December 5, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

National Cattlemen’s Foundation Accepting Applications for Beef Industry Scholarship

National-Cattlemens-Foundation-logoDENVER – Applications for 2015-16 beef industry scholarships sponsored by the CME Group are now being accepted. Ten scholarships of $1,500 each will be awarded to outstanding students pursuing careers in the beef industry.

Students studying education, communication, production, research or other areas related to the beef industry should consider applying for the scholarship. Applicants must be a graduating high school senior or full-time undergraduate student enrolled at a two or four year college.

The National Cattlemen’s Foundation administers the program. Applicants for the 2015-16 scholarship will be required to write a one page letter expressing future career goals related to the beef industry. They also must write a 750 word essay describing an issue in the beef industry and offering solutions to this problem.

Applications should be submitted by Dec. 19, 2014 and sent to National Cattlemen’s Foundation, 9110 E. Nichols Ave., Suite 300, Centennial, CO 80112. The winning recipients will be announced on Jan. 15, 2015.

For more information visit www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org. Click here for the online application form.

###
The National Cattlemen’s Foundation is advancing the future of the beef industry with passion and urgency.

Annual Convention and Trade Show 2014
December 1, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Annual Convention to Feature Governor and Cattlemen’s Colleges

During next week’s 130th Annual Convention of the Montana Stockgrowers Association, ranchers will have the opportunity to attend several Cattlemen’s College education workshops, ranging from animal reproduction and nutrition, estate planning, and discussions on current markets and processing plant feasibility. Governor Steve Bullock is scheduled to be speak during Friday’s Opening General Session. All MSGA events will take place at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana, December 11-13 in Billings.

Be sure to register for Convention HERE!

“This year we are excited to host fourteen Cattlemen’s College sessions during the 3-day convention. With a great number of different subjects covered, there should be a workshop of interest for everyone in attendance” advised Katie Stokes, MSGA Associate Director of Member Services and Marketing.

The Cattlemen’s College courses are sponsored by several Allied Industry agricultural service companies, so that a variety of speakers may participate in the educational workshops. Topics covered will include estate planning, nutrition for the cowherd, antibiotic use, genetic selection, breeding program strategies, current cattle market trends, and biosecurity for the livestock herd.

In addition to Cattlemen’s College sessions, Matt Bitz, with One Montana, will lead a discussion on the feasibility of establishing a beef processing plant in Montana. The Bozeman-based nonprofit has been working to explore the possibility and will present the findings of marketing, location, labor and economic impacts during a session on Saturday morning.

2014 Annual ConventionGreg Hanes, U.S. Meat Export Federation, will highlight the President’s Luncheon on Saturday. With 96 percent of the world’s population outside the U.S. and improving economies worldwide, the international markets play a larger and more important role for the American beef producer. Hanes will discuss how Checkoff dollars contribute to these global beef marketing opportunities.

Working with multiple generations of managing ranch employees can often bring to light challenges in communication. Michelle Reines, Zoetis, will host a communication workshop on Friday morning to help ranchers better understand themselves and how to flex their leadership style with their teams, peers as well as in any other relationships.

Tyrrell Hibbard with Montana Grazing Land Conversation Initiative will discuss new web-based tools for pasture and grazing management during the Young Stockgrowers meeting on Thursday evening. Association Policy Committee meetings on Thursday and Friday will feature updates on several updates on water, wildlife, Department of Livestock, and livestock health topics.

Other featured speakers during general sessions will include Governor Steve Bullock on Friday morning; Montana’s Congressional representatives and a live broadcast with Northern Ag Network on Friday afternoon; and motivational speaker, Lois Olmstead, during Saturday’s Inspirational Breakfast.

All meetings are included in general event registration, which will be available on-site. For additional meeting information, a full agenda, or pre-registration, contact the Montana Stockgrowers office in Helena, (406) 442-3420, or visit our Event page.

