policy meetings.

“Our 2018 Annual Convention will feature a large number of discussions about issues that will turn into policy for the Association,” noted MSGA President, Bryan Mussard of Dillon. “Policy set at Convention will guide the actions of MSGA at the upcoming Montana Legislative Session. I encourage everyone to come to Billings to lend their voice to help guide the future of Montana Agriculture! Your voice is your future. Share your insight, learn from others and help shape our industry.”

Department of Interior’s Tim Williams, the Deputy Director of External Affairs, will be the featured speaker during Wednesday’s Opening General Session. Williams originates from Nevada, where he served as Deputy Director of the Donald J. Trump for President campaign. Prior to that, he was a partner at a political consulting firm, managing local, state and Congressional races.

A broad range of educational workshops will be offered during the Stockgrowers College. Speakers will touch on topics of calf health and nutrition, calf management, heifer development, antibiotic use, access issues, soil health, EID systems, DNA technology, risk management, and estate planning.

Policy meetings will take place on all three days of Annual Convention. Guest speakers will address a number of topics affecting Montana’s ranching communities during the past year and in months to come. A Trade Show with over 100 booth spaces will be open to the public Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Thursday’s Grand Finale Banquet will be highlighted by the annual live auction for Cattle Directory Priority Page advertisements and a beef dinner!

A full meeting agenda, hotel information, details of policy meeting discussions and Stockgrowers College workshops are available on the MSGA website at mtbeef.org. Online and discounted registration closes Thursday, December 6. On-site registration will be available. For more information, contact the Montana Stockgrowers Association at (406) 442-3420.

Join our team – MSGA is hiring!

The Montana Stockgrowers Association is hiring for the Director of Natural Resources position. This position is responsible for the formulation, institution, and monitoring of policies, programs, and issues related to natural resources that are affecting the cattle industry. This position also serves as the executive assistant for the Montana Association of State Grazing Districts and the Montana Public Lands Council and represents the associations at the state legislature. A full job description is included below.

Director of Natural Resources

Oversees natural resource division, represents MSGA at the state legislature, serves as the executive assistant for Montana Association of State Grazing Districts (MASGD), and the Montana Public Lands Council (MPLC).

Reports to: Executive Vice President (EVP)

MONTANA STOCKGROWERS ASSOCIATION (MSGA)

  • Formulate, institute, and monitor policies, programs, and issues related to natural resources that are affecting the cattle industry.
  • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and performance of all natural resource department programs, activities, and services, ensuring that program goals are being met.
  • Collaborate with the Communications Director on natural resource issues updates to MSGA membership.
  • Monitor state and federal agencies meetings and activities to provide necessary input that advances MSGA policies, programs, and issues:
    • Environmental Quality Council
    • Board of Environmental Review
    • Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission
    • State Land Board
    • NRCS Technical Advisory Committee
    • Board of Livestock  

MONTANA ASSOCIATION OF STATE GRAZING DISTRICTS (MASGD)

  • Serve as Executive Assistant for MASGD Board of Directors.
  • Analyse and monitor regulatory activities of state and federal agencies impacting livestock management on federal and state lands. Including, but not limited to BLM planning process documents.
  • Submission of detailed comments representing the livestock industry on regulatory or legislative actions
  • Oversee departmental operations including business planning and budget development.
  • Prepare financial statements, reports, memos, dues invoices, and related documents as needed for MASGD
  • Plan all necessary arrangements for MASGD meetings and events.
  • Represent MASGD on range tours, natural resource-related meetings, and field activities that have a focus on grazing management.
  • Attend grazing district annual meetings and provide updates.  
  • Support EVP in representing  MASGD and grazing interests at the Montana legislature.
  • Establish and maintain communications strategy with Grazing Districts.
  • Coordinate activities with the Montana Grass Conservation Commission.
  • Assist grazing district members with issues affecting individual state or federal grazing permits.
  • Actively promote the establishment of new grazing districts.
  • Coordinate with the staff of the National Public Lands Council regarding national issues.
  • Responsible for MASGD Membership database development.

