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DNRC - Ranchers in Phillips County will showcase their history and land management practices on the 2010 Governor’s Range Tour, scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 14, and Wednesday, Sept. 15, in Malta, Mont.The first day of the tour will head to south Phillips County, stopping at a vantage point where five ranchers will discuss range management practices. Craig French, chairman of the Phillips County Range Committee, will open with an introduction on the tour theme, “Preserving Our Prairie Neighborhood.” Vicki Olson of the Double O Ranch will follow with a talk on homesteads, family roots and the history of land use. Next will be Leo Barthelmess of Barthelmess Ranch, Corp., discussing grazing management, recovering the land and the Taylor Grazing Act. Bill French of French Farming, Inc., will discuss water spreading, water rights and the importance of hay for a healthy range. The stop will wrap up with Kevin Koss of Mule Tracks Cattle Co. and a talk on diversification an
Read MoreMSGA's manager of communications Ariel Overstreet and multimedia intern Lauren Chase interviewed the multi-generational Mannix Family in Helmville, Montana. It takes most of the members of three-brother ranch to gather cattle, operate balers, manage irrigation, prepare meals, and all other ranch tasks. Even though there is always work to be done, David Mannix says that doing it as a family is priceless. This video is brought to you by MSGA's Research, Education, and Endowment Foundation.
Read MoreDusty Hahn, chairman of the Montana Stockgrowers Association's Research, Education, and Endowment Foundation (REEF), explains what the foundation is and why it's an important entity to help educate young people about the beef industry. For more information about REEF and to find out ways to support the foundation, please contact MSGA at (406) 442-3420 or visit us online: www.mtbeef.org. This video is brought to you by MSGA's REEF.
Read MoreErrol Rice, executive vice president of the Montana Stockgrowers Association, comments on the August 5, 2010 decision by Judge Donald Molloy to return the Rocky Mountain Gray Wolf to the Endangered Species List. MSGA is disappointed in the decision but focused on efforts to ensure ranchers have the tools they need to protect their cattle from ever-increasing wolf depredations. MSGA is also working to press the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to expedite the process of achieving the successful delisting of wolves.
Read MoreEd and David Fryer, managers of the Castle Mountain Ranch in White Sulphur Springs, Mont., volunteer their time teaching other ranchers their low-stress cattle handling techniques at Beef Quality Assurance trainings across Montana. In this video, Ed & David talk about their techniques and why careful cattle care is important. This video is brought to you by Montana Beef Quality Assurance, the Montana Beef Council, the Montana Stockgrowers Association, and MSGA's Research, Education, and Endowment Foundation.
Read MoreMSGA's intern Lauren Chase talked with Montana rancher Dusty Hahn about the importance of water management on ranch land. He also shared his reasons for working on the ranch, explaining why he loves the hard work. This video is brought to you by MSGA's Research, Education, and Endowment Foundation.
Read MoreMSGA's multimedia intern Lauren Chase found out what working with family means to Fred and Linda Finke of North Country Quarter Horses in Big Sandy, Montana. They also talked about how their ranch is different from others in the state and why their goal is "to be in sync with Mother Nature." This video is brought to you by MSGA's Research, Education, and Endowment Foundation.
Read MoreMSGA's multimedia intern Lauren Chase interviewed Montana rancher, Bob Sitz of Sitz Angus Ranch. Bob and his brother Jim have ranches headquartered in Harrison and Dillon, Montana. Sitz Angus is able to stay successful even though they are faced with a multitude of issues ranging from the brucellosis disease, logging, wolves, and water quality. This video is brought to you by MSGA's Research, Education, and Endowment Foundation.
Read More2010 is shaping up to be another successful year for the Montana Beef Quality Assurance Program (BQA). With several educational “Twilight Trainings” across the state this summer, many Montana ranchers have learned valuable tools to ensure that their cattle are handled in a low-stress manner—which benefits not only the cattle, but also the ranch’s crew and its bottom line.“BQA is all about increasing beef demand by making sure all beef is produced with the best management practices possible,” said Clint Peck, BQA director for Montana.Twilight TrainingsAttendance is up at the BQA Twilight Training sessions so far this year. To date, nine BQA training sessions have been held across the state from Dillon to Sidney. Five more sessions are scheduled through the middle of September.“We’re already at double the participation from last year and we’re only half way through the season,” Peck said. “Through these BQA sessions we’re addressing cont
Read MoreMSGA's multimedia intern Lauren Chase interviewed Fred and Linke Finke who own North Country Quarter Horses in Big Sandy, Montana. Fred is on the board of directors for the Stockgrowers and has beautiful land near the Bear Paw Mountains. Fred and Linda have a daughter, Grace, who is an excellent ranch hand and swimmer.
Read MoreThe 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.[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92K9GHPdNAE&hl=en_US&fs=1]
Read MoreMSGA's multimedia intern Lauren Chase interviewed Montana rancher Jerry Jones. He discussed his family's ranching history, reasons why he loves what he does, and his hopes for the industry in the future. Jerry lives in Kirby and is on the Montana Beef Council. Anyone who knows Jerry will say that he has a very fun personality.This video is brought to you by MSGA's Research, Education, and Endowment Foundation.
Read MoreMSGA's multimedia intern Lauren Chase spent some time with the chairman of the Stockgrowers' Research, Education, and Endowment Foundation's (REEF) Dusty Hahn. His family owns a ranch south of Helena in Townsend. Dusty discussed the importance of water management as a natural resource. To see more photos from Lauren's time on the ranch, click here
Read MoreYNP - Yellowstone National Park is extending the public comment period on a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which looks at vaccinating bison against brucellosis without capturing or handling the animals.The purpose of remote vaccination of bison inside the park is to reduce the brucellosis infection rate in order to increase tolerance for bison on historic and essential winter range outside the park in Montana when cattle are not present. The park believes the most logical method for remote delivery of the vaccine is to use a compressed air rifle to deliver an absorbable projectile containing the vaccine.The initial 60-day review and comment period was set to end on July 26. Due to public interest and concerns about uncertainties disclosed in the Draft EIS, the National Park Service has decided to extend the comment period for an additional 60 days.The Draft EIS and an electronic form to submit comments on the Internet can be foun
Read MoreThe Montana Board of Livestock will vote on a proposed Statewide OCV Requirement rule at its July 27 meeting in Helena. The proposed rule is as follows:Vaccination for the prevention of brucellosis of female cattle and domestic bison utilized for breeding or grazingPurpose1. Improve the immunity of Montana’s cattle and domestic bison breeding herd to brucellosis.Vaccination of female cattle and domestic bison utilized for breeding or grazing purposes1. Upon change of ownership, all sexually intact female cattle and domestic bison intended to be utilized for breeding or grazing purposes within the State of Montana shall be official calfhood vaccinates.2. Sexually intact female cattle over 12 months of age and sexually intact female domestic bison over 18 months of age that are not OCV:a. May move to a recognized slaughtering establishment,b. May move to a state or nation that will accept such animals not vaccinat
Read More[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zPOPHbQBII&hl=en_US&fs=1]In this week's MSGA Friday Video Update, Executive Vice President, Errol Rice, discusses the federal estate tax, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health's hearing on the use of antibiotics in livestock, MSGA's upcoming meeting with the Wyoming Stockgrowers Association and upcoming Beef Quality Assurance training sessions.