November 18, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

EPA’s Waters of the U.S. Changes Impacts Ranchers and Water Quality

4 orgs logos

On Friday November 14th, the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA), Montana Association of State Grazing Districts (MASGD), Montana CattleWomen (MCW) and the Montana Public Lands Council (MPLC), submitted comments to EPA regarding the Proposed Rule regarding the definition of “Waters of the U.S.” under the Clean Water Act .

Montana has long been known as an agricultural state. Farming and Ranching contribute billions to the state’s economy as Montana’s largest business sector. In fact, there are 2.5 cattle for every Montana resident. Over 28,000 farms and ranches are in Montana today, each working every day to conserve and sustain the environment we all call home.

One of the most pressing issues for our members in 2014 has been proposed changes to the Clean Water Act from the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA wants to broaden their definition of “Waters of the U.S.” which would increase their jurisdiction to regulate, not only more water, but also potentially, much of the land surrounding those waterways.

Ranchers rely on clean water for their crops and livestock and are often at the front line of maintaining and improving water quality to sustain and conserve our environment. Irrigation plays a critical role in farming and ranching in Montana, whether it is for growing forages or crops. EPA’s proposed rule could change the agency’s jurisdiction when it comes to regulating both land and water that Montana farmers and ranchers depend on for a living.

As organizations representing farmers and ranchers, who have cared for the land for many generations, we believe our members do a great job of conserving and sustaining a clean water supply, not only for their land, but also for everyone downstream, including water supplies for many wildlife and Montana communities.

Due to the complexity of the issue, there has been a large degree of confusion and uncertainty from the people directly affected by this proposed rule change. In our comments, we requested EPA to drop the proposed rule changes to the Clean Water Act. If the proposed rule cannot be dropped, we provided specific concerns and recommendations for EPA to address.

Our comments included the following:

  1. Remove the expansion of the Clean Water Act to intermittent and ephemeral non-navigable streams, which are defined as tributaries and per se jurisdictional under the proposed rule.
  2. Remove the inclusion of ditches in the definition of tributary.
  3. Remove the provision that would make isolated wetlands, ponds and other open waters per se jurisdictional if they are located within a riparian area or floodplain.
  4. The exclusions and exemptions provided under the proposed rule are unclear and too narrow to provide protections for landowners. Clarification is needed prior to moving forward with a rule.
  5. Due to inadequate input from landowners, we request the agency to immediately withdraw the Interpretive Rule that limits the Sec. 404 “normal farming, silviculture and ranching” exemption to 56 NRCS practices.
  6. The proposed rule usurps states’ rights to manage waters and land use activity. This proposed rule is an overreach that makes all waters federal, violating the Commerce Clause of the Constitution and the plain language of the Clean Water Act.
  7. Due to the proposed rule ambiguities and uncertainty, we request the agencies withdraw the rule.
  8. We would encourage the agencies to engage in meaningful discussions with the states to better define the areas, if there are any, that states feel are deficient in meeting water quality standards.

Montana’s water laws are very comprehensive, do a good job of regulating the quantity of water used by agriculture, and ensure that water quality remains a priority when it comes to impacts on our environment, wildlife and surrounding communities.

The EPA’s proposed actions on this rule making process are a strong reminder to ranchers and members of the agriculture community of the need to remain actively involved in the policymaking processes, working to keep state and federal agencies aware of the continual improvements taking place, so that we may continue being good stewards of our environment and resources.

Montana Stockgrowers Association encourages, you as members, to remain active in your communities, and be engaged in conversations surrounding these critical issues that affect our ability to produce food, fiber and fuel products for Montanans and a growing global population.  As this rule making process moves forward, MSGA will provide any updates as they become available.  We would also like to thank the members who provided additional comments on this very important issue.For further questions, please contact Jay Bodner at the MSGA office at (406) 442-3420. A complete copy of the comments submitted can be viewed by visiting http://bit.ly/WOTUScomments.

November 13, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Seeking Applications and Nominations for Young Ag Couples Conference

young montana ranchersWe are looking for Young Stockgrowers interested in attending the 35th Annual Young Ag Couples Conference in Helena, January 21-24, 2015 at the Red Lion Colonial Hotel. Hosted by the Montana Department of Agriculture, the conference will explore contemporary issues facing family operated agri-business as well as development of leadership skills needed to survive in the cyclical economic climate of agriculture.

