April 9, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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MSGA brings back the Top Hand Club with Frontline Ag Sponsorship

Affiliate Mentorship ProgramHelena, Mont. – The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is excited to announce its first year partnership with  Frontline Ag. Frontline Ag is an “Official Affiliate Top Hand Club Sponsor” of the Montana Stockgrowers Association and they have been instrumental in helping MSGA to implement the Affiliate Top Hand Club for 2014. This year’s top prize will be a John Deere Gator sponsored by Frontline Ag.

The Top Hand Club is a part of Stockgrowers’ Affiliate Mentorship Program, announced earlier this year, as a renewed effort to strengthen local affiliate members across the state.

“We have been hard at work this year making plans to bring back our Top Hand Club to our membership. We could not have accomplished this without the very generous support of Frontline Ag” said Tucker Hughes, Montana Stockgrowers Association President. “John Deere makes a great, dependable product that holds up on our Montana ranches. We appreciate the commitment Frontline Ag has made to our membership and the Montana Stockgrowers Association!”

The Affiliate Top Hand Club is the Montana Stockgrowers Association’s “member-recruit-a-member” program, which has been developed to recognize those Local Affiliate Associations and members who continually give their time and effort to help increase the strength of their state organization, the Montana Stockgrowers Association.Frontline Logo

The Top Prize for the Affiliate Top Hand, a John Deere Gator from Frontline Ag, will be awarded to the Local Affiliate Association that recruits the highest number of new memberships for MSGA within the current recruitment year. The winner will be announced at MSGA’s Annual Convention to be held Dec. 11-13, 2014 in Billings at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana.

To learn more about MSGA’s 2014 Affiliate Top Hand Club and to find information on the individual membership top hand prizes please visit www.mtbeef.org.

Listen to this post as a podcast on SoundCloud! Click HERE – bit.ly/MSGATopHandFrontline

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The Montana Stockgrowers Association, a non-profit organization representing nearly 2,500 members, strives to serve, protect and advance the economic, political, environmental and cultural interests of cattle producers, the largest sector of Montana’s number one industry – agriculture.

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April 8, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Importance of Environmental Stewardship with Padlock Ranch’s Wayne Fahsholtz | Montana Rancher Q&A

Wayne Fahsholtz Padlock Ranch

Wayne Fahsholtz

Each year, the Montana Stockgrowers Association, Montana Beef Council and the Montana Stockgrowers Association’s Foundation, honors a Montana ranch that exemplifies environmental stewardship and demonstrates a commitment toward improved sustainability within their communities. This award recognizes Montana ranchers who are at the forefront in conservation and stewardship and are willing to serve as examples for other ranchers.

The Padlock Ranch, located in both Montana and Wyoming, has won both the respective state awards, and received the Regional ESAP recognition. Ranch manager Wayne Fahsholtz has worked with the ranch crew and family owners to implement outstanding stewardship practices and continues to strive daily to create an environmentally sustainable beef cattle operation. Wayne answered a few questions for us about winning the award and some advice for other ranchers:

Why do you think the Environmental Stewardship Program is important for Montana (and Wyoming)? 

The award is a way to communicate with others about good practices that are occurring on the land.  With rancher to rancher communication, we learn from each other and can improve or avoid costly mistakes.  With rancher to customer, it allows us to visit about what is happening and help dispel some of the myths about land management.  

In your opinion, what makes a Montana/Wyoming rancher a good steward of the land?

Good stewards know what condition their resource is in and have plans that will maintain or improve those resources.  

Can you give us a few examples of innovations and projects you are most proud of at the Padlock Ranch? 

The biggest impact was the implementation of a “planned time” rotational grazing system. This keeps livestock from being in pastures season long and it rotates the time of use for a pasture. It is fairly simple but has great results.  

Cattle on the Padlock RanchThe Padlock Ranch is a great example of how a beef cattle business and the western landscape can co-exist…how can other ranches follow this lead?  

One of the things that I have tried to do is to be transparent about how we operate.  Over 95% of our population is far removed from production agriculture.   We need to be creative in the ways we communicate and educate this population.  So, I would urge ranchers to share their stories and ranches with others around them that may not understand about agriculture.  

How did you feel when you learned that the Padlock Ranch was selected as both state and regional winner? 

