January 29, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Laramie Pursley: 2014 Miss Rodeo Montana

Laramie Pursley

The Montana Stockgrowers Association was lucky to find one young lady in the northern part of the state to help start and lead one of our collegiate clubs. Laramie Pursley of Chinook jumped at the opportunity to help at MSU-Northern in Havre. She has done other things to support MSGA as well…like volunteering at Convention and being a participant in the Mentorship Program. These are just a few reasons why we are proud of her, but recently, she impressed us yet again! Laramie competed in her local rodeo circuit and was just crowned Miss Rodeo Montana.

I interviewed Laramie on her reaction to winning the title and what her hopes are for the year…

What does it mean to you to be crowned Miss Rodeo Montana? It means a whole lot! Rodeo queens are people I have always looked up to and what they represent.

What is the activity as queen that you’re most excited about? I am most excited about traveling and seeing the great state. When you go to school 20 minutes from where you graduated… it’s a big opportunity to get to travel and meet people.

How does it feel that many young Montana girls will be looking up to you as a role model? That makes me want to work hard and be someone they can ask questions to about rodeo and life. I really want to encourage girls to run for these titles! There are local queen contests all over the state.

What is your favorite part about rodeo? My favorite part about rodeo is the tradition it represents; the hard work it takes; accomplishments that are felt when you win, and the family-friendly atmosphere it portrays.

What are your hopes for the next year as queen? My hopes as Queen are to represent women, rodeo and the Montana the best I can, encourage future queens, endorse the farming/ranching lifestyle, and so on… I have lots of hopes!

What was your reaction when you found out you would be Miss Rodeo Montana? My reaction was just surprise! Even though I was the only contestant… I had to compete for a certain score at the pageant. It was really nerve-racking 

What does Montana rodeo mean to you? Montana Rodeo means a lot, this really is the Last Best Place!

What does Montana mean to you? Montana means the world to me! I love this state in its diversity and traditional country way of life.

 

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Public Lands Council Internship
January 20, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Washington D.C. intern: Working on behalf of Montana’s Ranchers


IMAG0813The Montana Stockgrowers Association’s Foundation is proud to support our state’s bright and talented youth as they explore opportunities across the country. This fall, we sponsored Rachel Abeh of Livingston, Montana to intern with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association in Washington D.C. During her time there, she worked with the NCBA and Public Lands Council team as they worked on behalf of not only Montana ranchers, but the nation’s beef producers.

If you are interested in helping us send more students, like this one, on once in a lifetime trips, please consider donating to the Foundation today.

 

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January 16, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Bloomberg News: Baker, Montana Rancher managing cattle in the cold

Dean Wang Ranch LandscapeAs temperatures dipped to a record minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 32 Celsius), the crew at Dean Wang’s ranch in Baker,Montana, increased alfalfa-hay rations to give his cattle more energy during the arctic blast.

“Cattle are requiring more feed in order to just maintain their body temperature, instead of putting that extra energy into gaining weight,” said Wang, 46, who has about 850 cows that will calve this spring and 550 young cattle. “This year, everyone started feeding a little earlier than what they would have liked, because of the heavy snow and the cold.”

The deep freeze that swept across the U.S. last week, disrupting travel and boosting fuel use, is compounding stress on a shrinking domestic beef industry already struggling with high costs and weather shocks. While crops from oranges to winter wheat avoided major damage, the cold slowed the growth of livestock and extended a rally in Chicago cattle futures to a record, signaling higher beef costs for restaurants including McDonald’s Corp. (MCD) and Texas Roadhouse Inc.

Dean Wang - Baker MontanaThe U.S. cattle herd contracted for six straight years to the smallest since 1952, government data show. A record drought in 2011 destroyed pastures in Texas, the top producing state, followed the next year by a surge in feed-grain prices during the worst Midwest dry spell since the 1930s. Fewer cattle will mean production in the $85 billion beef industry drops to a 20-year low in 2014, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said.

Read the entire article from Elizabeth Campbell on Bloomberg News – Shivering Cattle Signal Higher McDonald’s Beef Cost: Commodities.

