September 2, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Montana Rancher Q and A: Hollyn Cardani, Havre

 Hollyn Cardani isn’t an average college student. Between balancing classes, homework, and extracurricular activities, she is running her own cow herd (with her boyfriend) and trying to make it a  successful business in northern Montana. Hollyn has been an instrumental part of the Collegiate Stockgrowers at MSU-Northern club and today we learn more about her in the follow Q&A:

Hollyn Cardani and her horse.

Hollyn Cardani and her horse.

How long has your family been involved in ranching? 

Surprisingly, the Cardani ranch has not been around as long as most of the family ranches throughout Montana. My family is originally from the east coast and my father, Steve Cardani, always dreamed of owning a Montana cattle ranch. After high school he moved to Montana, married and had three kids, he worked as contractor, building homes in the Flathead Valley. It wasn’t until the early 90s that he was able to acquire his first batch of black Angus cows and the first time the DS/ brand was ever used. In 1996, my dad bought each of his kids their own cow. Every yearwhen he sold the calves from those cows, my sister, brother and I received our calf check. In the early 2000s, my dad was able to buy a ranch in Teton county between Fairfield and Augusta, Montana. It didn’t take long for the ranch to grow into a small heard of about 130 head of registered black Angus cattle.

What was your favorite part about growing up on the ranch?

My favorite part about growing up on a ranch was being with the animals, the open space and the hard, rewarding work. Before I could walk, I was on a horse, and to this day that it is still my favorite place to be. Growing up on a ranch, you’re always outside from dawn until dusk and I love that way of life. I’m so thankful for all the work we had to do growing up…at the time, it wasn’t always what I wanted to do, but now, I’m very appreciative of the life lessons I have learned from it.

Tell us about your herd.

In 2012 my boyfriend and I bought 15 cows from a ranch that I had worked for south of Chinook. Most of the cows were Red Angus and a few Black Angus. It was one of the toughest decisions we have made financially and trying to go to college while running a cow herd is harder than one might think. Calving has proved to be the toughest part…not because of the cows, but because of classes and homework. We have been very fortunate to be able to lease pasture south of Chinook for the past two summers so as we can run them close to home. We are very lucky to have the support that we do from family and friends because without them we could not have ever made it our first year in the cattle business.

I am very partial to Red Angus cattle…I like their temperament…how they handle the heat and the bugs…their hardiness and their overall beef traits. I am very proud of the type of cows we have, most of the time due to my boyfriends work schedule, I do most of the cattle handling myself. Therefore, it is imperative that the cows are easy to handle.

Riding through the Red Angus herd.

Riding through the Red Angus herd.

What have been some of the trials you’ve had to overcome?

The most difficult trial of all has been the challenge of not owning any of our own land to run the cows on. Finding pasture to lease was extremely hard our first year and there were times when we thought we would have to give up and sell the cows. But thank God for the support of our friends and family that were always able to provide us with places to fall back on.

What is one thing you wish more people knew about life on the ranch?

I wish the public knew how much money was spent every day on cattle operations…to make sure the cattle are healthy, safe and productive. The cost of fencing supplies, vaccines, feed, leases, fuel, equipment, facilities, vet bills etc, have all increased and made it harder on the family rancher. For us specifically, our costs don’t even come anywhere near to what most farmers and ranchers spend that have anywhere from 100 to 1,000 head of cattle, yet we can hardly keep up.

What does it mean to you to be able to work with your family every day?

I really like working with my family but unfortunately, unlike many family run ranches, I usually only work on my dad’s ranch on certain times of the year. Typically, I’m only there for calving, branding, weaning/shipping, haying and a few times to move or trail cows. But during those times I really enjoy it.  He has been so supportive and open minded to all of my new ideas that I bring home from college. Having a father that encourages my Red Angus interest is amazing and knowing that he is proud of his daughter that shares the same love in cattle means more to him than what breed of cattle I have.

 

Hollyn and her Red Angus cow.

Hollyn and her Red Angus cow.

What do you hope the future looks like for you?

I will be graduating from MSU Northern next spring with a degree in Agricultural Operations Technology and a minor in Ag Mechanics. I am hopeful we will be able to find a piece of land to raise and increase our cattle herd where I can put my degree to good use. With the cattle market at the highest its ever been, there’s never been a better time to be in the cattle business and that’s just where I plan on staying.

