July 29, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Montana Rancher Feature Q&A: Lillian Ostendorf

Lillian and Tom Ostendorf.

Lillian and Tom Ostendorf.

Lillian and her husband, Tom, own and operate the Ostendorf Red Angus Ranch near Powderville, Montana. They are working to not only run a successful cattle business, but to be able to pass the ranch on to the next generation when the time is right. This family business means the world to the Ostendorfs…read more in today’s Q&A feature with Lillian:

How long has your family been involved in ranching?

Lillian Ostendorf (age 1) with her father.

Lillian Ostendorf (age 1) with her father.

My Norwegian grandparents came to this country and settled here around the time my Dad was born in 1917. The Orestad’s started a ranch on a section of land in Powder River County. My Dad grew up there and worked for ranches like the WL and the Brown Ranch. Dad met and married my Mom in Sioux City, IA. He worked for the stockyards, and later the Milwaukee railroad. They saved their money and bought their first section of land at the head of Ash Creek, in Custer County. From that section of land, our ranch has grown to about 17 sections, including the original Powder River section and the land that Tom and I bought and combined with my parents. (Dad passed away in 2004.)

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

My favorite part of growing up on the ranch was being my Dad’s sidekick, because it usually involved horses and riding. Whenever we didn’t have something to do, I could be found at the corral with the horses. I learned to ride bareback quite proficiently at an early age. I might not have been able to lift the saddle, but the old horse would let me bridle him and stand by the feed bunk until I scrabbled on.

Tell us about your ranch today.

Ostendorf Red Angus Ranch

Ostendorf Red Angus Ranch

Today our ranch consists of a herd of Red Angus cattle instead of Herefords, like Dad had. Using AI and Quality natural sires we have established a Registered Red Angus Herd and sell bulls. We have installed waterlines, cross fences, and established good grazing practices. Hay is more abundant on our dry land ranch since we developed alfalfa meadows and plant peas and hay barley for feed instead of wheat. Aaron and Mollie Phipps (our daughter) and the two grand boys are working with us on the ranch. Our son Steve has cattle and involvement in the ranch even though he is an engineer and works for an oil company in Minot. Even our daughter, Martha who writes for the JD Furrow magazine, comes out from Miles City to help on occasion. We continue to work the ranch in family style tradition.

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

A few of the most trying setbacks we had to overcome were, a hailstorm that knocked out probably the best wheat and hay crop we have ever raised, a prairie fire that burned our ranch and neighboring ranches in 1996, but still probably the most devastating was the drought of 1988. Our ponds all went dry and grass was scarce. We had to move our cattle and my parent’s cattle to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in S.D. for the summer. It was really hard to keep watch over them that far away in 100 degree day temperatures. We hired a cowboy to check on them regularly and we made many trips that summer to fix fence and bring cattle back to their pastures. We were able to keep our cattle herd and bring them home in the fall.

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

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Ostendorf Red Angus Ranch

Our ranch and cattle is not only our livelihood, but it is our backyard where we live and raise our families. We take pride in being good stewards of the land and work to make it sustain life not only for humans and cattle, but for the wildlife to co-exist as well.

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

Working together with our family who fully understands our dedication and expectations towards the animals and the ranch, makes our life whole. Children grow up here learning about trials and responsibility side by side with grandparents and parents, to become responsible caring adults. It’s an indescribable prideful feeling, when after college they want to continue on the ranching tradition or they are responsible employees in another field.

How would describe “building a legacy” on the ranch?

Our goal has been to preserve the basic land we have making improvements that sustain it for the future. Improved grazing practices, waterlines, solar power wells, buffer grass strips in the water ways all contribute to the overall sustainability and wellbeing of continuing the heritage of a ranch, while improving the number of animals it will support. Teaching methods and patience to contribute to the humane handling of cattle, like being Beef Quality Assurance certified on our ranch is important to us. Do you have any advice for future Montana rancher generations about running a successful beef cattle business? Figure your expenses a little higher and cattle prices lower than you anticipate and enjoy it when it works out better than you figured. Keep extra cattle feed on hand for those unexpected long winters and storms. Treat your cattle, your helpers, and the land well and they will reward you back. Trials will come along, persevere and work your way through them. It is a great next year country!