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Montana Stockgrowers Association Board of Directors Mick Denowh Sidney
January 16, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Mick Denowh of Sidney completes term on Montana Stockgrowers Board of Directors

Montana Stockgrowers Association Board of Directors Mick Denowh Sidney

This week we are highlighting three Montana ranchers who just finished their terms on the MSGA Board of Directors. We are very thankful for all of the ranchers and their families who dedicate time to making sure our organization operates smoothly and continues to serve Montana Ranching Families well into the future.

Mick Denowh of Sidney has completed two terms on the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) Board of Directors representing the Northeastern District. His peers elected Mick to the 13-member board in 2009 and re-elected in 2011. Denowh was honored for his service at MSGA’s 129th Annual Convention and Trade Show at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana in Billings, Dec. 12-14.

“Mick had a long distance to travel to most MSGA meetings, but only missed one meeting due to his family’s spring bull sale,” says MSGA President, Tucker Hughes of Stanford. “Mick is attentive but quiet, a good quality when serving on a board with ranchers. He and his wife Debbie were always involved and I can speak for the entire board in saying we have enjoyed serving with Mick and thank him for his four years of service.”

Mick, along with Paul and Chad Denowh, run Gartner-Denowh Angus Ranch, a fourth-generation Seedstock operation. Mick is the ranch’s president. GDAR, which consists of two ranches located 35 miles apart, has been raising registered Angus since 1957.

Montana Stockgrowers Association Board of Directors Mick Denowh SidneyMick and his wife Debra have four children, Chad, Charles, Chase and Chantz, two daughter-in-laws Jennifer and Barbara, and two grandchildren Danica and Cambree.

Mick is a member of the American Angus Association, served on the Montana Angus Association Board of Directors for three years and has been a delegate to the AAA national convention numerous times. He is a member of the MONDAK Stockgrowers Association and served as 4-H leader from 1988-2006. Mick served on the Richland Youth Hockey Board of Directors for three years and was chair of the Fireworks Booth & Bulls R. Us.

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Montana Stockgrowers Association Board of Directors member Mark Harrison and wife Patti
January 15, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Mark Harrison of Belt completes term on Montana Stockgrowers Board of Directors

Montana Stockgrowers Association Board of Directors member Mark Harrison and wife PattiThis week we are highlighting three Montana ranchers who just finished their terms on the MSGA Board of Directors. We are very thankful for all of the ranchers and their families who dedicate time to making sure our organization operates smoothly and continues to serve Montana Ranching Families well into the future.

Mark Harrison of Belt has completed two terms on the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) Board of Directors representing the North Central District. His peers elected Mark to the 13-member board in 2010 and re-elected in 2012. Mark was honored for his service at MSGA’s 129th Annual Convention and Trade Show at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana in Billings, Dec. 12-14.

“Due to health complications, Mark chose to shorten his second term on the Board of Directors, but we are very pleased to hear his health is improving,” says MSGA President, Tucker Hughes of Stanford. “Mark, his wife Patti, their whole family and crew have been great supporters of MSGA and our ranching communities. “Mark has been an outspoken leader for the ranching communities. His ability to ask the tough question at our board meetings without being offensive is an admirable quality. He and Patti have always been willing to step up to the plate when events needed to be hosted, such as our Mid Year event in 2012”

The Harrison family moved to Montana in 2003. Mark and Patti purchased the old Jolly Roger ranch near Belt and have been building their own registered Angus Seedstock herd since then. The Harrisons also run a commercial herd; around 400 pairs total. Harrison Land & Livestock held their first production sale in March of 2010.

Montana Stockgrowers Association Board of Directors Mark Harrison and Gene Curry

Mark and Patti have four children. Their two oldest sons, Matt and Joe, live and work on the ranch. Nathan serves in the Army. Elizabeth is currently in college.

Prior to moving to Montana, Mark served on the Foundation Board for Aquinas High School in La Crosse, Wis. and on the American Red Cross Board in La Crosse.

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This week we are highlighting three Montana ranchers who just finished their terms on the MSGA Board of Directors. We are very thankful for all of the ranchers and their families who dedicate time to making sure our organization operates smoothly and continues to serve Montana Ranching Families well into the future.