What would you say to encourage other young ranchers in Montana?

Don’t be afraid to do something different. I thought my dad would be disappointed that I chose the Red Angus breed over Black Angus, but he wasn’t…he embraced it. Experimenting with new ideas is how we learn and grow, you might be pleasantly surprised with the reaction you get.

What’s your favorite beef dish?

A nice tender grilled beef steak!

To participate in a future Q&A or to recommend someone from the Montana ranching community, please contact [email protected].

September 1, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Advocacy and Involvement Important For Young Stockgrowers

Lacey SutherlinBy Lacey Sutherlin, Stevensville, Young Stockgrowers Chair

Greetings from the Beautiful Bitterroot Valley! I just finished our annual board meetings at ORIgen last week. And it has been an exciting year in cattle genetics thus far. Semen sales are up substantially in 2014. We are tending to see in an increase in sales to commercial customers verse registered due to many people keeping replacement heifers.

While in Billings, I also attended part of the Northern June Video sale. It was exciting to see all the smiles on the producers faces that evening at dinner as many of them had sold their calves for record setting prices earlier that day. It was also mentioned that it was the first Northern Video Sale that every single lot that day sold; they did not have any no-sales recorded that day.

Back at the ranch in Stevensville, we are haying like crazy and the yields are impressive! We are done with first cutting alfalfa and are working on grain and grass now. After the finish initial rinse cycle on some of the first hay we cut, we have been able to put up some of the most beautiful green hay that I have seen in a while.

Baler wisdom: As I travel around in circles in my tractor and baler I was thinking of what advice I could give the YSG members. The most important thing I can think of is be involved and become an advocate of agriculture! We are the future of the industry and we need to everything we can to protect it. I encourage you to become involved at least on a local level and eventually a state level. I realize we are all busy but at least join an organization and pay your dues to give that organization some support to have a voice in Helena and in Washington.

I think the biggest issue we have is that people that are negative towards agriculture because they are uneducated about what we really do. And who would better to inform them than the young people living in the industry every day. I am not asking you to take on the world but I do challenge you to take moment at your local grocery to start up a conversation with a consumer or if you travel have that “elevator speech” ready to tell people who you are and what you do for them!

We had an AWESOME Young Stockgrower Meeting at Mid-Year in Miles City. In summary, we had a presentation on Social Media, a Beef Industry Update, a Land Appraisal Update, a presentation on Cover Crops and speaker about Land Prices and Ag Real Estate. We also had an excellent question and answer session to wrap-up the meeting. We are already planning a great meeting a state convention in December so make sure you plan to attend! Between now and then we have the T-Bone Classic Golf Tournament and it would be great if we could get some YSG attendance. Also October 3-5 will be the Young Ag Leadership Conference (YALC) in Bozeman. The committee has a great agenda slated for the conference and I encourage you to attend this as well.

I hope the haying season is going well for all of you and I look forward to seeing all of you along the road somewhere! If you have any questions or need info on any of the events mentioned above feel free to contact me. [email protected]

August 29, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Eastern Montana Updates from MSGA Directors

Southeastern District Update from Terry Haughian, Kinsey

Terry Haughian, MSGA Director for the Southeastern District

Terry Haughian, MSGA Director for the Southeastern District

I hope everyone has had a great summer. So far, this area has not had any real bad hail or fires. Last year this whole area was hit hard by hail, the King Valley was hit twice and the Circle County hit hard. We have had a great grass year and a great year to refill reservoirs and pits. It looks like a very good “perfect storm” year with calf markets as good as they are.

I have visited with several producers who are interested in joining MSGA because of all the issues concerning bison, water rights, sage grouse, etc. I plan to follow up after haying season is over. The good markets should help with membership this year. I believe the mid—year meetings at different venues around the state help people realize that MSGA is alive and well and a viable entity for them to take part in. I encourage all members to converse with producers in your area at the fairs, rodeo and events going on nearby. Happy Pre-Vac and shipping to all!

Northeastern District Update from Lee Cornwell, Glasgow

Lee Cornwell, MSGA Director from the Northeastern District

Lee Cornwell, MSGA Director from the Northeastern District

Things in Northeastern Montana have been busy with hay and harvest this summer. Producers have enjoyed good weather for the season as most dry land hay is already put up and the combines are rolling. Ranchers should enjoy a good Fall weaning season as calf prices are expected to remain near record highs.