Ostendorf Red Angus Ranch

Ostendorf Red Angus Ranch

What’s your favorite beef dish?

A medium rare beef steak grilled with a baked potato and salad has to be my favorite meal.

Is there anything else you can share with us?

Different problems face this generation. One of the biggest issues we face, in my opinion, is the challenge of our private property rights from the government. Interpretations of rules from government agencies like the EPA’s attempt at new definition of the Waters of the US that would establish their jurisdiction over dry ditches and creeks that only carry water once or twice a year will threaten ordinary practices on our ranches, like mending a ditch. The definition of the waters of the United States is only those “navigable” waters. The Supreme Court never intended for EPA to rule on dry streams and ditches, proven by two previous Supreme Court cases. It takes time away from our ranches to talk to legislators about these issues.

July 22, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Martinsdale Rancher Becomes Foundation Chairman

The Montana Stockgrowers Association’s Foundation is happy to announce that John Grande of Martinsdale, Montana is our newly elected Chairman. He will serve in this position for five years and guide the Trustee board in innovations, awarding scholarships and funding educational and research programs that better the Montana ranching community. In the following Q&A, Mr. Grande shares his thoughts on the future of the Foundation and his new role…

John Grande, MSGA Foundation Chairman

John Grande, MSGA Foundation Chairman

What are the projects you are most excited about being a part of for the Foundation?

I am excited about a mixture of the traditional and the new. For years the foundation has funded projects like the Young Cattlemen’s Conference, the Young Stockgrowers’ Conference, and Montana Range Days, and these remain projects which are vitally important in training our future leaders.  New projects such as what we are doing with social networking are tremendously exciting.  This allows us to look outside of our own group and take our message to a broader audience of people who have little knowledge of the Montana cattle industry and let them know what we do on a daily basis to care for our animals and our environmental and human resources.  Even newer, we have some potential projects on the drawing board which are not ready for announcement, but could prove very beneficial to the industry.

What does it mean to you to be chairman of the Foundation?

It is a privilege to be asked to take this on and I look forward to the challenge.  After serving on the foundation for five years I’ve become more familiar with how we’ve 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.

What are a few things you are hoping to accomplish during your chairmanship?

First, I would like to take some time to work on focusing our board on what we’re currently doing and where we want to go.  I’d like the trustees to take some time to evaluate our goals and think about what our roles and responsibilities as trustees should be.  Then we need to move forward on new projects.  I would like to significantly grow the size of our endowment, and the opportunity is here.  However, there is no point in growing the endowment just for the sake of growth. The point is to identify specific projects that will move our industry forward, and then grow the endowment for the purpose of being able to fund these projects.

Why is a Foundation important for the Montana Stockgrowers Association?

The foundation is an important avenue for funding education and research projects that benefit the members of the Montana Stockgrowers.  There are valuable projects that the Association should move forward with which cannot be funded by members’ dues dollars alone.  The Foundation provides a 501(c)(3) vehicle to which tax-deductible contributions can be made, allowing donors the benefit of the deduction, as well as of funding important projects.

What do you hope the future of Montana ranching looks like? 

Change is inevitable and I look forward to the exciting change coming, while feeling confident that some things will not change.  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 won’t change is that we will still have dedicated people living on the land, taking care of the environmental and animal resources, and providing a healthy, nutritious product for consumers worldwide.

Anything else to add?

Just that I owe a great debt of gratitude to those who have come before serving the Stockgrowers’ Foundation – to those who had the foresight to create it, to those who have managed it for decades, and to all the donors who have funded it.  Specifically I’d thank Dusty Hahn who has served as chairman of the foundation for the past four years and guided us ably into a new era of creative projects to work on.

