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2016 MSGA LEADERSHIP SERIES Post by Trina Bradley Last fall I applied and was accepted into the inaugural Montana Stockgrowers Leadership Series, which is a year-long “class” that will help mentor and develop fourteen young ag leaders from across the state of Montana. As you all know, I am a born and bred cattle woman. I eat, sleep and breathe cows, and I want to make sure that my daughter has every opportunity to carry on this lifestyle and keep this ranch in the family for years to come. Therefore, I have been working on stepping up and getting involved in ag advocacy for the past few years.
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Electric City to host Montana Stockgrowers Association’s MidYear Meeting Helena, MT - The Montana Stockgrowers Association’s MidYear Meeting will be held June 9-11 in Great Falls at the Hilton Garden Inn. This year’s MidYear event will be highlighted by a Cattlemen’s College workshop, policy committee meetings and a tour of Ryan Dam! Mid-Year is one of two major meetings MSGA holds annually where members will gather to discuss the issues facing Montana ranching families and set interim policy to guide the association through the rest of the year. Topics that will be covered in policy committee meetings include the Yellowstone grizzly bear delisting, brucellosis, elk management, the bison quarantine and an update from the Department of Livestock’s executive officer. The Cattlemen’s College workshops presented by Carrie Mess will kick off events on Thursday afternoon. Ranchers will have the opportunity to learn how to effectively communicate their story
Read MoreMay 16, 2016 Docket Clerk, USDA-APHIS Docket No. APHIS-2011-0044 Regulatory Analysis and Development PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8 4700 River Road Unit 118 Riverdale, Maryland 20737-1238 RE: Docket No. APHIS-2011-0044, Brucellosis and Bovine Tuberculosis: Update of General Provisions The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) appreciates the opportunity to comment on the proposed rule to update the general provision of the Brucellosis and Bovine Tuberculosis programs. Since 1884 MSGA has been the voice of Montana’s cattle ranching sector and today we represent nearly 2,000 members. MSGA has been engaged in efforts to eliminate and mitigate the threat of Brucella abortus to the livestock industry in Montana for many years. MSGA does generally support the continued effort to review current regulatory mechanisms and propose changes to these programs that allow for additional flexibility and
Read MoreAfter every legislative session MSGA puts together a score card so members can see how their legislators voted and whether they are supporting issues that are important to the membership. This information is really important to take into consideration when voting for next year's legislators. The 2015 Legislative score card is now available in our members only section. You will need to be logged into your account to view the score card. Follow the directions below to access the score card. Click this link. (You must be logged into your account. You can recover your password on the log in page - if you have forgotten it.) If you are having problems accessing the information, please call the office or email [email protected].
Read MoreMy personal leadership story and why I’m stepping up to live larger by being a part of this program Post by Chisholm Christensen Writing is one of the more difficult and important tasks a person can undertake; requiring the author to think critically and explain effectively their topic of choice. Through writing, more so than speaking, we are able to fine-tune, rework and continually reanalyze our position free from external judgement or input until we ourselves are satisfied with the presentation and tone of our offering. This very personal task provides the writer an opportunity for personal growth while at the same time cementing his or her ideas and thoughts about the theme to be dra
Read MoreStatement by Ethan Lane, executive director, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Federal Lands and Public Lands Council regarding the decision by the Obama Administration to drop their appeal of the federal court decision that overturned the listing of the Lesser Prairie Chicken as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. “We are pleased that the Administration has elected not to proceed with their appeal of Judge Junell’s substantive ruling vacating last year’s unfounded listing of the Lesser Prairie Chicken under the Endangered Species Act. Voluntary conservation efforts like the Range-Wide Plan are working to recover the species and must be given an op
Read MorePost by Heather Fryer This year, I was selected to participate in the Inaugural Stockgrowers Leadership Series, a 12 month program hosted by the Montana Stockgrowers Association, designed to help participants succeed in their careers. What I have gathered from the class in the first four months has been more than I could have imagined. The networking has exceeded my expectations. My classmates are hilarious, friendly people, who support each other, and we’ve all made friends in this leadership series. We’ve learned about various operations and perspectives, shared ideas and had great discussions. We don’t
Read MoreSTEPPING UP AND LIVING LARGER…. by Justin Iverson Backseat drivers. The first to speak up and the last to get behind the wheel. This year I took a risk, stepped out of my comfort zone and jumped into the driver’s seat. I’ve held leadership positions throughout the years but never felt fully at home. Most of the time I fell into those positions because no one else would take them and I have a problem saying no if asked. Feeling the need to sharpen the axe a bit I decided to take advantage of an opportunity through the Montana Stockgrowers Associa
Read MoreMSGA's Research Education and Endowment Foundation announces winner of Educational Heritage Scholarship Amanda Williams has been chosen as the recipient of the $1000 Scholarship. Amanda is from Miles City, Montana where she grew up on the family ranch, 2DO Ranch. She is currently attending Montana State University where she is majoring in Animal Science with a minor in Rangeland Management and Ecology. Though she is only finishing her second year at MSU, she is already at a junior status. She plans to become a county extension agent after graduation following in the steps of her father, grandfather and grandmother. Amanda believes this will be an excellent career for