Read MoreOn July 14, 2010 MSGA attended a public hearing in Deer Lodge hosted by representatives of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MT FWP) to hear details about the apparently already “done deal” Spotted Dog land purchase of 27,616 acres between Avon and Deer Lodge. The MSGA office has received numerous phone calls from ranchers concerned about this proposal and the process to purchase this property. Let us relay the facts as we know them.On June 29, 2010, MT FWP released a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) to acquire the 27,616 acre Spotted Dog property. This proposed land acquisition would include 10,261 acres of leased DNRC lands. MT FWP intends to designate the combined nearly 38,000 acres as a Wildlife Management Area.The proposed purchase price of the property is $15.2 million with an additional 5-year operation and management cost of $1.2 million, and an approximate $150,000 for the state grazing leases. Currently the Spotted Dog property is owned
Read MoreMSGA's Manager of Communications Ariel Overstreet, multimedia intern Lauren Chase, and Director of Montana Beef Quality Assurance Clint Peck visited Castle Mountain Ranch in White Sulphur Springs. Ed and David Fryer, a father-son team, volunteer to teach ranchers and the public how to properly handle cattle while moving them. This program is called Beef Quality Assurance and training sessions are held throughout the year in various locations around the state. To see more photos, check out MSGA's Facebook page:
Read MoreI read this poem today on another blog, Buzzard's Beat, which is written by Brandi Buzzard, a grad student at Kansas State focusing on Animal Behavior and Welfare. To read her post, click here. I couldn't resist sharing it.A Tribute to the Stockmanby H.W. MumfordBehold the Stockman! Artist and Artisan.He may be polished, or a diamond in the rough-but always a gem.Whose devotion to his animals is second only to his love of God and family.Whose gripping affection is tempered only by his inborn sense of the true proportion of things.Who cheerfully braves personal discomfort to make sure his livestock suffer not.To him there is rhythm in the clatter of the horse’s hoof, music in the bleating of the sheep and in the lowing of the herd.His approaching footsteps call forth the affectionate whinny
Read MoreHelena, Mont. - The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) has launched a new video to educate the public about how Montana’s family ranchers care for the environment, provide wildlife habitat and maintain lasting rural communities. The video, “Rancher Stewardship: Protecting Montana's Prairie,” is set in South Phillips County, near the hub of Malta, Montana, where ranchers have called the prairie home for over 100 years. There, ranchers have created a ranch and wildlife haven by working and living in harmony with nature.“We are just thrilled to introduce this video because it really brings these ranchers’ love for the land, their families and their community to the forefront,” said Tom Hougen, MSGA president. “Their dedication to ensuring that the ranching heritage and superb prairie wildlife habitat can be passed on to the next generation is inspiring.”“Rancher Stewardship: Protecting Montana's Prairie” features ranchers Vicki Olson of the Double O R
Read MoreIn South Phillips County, near the hub of Malta, Montana, ranchers have called the prairie home for over 100 years. Here, ranchers have created a ranch and wildlife haven by working and living in harmony with nature. In this video, ranchers discuss the importance of raising their families here, developing innovative ranch management practices, working in cooperation with each other and building a lasting community to protect these prairielands. Biologists and conservationists from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service also discuss the importance of ranchers in sustaining this diverse ecosystem and the wildlife species it supports. This video is brought to you by the Montana Stockgrowers Association's Research, Education and Endowment Foundation.
Read MoreMSGA's media intern Lauren Chase spent two days at the Hougen Ranch in Melstone, MT. This ranch belongs to MSGA's president, Tom Hougen. During her stay, she learned how to bale hay, trailed a cattle drive, and saw quite the lightning storm. To see more photos, check out our Facebook page by clicking here.
Read MoreMSGA's media intern Lauren Chase visited Sitz Angus Ranch in Harrison, Montana. She was able to take photos during Sitz's cattle drive to the summer grazing pastures south of Ennis. It was also her first time on horseback and she loved it. To see more photos, check out our Facebook page by clicking
Read MoreLast week, MSGA's media intern, Lauren Chase, had the opportunity to travel NW of Helena to the tiny town of Potomac, MT. I interviewed the Wills Family, of Wills Cattle Co. who own a ranch just outside of town. They shared with me their family's history in the area and talked about what ranching means to them. Before this trip, I hadn't been to a ranch in Montana where timber was one of the prominent features. The trees were beautiful and the cattle seemed to enjoy the shade and scattered sun rays, and I felt as if I was in a dream. This trip yet again establishes just how pretty Montana is, how nice the people are, and how important ranching is to the nation. Check out some photos from my interview on Montana Stockgrowers Ass
Read MoreOn June 24, 2010, Montana Stockgrowers Association's Executive Vice President Errol Rice spoke at the Montana Capitol about MSGA's support of CI-105. This amendment would prevent double taxation for property owners. CI-105 received enough signatures and will be on the November ballot.[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVxe3c2gOrM&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999]
Read MoreMSGA's media intern Lauren Chase, interviewed her grandfather, David Dohnalek. He was a farmer in Iowa his entire life. Enjoying being retired, David and his wife Barb, drove to Montana to see Lauren. He shared with her the reason why Iowa farmers bought cattle from Montana and why agriculture is important for the nation.[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJigzvVdLoU&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6]
Read MoreThis week, Executive Vice President of MSGA, Errol Rice, talks about the successful Mid-Year Meeting in Dillon, Montana, MSGA-sponsored Range Days, an open house about bison brucellosis vaccination, and an amendment that could change the Antiquities Act. Watch the video update to find out more.
Read More[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UVekBjP_To&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6]
MSGA's Executive Vice President and Montana State University Football alumnus, Errol Rice, will participate in this camp as a coach.The Leaders, Legends and Legacies Football Camp is gearing up for its 3rd annual camp July 9-11 in Ekalaka, Mont. The camp is an all-inclusive nonprofit event which is free to all Montana high school football athletes who register to attend. This exceptional program focuses on strength and conditioning, nutrition, football fundamentals, personal character development, overcoming challenges and developing a healthy self esteem in both life and in football.“This camp was designed with our future in mind and we are giving young men the tools, direction, discipline and motivation they need to become Montana’s future leaders in many different forms—coaches, teachers, businessmen, fathers and neighbors,” said Ty O’Connor, the camp’s organizer and former All American defensive lineman for Montana State University. “Our goals are t
Read MoreHi all. Photos from 2010's Mid-Year meeting have been posted to Facebook. Even if you do not have a Facebook account, you can still view them by clicking this link: Mid-Year Photos.Let us know what you thought of the meeting by leaving comments either on this blog or on Facebook. Enjoy!
Read MoreClick the play button to see a selection of photos from Lauren Chase's time with ranchers in South Phillips County, Montana. You can view the same photos and read their captions by clicking this link to Facebook. You can also see this slideshow full screen by clicking any place in the box and selecting "view full screen."