To learn more about the MSGA Foundation, please visit us at www.mtbeef.org/reef and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

July 21, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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What Does Stockgrowers Do For Montana Ranching?

Ray Marxer Montana rancherBy Ray Marxer, Twin Bridges, MSGA Western District Director

How about this cattle market! Our district has had quite a winter and spring with a lot of variation in snow and rain. Most of the area has had lots of winter snow and cold and adequate spring rain. However, the southwestern portion had little snow and is lacking for moisture.

This is typical of our member driven organization. We all have our own challenges and sometimes the same ones, but they may affect each of us in a different way. Thus, the need for an organization like MSGA to help us all both understand each other’s point of view and come up with the best solutions for all. Recently Tucker Hughes, our President asked the directors for 3 things MSGA has done for the Montana ranching community. This is my reply:

1: I value the fact that MSGA is a member driven organization that is involved in many issues and is not made up of primarily (VICTIM) members. I liken this organization to bull selection for a sustainable profitable business. We do not concentrate on just one issue, but prioritize numerous important ones to be effective. Similar to using multiple traits in bull selection instead of just a couple.

2: MSGA provides a platform or opportunity for a sharing of ideas, concerns, and options among a very diverse group of people. We receive input from members, affiliates, staff and numerous segments of our industry, suppliers and consumers. A great deal of effort has been implemented this year to increase the involvement of our affiliate organizations and the members at the local level. What a great opportunity for a local affiliate to win a John Deere Gator through the Top Hand program!

3: MSGA staff is one of the most professional and effective organizational staffs I have been involved with. They do a great job of the everyday nuts and bolts operation of a complex organization plus they keep us updated and informed on the large scale issues that affect us all. Most of us do not take the time to think about things beyond our gate. That may have worked ok in the past but not now in this age of instant information. Our staff is ahead of the curve on the electronic information and is patiently dragging some of us along to be more effective. How about the newsletter in electronic form!

This is my fourth and final year on the board for MSGA and I value the time spent and the great folks I have gotten to know and work with. I encourage you all to get involved if you are not and help us to build membership and a stronger organization. For you Western district members, I challenge you to nominate some ranches for the Environmental Stewardship Award Program and submit some nominees to take my place on the board in December.

Membership in this organization is very affordable regardless of the size of your operation thanks to the new membership level created by your board for the operations with 1 to 60 head. Check for the details in coming months and on the website, mtbeef.org!

Hope you all have a great summer filled with safety, prosperity, and fun.

July 15, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Montana Rancher Q and A: Cam Cooper, Talon Ranch

Camron “Cam” Cooper of Twin Bridges, Montana had her sights set on running a cattle ranch and about twenty years ago, she was able to accomplish that dream. Cam owns the Talon Ranch which is both a commercial and registered seedstock Angus operation. Cam’s heart reaches far beyond the borders of Montana. She is leaving her entire estate to the Angus Foundation and established a scholarship program to help the nation’s young cattle raisers. Today on the blog, we feature Cam…her work, her ranch, her generosity…

Cam Cooper Talon Ranch 2.jpg

Camron “Cam” Cooper at home on the Talon Ranch

How long have you been involved in ranching?

I got started on my own about 20 years ago. I was a newcomer to the cattle business. In 1996, I bought my first commercial cattle and a few registered Angus which I kept adding to. Then in 2003, I sold all the commercial cows and became completely a registered Angus seedstock operation.

Why did you want to get involved in the cattle business?

It’s in my genetics. I had a cowboy granddad in Missouri, and in the 1920s, he moved out to California. I was born there in 1939. When I was 4-years-old, he bought me my first horse and I was hooked. Many years later, I was looking for a good spot to retire and In 1994, I moved to Montana.

Why did you chose to settle in Montana?

I visited Montana several times for business and had always loved those trips. The state just seemed opened and away from it all. I knew this is where I wanted to retire.

It seems like there is good ranch community support in your area. Do you agree?

