Christmas Gifts From Montana Ranching Families

If you have not already started your Christmas shopping this year, it might be a good idea to take a look at that list. We’re only a few weeks from the Holiday and there’s no better time to begin. Montana Stockgrowers has a few gifts that will help you share the spirit of Montana’s ranching traditions with friends and families across the country.


The Weak Ones Turned Back – The Cowards Never Started ($50.00; MSGA Store)

MSGA to reprint book “The Weak Ones Turned Back, The Cowards Never Started: A Century of Ranching in Montana”

The Weak Ones Turned Back, The Cowards Never Started: A Century of Ranching in Montana celebrates the long tradition of ranching in Montana, highlighting the stories of 142 ranch families that have been living and working on the same land for over 100 years. Commissioned by the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) to commemorate its 125th Anniversary in 2009, the book honors the perseverance, courage and forward thinking of those who were able to pass their family ranch down the generations and help shape Montana as it is today. The Wills family in Potomac, Montana is one of the families featured in this book.

Big Sky Boots – Working Seasons of a Montana Cowboy ($45.00; MSGA Store)

Big Sky Boots

The first book of the Montana Family Ranching Series: a photographic story-telling project of the Montana Stockgrowers Association. In “Big Sky Boots” readers can journey through the ranching year and learn about the great people that take care of the land, livestock and their families. This first book focuses on the cowboys themselves; the men and the seasons. Throughout the book are interactive QR codes that allow readers to watch videos of the ranching families featured in each section. Proceeds from the book benefit our Research and Education Endowment Foundation.

Ladies and Livestock – Life on the Ranch ($14.99; iTunes Store)

Ladies and Livestock cover

This digital book is an exploration of the roles of Montana women on the ranch and features over 130 pages of stories, photographs and video features of the ladies who raise livestock, care for the land, and build their family’s legacy on Montana ranches. Not only are these Montana women working on the ranch, many have jobs in town, volunteer in their communities, and are involved in the legislation process of issues affecting agriculture. “This book is meant to be an educational tool for anyone who wants to learn more about where their beef comes from, and understand the lives of the people who raise the cattle. Ladies and Livestock is a journey through the life of a woman on a Montana ranch. Not only can a reader see photographs, but can hear the woman tell her own story and see the emotion on her face as she talks about how important her family is to her. Proceeds from the book benefit our Research and Education Endowment Foundation.

Montana Ranching Scene Cards ($15.00/10 cards; MSGA Store)

winter ranching note cards

Looking for a gift for someone who enjoys sending a note of thanks throughout the year? These blank cards come in a set of 10 cards, 2 of each design and come with envelopes. The cards feature scenes throughout the seasons on local Montana family ranches and are the perfect gift for that person who loves to drop a handwritten note of appreciation. Proceeds from the cards benefit our Research and Education Endowment Foundation.

Montana Stockgrowers Ranch Signs ($25.00; MSGA Store)

Montana Ranch Sign

Finally, looking for a gift to display around your place? Why not display a brand that has been around since 1884! Show your support for the Montana Stockgrowers Association on the front gate or on the barn door with this sturdy ranch sign that is sure to stand the test of time. 18″ x 24″; .032# Aluminum ranch sign displaying the Montana Stockgrowers Association logo and slogan – Keeping Tradition Alive… Ranching for the Future!

Montana Rancher Feature: When Wildfire Takes Over

Map via KXLH

Map via KXLH

Montana Stockgrowers Association‘s members are no strangers to Mother Nature and are subject to floods, fires, storms, and much more during the year. In 2012, southeast Montana experienced severe wildfire damage. In this video, Marian Hanson of Ashland explains how the Ash Creek Fire Complex affected her ranch and how they plan to move on. This video is part of the Montana Family Ranching Project.

Even though Marian, along with many other Montana ranchers, experienced devastating losses from the fire, the persevering spirit helped them to overcome the tragedy and start again. Nearly a year and a half has passed and every day, these ranchers are still reminded of what happened…whether it’s having to rebuild fence, seek financial assistance, or simply compare stories from the event with neighbors. Ash Creek Montana Fire Burns Ranches

Marian and her daughter Jackie Musgrove will be featured in the Montana Stockgrowers second volume of the Montana Family Ranching Series coffee table book: Ladies and Livestock. This book will be released in digital format for the iPad. Be checking back for details of its release. Please email Lauren for more information: [email protected].

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Heath and Kiley Martinell children, Dell Montana Ranching Family

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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Montana Ranchers’ Thanksgiving 2013

By Lauren Chase for the Montana Stockgrowers Association and Foundation

Montana’s ranch families would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. As we prepared for this celebration, we asked some Montana ranchers what they are thankful for. Below is a compilation of their responses.

As the MSGA and the Foundation, we are grateful for our members who work day in and day out to provide the world with safe, healthy, environmentally wholesome beef to the world. Each one of you are gems to the industry and we are thankful that you let us represent you. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Thanksgiving 2013 - Janet Goggins Endecott

Thanksgiving 2013 - Bob MortonThanksgiving 2013 - Heather Quigley

Thanksgiving 2013 - Billie Jo Holzer

Thanksgiving 2013Thanksgiving 2013 - Terlene KellerThanksgiving 2013 - Maggie Nutter

Thanksgiving 2013 - Austin Swanson Thanksgiving 2013 - Bree Swanson

 

Montana Stockgrowers Foundation Logo

Montana Stockgrowers Foundation on Social Media

Montana Stockgrowers Foundation LogoHelp Tell the Story of Montana Family Ranching

If you have been browsing Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest lately, you may have seen our newly launched Foundation social media accounts. MSGA’s Research, Education and Endowment Foundation is vital to helping our ranch community thrive…through scholarship opportunities, grants, avenues of public outreach and much more.