Montana Stockgrowers is able to nominate young ag couples to attend the conference each year. Couples selected to participate in the conference will have lodging and meal costs paid while in attendance. There will be a conference registration fee of $25 per couple.

To be eligible, couples should demonstrate leadership abilities and earn their primary living from farming, ranching, agribusiness, or other agricultural enterprises. Our age preference is 25-45 years of age. Due to funding restrictions, couples may only attend the conference once. If you have attended in the past, please let us know about your experience and nominate another young ag couple to attend.

To apply for the MSGA nomination, please submit a brief explanation of the following for you or a young ag couple you wish to nominate:

  • Description of the couple’s ag business/operation
  • Experience and educational background, community involvement, interest, hobbies, etc.
  • The couple’s vision for being leaders in the Montana agriculture community

Nominations and/or applications are due to the Montana Stockgrowers Association office no later than November 21, 2014, via mail to 420 N. California, Helena, MT  59601. Submissions may also be emailed to [email protected]. For more information, contact the MSGA office at (406) 442-3420.

October 28, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Stockgrowers 130th Annual Convention Planned for Dec. 11-13 in Billings

Do not miss your chance to attend Montana’s largest ranching industry Convention and Trade Show. The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) and Montana CattleWomen invites you to join us for our 130th Annual Convention at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana in Billings, December 11-13. This year’s Convention will be bigger than ever with an extended line up of Cattlemen’s College courses and live entertainment from Wylie and the Wild West.

“2014 marks 130 years for the Montana Stockgrowers Association and we will be closing out the year in a big way,” says MSGA President, Tucker Hughes of Stanford. “We want to invite everyone to come participate in the fun, gain valuable insight from speakers from across the cattle industry, and participate in our policy meetings.”

This year’s Annual Convention will feature a great line up of speakers for the extended Cattlemen’s College. Topics covered will include fetal development, nutrition for the cowherd, health strategies for calf health, biosecurity, genetic selection for replacement animals, and hands-on workshop with reproductive technologies.

Several top speakers including Greg Hanes from US Meat Export Federation, Lois Olmstead, and a live broadcast with Northern Ag Network will highlight the agenda. Everything will wrap up on Saturday night with the Grand Finale Banquet featuring the annual live Cattle Directory auction and special entertainer, Wylie and the Wild West!

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. MSGA’s annual policy meetings will take place on Thursday and Friday, discussing topics in the areas of membership, land use, environment, agriculture policy, beef production and marketing.

This year has been active in several policy areas as Montana ranchers have dealt with sage grouse conservation, changes to EPA water jurisdiction, challenges for the national Beef Checkoff program structure, and Board of Livestock budget deficits. These issues, plus discussion leading up to Montana’s 2015 legislative session will be covered during the meeting.

MSGA and Montana Ford Stores have teamed up to give a Ford F-250 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.

Other prizes to be awarded during the convention include a raffle drawing for an 8-month/200 hour lease on a 130-HP tractor and loader from Montana Massey Ferguson dealers, a John Deere Gator courtesy of Frontline Ag, and a trip to San Antonio, Texas for the 2015 Cattle Industry Convention sponsored by Northwestern Energy.

This year’s Trade Show will feature over 100 companies providing all types of products, services, and the latest technology to the cattle industry. The Trade Show is open to the public all three days during Convention until 9:00 p.m.

To learn more, please call the MSGA office at (406) 442-3420, or visit www.mtbeef.org. 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 at this time. Preregistration for attendees in currently open at a discounted price for those that register prior to December 1.

October 22, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Stockgrowers encourages industry to consider stakes of checkoff reform

beef checkoff logoIn response to beef industry stakeholder concerns about the structure and proposed reform of the national beef checkoff program, Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) encourages cattle producers to consider critically what is at stake for the industry research, education and promotion efforts.