I didn’t know very much when I first got into the business, but luckily my neighbors and those involved in the Angus breed helped me quite a bit. They are all very passionate about Angus and its benefits for the national cowherd. I work with the Sitz Angus Ranch in Dillon…they’ve been terrific and a huge support system.

Cam Cooper Talon Ranch Sign.jpgWhat are some of things you’ve learned over the years?

There is a great need for flexibility in the cattle business. You can have the best plan in the world…the best breeding genetics, but sometimes, it just doesn’t turn out like you wanted. Instead of beating your head against the fence post, you better shift gears. There are a number of things you have no control over so learn to deal with it.

Do you have any advice for young people in the ranching business?

Every situation is different and you can’t generalize. Get experience first and define your goals and objectives. But be ready to use that flexibility. You can’t just do it by the seat your pants.

What are your favorite days on the ranch?

I love the calving season…especially at the beginning. It’s one of the most rewarding things. But the thing is, the reward comes from all the hard work you put into the rest of the ranch year…everything from the preparation of the breeding season, (making sure your genetics are set up properly for the herd because it ends up being like a chess game when selecting genetics) to the actual breeding season…and later, the calving season. It’s labor intensive and a 24-hour a day job. We not only have to monitor the calves, but also constantly check the health of the momma cows…often times in drastically cold weather.

What else would you like our readers to know about?

It’s important for ranchers to stand up for what they’re doing. We raise cattle properly…from animal care to land stewardship. We have to do our best, because if not, we’re out of business. We also want to create the most satisfactory experience for the beef consumer we can. It takes time, money and great effort.

Cam Cooper Talon Ranch Mountains.jpgTell us more about the future of your ranch and your scholarship program.

My estate in entirety is going to be left to the Angus Foundation to provide scholarships for students interested in animal husbandry and cattle business operations. The Talon Ranch Scholarship has been up and running for 5 years. It just is so gratifying to provide this money to students who may not have had another means to get an opportunity. It warms my heart.

A word of thanks from Milford Jenkins, Angus Foundation president:

“Cam’s undergraduate and graduate scholarships through her Angus/Talon Youth Educational Learning Program Endowment Fund in the Angus Foundation have literally transformed the lives of the outstanding and deserving youth selected to be the recipients of her prestigious scholarships. A consummate visionary, Cam has a keen understanding and appreciation for the importance of investing today in the next generation who will be tomorrow’s leaders of our beef cattle and agricultural related industries, communities, schools, states and nation.  The Angus Foundation, Angus/Talon scholarship recipients, their families and those that follow in the years to come whose lives will forever be enriched by Cam’s selfless philanthropy, will always owe her a huge debt of gratitude.  She truly is an inspiration to all of us!”

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July 1, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Montana Rancher Q&A Feature: Curt Pate on Stockmanship

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Curt Pate at Stockmanship Clinic.

Many of us have had the pleasure of attending one of Curt Pate’s stockmanship and stewardship clinics, and today, we would like to feature him in our Montana Rancher Q&A spotlight. Curt has a keen eye for handling livestock, but also, a great ability to teach. He is a blessed with a wonderful family that supports him and has passion for cattle, too.

Tell us about your family’s history with ranching in Montana. 

My grandfather, Leonard Frank, was a cattle trader and a butcher in the Helena Valley, and owned several different small places there.  My wife Tammy’s kinfolk all ranched in the Ryegate area, and we currently own and live on a small place their along with a small place in Texas.

Please tell us about your current work in the cattle industry.

My focus and work is stockmanship and stewardship demonstrations and clinics.  I work in the U.S. and Canada.  I contract with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association to help promote Beef Quality Assurance practices.

How did you become interested in livestock stewardship practices?

I have always worked with horses to get them to handling better, and when I started hearing about some things with cattle, it just made sense to get better. It has become a passion.  The two go so well together.

Why is it important for Montana’s ranchers, and ranchers across the country, to implement safe livestock handling procedures?

Profit, safety, and marketing to the consumer.  In that order.