Members of MSGA can appreciate the philanthropy of REEF, but we don’t want to stop there. This is why we have created a social media platform for all the Foundation’s work. Having these outreach tools like Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest allows for us to have a much broader reach, connect with other foundations and nonprofits and explore even more ways we can help Montana and the world.

Like the development of the MSGA social media platform, REEF will build its network and create innovate ways to promote Montana ranchers. Even though we are one state association, the products we produce ultimately go beyond our borders and feed the world. REEF is here to help make sure this continues to happen. By using public relations strategies, we can bring in more people, organizations and foundations to help with educational programs and philanthropic endeavors.

Screen Shot 2013-10-08 at 11.18.26 AMWe can’t do it alone!

If you have any ideas or information to share, please contact Lauren Chase: [email protected]. If you are interested in donating to REEF, please visit: www.mtbeef.org. Together we can help educate the future of Montana ranchers, help keep our legacy growing strong and help the feed world.

Social media sites:

***Help spread the word! Share these sites with all of your family friends! 

Lauren Chase Madison Martin Ryan Goodman #SocialBeef Social Media Training

Social Media Training and Workshop – Tennessee Beef Industry Council – #SocialBeef

Social media is an important tool for the beef industry, for marketing cattle, educating consumers and sharing farm & ranch stories. On Oct. 17, 2013, the Tennessee Beef Industry Council invited speakers, Ryan Goodman and Lauren Chase of the Montana Stockgrowers Association, to teach a social media overview and workshop for Tennessee beef producers. These cattlemen and women learned how to utilize Facebook, Twitter, Blogging, Instagram and Pinterest for their farms and ranches. They also heard from Pamela Bartholomew from the TN Dept. of Ag about the “Pick TN Products” program.

Goodman and Chase encouraged participants to use the hashtag “#socialbeef” in their future posts to create a community of beef producers using social media. Feel free to contact them at:

@AgProudRyan
@LaurenMSea
@TNBeefCouncil
@MTStockgrowers

Lauren Chase Madison Martin Ryan Goodman #SocialBeef Social Media Training

Montana Stockgrowers 2013 Film Festival Logo

2nd Annual Montana Stockgrowers Film Festival

Montana Stockgrowers 2013 Film Festival LogoOn any ranch, there are countless stories to be told. Get out your video cameras and help tell the story of Montana family ranching to the world. Create a documentary, photo slide shows, or how-to videos. As long as it involves ranching, we’ll take it. The videos will then be published on the MSGA YouTube channel and Facebook page.

Your online vote, along with votes at annual convention, will determine the winner. Don’t worry – you’ll get a prize for your hard work!

Please send your entries to Lauren either on a DVD or by email by NOVEMBER 1. If you need help editing your video or have any questions, please contact Lauren.

Own a piece of Montana history!

MSGA still has copies of “The Weak Ones Turned Back, The Cowards Never Started: A Century of Ranching in Montana” available. The book features 142 Montana ranches that were 100 years or older in 2009. Copies are $50 each, including shipping and handling. Click below to download the order form which you can call, fax, or mail in.
Book Order Form

The Weak Ones Turned Back, The Cowards Never Started: A Century of Ranch…

The Montana Stockgrowers Association captured many of the stories of Montana’s centennial ranches in a commemorative book to celebrate the association’s 125th Anniversary, “The Weak Ones Turned Back, The Cowards Never Started: A Century of Ranching in Montana.” The Wills family in Potomac, Montana is one of 142 families featured in this book.
To purchase your own copy, please call MSGA: (406) 442-3420 or visit us online: www.mtbeef.org.
This video is brought to you by MSGA’s Research, Education, and Endowment Foundation.

MSGA to reprint book “The Weak Ones Turned Back, The Cowards Never Started: A Century of Ranching in Montana”

The Board of Directors of the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) recently approved a second printing of the association’s popular book “The Weak Ones Turned Back, The Cowards Never Started: A Century of Ranching in Montana.” The book was compiled in 2009 to celebrate MSGA’s 125th Anniversary and features 142 Montana ranches 100 years of age or older. At the time of the first printing, the ranches included in the book were all working livestock operations that had been in the same family and in the same location as when they were established over a century ago.

The stories and photographs of these ranches comprise 472 pages in this commemorative hard-bound book, edited by Linda Grosskopf and Nancy Morrison. The cover features a JK Ralston painting, “The Weak Ones Turned Back, The Cowards Never Started” owned by Montana cattle industry notable, Pat Goggins, who also contributed a Foreword to the book. Several original drawings by Aubry Smith are included in the book, which also contains more than 1,000 photographs. The second printing of “The Weak Ones Turned Back, The Cowards Never Started: A Century of Ranching in Montana” will be available in Summer 2010.

“We’re very excited to offer a second printing of this important book,” said Tom Hougen, MSGA president. “The stories of these ranches are a tribute to the perseverance and tradition of ranching in Montana. Each story is inspiring—demonstrating the raw grit and determination it took to sustain a family ranch over the past 100 years. This book honors a way of life that has helped make Montana what it is today.”

MSGA is currently taking pre-orders for “The Weak Ones Turned Back, The Cowards Never Started: A Century of Ranching in Montana.” The price is $50, including shipping and handling. Click here to place an order online. Or click here to download an order form to mail in with payment. For more information or to order over the phone, call MSGA at (406) 442-3420.