Young Cattlemen's Conference Montana Application
January 14, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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The Young Cattlemen’s Conference, Trip of a Lifetime

Is your dream to travel the country and learn about the different aspects of the beef industry? The Montana Stockgrowers Association’s Foundation, along with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, can send you on this once in a lifetime trip… via the Young Cattlemen’s Conference.

Denver, Chicago, Washington D.C.

Young Cattlemen's Conference Montana ApplicationEach summer, NCBA takes around 62 participants from across the US on a multi-city, two-week journey through the beef supply chain. The tour will begin in Denver with a comprehensive overview of the industry.  The group will take an in-depth look at many of the issues affecting the beef industry and what NCBA is doing to address these issues on behalf of its members, plus receive a comprehensive view of market information from Cattle-Fax.

The group will then travel to JBS Five Rivers’ Kuner Feedyard, one of the nation’s largest cattle feeding operations, a one-time capacity of over 100,000 head located in Northern Colorado.  They will then tour the JBS Greeley facility, one of the nation’s largest beef packing and processing plants.  JBS will host the group and will be sharing with them their views of the beef industry from a processor standpoint.

Chicago is the next destination.  Here the group will visit the Chicago Board of Trade & OSI, Inc. one of the nation’s premiere beef patty manufacturers. The participants will then travel to the nation’s Capitol.  They will get a chance to meet with their respective congressmen and senators.  In addition, the group will visit with a number of regulatory agencies that make decisions affecting agriculture.

Last YCC trip, Montana’s representative Travis Brown had the wonderful opportunity to testify on behalf of Montana’s ranchers at the House Natural Resources Committee Hearing.

Apply for YCC by February 15th

Are you interested in participating this summer? MSGA’s Research & Education Endowment Foundation will select one applicant to send on the YCC trip – covering the conference tuition expenses and $500 in airfare. It is packed-full of adventure, education and networking with fellow young cattlemen and women…and it serves as an experience that will impact the way you view the beef industry for the rest of your life.

Fill out your 2014 Montana YCC application online – bit.ly/YCC14MSGA

“The Montana Stockgrowers Association and Foundation is committed to investing in the development and education of leaders in the agriculture business, and the Foundation sees a positive return on the investment in the Young Cattlemen’s Conference delegates,” said Dusty Hahn, Foundation chairman.

MSGA’s Foundation is only able to send one participant per year. This year’s application deadline is Feb. 15. To apply, you must be between the ages of 25-50 and can commit to two weeks this June. Please contact the MSGA office to get the application: (406) 442-3420 and for more information, email MSGA’s Lauren Chase at [email protected].

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Heath and Kiley Martinell children, Dell Montana Ranching Family
January 14, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Heath Martinell of Dell completes term on Montana Stockgrowers Board of Directors

Heath and Kiley Martinell children, Dell Montana Ranching FamilyThis week we are highlighting three Montana ranchers who just finished their terms on the MSGA Board of Directors. We are very thankful for all of the ranchers and their families who dedicate time to making sure our organization operates smoothly and continues to serve Montana Ranching Families well into the future.

Heath Martinell of Dell has completed two terms on the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) Board of Directors representing the Western District. His peers elected Heath to the 13-member board in 2009 and re-elected in 2011. Martinell was honored for his service at MSGA’s 129th Annual Convention and Trade Show at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana in Billings, Dec. 12-14.

“It has been great to interact with Heath and his family from their ranch at Dell to the MSGA Board rooms,” says MSGA President, Tucker Hughes of Stanford. “Heath, his wife Kiley, and children Macie, Taryn and Kalen, are an example of the young ranching families MSGA wants to represent as we move forward. After seeing firsthand the foundation of Heath’s family ranch, it is easy to understand why a very young man elected to the board has served with integrity and devotion.”

“I would like to thank the MSGA membership for allowing me the chance to represent the Western district on the Board of Directors for the pasts four years,” said Heath. “It has been a terrific experience, allowing me to meet many great people from all over Montana.”

“Serving on this board has given me greater insight to the value of this organization. It has been very humbling and motivating to see the countless hours put into the betterment of our industry by so many committed members. Our organization is lucky to have an excellent, professional office staff, serving our needs on a variety of complex issues,” continues Martinell. “I would like to say thank you to the staff, current and past board member, officers, and the MSGA membership for your friendship and continued efforts in our industry.”