On September 30th, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced intentions to implement a new supplemental beef checkoff program by January 2016. The new program would operate under the 1996 Commodity Promotion, Research and Information Act, separate from our current 1985 Beef Promotion and Research Act. A referendum on the new proposal would be held within three years of implementation. The proposal will be published by the end of 2014 or early 2015 in the Federal Register.

This approach is an alternative to the program enhancements being negotiated by the Beef Checkoff Enhancement Working Group*, which involved membership organizations representing industry stakeholders. In August, the group reviewed a draft memorandum of understanding that would serve as the negotiated enhancement. Soon after, the National Farmers Union withdrew from the effort, citing “the process is unlikely to result in necessary reform. It is time for the USDA to react to beef producers’ demand to reform this system.”

This outcome is unfortunate, especially during this time of strong cattle market fundamentals and an industry outlook that will require strategic investment in promotion and research. MSGA’s response and approach to this is two-fold.

First, MSGA sent a letter to Secretary Vilsack along with forty-four state cattlemen’s associations outlining our structural concerns between the 1996 Act and the 1985 Act. Two specific points are focused on governance and limited coordination between qualified state beef councils and their federation.

Secondly, despite our opposition, Secretary Vilsack has given no indication that he will withdraw the proposed rule. Therefore, MSGA will be working within the rulemaking process to offer design recommendations and comments. Our focus will be to influence decisions that yield the best outcome even with the working group’s inability to find a compromised solution.

The scope of MSGA’s input to the proposed rule will include the following:

  • MSGA supports an increase in the beef checkoff assessment, along with a petition and referendum model. Emphasis should be made on structuring the most efficient and effective process to increasing the checkoff.
  • MSGA also supports greater flexibility and competitive contract proposals by removing any reference to the charter date of an established national, non-profit, beef industry organization. MSGA will recommend that return on investment should be a key evaluation metric.
  • A balanced portion of checkoff revenues paid by U.S. producers should be allocated to promote U.S. beef within the context of federal country of origin regulations.
  • MSGA recognizes the importance of government oversight, but we do not want complete government control. It is critical to allow stakeholders who pay in to have decision-making authority.

Undoubtedly, USDA will likely have an effect on our industry’s investment program and its economic value. Our approach is simple. Focus resources on the ability to anticipate and affect the formation, enforcement and modification of the proposal and ensure that it has a positive outcome for the broader beef industry.

Feel free to contact the Montana Stockgrowers Association to provide your comments or input on Beef Checkoff reform by calling the Helena office, (406) 442-3420.

–Errol Rice, Executive Vice President, Montana Stockgrowers Association

September 25, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Nominations for Ranching Woman of the Year Due November 1

Glenna Stucky Avon - Ranching Woman of the Year - Montana Stockgrowers

2013 Ranching Woman of the Year, Glenna Stucky of Avon.

The Montana Stockgrowers Association is seeking nominations for the 2014 Montana Ranching Woman of the Year. The annual award is presented to an MSGA member who has made great contributions to the Montana ranching community and has gone above and beyond to support their family and friends. Nominations are due November 1 and the recipient will be recognized at MSGA’s annual convention in Billings, December 11-13.

“Women are often the backbone of Montana’s ranching communities. These women often go above and beyond to support their immediate family members and pitch in whenever the need arises in their communities,” said Tucker Hughes, MSGA President from Stanford. “We look forward to recognizing these accomplished women each year at our annual convention and thanking them for their hard work.”

Last year’s recipient of the Ranching Woman of the Year was Glenna Stucky, who ranches with her husband, Earl, near Avon. Along with raising their family, Glenna has been heavily involved in local 4-H programs, CattleWomen’s activities and several community events. Family friends Ed and Bev Fryer describe Glenna as “just one of those people who when you meet them, you know that they are very happy and successful being a Ranch Woman.”

Past recipients of the award include Floydena Garrison of Glen, Helen Hougen of Melstone, Marian Hanson of Ashland, Carol Mosher of Augusta, Donna Sitz-Arthun of Billings, and Holley Smith of Glen.