Many producers have been concerned about bison management discussions throughout the state and MSGA has continued to be involved in these. Rail transportation for many grain crops has seen quite a backlog this year as farmers compete with other commodities and oil traffic. These backlogs seem to be easing up as harvest progresses and grain needs to be transported.

We have continued to be involved in discussions with the Board of Livestock concerning the DOL budget process and I believe the subcommittee focusing to correct these problems is a positive step in the right direction.

I am enjoying the opportunity to be involved in my first year on the MSGA Board of Directors and look forward to being involved in the many meetings we have scheduled this Fall season.

Wayne Slaght Ovando Montana Stockgrowers Association Board of Directors
August 22, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Director’s Update: Western Montana

By Wayne Slaght, MSGA Director, Western District

Wayne Slaght Ovando Montana Stockgrowers Association Board of DirectorsAs the second half of 2014 begins, everyone has cattle out on grass, keeping a close eye on them and putting up the hay for another Montana winter.

If you had a chance to go to the Mid-Year Stockgrowers meeting in Miles City last month, you were treated to a great event. Compliments go out to Fred, Terry, and the staff of MSGA. They did a great job of putting this amazing event together and I for one, thank you for all the blood, sweat and tears it to make it run so smoothly!

Calf prices are the hot topic right now for stock growers! We are receiving record prices for our cattle at this time. It’s great for the industry and producers everywhere are smiling about the prices we are receiving.

The local affiliate groups are working on many issues. I just attended the monthly meeting of the Rocky Mountain Stockgrowers. They are energetic groups who have many irons in the fire. I believe their president, Kim Skinner is also giving an update so, I’ll let him talk about their specific issues.

I am going to the western Montana Stockmen’s meeting later this week.

I hope all of the affiliate members are out working hard a generating more MSGA memberships and trying to win the John Deere Gator that was generously donated to us by Frontline Ag. Click here to learn more – mtbeef.org/tophand.

I am very honored to be a first year member of the Board of Directors of such a great organization. I still have a lot to learn, but am willing to help in any way I can. Should you have a need or concern, please feel free to give me a call. Hoping that summer in our great state is treating you well and that your hay crops are proving to be abundant!

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

Director’s Update on Events in North Central Montana

By Leon LaSalle, MSGA Director, North Central District

Youth participate in Super Starters events at the recent Montana Range Days

Youth participate in Super Starters events at the recent Montana Range Days

Greetings from North Central Montana where haying season is in full swing! It is not nearly as productive as last year’s record production, but we are still thankful for what we are getting. We had a dry, cold spring, which has definitely affected our production in the hay fields, and our native range is still looking good.

Since I last provided an update in February, the North Central Stockgrowers hosted the March Board meeting in Havre and treated board members, staff and local businesses to a meet-and-greet prime rib lunch.

North Central Stockgrowers President, Teddy Crowely

North Central Stockgrowers President, Teddy Crowley

I have been attending the local affiliate’s meetings on a regular basis to keep MSGA’s presence on a local level. One of the items that came out of this was MSGA working with North Central Stockgrowers to help sponsor the banquet for Montana Range Days, held at Beaver Creek County Park in June.

The North Central Stockgrowers wanted to provide the participants with a high quality BEEF dinner for their dedication to Range Days. Scott Young of Bear Paw Catering and the Havre Eagles Club served a magnificent prime rib dinner to highlight how high quality forage can produce high quality beef. Many of the long time instructors and participants commented that it was the best meal they ever had at Range Days.

North Central Stockgrowers is issuing a challenge to the South Central Stockgrowers to follow our lead and sponsor next year’s Range Days banquet. It is our hope that we have started a tradition that will carry on for years to come much like Montana Wool Growers tradition of providing a barbeque lunch for range days.

I also want to thank Fred Wacker and Terry Haughian for all their hard work on a great Mid-Year meeting. I never thought I would get to help herd cattle through Miles City or any other city for that matter.