It was a great honor and great to be able to share that with everyone involved with the ranch.  At the same time, it was humbling because I know what a good job my fellow ranchers do and to be singled out was an honor and hopefully I represented everyone well.  

Do you have any advice for ranches considering to apply for the award? 

Just do it! The application process can be intimidating but once you get started it flows fairly well. You can get help from stockgrowers staff and past winners.

Ranches wishing to apply for the award and recognition are asked to complete an application packet (available at mtbeef.org/mesap); due to the MSGA office by June 30. Nominations can be submitted by contacting the MSGA office. Ranches must be a member of the Montana Stockgrowers Association to qualify for the award. A committee, which will include representatives from Montana Stockgrowers, Montana Beef Council, past Environmental Stewardship Award winners, and others invested in Montana stewardship and conservation will evaluate the applications after all applications are completed.

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Montana Environmental Stewardship Award
April 2, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Montana Stockgrowers Seeking Applications for 2014 Environmental Stewardship Award

Montana Environmental Stewardship AwardHelena, MT – Do you know a Montana rancher who is a leader in stewardship, implementing conservation practices to ensure the social, economic, and environmental sustainability of their operation? Encourage them to apply for the Montana Environmental Stewardship Award, presented by the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA).  Applications for the 2014 award are due June 30.

Each year, MSGA honors Montana ranches that exemplify environmental stewardship and demonstrate commitment toward improved sustainability within their communities. This award recognizes Montana ranchers who are at the forefront in conservation and stewardship and are willing to serve as examples for other ranchers.

“Montana ranchers are leaders in this country when it comes to being stewards of our environment and conserving the natural resources that help make Montana such a great state to live in,” said Ryan Goodman, MSGA manager of communications. “We are asking the community to get involved in helping us identify ranches that really go above and beyond when it comes to environmental stewardship and conservation in their local areas.”

2013 Montana ESAP Award Winner – LaSalle Ranch, Havre, MT. Read more in a previous post.

Ranches wishing to apply for the award and recognition are asked to complete an application packet (available at mtbeef.org/mesap); due to the MSGA office by June 30. Nominations can be submitted by contacting the MSGA office. Ranches must be a member of the Montana Stockgrowers Association to qualify for the award. A committee, which will include representatives from Montana Stockgrowers, Montana Beef Council, past Environmental Stewardship Award winners, and others invested in Montana stewardship and conservation will evaluate the applications after all applications are completed.

The ranch chosen for the award will be announced at MSGA’s Annual Convention and Trade Show in Billings, Dec. 11-13 at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana. The Montana ESAP winner will then work with MSGA staff to prepare their application for the Regional and National Award competition, which is typically due in early March of the following year.

Since 1992, Montana Stockgrowers has honored 21 state winners, ten of whom went on to win the regional award and two named national award winners. To learn more, visit www.mtbeef.org/mesap, or contact Ryan Goodman at [email protected] or (406) 442-3420. The Montana Environmental Stewardship Award is sponsored by MSGA’s Research and Education Endowment Foundation and funded by Montana Beef Producers with Checkoff Dollars.

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March 25, 2014 5 Comments Montana Stockgrowers Association
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EPA and Army Corps Proposal Expands Clean Water Act Jurisdiction

National Cattlemens Beef USA logoWASHINGTON (March 25, 2014) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corp of Engineers (Corps) proposed an expansion of their federal authority over “waters of the United States.” The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is deeply concerned by this vast overreach by the EPA and the Administration. Under this expansion, essentially all waters in the country would be subject to regulation by the EPA and the Corps, regardless of size or continuity of flow.

Listen to the Podcast: Beltway Beef Audio -Ashley McDonald, NCBA environmental counsel, discusses the proposed rule by the EPA and the Army Corp of Engineers to expand Clean Water Act jurisdiction and the potential impacts to cattlemen and women.

“This is a step too far, even by an agency and an administration notorious for over-regulation,” said NCBA President Bob McCan, Victoria, Texas cattleman. “This proposal by EPA and the Corps would require cattlemen like me to obtain costly and burdensome permits to take care of everyday chores like moving cattle across a wet pasture or cleaning out a dugout. These permits will stifle economic growth and inhibit future prosperity without a corresponding environmental benefit. This proposed regulation and the burdensome federal permitting scheme will only hinder producers’ ability to undertake necessary tasks and, in turn, result in an exodus of ranchers from the field.”