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Modern Farmer’s Instagram account will feature Todd Klassy photographing Montana ranchers BILLINGS, Mont. – (April 27, 2016) – Todd Klassy, farm and ranch photographer from Montana, will be the guest Instagrammer for two days, April 30 and May 1, as he shares images, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at Montana ranching. Agriculture is Montana’s number one industry and ranks second in the United States with land in farms and ranches, totaling nearly 59.8 million acres. Modern Farmer is the authoritative resource for today’s cutting-edge food producers and consumers: the farmers, wannabe farmers, chefs and passionate home cooks who are influencing the way we eat right now, according to the company’s website. Modern Farmer sees themselves as the voice behind the food movement, delivering investigative journalism and rich photography. In search of rich photography, Todd Klassy’s images and stories will bolster local food, cowboys and cowgirls
Read MoreWhat is Death Camas and why is it killing Montana cows? Source: Great Falls Tribune David Murray, [email protected] The slender green plant is known as Death Camas, and given the right environmental conditions it can easily live up to its ominous name. Over the past week, at least four cows in Yellowstone County have died after consuming lethal quantities of the plant. In one case a dead cow was found with a Death Camus plant still hanging out of its m
Read MoreMSGA's Research & Education Endowment Foundation Announces Selections for Young Cattlemen's Conference Helena, MT - Montana Stockgrowers Association’s Research & Education Endowment Foundation (REEF) has selected two delegates to represent MSGA at the Young Cattlemen’s Conference this year. Andy Kellom of Hobson, MT and Ariel Overstreet-Adkins of Helena, MT will represent MSGA at this year's conference. The Young Cattlemen’s Conference, held June 1 – June 9, is an opportunity for cattlemen and cattlewomen between the ages of 25 and 50 to visit segments of the beef industry in other parts of our nation with young cattlemen from other states. Facilitated by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), participants will travel with national attendees to Denver, Chicago and Washington D.C. The p
Read MoreMontana Stockgrowers Association, Montana Public Lands Council, Montana Association of State Grazing Districts, along with the Southwestern Montana Stockmen’s Association, and National Public Lands Council filed our amicus brief on March 24th, in the case regarding two grazing allotments in the Gravelly Mountains. The case was brought forward by the Gallatin Wildlife Association, with claims that grazing would cause irreparable harm to grizzly bears and bighorn sheep. This case would directly affect permittees Helle Livestock and Rebish/Konen livestock, as well have potential national significance. The case is being heard in front of U.S. District Court Judge Brian Morris. Judge Morris denied the original injunction and the case will proceed with oral arguments scheduled for May 26th in Great Falls. The briefs in the case are available for review below, including briefs filed by the Montana Farm Bureau Federation, Montana Wool
Read MoreThe Leadership Series was challenged this month to write a blog post that shares their personal leadership story and why they're stepping up to live LARGER by being a part of this program. Below we are sharing Katelyn Dynneson's blog post. Katelyn is the 4th generation on her family’s operation where they run a custom back-grounding feedlot, cow-calf operation and farm. She attended Montana State University and received a BS in Agricultural Business with a second major in Economics. Katelyn returned to the farm full-time after college and I have been loving every minute of it. Thanks for sharing this with us Katelyn!
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Helena, MT - A leadership delegation from the Montana Stockgrowers Association traveled to Washington D.C. April 12-14 to lobby numerous issues with Congress and Federal agencies. These issues included: Eradication of Brucellosis, Country of Origin Labeling for U.S. Beef, stopping the proposed federal bison quarantine facility, federal water regulations, sage grouse, endangered species, Antiquities Act (i.e. monument designations) reform and international trade. MSGA brought forth tactical ideas to eliminate the threat of Brucellosis expansion beyond Montana’s Designated Surveillance Area (DSA). In a meeting with Dr. T.J. Myers, Associate Deputy Administrator with USDA-APHIS Veterinary Services MSGA requested that Brucella Abortus be removed from the USDA and Center for Disease Control’s select bioterrorism agents list. This would allow for more research to develop a more effective vaccine for bison, elk and cattle. MSGA also requested continued federal funding support for
Read MoreNominations, applications open for Environmental Stewardship Award Montana ranchers depend on the health of their land and its resources to make a living and support their families. That means working to protect and improve the environment just makes sense to most cattlemen, Sidney, Montana rancher Jim Steinbeisser says. But ranchers often think of it as ‘good business,’ rather than a particular brand of ‘environmental stewardship.’ Steinbeisser chairs the state’s Environmental Stewardship Award Program task force, a program focused on showcasing how innovative stewardship and good business go hand-i
Read MoreNCBA Federal Lands Committee Chair Robbie LeValley discusses the potential consequences of Fish and Wildlife Service's recently finalized rule regarding critical habitat designations, which expands their ability to designate habitat. - See more online. [soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/259844275" params="color=ff5500" width="100%" height="166" iframe="true" /]
Read MoreJustin M. Iverson Hometown Potomac About 3rd generation Montanan working on the family cow/calf operation. Bachelor's Degree from The University of Montana in Health and Human Performance; Go Griz! Married to a wonderful 5th generation Montanan. Occupation Rancher, Greenough Potomac Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief What sparked your interest in agriculture? Mom and Dad kicked each son in our family off the ranch to find our own path. After 12 years of living in rural Central Oregon, I