MONTANA  PUBLIC LANDS  COUNCIL (MPLC)

  • Monitor and engage in state and federal agency actions impacting livestock grazing permittees use of public lands.
  • Submission of detailed comments representing the livestock industry on regulatory or legislative actions impacting federal or state lands.
  • Assist in representing MPLC and public land interests at the Montana legislature.
  • Provide general administrative support for MPLC.
  • Plan all necessary arrangements for MPLC meetings and events..
  • Maintain a database of all federal grazing permittees in the state.
  • Responsible for the development and implementation of the MPLC Membership Marketing Strategy.
  • Prepare financial statements, reports, memos, dues invoices, and related documents as needed for MPLC.  
  • Oversee departmental operations including business planning and budget development.
  • Provide a communication strategy for MPLC members on public land issues.

OTHER DUTIES

  • Staff support for MSGA Standing Committee.
    • Provide administrative support for the committee chairman and vice chairman.
  • Additional duties as assigned by Executive Vice President.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The Director of Natural Resources is expected to demonstrate professional skill, high standards, sound judgment, and professionalism. It is important for this position to exhibit a high level of communication to enhance working relationships both internally and externally. Successful applicants will have the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a calm and pleasant demeanor. Problem-solving and an attention to detail will be critical in this role. A prior knowledge of the demographics served by the Montana Stockgrowers Association is preferred. Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree and experience in a related field.

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to Kori Anderson at [email protected]. The application deadline is July 31, 2018.

 

 

Stockgrowers name new Executive Vice President

The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA), today, announced Jay Bodner of Helena, Mont. as their new Executive Vice President. This announcement comes after a month-long search for the new head of the association.

“After an extensive search and interview process, Jay was an easy choice for the new Executive Vice President, said Bryan Mussard, President of MSGA. “He’s been with the Association for sixteen years, he is well respected throughout the state and we want to expand on his potential.”

Bodner, a native of Raynesford, Mont., has worked for MSGA for the past 16 years as the Director of Natural Resources and lead lobbyist. During his tenure at MSGA, he also served as Executive Director of the Montana Public Lands Council and the Montana Association of State Grazing Districts. Jay and his wife Donna reside in Helena; they have two children, Anthony and Janae.

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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.

Dillon, Mont. to host Stockgrowers’ MidYear Meeting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Kori Anderson
406.442.3420
[email protected]

Dillon, Mont. to host Stockgrowers’ MidYear Meeting

The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) has announced their Midyear Meeting will be held in Dillon, Mont. June 14-15. MidYear 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 year.

“Please join us for an unforgettable summer convention in Dillon!  It’s time to show southwest Montana how important ranching is to preserving the west.  This year, we have invited the entire community and surrounding area to join us in this great celebration,” said Bryan Mussard of Dillon, President of MSGA. “Dillon, Montana is the crossroads of agriculture and environmentalism. Every time an endangered species is identified in Montana, there is a cow standing over it, protecting it with thousands of acres of open space and hundreds of miles of clean watersheds.  We are all busy, but it is necessary for all of us to participate in this event.  Our consumers will be on hand to meet us personally.  So, get your chores done, call your neighbor to watch the gates and get to Dillon for this historic event.”

Thursday’s Opening General Session will feature Dr. Vaughn Holder the Ruminant Research Group Director for Alltech. His keynote “Expanding Nutritional Horizons” will address the science and technologies that are changing the face of cattle nutrition. His keynote will be followed by policy meetings where members have the opportunity to hear about issues facing Montana ranchers and set policy to exact positive change.

Following the policy meetings, the Montana Stockgrowers Foundation is hosting a Gala Dinner and Auction. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in their best “Cattle Baron – Turn of the Century Attire”. The Gala will include an auction of four local float trips, five commissioned original Montana art pieces and many other amazing items!

The fun doesn’t stop on Friday which kicks off with an inspirational breakfast at the Fairgrounds, a 500-horse parade through Dillon, a BBQ cookoff, Stagecoach viewing, a cattle judging competition and so much more! The day culminates in a Preserving the West Concert headlined by Saints & Angels, a Nashville based band that will be joined by Florida Georgia Line’s original guitarist Brian Bonds. Montana’s own Kyle Shobe & the Walk ‘Em Boys will kick the party off!