Young Adult groups participate in the recent Montana Range Days events near Havre

Young Adult groups participate in the recent Montana Range Days events near Havre

August 19, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Local Affiliate Highlight – Crazy Mountain Stockgrowers

Affiliate Mentorship ProgramMontana Stockgrowers has a diverse group of Local Affiliate members spread across the state. Throughout the year, we hope to feature these groups and their involvement with Montana’s ranching communities. If your Local Affiliate organization has yet to be featured, contact Ryan Goodman at the MSGA office, [email protected]

This month, we feature the Crazy Mountain Stockgrowers Association, led by President, Matt Cremer of Melville. Matt can be contacted by email at [email protected].

The Crazy Mountain Stockgrowers has been busy to kick of 2014 and still has several activities planned through the Fall months. Earlier in the year, the group hosted a series of educational workshops, with the great help of their local Extension agent, Mark King.

Marty Rupt from Allied Genetics discussed EPDs (expected progeny differences) with the group, Marty helped ranchers to understand how to read the numbers and understand their application to breeding and genetics in the cowherd.

Dr. Andy Roberts from Fort Keogh led an active discussion on managing and developing replacement heifers and gave the group a good overview of the work being done at the Fort Keogh Research Laboratory. The local veterinarian, Dr. Katie Peters, also worked with ranchers in a workshop, covering the dos and don’ts of calving season.

There are always great adventures discussed around these topics when you get a good group of ranchers gathered. There will be more educational meetings this fall and winter for anyone in the area who wishes to continue their learning.

The Crazy Mountain group has been active in discussions on wildlife and environmental issues important to local ranchers. The group has been active in Yellowstone Basin Watershed meetings and Bison Discussion groups, making sure ranchers’ voices were include in the comments.

Fun activities are also on the calendar for the Crazy Mountain Stockgrowers with a golf scramble coming up in August. They are also holding a fundraiser raffle for a youth elk hunt, donated by Chuck Rein at Anchor Outfitting. If you are interested in more information on these events or others with the local affiliate, please contact Matt Cremer.

August 12, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Montana Rancher Q and A: Rose Malisani, Cascade

Rose Malisani on her horse near Cascade, MT.

Rose Malisani on her horse near Cascade, MT.

Rose Malisani and her mother, Cindy, ranch near Cascade Montana.  Rose not only helps on the family ranch, but she also is the MSU Cascade County Ag Extension agent, where she gets to help youth and local ranchers learn more about their livestock and land. If you haven’t met Rose, when you do, you will immediately have a smile on your face…she has the wonderful ability to make people laugh and feel happy. Read more about Rose and her family on today’s blog:

How long has your family been involved in ranching?

My family has been involved in agriculture for four generations. My maternal great-grandfather was a cattle and sheep buyer. He started in Windham, MT and eventually moved his family to the ranch in Cascade, MT. My maternal grandmother’s family farmed out of Geraldine, MT. Both my paternal grandparents were born in Italy and moved to the United States in the early 1900s. They started a very successful tile and terrazzo family business that is currently operated by my cousins. My dad decided to sell the family business to my uncle in the late 1970s and began ranching. My mom has some great stories of teaching the city guy how to ranch!

What was your favorite part about growing up on the ranch?

Working with my brother, Jack. He took me under his wing and taught me how to operate the tractors, fence, cuss, work with cattle, and so much more. Those were short, sweet years.

Rose Malisani Cascade 1

Trailing cattle on the ranch.

Tell us about your ranch today.

We’ve run a bred heifer operation for the last 15 years where we sell quality commercial Angus heifers to ranchers. We started running cows again in the past year and it’s fun to see calves back on the place. We also breed and ride AQHA horses. Our horses over the years have gone into the rodeo, show, ranching, jumping, and movie worlds in the United States and Canada.

What have been some of the trials you’ve had to overcome?

Life is about how you react to change. One needs to know how to roll with the punches and adjust. Sometimes a surprising change works out splendidly.

What is one thing you wish more people knew about life on the ranch?

The beauty of it. Being able to get to swing your leg over a good horse and gather cattle in the mountains is my idea of heaven. Farmers and ranchers work so hard every day to feed their family and other people’s families.

What does it mean to you to be able to work with your family every day?

The stories of days gone by. My grandparents and mom tell about when they grew up on the ranch and their dreams for the future. I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Is there anything you would have done differently on the ranch if given the chance? 

Rose and her mother, Cindy (left).

Rose and her mother, Cindy (left).