Read MoreSource: U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA, Rural Development State Director John Walsh today April 8th that USDA is making up to $44 million available to farmers, ranchers and businesses to develop new bio-based products and expand markets through the Value-Added Producer Grant program. “Agriculture is Montana’s largest industry and adding value to this industry’s products will only help Montana’s farmers, ranchers, and rural business owners increase economic opportunities for their families and communities” said Walsh. “The Value-Added Producer Grant program is an under-utilized program in Montana. This program can help expand agriculture markets and deliver a higher dollar return to producers.” Value-Added Producer Grants help eligible applicants enter int
Read MoreLegendary northwest Montana bull sells for $350,000 By Tom Lutey / Billings Gazette Malta, Montana -- With a $350,000 sales price Tuesday, a northwest Montana bull known as HA Cowboy Up can fairly be referred to as the Ferrari of the black Angus, though rancher Dave Hinman says the number that originally excited folks is much smaller: 4.25. The most expensive bull anyone can remember first turned heads as he gained 4.25 pounds a day, a staggering amount of weight for any bull, but particularly for one with a medium frame. It’s a big part of what made Cowboy Up the rancher’s version of the Powerball. Buyers from as far away as New England gathered Tuesday at Hinman Angus Ranch near Malta to bid on Cowboy Up, a bull that had the Hinman family’s phone ringing for 60 days leading up to the sale. There were literally groups of
Read MoreGovernor’s bison plan OK’d; will reduce hazing near Yellowstone Source: Bozeman Daily Chronicle By Michael Wright Chronicle Staff Writer WEST YELLOWSTONE — State, federal and tribal agencies agreed on Wednesday to adopt the governor’s plan to allow some bison to stay in Montana year-round, a move officials say will reduce bison hazing done each year near West Yellowstone. Th
Read MoreBre Ochs Home town Great Falls About I was born and raised in Great Falls. My grandparents are the original owners of this beautiful ranch in which I live on and operate with my family. After graduating high school, I graduated secondary college for Business; continued on with my education by graduating and receiving my Cosmetology license. I was an active Independent Cosmetologist for 12+ years. In 2002 I became a co-owner of Oak Tree Constructions, Inc. and shortly after that, I began my own Bookkeeping services, Future Contractors, Inc., in which I operate both currently.
Read MoreBy Tom Lutey Source: Billings Gazette Image by Larry Mayer/Gazette Staff Eastern Montana farmers will not go without irrigation water this summer now that federal officials have greenlighted Yellowstone River diversion work. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will allow the Lower Yellowstone Irrigation Project to use boulders to rebuild a century
Read MoreThough AQHA operates primarily upon the decisions of its members through the board of directors, the five-person executive committee is responsible for implementing these important decisions and governing AQHA between the annual meetings of the membership and the board. The AQHA Executive Committee - consisting of a president, first vice president, second vice president and two additional members - is elected each year by the board at the AQHA Convention. Each member serves a term of one year until the selection of his/her successor. The executive committee convenes bimonthly at AQHA International Headquarters in Amarillo to conduct business and consider all disciplinary matters.
Read MoreEvery county and tribal reservation is eligible for $7,500 in funds The Montana Department of Agriculture announced the award of over $1.6 million for the development and implementation of noxious weed management programs. The Noxious Weed Management Advisory Council reviewed 86 Noxious Weed Trust Fund grant applications requesting over $2 million and recommended awarding over $1.6 million for education, research, and cooperative noxious weed management projects. The advisory council met the first week of March to review applications and make selections to assis
Read MoreCasey Knudsen Hometown Malta, MT About 5th generation rancher, mechanical engineer, firefighter, EMT, and I am running for the Montana House of Representatives. Occupation Rancher, engineering design What sparked your interest in agriculture? I was raised on my family's farm, and I have always had a deep connection to the land, animals, and way of life we have here in rural Montana. What makes a great leader? I believe a great leader must be able to empathize, because if you can't understand the people around you, you can't encourage them to reach their full potential. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? I want to pick up a second language. Where do
Read MoreWondering what the leadership series has been up to? Wondering who has been working with these future leaders? Check out this Agriculture Proud podcast that features Sarah Bohnenkamp, a leadership coach that is helping our leadership series blaze trails! She helps "young professionals get real with themselves. With their desires. With their strengths and special talents. With their values." Sarah, the former Executive Director for the Denver based American National CattleWomen, will coach the class in a series of workshops, webinars and at-home tasks throughout the year. Bohnenkamp has more than 14 years’ experience with leadership development and is familiar with topics faced by the ranching industry, having trained youth for the National Beef Ambassador program for many years. Want to learn more ab
Read MoreSource: NCBA The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has named Kendal Frazier its new chief executive officer. NCBA president Tracy Brunner made the announcement, saying he is confident that the nation’s oldest and largest cattle industry association is in good hands. “It was the belief of the officers and others involved with the search process that NCBA owed it to our members, our stakeholders and the beef community to take our time as we selected the right individual to serve as the next chief executive officer,” said Brunner. “Today, we can say with confidence that Kendal Frazier is the right leader for the association. With many years of experience working for state and national beef organizations, he has helped to guide our industry through some of its greatest challenges. “Kendal’s dedic
Read MorePlanning for on-farm success workshops in Gallatin County begin March 26 Source: MSU News Service Montana State University Extension in Gallatin County will host the planning for on-farm success four-workshop series starting Saturday, March 26. Workshops are intended for beginning or experienced farmers and ranchers to improve business skills and provide the skills and resources needed to launch a business in Montana. The planning for on-farm success program is modeled after successful farmer training programs from across the country to help build a sustainable, successful farm business in Montana. MSU Extension in Gallatin County is partnering with the Community Food and Agriculture Coalition to offer the workshops. Hands-on courses will be taught