For more information about MSGA’s 2018 Mid-Year Meeting, contact MSGA’s office at (406) 442-3420 or join the Facebook event. Visit mtbeef.org for tickets and more details

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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.

MSGA Seeks Applicants for Executive Vice President

The Montana Stockgrowers Association is seeking applicants for the position of Executive Vice President. The Executive Vice President is ultimately responsible for the overall management of the Montana Stockgrowers Association and its operations.

Qualified applicants will have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience at an executive level.  Candidates are required to have a background in livestock production either by experience, education or both.  Qualified applicants will demonstrate strong verbal and written communications skills, financial management and the development of human capital.

Exceptional candidates will show a strong and successful background in organizational management and resource development, evidenced by years of experience, and contacts in the political, ranching and natural resources industries. The ability to travel locally, regionally, and nationally, as well as the ability to work nights and weekends as needed.

Please see the full job description and supplemental questions for additional information.

To be considered for the position, submit answers to the supplemental questions along with a resume and cover letter to Kori Anderson at [email protected]. The deadline for application is May 11. Questions can be directed to the MSGA office at 406-442-3420 or [email protected].

Fifth-Generation Montana rancher chosen to attend national conference

Montana Stockgrowers Foundation selects fifth-generation Sidney rancher to attend a National leadership conference

The Montana Stockgrowers Foundation (MSF) has selected Katelyn Dynneson of Sidney, Mont. to represent the Montana Stockgrowers Associaton (MSGA) at the Young Cattlemen’s Conference this year. The Young Cattlemen’s Conference (YCC), held May 30 – June 7, is an opportunity for cattlemen and cattlewomen between the ages of 25 and 50 to visit segments of the beef industry in other parts of our nation with young cattlemen from other states. Facilitated by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), participants will travel with national attendees to Denver, Chicago, and Washington D.C.

“I’m incredibly excited and honored to be chosen to represent MSGA at YCC. I truly appreciate the opportunity given to me by the foundation,” noted Dynneson. “I’m looking forward to networking with fellow beef industry leaders from across the country and learning skills to be a better beef advocate.”

Katelyn Dynneson is a 5thgeneration farmer and rancher in Sidney. She graduated from Montana State University with honors and a double major in agricultural business and economics. She works full time on her family’s cow-calf operation, custom backgrounding feedlot, and farm where they raise small grains, corn, and hay. She serves as the secretary/treasurer for the MonDak Area Stockgrowers and is a leader for the Richland County 4-H Jr. Leaders. She participated in the inaugural class of the Montana Stockgrowers Leadership Series and is the current Vice-Chair of the Young Stockgrowers.

The primary objective of YCC is to develop leadership qualities in young cattlemen and expose them to all aspects of the beef industry. The tour helps these young leaders understand all areas of our industry ranging from industry structure to issues management, from production research to marketing.

For more information on the Montana Stockgrowers Foundation and its work to preserve Montana’s ranching legacy, please contact 406-442-3420.

 

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The Montana Stockgrowers Foundation 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 Stockgrowers Foundation offers $1,000 scholarship

The Montana Stockgrowers Foundation is offering an Educational Heritage Scholarship in the amount of $1,000.

“Thanks to the vision and hard work of  Stockgrower members in Southeastern Montana, the Montana Stockgrowers Foundation is once again able to offer our Educational Heritage Scholarship,” noted Foundation Chairman, John Grande.  “Every year we are impressed by the quality of the college students who apply for this scholarship and we again look forward to selecting and meeting a new winner.”

To be eligible for the Educational Heritage Scholarship, students must currently be enrolled in college and have completed at least one semester of coursework, be a member of Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA), and demonstrate a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.

Applicants must complete the application form, include a copy of their current transcript, write a 500-word essay discussing their educational pursuits, and include two letters of recommendation.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED AND POSTMARKED OR MAILED NO LATER THAN APRIL 1, 2018.

For more information on this scholarship and to apply online, visit the MSGA website at mtbeef.org. For questions, please email Kori Anderson at [email protected]. If you are interested in these scholarships but are not currently a member of MSGA, join today. Student memberships start at just $20.