Read MoreWritten by media intern Lauren Chase MALTA---After spending one week in South Phillips County Montana, I've come away with a lot of things, but there's one that is the most important: the importance of agriculture producers to this country. I grew up in Iowa, a state known for corn and p
Read MoreWith MSGA’s Mid-Year meeting fast approaching, today is the last day to pre-register. (Click here to see the event schedule and registration form.) We have an outstanding line up of speakers and discussions set for Friday’s Opening General Session and Committee meetings.Jim Peterson, a Buffalo, Mont. rancher and chairman of the U.S. Meat Export Federation will keynote the Opening General Session which begins at 8 a.m. on Friday, June 11. Peterson will discuss the outlook for beef exports this year. (Click here to for a preview of Peterson’s comments with an audio file of Peterson discussing the recent USMEF Board of Directors Meeting.) Errol Rice, MSGA’s executive vice president, and Ariel Overstreet, MSGA’s manager of communications, will also discuss “MSGA’s Issues and Media Response for the 21st Century: Embracing
Read More[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQKIeS66ppM&hl=en_US&fs=1&]In this week's MSGA Friday Video Update, Errol Rice, MSGA's Executive Vice President, discusses recent meetings about President Obama's "Great Outdoors Initiative." MSGA is encouraging the federal government to include ranchers in discussions about conservation initiatives. MSGA has emphasized the Undaunted Stewardship program as an example an innovative partnership that helps conserve working ranchlands. To learn more visit www.undauntedstewardship.montana.edu/. Rice also details some of the speakers and discussions that will take place at MSGA's Mid-Year meeting next week in Dillon, Mont.
Read More[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilxQEAh-8pg&hl=en_US&fs=1&] This afternoon, District Judge John Brown in Bozeman rejected the plea of Montana ranchers to order proper enforcement of the IBMP by the state of Montana. In this video, Errol Rice, Executive Vice President of the Montana Stockgrowers Association, responds to the ruling and discusses MSGA's next steps in addressing the complicated bison and brucellosis issue.
Read MoreThere will be three listening sessions on the President's America's Great Outdoors Initiative in Bozeman, Helena, and Missoula, next Wednesday, June 2 from 9-11 a.m. MSGA will attend the Helena listening session, if you are unable to attend, please let us know if you would like us to ubmit any comments for you, or see below for directions to submit comments directly. Here is the info we received on the listening sessions: On April 16, at the White House Conference on America’s Great Outdoors, President Obama signed a memorandum establishing the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative to develop a conservation agenda worthy of the 21st century and to reconnect Americans with our great outdoors. The President understands that protecting and restoring the lands and waters that we love and reconnecting people to the outdoors must happen at the local level.Therefore, President Obama directed the principal leaders of the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative to travel
Read MoreHi all! My name is Lauren Chase and I am from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I’m finishing up my final year at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. Go Hawks! I have a double major in journalism and anthropology and a minor in Spanish. This summer, I am the media intern for the Montana Stockgrowers Association. You’re probably thinking: What’s a girl from Iowa going to do to help Montanan ranchers? I am here to help tell your stori
Read More[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-En6KUIdQhU&hl=en_US&fs=1&]In this week's MSGA Friday Video Update, Errol Rice, MSGA's Executive Vice President, discusses the complex issue of brucellosis, the Designated Surveillance Area, and MSGA's efforts to move forward to develop a collaborative strategy to address brucellosis in the Greater Yellowstone Area. Errol also invites all Montana's cattle ranchers to attend MSGA's Mid-Year meeting , June 10-12 in Dillon, at the University of Montana-Western campus, especially the June 11 meeting of the Cattle Health Committee, which will dedicate an entire afternoon session to the discussion of brucellosis.
Read MoreThe Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is excited to announce that the Montana Ford Stores is continuing its partnership with MSGA, designating Ford “The Official Truck of the Montana Stockgrowers Association.”“We make a great team because ranchers rely on quality, dependable trucks that can hold up to the demands of a working ranch,” said Tom Hougen, MSGA president. “This year we are very excited to announce that one lucky member will drive home from our annual convention with full ownership of a 2011 Ford F-250.”The truck is a silver 2011 model F-250 4x4 XLT Premium featuring 85 more horsepower and better fuel efficiency than the 2010 model, a sync-voice activated system, LCD productivity screen, block heater, 5th wheel hitch prep, and power scoping trailer mirrors.To be eligible to win the 2011 Ford F-250, you must be current MSGA member, fill out an entry form, and be present at annual convention in December when the truck winner will be dra
Read MoreThe Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center (MCHF&WHC) recently announced the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) as a winner of the 2010 Legacy Award. MSGA, an association that has advocated for Montana’s ranching families since 1884, joined 23 other historical figures as the Class of 2010 in the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame. The induction honors MSGA for its notable contributions to Montana’s Western heritage.“It is very fitting that the Montana Stockgrowers Association has been nominated and elected by their peers to receive this honor,” said Aaron Lyles, Director of Finance for the MCHF&WHC. “For 126 years the MSGA has worked to strengthen Montana agriculture and, i
Read MoreMSGA attended the Board of Livestock (BOL) meeting May 17 in Bozeman at the Diagnostic Laboratory. The highlights of the meeting included discussions of the proposed mandatory statewide official calfhood vaccination (OCV) rule and responding to requests from the legislature’s Economic Affairs Interim Committee about the Designated Surveillance Area for brucellosis. The Department of Livestock (DOL) compiled a list of comments from information sessions and the comment period held for the proposed OCV rule. The board reviewed the comments and discussed how to move forward. State Veterinarian Dr. Marty Zaluski emphasized that although there was a lot of discord in the comments he received, one thing everyone seemed to agree on was that the breeding herd should be vaccinated. He offered three ways to move forward, proceed with the proposal for mandatory statewide OCV, drop it entirely, or create a new proposal to ensure that the state’s breeding herd is 100% vaccinated. Dr. Zalu
Read MoreApplications are now available for the 2010 Montana Youth Range Camp. This year’s camp will be held the week of June 28-July 2 at the Lion’s Sunshine Camp near the town of Elliston, Mont., and is open to all youth ages 12-18.Students will attend outdoor classes covering four major subjects: water and riparian areas; soils and geology; rangeland monitoring; and wildlife and livestock grazing management. Students also receive instruction in plant identification and anatomy, and work in teams to solve a natural resource or range management problem, presenting their solutions to a panel of judges at the end of the week.Along with coursework, Youth Range Camp offers opportunities for fun and recreation. Wildlife educator Vince Yannone will visit the campers with live animals and excellent stories. Campers will also have the opportunity to see Ophir Cave and visit with Montana FWP employees about lions and bears. Also planned are tours of the Grant Kohrs Ranch, the hi
Read MoreMSGA will be in attendance at the Montana Board of Livestock meeting Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning, May 17 & 18, in Bozeman. Action items include a review of compiled comments from the public input sessions on official calfhood vaccination for brucellosis, a response to the Economic Affairs Interim Committee on a working group's recommendations on the Designated Surveillance area for brucellosis and a discussion of a written attorney's opinion on brand inspector involvement in enforcing the DSA. Waded Cruzado, Montana State University's new president, will also address the board. Click here to see the full agenda. Follow us live on Twitter for regular updates from the meeting.