Do you think working with family in business is a good idea? Why?

Mesa and Tammy Pate

Mesa and Tammy Pate

I think it is good if it is done right.  Ranching properly is very challenging.  There must be discipline and direction, and time management is so important.  It is a business that requires traditional skills that take time to develop, and technology to keep up with the world we are trying to keep up with and market our products.

What other work is your family involved with? 

My son Rial is one that stays out of the spotlight, but really cares about tradition, the environment, and working properly with animals. (And having a good time while he is doing it).

Mesa is very involved in the bucking bull business and has become very well known.  The thing that people don’t know is how hard she works.  She can do anything from drive a semi to rope bulls and drag them out of the arena.  She likes to write and is real good at promoting the western lifestyle.

My wife Tammy does horsemanship/yoga clinics, helps run my business and also is very involved in the bucking bull world.  She also builds boots, remodels houses, and is a great cook.

What would you say about the value of growing up on a ranch?

I just can’t see how anyone not growing up on a ranch or in agriculture can learn all the lessons needed to live a full life.  I think it may be why we have so many challenges facing society today.

What is one piece of advice you can offer to Montana’s young ranchers about running a successful business?

9Make sure your skill level is higher than your debt level.

What is one thing you wish beef consumers knew more about?

I wish they knew how important grazing animals are for sustaining our environment.  I can’t understand why something that nature has been doing for so long can be looked at as bad.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I think ranchers must remember that we are selling to a customer of our product.  We need to listen to what the customer is saying and provide what the customer wants.  We should all remember that people don’t have to eat beef, but want to eat beef.  It’s our job to produce what they want.  I think we can use tradition, technology and the strong moral values that Montana ranchers have to do just that.

For more information on Curt’s clinics, please visit his website by clicking here.

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June 30, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Townsend Rancher Completes Foundation Chair Term

By Dusty Hahn, Outgoing Montana Stockgrowers Association’s Foundation Chairman

Dusty Hahn of Townsend, Montana.

Dusty Hahn of Townsend, Montana.

It’s been an honor to have served as the Foundation chairman for the last 5 years. In my 9 years as a Trustee, I’ve gotten to help evolve the Foundation from one that had a handful of small projects into one that tackles larger, more complex projects. 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.

The two programs that I feel are a great benefit to MSGA, and I’ve been proud to be a part of, are the Young Cattleman’s Conference (YCC), and the multimedia outreach campaign. The YCC has been part of the Foundation since before I came on board. The multimedia campaign is a relatively new program. Both programs serve to educate MSGA members and enhance the image of our business. The YCC is an integral part of producing new leaders in the livestock industry. The multimedia campaign is putting consumers back in touch with producers in the country, allowing them to put a human face with the products in the store. The Foundation is the vehicle that allows great projects like these to come to fruition.

MSGA and agriculture in general continuously needs talented new leaders to guide us through the challenges the future presents. It is imperative that we not only provide tools for our younger members to excel , but challenge them to make themselves the best leaders they can be. One of the Foundation’s goals is to equip our younger members to meet the future’s challenges head on.

I’m looking forward to continued prosperity in the ranching business, and I’m excited about the many opportunities for the next generation to return to the country and the ranch. I think that even though we are a small percentage of the population, our voice is well respected. And I am excited to have consumers worldwide wanting to learn, see, and interact with Montana ranchers. It will benefit everyone to have the actual producers relaying information about what we do to the end consumers of our products.

June 24, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Fantastic Outcome for Foundation at MSGA’s Mid-Year Meeting

MSGA's Foundation Trustees at Mid-Year Meeting 2014.

MSGA’s Foundation Trustees at Mid-Year Meeting 2014.

The 2014 Montana Stockgrowers Association’s Mid Year Meeting in Miles City provided a fantastic outcome for the Research & Education Endowment Foundation (REEF). At multiple fundraising events throughout Mid Year, the Foundation brought in generous donations, totaling more than $15,000, to help support Montana’s youth via scholarships and educational opportunities for the ranching community.