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The Montana Stockgrowers Foundation 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. Its mission is to invest in Montana’ ranching community through leadership, education, and conservation.

Montana Stockgrowers Foundation to sponsor Cattlemen’s Conference attendee

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the structure of the U.S. cattle industry and gain insight on the legislative process that guides our business. Montana Stockgrowers Foundation will send one Montana delegate to this year’s Young Cattlemen’s Conference (YCC), held May 30 – June 7, 2018. Applications, due March 15, are available at mtbeef.org.

The Young Cattlemen’s Conference is an opportunity for cattlemen and cattlewomen between the ages of 25 and 50 to visit segments of the beef industry in other parts of our nation with young ranchers from other states. Facilitated by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), participants will travel with national attendees to Denver, Chicago and Washington D.C., visiting OSI, Inc, McDonald’s Global Headquarters, and Capitol Hill.

The primary objective is to develop leadership qualities in young cattlewomen and cattlemen and expose them to all aspects of the beef industry. The tour helps these young leaders understand all areas of our industry ranging from industry structure to issues management, from production research to marketing.

The Montana Stockgrowers Foundation will ensure funding for one participant for the full cost of the tour along with travel expenses. Remaining expenses are the responsibility of the participant, who will be chosen from those who apply. Participants must be a member of Montana Stockgrowers Association and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

To learn more about the Young Cattlemen’s Conference and to complete an application, visit the MSGA website, mtbeef.org/young-cattlemens-conference. All applications must be complete and postmarked or received by March 15, 2018. Please mail or fax to MSGF at the following address: Montana Stockgrowers Foundation | Attn: YCC, 420 N. California St.  Helena, MT  59601.

If you have any questions about the application process or YCC trip, please call the MSGA Office at (406) 442-3420 or e-mail [email protected].

MSGA applauds appointment of Montana ranchers to national board

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced the appointment of 27 members to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board. Two Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) members were among the appointees. Turk Stovall of Billings, Mont. and Katie Cooper of Willow Creek, Mont. will serve three-year terms on the Board.

“We are thrilled to have Turk and Katie represent Montana on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board,” said Errol Rice Executive Vice President of MSGA, “They are proven leaders in Montana and will be excellent advocates for the Beef Checkoff at the national level.”

Stovall and Cooper will be joining MSGA member, Lynda Grande of Columbus, Mont. who is currently serving a three-year term.

The Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board is composed of 99 members, all of whom are beef producers or importers of cattle, beef or beef products. The board is authorized by the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985.

Montana Stockgrowers honor “Ranch Woman of the Year”

The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) recently recognized Connie Townsend of White Sulphur Springs, Mont. as “Ranching Woman of the Year”. The announcement was made Wednesday, December 13 during the 133rd MSGA Annual Convention and Trade Show in Billings.

Connie (Niebel) Townsend grew up on the family farm and ranch in Four Corners. After attending school in Bozeman, she graduated from Montana State University with a degree in Home Economics.

She married Herb Townsend in 1954 and they made their home in White Sulphur Springs, where Herb was the County Extension Agent. There they raised three children: Tod, Trent, and Teri on the family ranch. She now enjoys the title of grandmother and great-grandmother.

Connie worked for the Beef Checkoff for eleven years; she was part of the Nutrition Coalition where she was instrumental in the introduction of serving breakfast in public schools through the state. She served as Chairwoman of the Agriculture in Montana Schools Foundation which today give Montana students a greater awareness of the contribution of agriculture to their lives and their community.

Connie remains active in Townsend Ranch and within the community. She is a member of the Hobby Club, helps at the Food Bank and is very active in her local church. Congratulations to Connie Townsend, an advocate of agriculture, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, and friend!

The Ranching Woman of the Year award is an annual honor presented during MSGA’s Annual Convention and Trade Show. Contact the MSGA office at (406) 442-3420 to find out how you can nominate someone for next year’s recognition. To learn about previous honorees, visit mtbeef.org/ranching-woman.

 

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The Montana Stockgrowers Association, a non-profit organization representing 1,500 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.