Heath and Kiley Martinell children, Dell Montana Ranching Family

Heath and his father, Allen, run a cow/calf operation with their wives in Dell, Mont. Their ranch has been in operation since 1893. Heath’s wife, Kiley, and mother, Yvonne, are very involved with the ranch. Late in 2013, Heath’s wife Kiley was elected to represent Montana Stockgrowers on the Montana Beef Council Board of Directors. The main ranch is at Dell and their summer range is in the Centennial Valley. The Martinells raise most of their own hay and sell weaned feeder calves.

Heath has served as a board member and is a past president of the Southwest Montana Stockmen’s Association. He has also served on the Lima Community Church Board since 2005.

Heath Marinell, retiring Montana Stockgrowers Association Board Member

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December 23, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Glenna Stucky of Avon named “Ranching Woman of the Year”

Glenna Stucky Avon - Ranching Woman of the Year - Montana StockgrowersGlenna Stucky of Avon was honored as “Ranching Woman of the Year” by the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA), Saturday, Dec. 14 during their 129th Annual Convention and Trade Show at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana in Billings. Stucky, wife of Earl Stucky, was excited to win the award and was joined on stage by her family. Stucky was nominated for the award by her granddaughter, Billie Jo Holzer.

Here is her biography, as written by Billie Jo:

Glenna was born and raised in Bozeman, Montana. Her youth consisted of 4-H, sewing, cooking, playing the piano for dances with her dad. Her 4-H years led her to her husband Earl Stucky.

In their early years of marriage, Glenna worked at the state 4-H office while she and Earl were 4-H leaders. They raised five kids on the ranch once known as Flying D. While Earl was away at cow camp, Glenna was often home alone with the kids, taking care of all the ranch chores, plus her chickens, milk cows and harvesting a bountiful garden. Her outside passions were passed down to her kids and grandkids.

Glenna and Earl then moved the family to the Keiley Ranch in 1976, which they purchased north of Avon. Glenna shared her brilliance in sewing, cooking, and gardening not only with her own kids and with grandkids, but enriched many 4-H’ers during her 35-year leadership role.

Glenna helped start the Powell County Cattlewomen and is a current member of the district and state Cattlewomen associations. One of her other loves is the Avon Get-Together Club which is a fundraising club for the community and is on her 21st year.

On the ranch Glenna still keeps books for 1000+ head operation, feeds the hired men and takes care of her five milk cows and a dozen plus orphan calves. An encounter with a hostile heifer during calving, that laid her up for a time, has not slowed her down and she still takes her checks during that busy season. Caking heifers with her daughter every spring morning and making sure the shelves are stocked with vaccines and medical supplies for the ranch are still some of her daily duties.

Her family looks up to her in so many ways and truly believe she is the rock of the family. Strong, loving, gracious, and dedicated are a few of her fine qualities.  Yes, Glenna Stucky is a ranch woman pioneer, passing down the legacy to her kids and grandkids with grace and love.

Family friends Ed and Bev Fryer add that even after raising her family, Glenna seems busier than ever. Glenna is always “helping at whatever ranch duties that she is called upon to do, volunteering at community events, and still being a mother, and especially a grandmother to her ever growing family. She has had her share of challenges, but still maintains a cheerful and positive attitude on life. She is just one of those people that you know when you meet them that they are very happy and successful being a Ranch Woman.”

The Ranching Woman of the Year Award is an annual honor given during MSGA’s Annual Convention and Trade Show. Contact the MSGA office at (406) 442-3420 to find out how you can nominate someone for next year. Visit MSGA on the web at www.mtbeef.org.

December 18, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Convention Perspective from Rich Roth

rich roth ix ranch montana stockgrowers

See more blog coverage from the 129th Annual Stockgrowers Convention by clicking here.

Today’s perspective of Convention comes to us from Rich Roth, IX Ranch, Big Sandy, Montana.

The 2013 MSGA Convention was very well attended and the overall attitude and outlook for the next year was positive. I was encouraged to see lots of young faces and excitement about the future of the industry.

