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 21, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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American National CattleWomen, President Barbara Jackson

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The Montana Stockgrowers Association was happy to have the American National CattleWomen president, Barbara Jackson, at our annual convention this past December. She gave us an inspirational talk about the need to advocate for the beef industry and why it’s important for women to get involved at our local, state, and national levels. Watch the video below to hear Barbara’s story and the goals of ANCW for 2014.

Would you like to join the ANCW? Visit www.ancw.org. Also, be sure to check out the Montana CattleWomen’s website for ways to be involved at the state level.

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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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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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Derrell Peel is the Charles Breedlove Professor of Agribusiness in the Department of Agricultural Economics
January 13, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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2014 Cattle Market Outlook with Darrell Peel

Dr. Darrell Peel, Oklahoma State University Livestock Economist visits with us at the 129th annual Montana Stockgrowers Convention and Trade Show with an outlook on what we can expect from the cattle markets and trends looking forward to 2014.

Dr. Peel lead two workshops at the 129th annual convention in Billings and discussed the 2014 cattle market outlook and trends with ranchers in attendance. To read more about Convention highlights, click here for more posts on the blog.

 

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Century of Montana Family Ranching History Book
December 2, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Gift Ideas: A Century of Montana Family Ranching

Century of Montana Family Ranching History BookIt’s hard to believe, but the Christmas shopping season is well upon us and the days of 2013 are counting down quickly. There are many gifting options out there for your ranching family, but some may be hard to choose from. The MSGA store is a great place to start and find some personalized gifts that really embracing Montana’s ranching heritage.

One of those gifts available in the MSGA store is a book that chronicles 142 Montana family century ranches. For a ranch to exist and continue in a family for more than 100 years is truly a signal of sustainability and Montana Stockgrowers is proud to have a book that chronicles both the good and bad times for these ranching families.

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. While the heart of the book is the 142 ranch stories and accompanying historical photographs, there are also other treasures to be found within its pages, including 37 pen-and-ink drawings by Aubry Smith, photographs of MSGA’s presidents and executive vice presidents, a timeline of important events in MSGA’s history, historical sidebars, and timelines to help tell the story of ranching in Montana over the last century. This book demonstrates the importance of the relationship between some of Montana’s oldest and most enduring ranches and the Montana Stockgrowers Association.

The Weak Ones Turned Back, The Cowards never Started: A Century of Ranching in Montana tells the heart-wrenching and inspiring stories of the ranch families who have endured with great fortitude through the ups and downs of life on the sometimes unforgiving lands of Montana over the past 100 years. The book has all of the ingredients of a great story, with tales of love and death, success and failure, family and community. This collection of family histories tells the history of Montana, from a territory to a state, and demonstrates the sustainability of not only an industry, but a way of life. MSGA hopes that this commemorative masterpiece will be cherished by ranchers and non-ranchers alike for years to come.

“Great ranches are not made of the dirt, water, wind and grass that comprise their environment. They are formed and sustained by the character of the people attached to them… These are not just stories of Mon­tana ranches. They tell the story of America at her best…a superb tribute to the heritage of Montana and the American West.”
— Charles P. Schroeder, Executive Director, National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum

To get your own copy of the book along with several other Holiday ranching gifts, check out the Store at MTbeef.org.