Read MoreYesterday Senator Jon Tester announced his Treasure State Export Seminar, a daylong event in Billings to create jobs and boost the state’s economy by expanding opportunities to sell Montana goods and services to customers in other countries.“There’s a goldmine of opportunity for Montana manufacturers, service providers, farmers and ranchers,” Tester said. “A lot of folks don’t export because they’re not familiar with the resources out there to help make the process easy. I want to make sure they have the tools they need to open the door to new markets, new opportunities and new jobs.”The Treasure State Export Seminar will feature various workshops and speakers, including a keynote address from Fred Hochberg, the chairman of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. The Bank is an independent, self-funded federal agency that provides loan guarantees and insurance for businesses interested in exporting goods and services to other countries.The Tr
Read More[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARFndOh14wE&hl=en_US&fs=1&]In this week's MSGA Friday Video Update, Errol Rice, MSGA's Executive Vice President, discusses the wild ride of the stock market this week and its effects on cattle futures, and MSGAs meeting with Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock about MSGAs concern in regards to the EPAs Greenhouse Gas Endangerment ruling and our perspective on the cattle marketing and competition issues being addressed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Justice. Errol also announces an exciting change to our annual convention this December.
Read MoreThe 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
Read MoreThe Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) will hold its Mid-Year meeting, June 10-12 in Dillon. Mid-Year is one of the two major meetings MSGA holds each year. MSGA will be looking “Beyond the Barbwire” as it meets to discuss the issues facing Montana ranching families and set interim policy to guide the association through the rest of the year. MSGA will also celebrate ranching in Montana with a parade, ranch tour and its popular Cow Pasture Golf Scramble. This year, Mid-Year will kick off on Thursday, June 10 with meetings of the MSGA Board of Directors, the Montana Grass Conservation Commission, the Montana Public Lands Council and Montana Association of State Grazing Districts Joint Directors, and MSGA’s Research, Education and Endowment Foundation. Thursday night will feature a Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Twilight Training Session at the Beaverhead County Fairgrounds with a stockmanship clinic presented by Ed and
Read More[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggLExEdAt44&hl=en_US&fs=1&]On Thursday, April 29, 2010, Errol Rice, the Executive Vice President of the Montana Stockgrowers Association, testified in front of the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs, and Global Competitiveness in Washington, D.C. on the topic of "Doubling U.S. Exports: Are U.S. Sea Ports Ready for the Challenge?"Rice's Testimony emphasized the importance of improvign the country's seaport infrastructure as part of creating an efficient, techologically advanced port-to-market distribution systems for U.S. agricultural exports. Central to Rice's testimony was the importance of exports to Montana's family ranches."There was a time when the largest part of ranchings economic activity was domestic, but our future depends on our ability to be globally competitive," Rice said. "Ranchers must have access to the additional demand for beef from consumers that live outside
Read MoreTURN THOSE WHEELS OVER! Empty Ralgro wheels are good as CASH to the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA)! Wheels for Bucks has made fundraising for MSGA easier than ever. All you need to do is save your empty Ralgro wheels and turn them over to Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health at MSGA’s Mid-Year Meeting in June or Annual Convention in December. For every 10 empty wheels received, Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health will donate one full Ralgro wheel to MSGA’s fund-raising auction.
Read MoreThe first Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Twilight Training sessions of the spring are underway. The Twilight Training sessions are funded in part with a grant from the Montana Beef Council and are conducted by the Montana BQA team.The community-based Twilight sessions generally run from 4:00-7:30 p.m. and include low-stress cattle handling demonstrations, chute-side cattle treatment and animal care discussions, and an industry update. They include a free dinner and attending producers can become BQA certified. Hosts also have the opportunity to conduct pre-Twilight session tours of their operations.BQA Twilight Trainings scheduled to date are:-April 21 – Miles City Livestock Auction, Miles City-April 29 – Three Peaks Ranch, Pray-May 6 – Dean Welch Ranch, Roy-May 12 – Headwaters Livestock Auction, Three Forks-June 4 – Rein/Indreland Ranches, Big Timber-June 10 – MSGA Mid-Year Convention, Dillon-Aug. 12 – Blackfeet Extension
Read MoreMontana’s family ranchers and farmers take pride in providing good stewardship of their working agricultural lands, which comprise 61 million acres and 65% of the state’s land. Their land stewardship practices provide excellent wildlife habitat and help maintain healthy wildlife populations. Ranchers and farmers are an integral part of managing the state’s wildlife and provide many hunting opportunities on their private land through public hunting, private leasing and participation in programs like Block Management.Ballot initiative I-161 proposes to eliminate all outfitter-sponsored hunting licenses currently available in Montana and reallocate them to non-resident hunters through the general draw system. I-161 changes the revenue stream for Block Management and puts future funding in question.Although this initiative was put forth under the guise of improving public access to private land, MSGA believes I-161 will erode landowner/hunter relations and will crea
Read MoreErrol Rice, MSGA’s Executive Vice President, recaps this week’s events at the Montana Stockgrowers Association. This week, MSGA continued working on meaningful tax reform including work on the Estate Tax, which will jump up to 55% on most Montana ranches next year if Congress doesn’t act soon. This week, MSGA also joined the Montana Coalition to Prevent Double Taxation, a broad coalition of taxpayers, businesses and affordable housing groups to put forth a constitutional amendment (CI-105) to prohibit the state legislature from imposing a Real Estate Transfer Tax on property now or in the future. Also this week, MSGA President Tom Hougen sent a letter to the Montana Board of Regents expressing MSGA’s concern about Governor Schweitzer’s proposal to cut $1.2 million from the base budget of the Montana Agricultural Experiment Stations and $600,000 from the MSU Extension Service (Read more at our blog). MSGA was also in attendance at this week’s Interagency Bison Management Pla
Read MoreThe following letter was sent from MSGA President Tom Hougen today to the Montana Board of Regents regarding a proposal from the administration to cut ag research and extension budgets by over 10%. A meeting of the Board of Regents will be held in Helena tomorrow April 15th at 1:30 P.M. MSGA will be at this meeting. April 14, 2010Montana Board of RegentsOffice of Commissioner of Higher EducationMontana University System2500 Broadway StreetP.O. Box 203201Helena, MT 59620-3201Dear Montana Board of Regents Members,On behalf of the Montana Stockgrowers Association I am writing to you to express our concern with the governor’s base budget reduction plan of roughly $1.2 million for the Montana Agriculture Experiment Stations (MAES) and $600,000 for the Extension Service. This is a severely disproportionate reduction to our agriculture research agencies under the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education.
Read MoreCurt Pate will present his popular “Stockmanship and Stewardship” program at Miles City Livestock Commission, April 21, at 1 p.m. Market co-owner and manager Rob Fraser said that the livestock market setting will permit Pate to conduct “hands-on” demonstrations of effective, humane handling methods which reduce the stress on livestock and their handlers. Pate, who has been conducting similar programs for over 10 years, will also meet with the market’s employees. They will discuss the best handling methods to use from the time cattle are unloaded at the market until they’re loaded to leave.Fraser said that while “the vast majority of livestock producers and market employees use proper handling methods every day, there’s always room for improvement. This program will let anyone who comes in contact with livestock brush up on their handling techniques.”For more information about the Miles City event, contact Rob Fraser at (406) 234-1790. More information about Pate
Read More[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zfwsEP3JI0&hl=en_US&fs=1&]Errol gives a recap of this week's events at the Montana Stockgrowers Association. Errol discusses Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack's visit to Japan to discuss beef trade, the 2010 Montana Livestock Forum and Nutrition Conference held at Montana State University, the reprint of MSGA's book "The Weak Ones Turned Back, The Cowards Never Started: A Century of Ranching in Montana," and details about the planning of our Mid-Year meeting which will take place June 10-12 in Dillon.