There was a lot of passion when it came to important issues such as water rights. I was impressed that members took the time to research, talk to neighbors and ultimately draft resolutions that they felt strongly about. Equally impressive was the ability to discuss, amend and agree to disagree.

Utilizing technology has given our industry the opportunity to not only tell the ranching story, it has helped those living it to communicate within. Tools like Facebook enable us to read and see how a rancher in another part of the state is doing and communicate on a moment’s notice about an important topic being discussed. Smart phones have enabled agencies like the Department of Livestock to put all the state brands into a mobile app that allows us to check a stray cow’s brand and find out who it belongs to within minutes. What an exciting time to be in the ranching business and to be a part of such a great organization.

More about the IX Ranch and the Roth Family

Rich Roth IX Ranch Big Sandy MontanaThe IX Ranch is located south-east of a small town called Big Sandy in the mixed-grass prairie of north central Montana. The ranch extends through the southern edge of the Bear Paw mountain range and on east towards the Missouri River. The ranch encompasses a wide variety of terrain from rolling hills and willow creek bottoms to jagged river breaks and mountains.

Since 1955, the main goal of IX Ranch has been to raise high quality feeder cattle while maintaining natural resources in the way Mother Nature intended. The IX strives for perfection in all aspects of the operation. From the range they manage and the animals’ welfare, to employees and the conditions they work in everyday. The Roth family continues to keep an eye on the future and look forward to the many challenges and opportunities that exist in this ever-changing industry.

Three generations strong, the IX Ranch continues a family tradition of ranching with a commitment to excellence in environmental stewardship and livestock production. Steve Roth – CEO – oversees all ranch operations. In 2008 Steve finished his second and final year as President of the Montana Stockgrowers Association. He is also actively involved in many committees and agencies concerning government policy, water and private land rights, and environmental issues. Karen is involved in many activities but focuses most of her attention on her grandchildren and keeping Steve on the straight and narrow.

Rich Roth returned to the ranch in 2001 after spending 10 years in the field of agricultural commodity marketing. Along with day-to-day ranch activities, he is responsible for marketing the ranch’s livestock and maintaining the ranch’s extensive range management software. He also administers the ranch website, ranch safety program and internship program. He is a member of the Montana Stockgrowers Association, NCBA, Big Sandy Water Conservation Board and Rotary. Richard has two children, Jessica and Ryan, who are active in both school sports and ranch activities. Both love the outdoors and being on the ranch. Jessica loves horses and wants to be a large animal vet and Ryan, well we don’t know about him yet but he likes things that go fast.

Learn more about the IX ranch on their website, blog, and Facebook.

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Montana Stockgrowers Big Sky Boots Rancher Christmas Gift Ideas
December 10, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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5 Reasons Why Big Sky Boots is the Perfect Christmas Present

Montana Stockgrowers Big Sky Boots Book Rancher Christmas Gift IdeasWondering what to get Dad for Christmas? Why not get him something he will enjoy for years to come! The Montana Stockgrowers Association’s Big Sky Boots makes the perfect Christmas present and here’s why:

1. CAN’T TAKE YOUR EYES OFF OF IT—There are nearly 200 pages of  picturesque Montana ranches, great cattle and hard-working cowboys. Spend hours curled up in your favorite chair and flip through the pages, learning all about what it takes to run a Montana family ranch.

2. ENGAGING WITH CONSUMERS—Big Sky Boots is not just for your family involved in agriculture. This book can help teach the public about where their beef comes from…and what better gift for your New York City friend than something that showcases Montana family ranching!

3. SUPPORT THE STOCKGROWERS—Help support the Montana Stockgrowers Association’s Research, Education and Endowment Foundation, as well as keeping the Montana Family Ranching Series going strong through your purchases of the book.

Montana Stockgrowers Big Sky Boots Book Rancher Christmas Gift Ideas4. SPECIAL OFFER — Buy Big Sky Boots between now and December 15 and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Atlas Blizzard Rancher Relief Fund.

5. NO ASSEMBLY REQUIRED—Big Sky Boots will arrive to you in a pre-assembled box. All you will need to do it put the wrapping paper and a bow on it and place it under the tree! It’s that easy!

Purchase your copy of Big Sky Boots from the Montana Stockgrowers Association’s online store.