Read MoreTony Johnson Hometown: Dillon, MT Occupation: Cow-Calf Operator About: I grew up and work on a family ranch based just outside of Dillon. We run a commercial cow herd made up mostly of Angus and Red Angus that calve in August and September. The cowherd runs on leased pasture from January through October. Upon graduation from Northwest College, with an Associates in Farm and Ranch Management, I moved to Livingston and I took over the day to day management on a lease we had just acquired. During that time I also managed a marketing association in Park County for three years. Today I manage the ranch’s four leases in Park County and spend about nine months of the year there. The remainder of my time is s
Read MoreThe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed the delisting of the grizzly bear in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem as it has recovered and no longer meets the definition of an endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, as amended. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that the GYE grizzly bear population has increased in size and more than tripled its occupied range since being listed and that threats to the population are sufficiently minimized. MSGA is in full support of the delisting of the GYE grizzly bear and will be submitting formal comments. If you would like to submit comments you may through the federal register; the deadline for comments is May 10, 2016. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the MSGA Office or [email protected].
Read MoreHeather Fryer Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado About: I was raised in an Air Force family, with my officer father piloting a variety of planes and commanding multiple units. During my childhood, I lived and traveled all over the nation, sometimes living in agriculture communities, at other times living in the suburbs. My agricultural experience included raising and showing livestock in 4H and ranch-hand labor, helping to build fences in the mountains of Idaho. The rural lifestyle and my enjoyment of raising animals set the course of my life, leading to university study in agricultural disciplines. In 2002, I gradu
Read MoreMontana Stockgrowers Association Comments on Removal of Brucella abortus Helena, MT - The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing updates to the select agents and toxins registration list, as required every two years by the Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002. APHIS has completed its fourth biannual review and
Read MoreSource: Great Falls Tribune WASHINGTON — Montana's economy grew a strong 3.5 percent in the third quarter of 2015, the seventh-best showing in the nation, the U.S. Commerce Department reports. The state benefited from its heavy dependence on farming and outdoor activities, with agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting contributing 1.8 percentage points in gross domestic product during the period. Montana also posted strong growth in construction, retail trade, health care, and real estate. "It certainly bodes well for Montana that the economic growth was diversified across numerous sectors," said Jeremy Johnson, associate professor of political science at Carroll College in Helena. "The more that you can diversify your economy, you tend to be in a stronger position to weather the storm and attract outside investment." Montana trounce
Read MoreBison management in and around Yellowstone National Park is a very complex and controversial issue. Many groups, agencies, tribes, and individuals have strong opinions about how to preserve this iconic, genetically-pure population of native, wild animals. We don’t expect everyone to agree, but we do expect everyone to tell the truth. Here are some common myths repeated by groups, individuals, and the media. If you care about bison conservation like we do, be part of the solution by recognizing fact from fiction. Myth 1: “The National Park Service (NPS) will roundup 900 bison in the next few weeks.” Not true. This year, all the Interagency Bison Management Plan (IBMP) partners announced that their goal was to reduce the Yellowstone bison population by 600-900 animals. This reduction was to occur through both hunting and shipment to slaughter and research facilities. For full transparency, we announced this number early in the season so there were no surprises, but
Read MoreTrina Bradley About I grew up on a ranch west of Dupuyer, MT, lived in Wyoming for five years after high school, and came home and married a rancher. We have three beautiful daughters, and one adorable grandson. We run 350 mother cows on our ranch on Birch Creek. Occupation Rancher/Professional Photographer/Mom What sparked your interest in agriculture? I was born into agriculture. My dad worked as a ranch hand for the better part of my childhood until the oppor
Read MoreChisholm B. Christensen Hometown Hinsdale, Montana About I am a 5th generation rancher living and working on the same homestead my family settled over 100 years ago near Hinsdale, MT. Enterprises of the ranch include the cow/calf operation, small grains and hay production, as well as a loomix cattle supplement dealership. I graduated from Montana State University Bozeman with honors in the spring of 2013 where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Agricultural Education and was a member of the MSU Rodeo Team and Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. I moved home when an opportunity arose for me to run my own cows close to home and my father was elected to a national positi
Read More[caption id="attachment_5433" align="aligncenter" width="980"] Ed Lord, Philipsburg - 2015 Winner | F-350 Super Duty from Montana Ford Stores[/caption] Montana Ford Stores Continue Partnership with Stockgrowers for Eighth Year Helena, Mont. – The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) and Montana Ford Stores are entering their eighth year as partners, designating Ford “The Official Truck of the Montana Stockgrowers Association.” MSGA and the Montana Ford Stores will give away a Ford Super Duty truck to one lucky MSGA member at the Montana Stockgrowers’ 2016 Annual Convention and Trade Show