Read More[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf30t5k0GGA&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0]Errol Rice, MSGA's Executive Vice President, recaps this week's events at the Montana Stockgrowers Association. On Wednesday, March 31, 2010, the Montana Stockgrowers Association's Board of Directors met at Basin Angus Ranch in Hobson, Montana. The hot topic was the Designated Surveillance Area for brucellosis in Montana. Rice also addresses the values of the Montana Stockgrowers Association in this clip.
Read More[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSbLLW5YTfQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0]Tom Hougen, MSGA's President, gives a recap of the March 31, 2010 Montana Stockgrowers Association's Board of Directors meeting in Hobson, Montana.
Read MoreMSGA's President, Tom Hougen, was interviewed early this morning on a New York City radio program "The Takeaway" about the potential for one of the worst grasshopper infestations in the West in many years. Click here to listen to the interview.
Read MoreIn this week’s video update, Errol Rice, MSGA’s Executive Vice President, reports from Washington D.C. about the health care bill, the Public Lands Council conference, brucellosis, federal lands grazing, the Equal Access to Justice Act, wilderness and monument designations and trade.
Read MoreFWP - What is the future for wild bison in Montana? That’s the basic question at least one Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks biologist will wrestle with over the coming year. Arnold Dood, a 33-year FWP veteran, will crisscross the state to talk about bison with groups and communities.“We’ll talk about bison and whether or not it makes sense to have a wild, free-ranging population somewhere in Montana,” Dood said. “Where can wild bison exist and be managed like wild deer, elk, or antelope?”In addition to statewide presentations and discussions, FWP has created a way for others to offer opinions via an online survey. Results will help FWP design a scientific survey of randomly selected Montana households later this year.“There are wild bison in other places,” said Dave Risley, administrator of FWP’s fish and wildlife division in Helena. “Bison have strong rom
Read MoreMSGA and the Montana Public Lands Council were in Washington, D.C. early this week for the National Public Lands Council’s (PLC) 2010 Spring Legislative Conference. In attendance were Errol Rice and Jay Bodner from MSGA, along with George Trischman and Johnnie Schultz of the Montana Public Lands Council (MT PLC).On Monday morning, March 22, Dustin Van Liew, PLC’s new executive director, gave the conference attendees an issues briefing which included the sage grouse decision, Forest Service planning rule, Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) legislation and the Clean Water Act. Bob Abbey, Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), spoke to the group about the agency’s renewable energy program, wild horse and burro program, and media efforts to promote the benefits of grazing on federal lands. Dave White, Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), discussed the service’s new sage grouse initiative and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). T
Read MoreThe Montana Stockgrowers Association is looking for a junior, senior, or graduate student in journalism, communications, public relations or a related field for a 12-week internship this summer. MSGA is looking for someone to assist us in creating multimedia projects featuring ranchers discussing important issues they face on their ranches. The internship will take place May 24-August 13, 2010 (dates are flexible).The primary duty will be to assist MSGA in creating multimedia projects that will be posted online to help educate the media, general public and legislators about the issues facing Montana’s family ranchers today. The intern will travel to ranches to interview ranchers on camera and will be required to prep interviewees, conduct the interview, shoot video, edit video and produce a one-minute clip to be uploaded on YouTube and shared on other social media sites. Multimedia efforts will be expected to include photographs and well-written articles that may be publish
Read MoreErrol Rice, MSGA's executive vice president, talks about the Board of Livestock meeting, a letter to the Montana Attorney General about EPA's greenhouse gas rule, and next week's National Public Lands Council meeting in Washington, D.C., in this week's Friday Video Update.
Read MoreThe Montana Board of Livestock (BOL) met March 15 & 16 in Helena. Two of the highlights of the meeting were a continuation of the discussion on a proposal for mandatory statewide official calfhood vaccination (OCV) for brucellosis, and a visit from Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock. In February, the Department of Livestock (DOL) held several information gathering sessions across the state on the proposed OCV rule, Dr. Zaluski, Montana State Veterinarian, told the board. The proposal would require OCV for all sexually intact female cattle and bison not destined for slaughter. (The proposal is available here.) He said it seems there is almost universal agreement from ranchers across the state that Montana needs to vaccinate its breeding herd, but there is no agreement as to how to go about it. Board member Stan Boone said that ranchers’ concerns at the Miles City meeting, which he attended, we
Read MoreThe Montana Stockgrowers Association sent a letter to Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock today asking him to intervene independently or in support of current petitions challenging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recent greenhouse gas endangerment rule. The Montana Farm Bureau also joined MSGA in this request.Due to probable legal challenges, literally thousands of Montana family ranchers would be compelled to comply with a new layer of bureaucracy and expense if this rule is enacted. The EPA says that it does not want to burden family ranchers but we fear that the rule in which they have authored to supposedly protect ranchers will not stand up to legal scrutiny. MSGA is concerned that by proceeding with these rules as they stand, the EPA is willfully exposing agriculture to new and costly requirements.MSGA will continue to follow this important issue, which supports our mission “To protect and enhance the ability of Montana ranch families to grow
Read MoreThis spring, MSGA is offering two great scholarships for MSGA member students.For graduating high school seniors we have the Swede Schlesinger Scholarship worth $2,500. To be eligible for this scholarship students must be graduating from a Montana high school this year, be a member of MSGA, or have at least one parent who is a member, and demonstrate a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0. Applicants must complete the application form, include a copy of their current high school transcript, include three sealed letters of recommendation, and answer a series of essay questions. For the full details, click on the link above! Applications are due March 31.For current college students, we have the MSGA Educational Heritage Scholarship worth $1,000. To be eligible, students must be currently enrolled in college and have complet
Read MoreOn Saturday morning, March 6, MSGA President, Tom Hougen, along with leaders from other Montana agriculture groups and agencies met with Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack. Hougen had an opportunity to speak briefly and also presented a letter to the Secretary.Hougen emphasized the need for more cooperation between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Interior to address brucellosis in the wildlife in and around Yellowstone National Park.“I just stressed that Montana ranchers have done everything they can do to keep brucellosis out of their herds, now we need to get it out of wildlife,” Hougen said after the meeting.