This year, the Foundation was lucky to receive many auction items donated from Montana ranchers and the community. REEF trustees also hosted a fundraiser pancake breakfast for meeting attendees on Saturday morning. The proceeds from the events go to the Foundation’s scholarship funds.

This year’s auction items included an original commissioned David Graham painting, along with several prints, featuring generations working together on the ranch; a beautiful saddle from the Pilster family of Alzada, honoring their late son, Shawn Pilster; and a Montana State University football package that consisted of Athletic Director box seats and a gift certificate to Ferraros in Bozeman. The auction items brought in over $13,500 to support REEF scholarship funds.

During the Ranch Tour dinner, the Foundation honored this year’s Montana Educational Heritage Scholarship winner, Ariel Overstreet-Adkins. She is currently attending law school at the University of Montana with hopes to one day help Montana’s ranchers with legal issues in the areas of Natural Resources.

The Foundation also transitioned its chairman seat from Dusty Hahn of Townsend to John Grande of Martinsdale. “I’ve really enjoyed my time on the Trustee board and seeing the Foundation go to the next level in educating youth and our membership,” said Hahn after completing his five year term as REEF Chairman. Nancy Ereaux of Malta was voted in as vice-chair.

If you missed this year’s Mid-Year Meeting and would like to contribute to the Foundation, please visit www.mtbeef.org/reef to learn about ways you can help. Also, follow us on Facebook and Twitter for daily news and features.

We want to thank those in attendance for their support of the Foundation. The Montana ranching community wouldn’t be the same without you.

Foundation Trustees with auction items.jpg

Some of the Foundation Trustees pictured with the auctioned saddle and painting.

Ariel Overstreet-Adkins with Dusty Hahn.

Ariel Overstreet-Adkins with Dusty Hahn.

Dusty Hahn, Outgoing Foundation Chairman

Dusty Hahn, Outgoing Foundation Chairman

John Grande, Incoming Foundation Chairman

John Grande, Incoming Foundation Chairman

 

June 18, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Stockgrowers Continue Tradition, Host Mid Year in Miles City

MSGA Directors Jim Steinbeisser and Jack Holden in the Parade in Downtown Miles City

MSGA Directors Jim Steinbeisser and Jack Holden in the Parade in Downtown Miles City

The 2014 Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) Mid-Year Meeting drew over 300 ranchers from across the state for policy meetings and MSGA’s annual Ranch Tour. The meeting also hosted several events for the community, including a concert with the Bellamy Brothers, an All-Horse/Livestock Parade through downtown, and the Miles City Ranch Rodeo.

Here are some of the highlights from the 2014 MSGA Mid-Year Meeting:

-Opening General Session featured Bob McCan, Texas Cattleman and President of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. McCan discussed several issues affecting Montana ranchers today. The NCBA continues working on rancher’s behalf including the EPA’s Waters of the U.S. proposed ruling, and foreign trade opportunities.

-The 2014 MSGA Ranch Tour began at the Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Center where ranchers learned more about the Center’s research work with forage establishment, cow longevity and grazing recovery following range fires. MSGA then traveled to the Range Riders Museum and WaterWorks Art Museum. Finally, the tour traveled to OptiBlend Industries to learn about work in the oil and gas fields, which has a large impact on the economy in Eastern Montana.

The Stockgrowers Ford at Mac's Ford in Miles City

The Stockgrowers Ford at Mac’s Ford in Miles City

-Following the Ranch Tour, a delicious dinner was served at the Eastern Montana Fairgrounds. MSGA’s Research and Education Endowment Foundation (REEF) awarded Ariel Overstreet-Adkins of Helena the 2014 MSGA Educational Heritage Scholarship and held a fund-raiser auction to benefit education programs. The auction included a commissioned painting by local artist David Graham and a saddle donated in memory of the late-Shawn Pilster. The saddle garnered over $10,000 for REEF programs in a rollover auction.