Source: Nbcnews.com By: Mike Brunker & John O'Connor The American bison is one of the nation's most enduring symbols, a heritage that helps explain the outcry that erupts like Old Faithful each year over the selective slaughter of hundreds of the wild-and-woolly creatures when they attempt to leave Yellowstone National Park. "The first time I saw a buffalo I cried," said Stephany Seay of the nonprofit Buffalo Field Campaign, which has been fighting the culling and slaughter of the Yellowstone bison for 19 years. "... They're hugely charismatic. I sometimes compare it to seeing a unicorn. You never get used to it." The bison — also known as American buffalo — have been the subject of a long-running dispute between the park service, animal rights activists, Native American groups and the state of Montana over their annual migration outside Yellowstone each winter in search of better grazing at lower elevations. The problem is that when t
Read MoreSource: Great Falls Tribune By David Murray Less than a year ago, Montana beef producers were riding high on the steer. Cattle prices were at or near historic highs, and there was no end in sight to the gold rush in beef. In February 2015, the U.S. Department of Agriculture projected the price of fat cattle in the U.S. would continue to creep up toward $1.64 per pound through the end of 2017 – doubling what ranchers and feedlot owners had received for their animals just eight years earlier. The USDA was not alone in its rose-colored projections. Many prominent market forecasters — including the Livestock Marketing Information Center, Kansas State University and CattleFax — concluded U.S. cattle prices would remain at or near historic levels for the next two or three years. But something went wrong. Beginning in March 2015, U.S. cattle prices began to slide. At first the changes were subtle, amounting to only a few cents on the dollar. By August the av
Read MoreShaelyn Meyer About I grew up on a commercial cattle ranch 12 miles outside of Ekalaka. Following high school I completed 2 years of college at Montana State University- Bozeman with no real idea what I wanted to study. I decided that some time off to pursue other interests was in order so I moved home to the ranch to work for my dad. I started my first colt during that time and some family friends offered me the opportunity to go to Oklahoma and ride cutting horses for 2 weeks. My interest in cow horses was piqued to say the least! After a few more months working at home I found a job working for a cutting horse trainer in Laurel. After loping horses in about a bi
Read MoreWeston Merrill Hometown: Buffalo, MT About I studied business management at Rocky Mountain College where I also played football. I married the best part of my life in June of 2010. We have two kids, Raelynn (3) and Lennyx (1) and are waiting for the arrival of baby number three in June! My wife and I help out in the day-to-day operations of a commercial cow calf operation. I am also a sales rep for Milestone Seed out of Billings, MT. Occupation: Rancher What sparked your interest in agriculture? Growing up in it. What makes a great leader?
Read MoreKatelyn Dynneson Hometown: Sidney, MT I am the 4th generation on my family’s operation where we run a custom back-grounding feedlot, cow-calf operation and we farm. I attended Montana State University and received a BS in Agricultural Business with a second major in Economics. I returned to the farm full-time after college and I have been loving every minute of it. Occupation I work alongside my family every day on our operation and we all wear many different hats. What sparked your interest in agriculture?
Read MoreYellowstone National Park has recently released an Environmental Assessment to develop a bison quarantine facility on the Fort Peck Reservation. MSGA has reviewed this document and it is our determination that the proposal lacks any factual cost estimates, scientific rigor or even the number of bison that would enter into the facility. MSGA will continue to influence this issue on behalf of the ranching community as brucellosis remains a major concern for our industry and the state of Montana. Our full formal comments and recommendations to Superintendent Dan Wenk are linked below. The comment period was extended through February 29
Great Falls Tribune: by David Murray 2014 began as a year of high expectations for Montana's agriculture economy, but ended with them only partially realized. Spurred by the smallest national herd size since the 1950s, cattle prices reached historic highs in 2014. Late season prices for a 700-pound steer briefly flirted with the $2.50 per pound mark — more than double what they were 10 years earlier during the height of the Mad Cow Disease scare. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the value of Montana cattle sales has risen more than 56 percent since 2008 alone, and could exceed $2 billion for the 2014 production season. "Cattle prices peaked out at a perfect time for weaning this fall," said Montana Stockgrowers Association President Gene Curry. "A lot of producers have taken the opportunity to pay down debt, replace some equipment or add on to infrastructure — buy a new tractor or replacing a pick-up." Grain prices, by comparison, have bee
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Reukauf family ranch thrives in arid eastern Montana by going for environmental gains By Laura Nelson Montana Environmental Stewardship Program Persevering in the harsh ranching climate of eastern Montana can build character, that’s for sure, Lon Reukauf jokes. But lessons of the land often run on repeat, so a well-read history book can point to opportunities to learn, grow, conserve and preserve a sustainable future. Fortunately, the Cherry Creek Ranch in Terry, Montana has a well-read history to help build the future. When Lon Reukauf’s grandparents homesteaded the area along Cherry Creek in 1910, there was a new p
Read MoreKamron Ratzburg, former President of the MSU Collegiate Stockgrowers, has been awarded with two prestigious awards this week. He received both the 2016 Award of Excellence for demonstrating campus leadership and his community service work, as well as the 2016 Torlief Aasheim Community Involvement Awards, the university's top award for student service. The "Torley" Award recognizes senior students who, in addition to excelling academically, volunteer on campus and in the community. The award was named for the late MSU alumnus Torlief "Torley" Aasheim, former director of the Montana Cooperative Extension Service and a member of the class of 1937. The Award of Excellence honored students were nominated by faculty in their college or department. Qualified seniors must have at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale, as well as demonstrated campus leadership and community service. The award-winning students each selected a mentor who was honored with them at the event.