Read MoreMSGA is very excited to sponsor this year's Montana Livestock and Nutrition Conference on April 6th and 7th. The focus will be on animal welfare. In my travels, animal welfare is the biggest question I get from people around the country who are not involved in ranching. MSGA is working hard to bring meaningful messaging to this topic for our ranchers. The following comments by Dave Daley who is an Associate Dean at Chico State provides some interesting approaches to dealing with this issue. How to lose the argument on animal welfare…Top 10 reasonsD. A. Daley, PhD – CSU, Chico 1.Assuming science will give us all the answers; it only gives us some of the answers. I believe strongly in science but science doesn’t solve ethical questions. Also, the public does not trust scientists and assumes they can be bought! Watch the news and it is easy to find “scientists” on both sides of almost every issue. It has become a contest of “my science is bet
Read MoreMSU News Service - This year's Montana Livestock Forum and Nutrition Conference will address misinformation, innuendo and anti-meat agendas that have plagued the agriculture industry in the past year, said organizer and Extension Beef Specialist John Paterson at Montana State University. The conference, titled "Challenge for Agriculture: Reclaiming the High Ground," will be held April 6 and 7 in the ballrooms of the Strand Union Building on the MSU campus. That is a change in location from previous years. "It is no secret that animal agriculture has been under attack by organizations that want to change the way that livestock producers raise and care for animals," Paterson said. "... We must become better informed." Speakers will discuss a variety of topics, including "Taking Back Agriculture for the Beef Industry" and "The Science and
Read MoreHelena, Mont. - The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) recently nominated the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA) in Malta, Mont. for the 2010 regional and national Environmental Stewardship Award, sponsored by Dow AgroSciences, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and the National Cattlemen’s Foundation. This annual award recognizes the outstanding stewardship practices and conservation achievements of cattle ranchers across the nation. Award winners have been commended for their commitment to protecting the environment and improving fish and wildlife habitats while operating profitable cattle ranches.“We are ve
Read MoreDOL - The Montana Board of Livestock will meet March 15-16 in the Scott Hart Auditorium (Department of Agriculture/Department of Livestock building, 301 N. Roberts) in Helena. Agenda items include a joint meeting between the board and Board of Milk Control, reports from Montana Department of Livestock (MDOL) division administrators, updates on the department's budget and special revenue projections, and a report from Attorney General Steve Bullock on a new consumer protection position relating to agriculture.For a complete board meeting agenda click here.
Read MoreHelena, Mont. - Today the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service declared the greater sage grouse a “warranted but precluded” species in regards to the Endangered Species Act. The sage grouse will be placed on the “candidate species” list which means the status of the sage grouse will be reviewed each year.“We have a healthy sage grouse population in Montana,” said Jay Bodner, Natural Resource Director for the Montana Stockgrowers Association. “One of the reasons for this is the well-managed grazing and conservation efforts of Montana’s family ranchers on both private and federal land.”Vicki Olson, a director of the Montana Public Lands Council, listed many specific efforts undertaken by Montana ranching families to protect sage grouse, include monitoring of rangeland conditions and sage grouse populations, grazing management plans, fence flagging, water trough escape ramps and water development.“Many ranchers that graze in sage grouse habitat inclu
Read MoreToday, Leo Barthelmess, Jr. was announced as one of four 2010 Montana Neighbor Award Recipients for displaying “the traditional neighborly spirit that helped make Montana what it is.”Barthelmess hails from a multi-generation ranching family, and is widely recognized for his long-time commitment to the ranching community and quality range management. Barthelmess, a recent member of the Montana Stockgrowers Association board of directors and a leader of the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA), has pioneered collaborative conservation solutions involving ranching, development, conservation groups and resource agencies. RSA and conservation organizations recently received funding to improve wildlife h
Read MoreDOL - Every 10 years, the Montana Department of Livestock (MDOL) rerecords brands. With more than 55,000 active brands in the Big Sky, it's a big job. It's also an important job, as brands are a return address for your livestock – brands help prevent loss and theft of livestock, assist with the movement of livestock through markets channels, and are used to identify livestock in animal health emergencies."Brands are a big part of the state’s history," said MDOL Brands Division administrator John Grainger. "It’s something people take seriously, and there’s some colorful history about rustlers who tried to beat the system and found the business end of a rope. It’s a system that’s worked well for 150 years, and it still works well today."
Read MoreMSU - The Montana State University College of Agriculture is pleased to announce the campus interview visits of two candidates for the Department Head position for the Department of Animal and Range Sciences. Information about the candidates and their interview schedules can be found here. Each candidate will be giving a research seminar and an administrative philosophy seminar. We have also arranged time for the candidates to interact with members of the Montana animal and range community who have an interest in the department and this position. These times are listed below and flyers for each seminar are attached. Dr. Charles Weems, University of HawaiiAdministrative Philosophy Seminar: Thursday February 18 at 4 p.m. in the Byker Auditorium, Chemistry BuildingAg Community Social: Thursday February 18 at 5:30 in the Aspen Room, GranTree InnResearch Seminar: Friday February 19 at 10
Read MoreDOL - The Montana Department of Livestock will host a series of meetings to talk with livestock producers about its preliminary proposal on statewide Official Calfhood Vaccination (OCV) for brucellosis, and will additionally solicit comment via an informal public participation process.The proposal would, in short, require OCV for all sexually intact female cattle and bison not destined for slaughter. A copy of the proposal will be available at the meetings, and has also been posted on the department's web site at http://liv.mt.gov/.Currently, the state does not require cattle to be vaccinated against brucellosis except for the four counties (Beaverhead, Gallatin, Madison and Park counties) in the newly created brucellosis Designated Surveillance Area (DSA). A key issue is that buyers of Montana cattle could perceive that the state is doing less than neighboring states – Wyoming and Idaho both have statewide OCV requirements –
Read MoreIf you are a rancher in Montana, please take a moment to fill out this survey and forward your answers to Jim Knight, [email protected], Associate Director of Extension at MSU. Jim is working with the Montana Veterinary Association to submit a proposal for a USDA program that pays off student loans for veterinarians who agree to practice in underserved rural areas. Please forward this on to others so we can provide Jim with a good data set for his proposal.1. What county are you in?2. How many miles is it from your ranch/farm to the nearest D.V.M. practice?3. In the event THAT D.V.M. is not available, how many miles is it to the next D.V.M.?4. For routine regulatory or non-emergency DVM service, how long do you wait: a. Same day _______ b. 1-3 days ________ c. More than 3 days ______
Read MoreThis year, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) will hold its 31st Young Cattlemen’s Conference (YCC) for a limited number of young industry leaders, June 2-11, 2010. This year’s tour is sponsored by Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., Five Rivers Cattle Feeding and John Deere. MSGA’s Research, Education and Endowment Foundation (REEF) will nominate one person between the ages of 25 and 50 from Montana to attend the conference. REEF will pay the full cost of the program and provide $500 for travel costs.