Nomination letters submitted by family or close friends should identify a ranching woman, who is a member of Montana Stockgrowers, describe her role on the ranch, and the characteristics that set her apart when supporting the family and ranch, as well as describe her involvement in community efforts. Biographies should include the ranching woman’s hometown, family members, and number of years involved in ranching activities.

Along with the nomination biography, submissions should include photos depicting the ranching woman’s family, ranch and community involvement.

Nominations should be submitted to the Montana Stockgrowers office by November 1, 2014 via mail (420 N. California, Helena, MT 59601) or email ([email protected]). For more information contact the MSGA office at (406) 442-3420 or visit mtbeef.org.

September 24, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

An unforgettable day of golf at MSGA’s T-Bone Classic

Lone Peak above our golf course made for some amazing scenery for the day.

Lone Peak above our golf course made for some amazing scenery for the day.

The fourth annual T-Bone Classic golf outing took place on Sept. 12 at the award winning Big Sky Resort Golf Course. Four years ago, MSGA recognized a need to lessen the gap between Montana’s business and livestock communities. The T-Bone Classic was created with the primary mission to help fulfill this need by building relationships between these two communities that are both essential to Montana’s economy. This year MSGA partnered with our Research & Education Endowment Foundation (REEF) to help strengthen the existing relationships and help forge new relationships between Montana businesses and livestock communities.

REEF Chair, John Grande of Martinsdale, says the events at Big Sky went great! “The T-Bone Classic and Gala at Big Sky provided a unique opportunity to get acquainted with some great folks from different sectors of the Montana business community, as well as fellow ranchers. The Big Sky Mountain Village and the golf course down in the Meadow Village provided a warm and scenic venue for visiting with friends both old and new. Additionally, the MSGA Foundation trustees were able to take advantage of this relaxed setting to spend time in several meetings and informal discussions that helped to develop a new and more targeted direction for the Foundation. We look forward to the rollout of several new projects in the near future. The team at Big Sky Resort and a list of sponsors too numerous to mention really came through in making this a great event for the Stockgrowers organization.”

Winning Team from Havre, Montana - Erickson Financial

Winning Team from Havre, Montana – Erickson Financial

The tournament was followed by a beautiful evening at the Huntley Lodge overlooking lone peak enjoying the best T-bone steak Montana has to offer. The evening provided the opportunity for 100 Montana ranchers and related beef industry representatives to network with other T-Bone Classic participants from major businesses across the state of Montana and neighboring states.

MSGA and REEF would like to thank the many T-Bone Classic sponsors that helped make this unique event a success. A special thank you is extended to the members and staff of the Big Sky Resort. The well-kept course and courteous, proficient staff contributed in a large way to providing for an immensely successful fourth Annual T-Bone Classic.

In 2015, the T-Bone Classic will once again be scheduled for early September. The T-Bone Classic is designed to accommodate up to 30 teams with the intention that fifty percent of the teams originate from the heart of Montana’s ranch industry. MSGA will be searching for both ranch team and business team participants during the coming year. If your ranch can muster up a team for next year, let MSGA know you are interested. The prizes provided by the 18 hole sponsors, a hole-in-one to win a new Ford Pickup, or the best T-Bone steak we can offer could help make your day even more special!

Montana Cattle Women President, Wanda Pinnow, supporting beef and having fun on the golf course!

Montana Cattle Women President, Wanda Pinnow, supporting beef and having fun on the golf course!

Fred Wacker (center) stands in front of the steaks he raised for Tyson Open Prairie Natural Angus Beef, which were served at the Gala Dinner!

Fred Wacker (center) stands in front of the steaks he raised for Tyson Open Prairie Natural Angus Beef, which were served at the Gala Dinner!

Lacey Sutherlin Torgerson Putting Contest Big Sky Golf

Lacey Sutherlin, Young Stockgrowers Chair, stands with her $50 gift certificate for winning the Togerson Putting Contest!

September 18, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

New Digital Photography Book to Feature Ladies of Montana Ranching

LL Book Promo BannerHelena, MT – “Ladies and Livestock: Life on the Ranch,” the second book in the Montana Family Ranching Series, from the Research and Education Endowment Foundation of the Montana Stockgrowers Association (REEF), is set to be released on October 1. The digital book is a pictorial explanation of Montana women and their roles in the ranching community.