Read MoreDon’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the structure of the U.S. cattle industry and gain insight on the legislative process that guides our business. Montana Stockgrowers Association’s Research and Education Endowment Foundation will send one Montana delegate on this year’s Young Cattlemen’s Conference (YCC), held June 1st-9th, 2016. Applications, due March 1, are available on the Young Stockgrowers Page.
Read MoreFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Montana Stockgrowers Association Drafting Formal Comments in Response to Environmental Assessment Helena, MT – February 8, 2016 -Yellowstone National Park has recently released an Environmental Assessment (EA) to develop a bison quarantine facility on the Fort Peck Reservation. MSGA has reviewed this document and has determined that further action is needed. MSGA is drafting formal comments and requesting a full Environmental Impact Study (EIS) for a more comprehensive look into this facility. The MSGA has determined that the EA is incomplete as it does not include factual cost estimates, scientific rigor or adequate disease testing. It fails to include the costs that would be associated with the facility, the capacity of the facility or where funding would come from. These financial implications should be studied further to determine feasibility. The disease, brucellosis, remains a threat to cattle producers in Montana. The
Read More[caption id="attachment_5250" align="alignright" width="509"] The 2016 Marias River Livestock Association Board of Directors. Back row l to r: Trina Jo Bradley, Butch Gillespie, Carrie Sue Lerum, Bob Thompson. Front Row l to r: Marvin Kimmet, Jesse Wallewien, Maggie Nutter, Paul Turner.[/caption] The Marias River Livestock Association is one such organization. Formed in 2012 inresponse to concerns over bison being placed on the Marias River Wildlife Management Area south of Shelby, the group supports the livestock industry through public education on agriculture issues, promoting agriculture-friendly legislation and informing its members about issues pertinent to their operations.
Read MoreLivestock and agricultural groups including the Montana Stockgrowers Association, R- CALF and the Montana Farm Bureau have filed written protests to a Bureau of Land Management proposal to change the land-use provision on the Flat Creek Allotment in Phillips County, MT. At issue is a change in the class of livestock from cattle to bison, removal of interior fencing and allowing bison to graze year around. Currently the grazing permit for the allotment designates cattle as the approved species. The American Prairie Reserve (APR), a Bozeman, MT-based wildlife group, submitted the change request. APR has been purchasing private ranch land and acquiring BLM grazing permits for several years in an effort to create a private wildlife reserve for bison. The stated mission of APR on its website is “to create and manage a prairie-based wildlife reserve that, when combined with public lands already devoted to wildlife, will protect a unique natural habitat, provide lasting economic benefit
Read MoreMSGA member, Larry "Skip" Ahlgren and Diane Ahlgren of Winnett, Montana received the National Association of Conservation Districts(NACD)/National Resources Conservation Service(NRCS) Olin Sims Conservation Leadership Award during the 2016 NACD Annual Meeting in Reno, Nevada. The Ahlgrens were recognized for their superior service to the conservation community and commitment to promoting and leading conservation on private lands. Diane serves on the Rangeland Resources Executive Committee for the Montana Department of Natural Resources. Larry serves as Secretary/Treasurer for the Grass Range Grazing District, as one of the Directors of the Williams Coulee Grazing District, and on the Board of Directors for the Montana Association of State Grazing Districts. The Ahlgrens ranch and produce cattle on their land in Eastern Montana.