-The community of Miles City also joined in on the Mid Year festivities. On Friday night, the Bellamy Brothers came to the Eastern Montana Fairgrounds for a well-attended concert opened by Copper Mountain Band. On Saturday morning, prior to the Miles City Ranch Rodeo, Stockgrowers hosted an All-Horse/Livestock parade through downtown.

-Two interim policies were passed through during committee meetings on Friday and Saturday mornings. The Beef Production & Marketing Committee passed interim policy in opposition of proposed importation of beef products from Brazil due to concerns of Foot and Mouth Disease being brought to the U.S. The Land Use & Environment Committee passed interim policy regarding the Montana Water Court, encouraging the completion of adjudication.

Ranchers in Policy Meetings at Miles Community College

Ranchers in Policy Meetings at Miles Community College

-The Membership Development & Services Committee passed a new dues structure that will allow Montana’s small ranchers to join MSGA through a fair-share dues structure. Rancher dues for those owning 1-60 head of cattle are now set at $75. Higher due levels are set for those ranchers owning larger numbers of cattle as a part of the dues structure.

-The Young Stockgrowers held a meeting on Thursday afternoon with five featured speakers. Topics ranged from changes in antibiotic use in livestock, soil management, land appraisals, market outlooks and advocacy.

-Mid-Year photos can be seen on MSGA’s Flickr page – bit.ly/2014MidYearPhotos.

-Plans are already underway for MSGA’s Annual Convention and Trade Show, which will be held Dec. 11-13 in Billings at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana. Watch for more information to be announced at mtbeef.org.

June 17, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Montana Rancher Q&A Feature: Wanda Pinnow, Montana CattleWomen President

Montana Ranchers Wanda and Craig Pinnow of Baker

Wanda Pinnow with husband, Craig.

Wanda Pinnow of Baker, Montana is currently serving as the Montana CattleWomen Association’s president and has spent her life raising cattle and sheep on her family’s ranch. Like all businesses, running the ranch hasn’t always been easy, but the work created a life that Wanda and her family are passionate about and are excited to pass that joy on to the next generation. Read more about Wanda in the follow Q&A: 

How long has your family been involved in ranching?

My grandfather homesteaded the farm that I grew up on in 1913.  My parents had cattle, grain crops, forage and a garden that would feed us for the year.  I learned early that we all had a purpose on the farm.  Dad worked part time in the oilfield to help pay the bills.  Mom milked three cows to feed our 20 bum lambs, (summer project).  At an early age, I was outside helping my parents work the farm.  We all learned early how to ride the square baler so we could make sure the bales fell correctly.  My dad’s idea of Sunday family fun was hauling 600 square bales.   My husband, Craig, and I were married in 1980, after two years of living in town, his grandfather (maternal side) asked us to move onto his place.  We became cattle owners! In 1988, we moved to the farm (where we live now) that my husband grew up on.  We purchased Bracket Butte Ranch two years later.  Our greatest joy was making our last payment for the ranch.

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

My favorite part of growing up on the farm was all ranch seasons: winter was feeding calves, cows, and of course, snowmobiling. Spring was the birth of all of the babies.  We couldn’t wait to see what the milk cows would have, for they would be our pets.  Branding was time for all of our neighbors to get together.  Horseback riding to move cattle, pulling rye out of the wheat field, and just play time on our horses.  Summer was a really busy time, fixing fence, swathing, baling then right into combining and seeding, there was never a dull time on the farm and my Parents made us a part of all of it.  They taught us well, so we would know what to do when they were not there.

Tell us about your ranch today.

Montana Charolais Cattle in BakerOn our ranch today, we have a cow-calf pairs that are Black Angus cross mommas and we use Charolais bulls.   We also run Ramboulet cross ewes with Hampshire bucks. It is just Craig and I out working on a daily basis, but our son wants to come back someday when the ranch can support two families.