Almost all activities on our open land will now touch a “water of the United States” under the expanded definition. For the first time, ditches are included in the definition of a “tributary” and now will come under federal jurisdiction. Activities near a jurisdictional ditch will now require a federal permit. Many cattle operations will be required to get Sec. 402 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, Sec. 404 Dredge and Fill permits or Sec. 311 Spill Prevention Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) spill plans.

“NCBA policy states we oppose expanding federal authority over non-navigable waters,” McCan said. “This proposal flies in the face of the Constitution and the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the EPA and Corps’ jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. It takes the authority Congress granted EPA beyond the scope of Congressional intent. This is an illegal act by the EPA, and we will defend the rights of our members and producers.”

The proposal will be open for public comment for 90 days. NCBA will submit comments on behalf of the over 175,000 producers it represents.

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The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy. As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef. Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or [email protected].

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March 10, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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A Day In The Life of Calving Season | Give It Everything You’ve Got

sitz angus ranch cold calving february

The temperature was 20 degrees below zero. Ranchers were dressed in not one, but two pairs of thick Carhartt coveralls. If there was any moisture at all, it froze almost immediately. At the Sitz Angus Ranch in Harrison, Montana, the weather wasn’t going to impede the work needed to be done that February day.

The cowboys spirit knows no boundaries…it was in the thick of calving season on the ranch and with temperatures as bitter as they were, the ranch crew was charged with putting the livestock’s well-being before their own comfort (like every other day) and help cows have healthy baby calves.

I followed along with Rebecca Timm and Kurt Puckett as they brought cows about to calve in from the icy, snow-covered pasture to the warm, straw-filled barn. They moved the cows in the building so the calf wouldn’t have such a temperature shock when it came out of its 100 degree home.

Even with around-the-clock care, sometimes the cows have a quick  delivery and aren’t seen in time to bring into the barn before they calve. That’s what happened the day I was on the ranch to one cow in particular.  Only a few minutes after she delivered her calf, Kurt and Rebecca found the little one and brought it in as fast as they could. He wasn’t up and moving as he should…instead, laid flat and barely was breathing. Here’s what happened…

The ranchers hypothesized that the mother cow may have accidentally sat on her calf which caused him some internal injuries and the inability to urinate. The cold weather wasn’t the only factor to his unfortunate situation. Even though the calf didn’t make it through the night, hundreds of other calves did with tender care from the ranch crew. We all wish that the one featured in the video could have been saved, but the dedicated ranchers gave everything they had for hours on its care. That’s the cowboy spirit!

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March 6, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Are You a Young Rancher in Montana?

Join the Montana Young Stockgrowers Association!

If you are a young rancher in the state of Montana, consider a membership to the Young Stockgrowers Association. It’s a great way to meet your peers from across the state, learn from veteran MSGA leadership, and take part in several priceless opportunities during the year…from events to conferences. This group is made up of young ranchers, folks involved in the cattle business, students, and those who just want to meet new friends.

The Young Stockgrowers Association meets at both the Annual Convention in Billings and at the Mid-Year Meeting. Throughout the year, there are local YSG meetings, YSG-hosted events like the Cattle Crawl and Legislative Conference. Lacey Sutherlin – Stevensville – is the chair of the YSG during 2014 and Travis Brown – Sand Springs – is vice chair. Both would be more than happy to answer any questions or help you to get involved in YSG.

Travis had the opportunity to attend the 2014 Cattle Industry Convention in Nashville last month as was mentioned earlier this week in his KRIRM Leadership feature. Today he’ll share with us a few more highlights from the trip.

Cattle Convention Perspective from Young Stockgrowers

Travis BrownIn February, at the CIC, I had the opportunity to attend on behalf of the Young Stockgrower Committee, and what a convention it was.  There was tremendous excitement for the beef business as cattlemen from across the country gathered in the midst of the highest market we have ever seen.  My personal favorite part of the convention is the trade show, the industry’s largest, and is all held within the massive Gaylord Opryland Hotel.  Businesses from across the country come to display the newest technologies in the industry, meanwhile there are live cattle demonstrations going on in the background, it is truly a sight to see.