I would have to say no. I’m a firm believer on not living with regrets and when change is needed, do it. Tell us about your current job and why you are excited to be a part of agriculture in that capacity. Besides working on the ranch I am the MSU Cascade County Ag Extension agent based out of Great Falls, MT. My job is extremely exciting that some days I don’t know if I will be helping a gardener with their tomatoes, inspecting a wheat field for disease, traveling for a training, helping a rancher with nitrate tests or working with 4-H members with their horse and livestock projects. The beauty of my job is to see people and talk about my favorite topic, agriculture. I started off working for the Montana Beef Council and then the Montana Stockgrowers Association out of college and I cannot express how blessed I am to have worked Montana ranchers.

Do you have any advice for future Montana rancher generations about running a successful beef cattle business?

Open communication with family members and partners. Develop a plan and put goals in place. Partner meetings are extremely important.

What’s your favorite beef dish?

A rare steak off the grill. Can’t beat it!

Is there anything else you can share with us?

Do good work in everything you do. Be honest and helpful.

August 11, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Conference Expands Education on Issues That Matter To Young Cattlemen

By Ryan Hughes, Dillon, 2014 Montana Delegate for Young Cattlemen’s Conference

Ryan Hughes Montana Young Cattlemens Conference“Life’s hard. It is harder when you are stupid,” is a quote from a famous man we all know, John Wayne. 35 years ago in June, he moved on to greener pastures. I am not sure if there is a correlation but since June 1979 (35 years ago,) Montana has been sending delegates to the to the NCBA’s Young Cattlemen’s Conference to expand our education on matters that affect the cattle industry.

Many of you have heard the stories, known someone who has gone or have gone yourself, so I am just going to give you a quick overview of the destinations and focus more on the whirlwind of knowledge that is presented over the ten day trip.

The trip starts in Denver, CO where 60 total strangers from all over the US embark on a journey together that challenges their knowledge, ignites passions, questions the possibilities and practices, builds lifelong friendships and severely deprives you of sleep! While in Denver, we spend two days in class covering CattleFax markets, Beef Check-Off programs, how to deal with media, self-reflection and discovery pertaining to our personalities and how to deal with others, Safeway/Cargill retail perspectives, and the NCBA’s missions for the beef industry. One day we traveled to Greeley, CO to tour JBS Five River’s Feed Yard, JBS packing plant and meet with the JBS executive team.

Then off for 24 hours in Chicago, IL to tour Chicago Midway dining, Chicago Board of Trade, and OSI (massive hamburger patty processing facility). And on our final descent to Washington D.C., we are briefed on political issues challenging the beef industry, meet with our state delegations, a quick monument tour, tour the New Zealand Embassy and discuss trade, and repack our bags with an amazing experience and newly acquired insights to share and utilize with others.

Touring JBS Five Rivers

Touring JBS Five Rivers

“A goal, a love and a dream give you total control over your body and your life,” said John Wayne. I would also add your business and ranches. That really encompasses what the NCBA brought to light throughout our industry, while giving us a tour of its segments.

We are all dedicated to the same goal of being the best and providing the best product, whether we sell beef, promote beef, package beef, and feed or raise beef. There wasn’t one person that I met on the trip or I work with here at home, that doesn’t love and have a huge passion for their role in our industry. Our dreams are very similar, but tend to be focused closer to our segment of the industry rather than the entire industry. The trip really lets you look at those dreams individually and opens the doors so you can visualize the possibilities when you combine them. The NCBA really works for all the segments and strives to combine the passions and dreams of each segment to enhance our industry as a whole. I was amazed by what our beef check-off does to support and sell beef for every rancher. Their focus isn’t just on those who eat beef but also those who don’t and how they promote beef is mind boggling.

“Don’t pick a fight but if you find yourself in one I suggest you make damn sure you win,” said John Wayne. Welcome to Washington D.C. Folks, if you don’t think our way of life isn’t threatened every second of every day, I would like to be in the spot you are hiding. The amount of legislation that is proposed which affects us and our livelihoods is astonishing. The number of teams assembled and amount of money spent just trying to ensure we can continue raising beef is staggering. I know I can’t be there every day to fight for my beliefs so I am dang sure going to support the people who do! And your 10 minute phone call to a representative goes a long way. Do it because your opposition is making those calls.

Thank you to the Montana Stockgrowers, the Research and Education Endowment Foundation and everyone who made this trip possible. It is an amazing opportunity that you should attend. “We’re burning daylight,” said John Wayne.