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

In 1993, we bought some replacement heifers and one of the heifers was a carrier of BVD.  We were told that they had had all of their pre-breeding shots.  We bought 50 head and 30 of the 50 lost or aborted their calves.  It also affected us the following next two years.  Our weights were down and we had a lot of sick calves.  The sheep were also affected the following year. This is a very bad disease.  Our marriage of 13 years almost did not survive this trial.

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

Bracket Butte Ranch in Baker MontanaOne thing I wished people knew about ranch life is that the livestock and the care of land are very important to us. We do not take being stewards of the land very lightly.  God put us here to be care takers and to flourish and live off of the land.

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

To be able to work with my family is an honor.  Our grandchildren come  over and I get such joy teaching them how to be caretakers of the land and animals, just as my parents taught me, and I taught my children.

How would describe “building a legacy” on the ranch? 

Baker Montana Ranching Pinnow FamilyOur son and daughters know how we do things on the ranch. They have come to understand that you do take care of the land to make it a renewable resource every year.  You need to take care of your livestock properly by feeding minerals, giving vaccinations yearly, and making sure that they have proper nutrition.

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

Ranchers can’t be big spenders. You will need to have an outside income to help support your household.  Look in to the Farm Service Agency and see what kind of loans they have for beginners.

What is your favorite part about being the Montana CattleWomen president? Why did you decide to lead this group of ladies? 

Visiting and sharing ideas with the members from around the state.  I knew that I wanted to be president after a year of being State Beef Ed Chairman.  I was impressed by how many schools and students we were able to teach using the Beef Ed curriculum!

What’s your favorite beef dish?

Montana CattleWomen President Wanda Pinnow of BakerEye of round roast slow cooked with potatoes, carrots, onions, and a gravy sauce.

Is there anything else you can share with us?

The young people  today feel that they are too busy to belong to Beef  Industry organizations.  Our industry would greatly benefit If they only realized that “to have a voice in our industry they need to be involved”.

If you’d like to see more of Wanda’s Montana ranch adventures, you can follow her on Twitter: @Wanda_Pinnow.

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June 9, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Northeast Montana Update | Bakken and ranchers

By Jim Steinbeisser. Sidney, Northeast Region Director

jim steinbeisser, sidney montanaBy the end of May, spring is finally underway! This sure is a great time to be in the cattle business, isn’t it? Strong cattle markets and with that, positive balance sheets for our individual businesses, give us an opportunity to reevaluate where we focus our resources.

Being from the Sidney area in the heart of the Bakken oil boom, I am asked occasionally what it is like to ranch in the middle of all that. I will say it is mostly good. The economy of the area is certainly strong! We have many buildings going up, more businesses starting and more people coming to live here. However, there is a down side. The roads are busier than I would like although after the initial drilling, the traffic does lessen. Crime has increased some and housing is in short supply but even now, it is starting to catch up. Overall, it is a net benefit for our communities. As drilling expands to areas not very experienced with the oil activity, I would encourage landowners and renters to talk to folks who have already been through the process of leases, easements, etc. You do not need to make all the mistakes that have been made by ranchers in the past. Just pick up your phone and call. It could be very helpful!

Being on the MSGA board now for the second year, I can really see the issues that need to be and are being addressed. Your very competent staff is not only working on the front-page issues that we read about or hear about but also working on the smaller, lesser-known issues that are equally important. The board members, officers and staff take all the challenges that we, as an industry face very seriously. Everyone is encouraged to contact us with any concern they may have or just to share their thoughts on a matter. We really are working to build an even better communication channel between the leadership and the members of this great organization.

The newly developed AMP (Affiliate Mentorship Program) will also help us with building dialog with our affiliates. Please get to know the program and its benefits. It is worth knowing, for example, that there is the Affiliate Top Hand Club where your local affiliate can win a John Deere Gator, generously donated by Frontline Ag! Be sure to check the newsletter or our website for all the details! I hope to see you in Miles City for our Mid-Year Meeting in June 13 & 14. It will be a grand time with good meetings and good fun.

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