Read MoreLast week, MSGA officers, members and staff attended the 2010 Cattle Industry Convention in San Antonio. Altogether, more than 6,000 people attended the convention. The MSGA delegation accomplished a lot at the meeting including further discussing the brucellosis issue with a top APHIS official, contributing to two major policies for NCBA, supporting the NCBA structural change recommendations, and seeing MSGA Past-President Bill Donald become NCBA President-Elect. (Bill is in the left of the picture with Tucker Hughes, MSGA 2nd VP, and Tom Hougen, MSGA President, to his right. MSGA 1st VP, Watty Taylor was also in attendance.)MSGA discussed some of our members’ concerns about APHIS’s concept paper for revamping the National Brucellos
Read MoreRangeland Ecology & Management—A green pasture with grazing animals offers an idyllic image of our natural environment. With the current focus on climate change, such a pasture has much more to offer than image. Through effective policy implementation, grazinglands can reduce greenhouse gases through carbon sequestration and emissions reductions offset credits.Carbon sequestration is the long-term storage of carbon in the ground or oceans, slowing the buildup of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere enters the soil of grazinglands through the natural process of photosynthesis by green plants. The subsequent cycling turns some of that carbon into soil organic carbon—and into an environmental, societal and economic benefit for every country with these grazinglands.“Offset credits are a viable, important cost-containment mechanism for cap-and-trade approaches to mandatory greenhouse gas emissions reductions programs,” accor
Read MoreThe Lewis & Clark Conservation District, in conjunction with the Montana Association of Conservation Districts and UM-Helena College of Technology, will host a listening session to gather information on riparian area best management practices Tuesday, Jan. 26 from 5-7 p.m. at the Main Lecture Hall at UM-Helena College of Technology, 1115 North Roberts, Helena . If you have experiences or ideas for Best Management Practices in riparian areas alongside Montana’s rivers and streams, bring your stories, pictures, and experiences to help LCCD compile a “Best of the Best” resource document. This document will help urban and suburban landowners, agriculture, local governments, builders, transportation managers, recreationists, etc. work to protect riparian areas. If you are unable to attend, but have experiences to share, please contact Mary Ellen Wolfe, CIVIL DIALOGUE, 420 W. Curtiss, Bozeman, MT 59715 or call (406) 209-6545. For more information, contact Chris Evans at (406) 449-5000,
Read MoreDNRC - The Governor’s Rangeland Resources Executive Committee (RREC) announced today that ranchers Bob and Debbie Gibbs of Jordan and private consultant Gene Surber of Belgrade have been chosen as recipients of the 2009 Range Leader of the Year awards.“The Gibbses and Gene Surber are genuine leaders in the field of range management,” said Heidi Olbert, Rangeland Resources Program Specialist with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. “Their commitment to education and the principles of stewardship represents the best of Montana agriculture.”Olbert said the Gibbs family’s two large pastures of native grassland were continuously grazed. After noticing a decline in range conditions, the couple decided it was time to consider new ways of managing their land.“They installed cross fences and implemented a rest-rotation grazing plan,” Olbert said. “As a result, they were able to give one pasture a full season of rest from gra
Read MoreMontana State University's new President, Waded Cruzado, will be the featured guest on the Northern Ag Network’s “Voices of Montana” program with host Aaron Flint. The broadcast will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 27 from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. This is a great opportunity to get to know President Cruzado and hear her vision for MSU. You can listen on one of the stations below or via the Northern Broadcasting System website at www.NorthernBroadcasting.com. The archived interview will also be available on this site.Cruzado will also be a guest on Montana Ag Live on Montana Public TV on May 23, 2010. The topic will be “MSU’s President Cruzado’s Views of the Land Grant Mission Relative to the College of Agriculture and Montana’s Agricultural Industries.”Voices of Montana AffiliatesBillings KBLG 910 AMButte KXTL 1370 AM
Read MoreThis year, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) will hold its 30th Young Cattlemen’s Conference (YCC) for a limited number of young industry leaders, June 2-11, 2010.MSGA’s Research, Education and Endowment Foundation (REEF) will nominate one person between the ages of 25 and 50 to attend the conference. REEF will pay the full cost of the program and provide $500 for travel costs.The YCC program is considered to be the cornerstone of leadership training efforts within the cattle industry. The conference and tour’s primary objective is to develop leadership qualities in young cattlemen and expose them to all aspects of the beef industry. The tour helps young leaders understand all areas of our industry, ranging from industry structure to issues management, from production research to marketing.Last year’s tour began in Denver with a comprehensive overview of the industry. The group took an in-depth look at many of the issues affecting our
Read MoreHelena - Montana State University Extension and the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) distinguished 190 “Steers of Merit” out of over 950 entries for 2009. Out of 852 steers entered in the Carcass Division, 159 were deemed Steers of Merit. In the Ultrasound Division, 31 out of 104 entries received the distinction.The exhibitors and breeders of the top five steers in each category were honored at MSGA’s Annual Convention, Dec. 10-12 in Billings at MetraPark. The top five steer entries in the Carcass Division were: 1. Dakota Gaustad, Scobey; 2. Zane Loring, East Glacier; 3. Alysha Mack, Troy; 4. Taylor Fouts, Turner; and 5. Marisa Habel, Valier. The top five entries in the Ultrasound Division were: 1. Levi Mydland, Joliet; 2. Garrett Bromenshenk, Billings; 3. Calvin Kading, Billings; 4. Kelsey Kraft, Billings; 5. Christopher Lanaghan, Laurel.The 190 Steer of Merit certifications for 2009 were an increase over the 168 certifications in 2008.
Read MoreDOL - The Montana Board of Livestock will meet January 13 from 1-5 p.m. in Room 172 of the State Capital Building in Helena.Agenda items, which are posted on the Montana Department of Livestock's web site at http://liv.mt.gov/public/board.asp, include consideration of a draft order establishing a Designated Surveillance Area to replace the department's expired brucellosis action plan; mandatory Official Calfhood Vaccination for brucellosis; an official order for bovine tuberculosis import testing requirements; and trichomoniasis control program rules.
Read MoreAttendance was up at MSGA’s 125th Annual Convention and Trade Show, held Dec. 10-12 at a new location—the Crowne Plaza hotel and Metra Park in Billings, Mont. Nearly 750 registrations were recorded.“We had a wonderful convention this year,” said Tom Hougen, MSGA’s President. “A large number of people participated in the committee meetings where policy is set and enjoyed our expanded trade show and educational seminars. The Von Trapp Children Singers provided entertainment that everyone enjoyed. Overall, it was a great convention in a great location!”Below, please find some of the highlights:-Tom Hougen, President, Watty Taylor, 1st Vice President and Tucker Hughes, Second Vice President were re-elected to the second year of their two-year terms.-Michael “Mick” Denowh of the Gartner-Denowh Angus Ranch in Sidney was elected to the Board of Directors representing the Northeastern District. Heath Martinell of Lee Martinell, Co. in Dell was el
Read MoreMSGA's 125th Annual Convention and Trade Show begins today with board meetings at the Crowne Plaza hotel. Tomorrow we move to the MetraPark. See the full schedule below. If you haven't registered yet, you can register on site. We hope you'll join us to "Celebrate the Ranching Spirit!" Schedule of Events Subject to change Thursday, December 10 All meetings and functions to be held at the Crowne Plaza hotel. Trade Show Big Equipment Move-In to be held at the Expo Center building at MetraPark. 7:00 a.m. Coffee Break 7:00 a.m. MSGA Executive Committee Meeting 8:00 a.m. Registration 8:30 a.m. Grass Conservation Commission Meeting 9:00 a.m. MSGA Board of Directors Meeting 10:00 a.m. Montana Hereford Assoc. Annual Meeting 10:20 a.m. MPLC/MASGD Joint Board Meeting 12:00 p.m. REEF Trustee Meeting 2:00 p.m. M