Another highlight of the convention, and of particular interest to Young Stockgrowers are the Cattlemen’s Colleges, sponsored by Zoetis.  There are several different speakers brought in from all over the United States to discuss issues facing all parts of the beef business from the ranch gate, to the grocery store, and even around the Washington DC Beltway.  It is truly interesting to see what Millennials, consumers age 20-30, are interested in as they develop their tastes and preferences and how beef can meet their demands for the future.  Millennials are the largest generation, even bigger than the Baby Boomers, and making sure that they choose beef as their go to source for high quality, delicious, and nutritious protein will make a big difference.

Lastly the speakers and the cattle industry convention are absolutely incredible. From speakers about leadership like Capitan Phillips and Archie Manning to in-depth perspective from the true experts in the industry during the CattleFax Update there is great information to be heard.  There are some unique challenges and exciting opportunities facing the beef business as this winter draws to a close and everyone is looking forward to calving.

Find out more about the MSGA Young Stockgrowers program at mtbeef.org.

March 3, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management: Excellence in Ag Leadership Program

Travis Brown with the King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management's Dr. Clay Mathis.

Travis Brown with the King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management’s Dr. Clay Mathis.

The King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management is expanding its outreach efforts by offering a 2-year leadership course called the “Excellence in Ag Leadership Program.” Travis Brown of Sand Springs, Montana (Facebook) and the current vice-chair of MSGA’s Young Stockgrowers Association, is one of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association-elected participants.

The goal of this program is to help develop the next generation of leaders in the ranching industry through a suite of lectureships and symposia offered to individuals in the agricultural industry. By attending these training sessions, engaging in the educational opportunities, and networking with other young beef leaders, participants will pave the way for future leadership roles in the ranch community.

“It’s truly an honor to have educational institutions like King Ranch® Institute, that have a legacy of leadership and business, invest in the future,” said Travis. The first meeting of the program was held in early February at the Cattle Industry Convention in Nashville.

Travis joined several other passionate young beef leaders from across the country.

Working closely with his family on their operation in South Carolina and running Spitzer Agribusiness, participant Ben Spitzer said, “The first workshop was immensely helpful in improving myself and realizing what to focus on in my professional development.”

“Working with young leaders across our industry will help us all improve, so that we can be more of a benefit to those who we contact in our business and in our communities. Iron sharpens iron,” said Ben Neale, commercial cattleman from Tennessee and Area Sales Manager for BioZyme, Inc.

Below is a video produced by MSGA’s Lauren Chase, featuring Travis, as well as Dr. Clay Mathis, the director and endowed chair of the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management (KRIRM), part of the Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Human Sciences at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

This leadership program will continue for the next two years with meetings at the Cattle Industry Convention and in Kingsville, TX. Be sure to follow along with the participants on the King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management’s website, Facebook page and Twitter feed.

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February 12, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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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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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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January 23, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Calf Watch: Prince of the Ranch

1374609639_kate-middleton-prince-william-baby-zoomDays before the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton gave birth to Prince George, it seemed like the whole world was on “baby watch.” Reporters waited impatiently for any glimpse of the royal child and the new mother, and eagerly sought interviews with giddy citizens, anticipating his arrival.

While the birth of our calves on the ranch may not receive the same kind of international attention and hype, it is still a time to share the news…the new calves are here!

Using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest, ranchers across the country can announce the happenings of calving season by using the hashtag: #calfwatch14. Yes…this is a thing. And yes…many people use it.

This particular hashtag, combined with other hashtags like #ranchlife or #agchat, can help propel the beef story into people network’s across the world.

For example: you can share a photo of the cow who is about to calve and say: “This #Hereford cow should have her calf anytime now! We’re on standby. #calfwatch14 #ranchlife”

imagesThen, after the little kiddo is out and wobbling around, take another photo of the calf and the mother cow and post: “Calf is out and healthy. Mom is taking good care of her new baby. #calfwatch14 #ranchlife”

The more we can share what happens on a ranch, reinforcing the message that we care for the animals, the more we can help teach those not involved in agriculture about this life. Plus, let’s just be honest…new calves are cute and people love to look at cute things. By sharing the calving stage, then continuing to share content throughout the year…weaning, trailing, shipping…we can tell the whole beef story. It’s a good story to tell…so good that Prince William decided to go back to school to study agricultural management. Now, there’s a royal idea!

Follow the #calfwatch14 thread by visiting the Twitter feed.

Have #calfwatch14 photos to share? Send them to us! [email protected], mention us on Twitter (@MTstockgrowers) and post them on our Facebook page!

 

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