Read MoreMontana Stockgrowers Association’s Research & Education Endowment Foundation (REEF) is offering an Educational Heritage Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. This annual scholarship is awarded to a MSGA student member. Last year we had two scholarship recipients, Allie Nelson was awarded a $1000 scholarship and Kamron Ratzburg was awarded a $500 scholarship. Allie is majoring in Agriculture Relations with Agriculture Business as a
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Recent price shock in the market and insights about the turbulence ahead were the focus of the CattleFax Outlook Session on Thursday at the 2016 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show. More than 3,000 attendees were on hand to hear CattleFax CEO Randy Blach say he believes the market correction is mostly behind the cattle industry. He explained how tight global protein supplies and a strong export market in 2014 and 2015 led to the 'perfect storm' of market peaks and the significant drops seen in recent extremes. "We are coming off of historic peaks in the cattle market, created by unique conditions in the global beef and protein markets," said Blach. "Dynamics, specifically global beef supply, led to a large correction in price. That big market downward swing is nearly over now. However, the cycle shows prices continuing to trend lower in 2016, 2017, and 2018." Analysts predicted cattle feeders will see average losses near $200 per head, stocker operators will experien
Read More[caption id="attachment_5163" align="alignright" width="980"] Group Photo: Front Row (L to R) – Brenda Ochs, Shaelyn Meyer, Heather Fryer, Tony Johnson, Julia Dafoe, Katelyn Dynneson, Trina Bradley, Lacey Sutherlin, Sarah Bohnenkamp. Back Row (L to R) – Weston Merrill, Bo Bevis, Chisholm Christensen, Casey Knudsen, Justin Iverson. Not pictured: Cole Cook. Photo courtesy of Ryan Goodman[/caption] Montana is home to a growing group of young professionals in the farming and ranching communities. These aspiring Millennials and younger Generation Xers are passionate about the lifestyle and impact they can have on the industry. To succeed in their careers on multi-generation ranches or by providing industry services, they’ll need tools in leadership, ne
If beef is what’s for dinner, what should be on the plates for the other meals? If you said it’s still beef, you’d be right. The fact is, research shows that balancing protein throughout the day makes good nutritional sense. However, few Americans eat this way. The beef industry, however, through its Beef Checkoff Program, is working to educate consumers on the value of balance and adequate protein intake. The challenge has been formidable. Research shows that Americans eat about two-thirds of their total daily protein at the dinner meal. That doesn’t leave much room for protein in your breakfast and lunch meals or snacks – and that could be a problem, current researchers say. “The imbalance of protein meals is an issue,” according to Stua
Read MoreFred Wacker of Miles City and his wife, Gwen, were the lucky winners of a Massey Ferguson tractor lease given away by Montana Massey Ferguson dealers and Montana Stockgrowers Association at the 131st MSGA Annual Convention and Trade Show on Saturday, December 5 at Rimrock Auto Arena in Billings. The Wacker family was very excited to be this year’s recipients of the 8-month/200-hour lease on a 130-horsepower tractor and loader. This is the second year Montana Massey Ferguson dealers have teamed up for the promotion, raffled off at the MSGA Convention and Trade Show. “The partnership with Montana Stockgrowers Association and Montana Masse
Read MoreEd Lord of Philipsburg and his wife, Connie, were the lucky winners of a 2015 Ford F-350 Super Duty pickup given away by Montana Ford Stores and Montana Stockgrowers Association at the 131st MSGA Annual Convention and Trade Show on Saturday, December 5 at Rimrock Auto Arena in Billings. The Lord family is very excited to be this year’s recipients. After the drawing, Ed announced he will be donating the pickup to his daughter and son-in-law who are moving back to Montana to be involved in our ranching community once again. Each year Montana Ford Stores donates a new Ford pickup to be given away to one lucky MSGA member attending the Annual Convention and Trade Show.
Read MoreMontana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) recently recognized Lila Taylor of Kirby, in Big Horn County, as “Ranching Woman of the Year”. The announcement was made Saturday, December 5 during the 131st MSGA Annual Convention and Trade Show at Rimrock Auto Arena in Billings. Lila, wife of Watty, excited to win the award, was joined on stage by her family. Taylor was nominated for the award by friends and family in the Busby area and from across Montana. The Taylor family and friends collaborated to share a fitting profile of Lila’s accomplishments through the years: Lila (Vescovi) Taylor was born
Read MoreLeon LaSalle of Havre recently completed his second term of Director for the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) representing the North Central District. LaSalle was recognized for his contributions at MSGA’s 131st Annual Convention and Trade Show at Rimrock Auto Arena in Billings on December 5. “Serving as a Director for MSGA has been a rewarding experience, giving me firsthand knowledge of the challenges we face as an industry,” said Leon LaSalle. “Being on the Board has allowed me to meet and work with passionate ranchers from across the state. I know MSGA is in good hands as our ranchers handle challenges we face as an industry.” During his ter
Read MoreMontana State University Extension and the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) distinguished 108 “Steers of Merit” out of 903 entries for 2015. Out of 589 steers entered in the Carcass Division, 70 were deemed Steers of Merit. In the Ultrasound Division, 38 out of 314 entries received the distinction. The exhibitors and breeders of the top five steers in each category were honored at MSGA’s Annual Convention, Dec. 5 in Billings at the MetraPark Rimrock Auto Arena. The number of Steer of Merit certifications for 2015 decreased by 10 steers, with 27 fewer entries submitted compared to 2014. The top five steer e
Read MoreJed Evjene of Two Dot recently completed his second term of Director for the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) representing the South Central District. Evjene was recognized for his contributions at MSGA’s 131st Annual Convention and Trade Show at Rimrock Auto Arena in Billings on December 5. “I have truly enjoyed my time as a Board member, meeting and visiting ranchers from all across this great state of Montana,” says Evjene. “In the last four years, I have been amazed at the growth in the younger generation’s participation in Stockgrowers. The interest and leadership younger people are showing in the industry gives me the confidence that our industry is going to continue to thrive and