August 7, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

REEF Welcomes Gary Adams as new Trustee

Gary Adams of Billings

Gary Adams of Billings

At the recent meeting for the Trustees of the Research and Education Endowment Foundation, Gary Adams of Billings joined as the newest Trustee. We welcome Gary and are excited about the enthusiasm and experience he brings to REEF! Below is a brief introduction and statement he provided for us. Learn more about our work at mtbeef.org/reef.

I would like to thank the Research and Education Endowment Foundation of Montana Stockgrowers Association for asking me to serve on their Board of Trustees.

For the past 25 years I have worked for the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch and Foundation, engaged with ranchers all across Montana.  Many of those ranchers are members and directors for MSGA. I don’t know a better way to give back to MSGA and its membership for all they have done for the kids at YBGR, than to offer my skills to the Foundation’s Board.

Many of MSGA’s members are calf donors to YBGR to our programs.  Several of our kids from YBGR attend MSGA’s Annual Convention with a shoe-shining booth.  That is their way of saying “thank you” to the members of the MSGA for their support.

One of the goals I hope to bring to MSGA’s Foundation Board is a greater awareness of the creative options available to MSGA members in passing on their ranch to the next generation and ways to eliminate the amount of taxes paid through the sale of the land, cattle and machinery. At the heart of both organizations is the desire to help youth and to educate through agriculture.  Again, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve.

August 4, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
Share:

Stockgrowers Foundation Announces Change in Leadership


Foundation Logo - ColorAt their recent Mid Year meeting in Miles City, the Research and Education Endowment Foundation of the Montana Stockgrowers Association (REEF) announced a change in leadership as Townsend rancher Dusty Hahn finished his five-year term as Foundation Chairman. John Grande of Martinsdale will serve as the newly elected Chairman and Gary Adams of Billings will join the REEF Board as a new Trustee.

“It’s been an honor to have served as the Foundation Chairman for the last five years,” according to Dusty Hahn. “In my nine years as a Trustee, I really feel that the Foundation has helped Montana Stockgrowers become a more proactive organization, and that has been a great benefit to our membership.”

Under Hahn’s leadership, the Foundation has evolved from managing a handful of small projects into one that tackles larger, more complex projects. REEF is a strong supporter of youth and outreach programs in the Montana ranching community, funding projects that raise awareness of Montana ranching families and documenting their work through a detailed book and video series.

The Foundation also sponsors a young rancher from Montana each year to attend the Young Cattlemen’s Conference; which helps participants gain exposure to national industry programs while visiting Denver, Chicago and Washington D.C.

Martinsdale rancher, John Grande, is excited about the opportunities ahead as he takes the reins of the Foundation. “It is a privilege to be asked to take this on and I look forward to the challenge,” says Grande.

“After serving the Foundation for the past five years I have become more familiar with how we have done things to date. Taking over as Chair is an opportunity to guide the Foundation in some new directions as well as sharpening the focus on current activities.”

Grande looks forward to developing new projects for REEF that will help grow the Foundation’s endowment, which in turn to provides scholarship opportunities for students and research programs that benefit members of the Montana ranching community.

“Change is inevitable and I look forward to the exciting change coming for the future of Montana ranching, while feeling confident that some things will not change,” says Grande.

“Great advances will be made in genetics, animal health, nutrition, cattle management, and many other areas, and the Stockgrowers’ Foundation can, and should, play a role in these advances. What will not change is that we will still have dedicated people living on the land, taking care of our environmental and animal resources, while providing a healthy, nutritious product for consumers worldwide.”

Gary Adams of Billings has been active with Montana’s non-profits, serving with the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch and Foundation, engaging with ranchers across Montana for the past 25 years. “I don’t know a better way to give back to MSGA and its membership for all they have done for the kids at YBGR, than to offer my skills to REEF,” says Adams. “At the heart of both organizations is the desire to help youth and to educate through agriculture.”

In his role as Trustee for MSGA’s Foundation, Adams hopes to bring a greater awareness of the creative options available to MSGA members in passing on their ranch to the next generation and ways to eliminate the amount of taxes paid through the sale of the land, cattle and machinery.

The Research and Education Endowment Foundation of the Montana Stockgrowers Association 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. 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.