Read MoreThe Montana Department of Livestock is accepting public comment on proposed rule changes for Trichomoniasis through December 24. The rule governs testing requirements for the disease, which can cause economically devastating reproductive losses in cattle, before cattle can be imported, sold, loaned or leased. The proposed rule changes also make violations a misdemeanor subject to a fine of up to $500 plus investigation expenses, said assistant state veterinarian Dr. Jeanne Rankin.One PCR test or three negative weekly culture tests would be acceptable before import, sale, loan or lease, Rankin said, although other testing may be used by the herd owner and veterinarian for herd health screening. Test results will be valid for 90 days rather than the current 30-day limit as long as animals don’t co-mingle. The extra allows ranchers and veterinarians greater flexibility in selling test-negative bulls.Non-virgin bulls cannot be sold for breeding without a nega
Read MoreTime is running out to reserve your copy of "The Weak Ones Turned Back, The Cowards Never Started: A Century of Ranching in Montana." We have fewer than 50 copies left for mail orders and will only have 50 copies available for sale at our 125th Annual Convention and Trade Show in Billings, Dec. 10-12. Don't miss your chance to own a copy of this beautiful and important tribute to Montana's ranching heritage! Mail order copies are $50 each, including shipping and handling. Books will sell for $45 at convention. Call (406) 442-3420 to reserve your copy! Book orders will be available for pickup at conventionIf you have already purchased/reserved your copy and will be attending convention, you will have the
Read MoreMSGA is gearing up for its 125th Annual Convention and Trade Show, Dec. 10-12 at the Crowne Plaza hotel and MetraPark in Billings. To continue the celebratory mood of MSGA’s 125th Anniversary this past June, the theme of convention is “Celebrating the Ranching Spirit!” MSGA’s convention will feature a great lineup of speakers, entertainment, educational seminars, policy discussions and business meetings. “This year’s convention is a ‘can’t miss’ for anyone involved in Montana’s livestock industry,” said Tom Hougen, MSGA President. “We have a lot of important issues to address in our business meetings, but we also have some great entertainment lined up so we can relax a little and enjoy ourselves. We’re especially excited about our lineup of speakers and Pfizer Cattlemen’s Colleges this year. There will be plenty of opportunities for all of us to learn things that we can take home and im
Read MoreDOL - The Montana Board of Livestock is seeking public comment on a draft order that proposes to create Designated Surveillance Area (DSA) for continued brucellosis surveillance, vaccination and traceability requirements in areas with risk of brucellosis transmission from wildlife to livestock.The proposed order specifies:-Boundaries for the DSA;-Testing requirements for eligible animals;-Individual animal identification;-Requirements for mandatory Official Calfhood Vaccination (OCV).State veterinarian Dr. Marty Zaluski, who presented the draft order to the Board of Livestock at its meeting in Helena last week, said the order "picks up where the Brucellosis Action Plan left off.""The draft order basically outlines a plan for surveillance and monitoring in increased-risk areas after the state's Brucellosis Action Plan (BAP) sunsets on January 10," Zaluski said. “We’ve known all along that some components of the BAP wou
Read MoreAmerican Angus Association® delegates elected five members to its Board of Directors Monday, Nov. 16 at the 126th Annual Convention of Delegates in Louisville, Ky.Newly elected Board Directors include: Charlie Boyd II, Mayslick, Ky.; Scott Foster, Niles, Mich.; and Vaughn Meyer, Reva, S.D. Steve Olson, Hereford, Texas; and Cathy Watkins, Middletown, Ind., were both elected to a second term on the Board.Bill Davis, Sidney, Mont., was elected the American Angus Association president and chairman of the board. He succeeds Jay King, Rock Falls, Ill.Joe Hampton, Mount Ulla, N.C., was chosen by delegates to serve as vice president and vice chairman of the Board. Jarold Callahan, Edmond, Okla., will serve as treasurer for the year.More than 340 elected delegates from throughout the United States and Canada represented American Angus Association members and conducted the business of the Association during the annual meeting and election. The meet
Read MoreDENVER —- While addressing U.S. Meat Export Federation members during last week’s U.S.M.E.F. Strategic Planning Conference in Denver, Jim Peterson, newly-elected U.S.M.E.F. chairman for the coming year, said limited market access for U.S. meat exports is costing the industry billions of dollars. Resolving these access issues would be a tremendous boost for livestock producers, he added."Many of you have heard me say the export market is a shovel-ready stimulus project waiting to be implemented," Mr. Peterson said. "It is $3 billion a year to our industry and we’re not going to increase any U.S. debt in the process. It’s something that has to be done."He urged industry to be more receptive to voluntary measures that will help address overseas consumers’ concerns about source verification and food safety, offering some examples from his recent visit to Japan, China and South Korea."[The] number-one [consumer concern] is traceability," Mr. Peterson said
Read MoreThe annual International Livestock Congress USA (ILC) will convene Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010 at the Renaissance Hotel in Denver. In preparation for the event, organizers are asking cattle producers to outline some of their short-term strategies of beef cattle managers. Results will be used to help frame a panel discussion about balancing costs and expenses in the cow-calf business. The panel will include John Maddux, Maddux Cattle Company, Nebraska; Kevin Yon, Yon Family Farms, South Carolina; and Butch Bratsky, Stockman Banks, Montana.The survey can be completed in five minutes or less, and responses are completely confidential. We need your input!!! Cli
Read MoreThe Montana Beef Quality (BQA) assurance program will present an "Effective Stockmanship" seminar at the Billings MetraPark Expo Center, Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009 at 10:00-11:45 a.m. & 2:00-3:45 p.m. as part of the Pfizer Cattlemen’s Colleges."Effective Stockmanship" has been brought about by the efforts of Curt Pate of Montana and Texas native Ron Gill. Both have a passion for improving the stockmanship skills of cattlemen. Working horseback and on foot, these two men – and now with Ron’s wife, Debbie – have been conducting stockmanship trainings across the country over the past several years."Come to the MSGA convention and see how stockman everywhere are paying closer attention to their livestock handling skills as the beef industry comes under more and more scrutiny by animal welfare activist groups," said Clint Peck, Montana’s director of BQA. "This is an event the entire family, as well as ranch employees, will find useful and enjoyable."Beyo
Read MoreAn upcoming book, The Weak Ones Turned Back, The Cowards Never Started: A Century of Ranching in Montana features 142 Montana ranches. The book, edited by Linda Grosskopf and Nancy Morrison, 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 Weak Ones
Read MoreMSGA is seeking three interns to help at our upcoming annual convention, Dec. 10-12. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable career experience and network with important industry members. Interns will be expected to help MSGA staff members in a variety of capacities during the convention so we require that all applicants have completed at least one year of undergraduate education. If you are interested, please send a resume with a cover letter explaining your interest in being a convention intern, plus one letter of reference by Nov. 20th to [email protected] or by mail to MSGA, Attn: Jessica Kirschten, 420 N. California, Helena, MT 59601. If you would like more information, please call Jessica at (406) 442-3420.
Read MoreHelena - The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) recently launched its 2009 Fall Membership Roundup and MSGA President Tom Hougen is taking this opportunity to remind Montana ranchers about the importance of being involved in associations such as MSGA.“With all the things happening right now in Washington, D.C. that have the potential to drastically change the way we are allowed to do our work as ranchers, everyone needs to get involved in their associations, local and statewide,” Hougen said. “It is vitally important to join groups like MSGA to let your voice be heard and help direct the work done to protect our livelihoods and way of life.”MSGA has served and advocated for Montana cattle ranchers since 1884. As a leader in the agriculture industry, MSGA actively participates in state and national legislative processes. MSGA attends a significant number of regulatory meetings and provides a voice for the interests of its members.MSGA is
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