“Women are often described as the ‘backbone’ to the ranch and we want to capture what that means in this book,” said Lauren Chase, author and photographer.

Ladies and Livestock is leading the way in multimedia technology and storytelling as it will be released in digital format instead of print. Available in the Apple iBook store beginning October 1, 2014, readers will be able to download Ladies and Livestock to their iPads and flip through the vivid imagery with the swipe of their fingers.

This book features over 130 pages of stories, photographs and video features of the ladies who raise livestock, care for the land, and build their families’ legacies on Montana ranches. Not only are these Montana women working on the ranch, many have jobs in town, volunteer in their communities, and are involved in the legislation process of issues affecting agriculture.

Ladies and Livestock is the second in a series of book featured in the Montana Family Ranching Series. The first edition, Big Sky Boots, released in 2012, features the working seasons of the Montana cowboy and is available in print edition from the Montana Stockgrowers Association by visiting bit.ly/BigSkyBoots.

 “This series is meant to help people understand what it takes to make a Montana ranch operate successfully and also, to show the wonderful ranch families that make it possible. Creating the book for the iPad is really exciting for us because we can reach new audiences much easier through digital means,” said Chase.

By utilizing the digital technology, “Ladies and Livestock” adds a new dimension to reading a book. Included on nearly 30 of the pages are video features that play with the touch of the finger. These videos show interviews of the ladies speaking on their ranch history, family life and how they feel about being part of Montana’s agriculture.

This book is a multimedia journey through the life of a woman on a Montana ranch. Not only can readers see photographs, but can hear the woman tell her own story and see the emotion on her face as she talks about how important her family is to her.

The book can be downloaded for $14.99 in the Apple iBook store by searching title: Ladies and Livestock. Proceeds from the sales of the book contribute to the Montana Stockgrowers Association’s Foundation to help support educational programs and scholarships for youth.

To learn more about this project and the author, visit www.mtbeef.org. You can also follow along with this story-telling project on MSGA’s Facebook, Twitter, Blog, Instagram and Pinterest pages.

The Research and Education Endowment Foundation of the Montana Stockgrowers Association is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization established to provide resources for education and research that support the Montana Stockgrowers Association in protecting and enhancing the ability of the Montana ranching community to produce healthy and environmentally responsible beef. To learn more about REEF programs or to donate to the Foundation, visit mtbeef.org/REEF or contact the Montana Stockgrowers Association, (406) 442-3420.
###
September 10, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

MSGA Comments Following Establishment of Sage Grouse Habitat Conservation Program

sage grouse signing executive order bullock montana habitat conservationOn Tuesday, September 9, Governor Steve Bullock signed an executive order establishing the Sage Grouse Habitat Conservation Program. The program has been in the works for some time with several Montana groups having opportunity to provide input on maintaining state management of the Sage Grouse species and its habitat in the state of Montana.

The Montana Stockgrowers Association has been involved in this process from the earliest stages, representing the interests our ranching family members and property owners across the state. During the development process of this plan, we recognized a few important principles

  • to keep the management of this species in our state,
  • to develop a plan with Montana priorities and values
  • and most importantly, to have a plan that works for Montana

We appreciate the work of the Advisory Council and the process in which they deployed in making recommendations. The series of meetings provided a platform in which all stakeholders could participate and provide science based information for the Council to consider. The Montana Stockgrowers Association along with our colleagues from other important Ag groups, like the Montana Farm Bureau, were able to express our interests in a fair and transparent way.

Stockgrowers feels that in-state management of the sage grouse is critical as 64% of the species’ Montana habitat is in private ownership and livestock grazing is the most common land-use activity across the sagebrush spectrum.

Even though the plan is finished, we know there is a considerable amount of work to be done. We look forward to continuing our work with Governor Bullock and his team to put forth Sage Grouse solutions that work for Montana and minimize the impact to Montana ranching families and livestock grazing.