Read MoreThe 131st Montana Stockgrowers Association Annual Convention and Trade Show, held December 3-5 at Rimrock Auto Arena in Billings, drew strong crowds from ranching communities across the state. The three-day convention featured several speakers to help ranchers learn about innovative tools and technologies available in the industry. Highlights also included nightly NFR viewing and Calcutta auction, live music from Exit 53 and Crazy Mountain Express, over $100,000 in prizes awarded and a trade show with more than 100 exhibitors representing many services across the ranching industry. Former Navy SEAL and Butte Native, Robert O’Neill high
Read MoreDENVER – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Cattlemen’s College series will kick-off its 23rd year Jan. 26-27, 2016 in San Diego, Calif. Widely hailed as the premier educational event in the cattle industry, this series, sponsored by Zoetis, will feature speakers and live animal demonstrations that give cattlemen and women the tools to connect, learn and innovate. “Cattlemen’s College is a great opportunity for producers from all parts of the country, all ages, and all operations to learn from leading industry experts and their fellow cattlemen and women,” said NCBA President Philip Ellis. “Never has producer education been more important in our industry, and if applied, the princ
Read MoreAs food politics change, expert says Montana ranchers need to participate By Tom Lutey, Billings Gazette Food politics are being reshaped by social media and millennials, and Montana ranchers need to step up, a livestock industry analyst told Stockgrowers on Friday. “I challenge you all to get involved in social media,” said Grady Bishop, senior director of North America Market Access of Elanco Animal Health. “Let’s not let somebody take our story from us.” Elan
Read MoreThe MSU-Northern Collegiate Stockgrowers club is proud to announce they are partnering with the North Central Stockgrowers Association and North 40 Outfitters in a fundraiser for Heroes and Horses: A Program for Reforging America’s Combat Veterans, on December 9, from 4-7 p.m. at the Holiday Village Mall in Havre. Based in Manhattan, Montana, Heroes and Horses harnesses the power of the horse/human connection to restore trust, motivation, and self-confidence. On expeditions in Montana's high country, the Heroes and Horses program uses a positive pressure environment to re-forge the lives of Amer
Read MoreMontana State University Extension Specialists Drs. Jane Mangold and Kate Fuller are working on a survey to help gain a better understanding of how noxious weeds affect livestock producers on private rangeland in Montana. As a part of their project, they are surveying livestock operators. Please take a few minutes to fill out their short survey, here: https://montana.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_efizQ3kCbk99map. Any questions or comments, or requests for survey results, should be addressed to Kate Fuller at
Read MoreCENTENNIAL, CO — Cow-calf margins will shrink as the U.S. beef cowherd expands, but producers can ensure future profitability by adjusting business plans for the supply increase. An upcoming free CattleFax webinar will address a 2016 outlook for the cow-calf segment and entire beef sector, while exploring continued cowherd expansion. The CattleFax Trends+ Cow-Calf Webinar will be at 5:30 p.m. MT, Jan. 20, 2016. To participate in the webinar and access program details, producers and industry leaders simply need to register online at www.cattlefax.com/meetings.aspx
Read MoreThe Montana Agriculture in the Classroom program has released a comprehensive educational project on invasive species to help increase public awareness, identification, and reporting procedures. Species which are non-native (invasive or alien) to Montana interfere and often destroy native plants, wildlife and livestock habitat, forests, waterways, and food crops. These species, which may not harm the environment in their native area, can cause destruction and major problems when introduced to a new environment. “The impact to agriculture and the environment can total in t
Read MoreThe 2015 Montana Stockgrowers Annual Convention & Trade Show is just a few days out. This year’s meeting offers a great lineup of speakers and educational workshops for Montana ranchers. To view all the highlights from this year’s Annual Convention, click here. RSVP on the Facebook event so you do not miss a thing. If you are following along on social media, share your experience (and anticipation!) with the hashtag #MSGA15 on Twitter and Instagram. View the tags from all networks on Tagboard.
Read MoreThe 2015 Montana Stockgrowers Annual Convention & Trade Show is just a few days out. This year’s meeting offers a great lineup of speakers and educational workshops for Montana ranchers. To view all the highlights from this year’s Annual Convention, click here. RSVP on the Facebook event so you do not miss a thing. If you are following along on social media, share your experience (and anticipation!) with the hashtag #MSGA15 on Twitter and
Read MoreQ: Do contractors make money from the checkoff? A: No. The Cattlemen’s Beef Board and USDA must approve all checkoff budgets and programs before any contractors are reimbursed for program costs on a cost-recover basis. Contractors pay program costs from their own organizational budgets, and then are reimbursed only for substantiated direct costs incurred in implementing approved checkoff programs.
Read MoreAs we approach the end of the year, minds turn toward family, Christmas, big dinners, and snow. But for many in rural America, it’s also time to wrap up the tax year and set the strategy for the year ahead. For cattle producers and farmers equipment purchases, new buildings, and other major capital expenses are logical considerations. Unfortunately, for many the tax code has looked more like a gamble than a sure bet. Key provisions like Section 179 deductions and bonus depreciation that had been extended in 2014, again have been pushed to the end of the year. Earlier this year, the House permanently extended both Section 179 and bonus depreciation, but the Senate has yet to act. Without action, Sec
Read MoreWatching the National Finals Rodeo on the big screens has always been a big part of attending the Stockgrowers Annual Convention & Trade Show. This year, we add the first ever NFR Calcutta auction at a Stockgrowers Convention to benefit our Foundation. This is sure to add a level of competition and fun to our nightly entertainment while watching the biggest rodeo of the year live from Las Vegas. Why? The objective of the REEF - NFR Calcutta is to raise funds for the
Read MoreThe 2015 Montana Stockgrowers Annual Convention & Trade Show is just a few days out. This year’s meeting offers a great lineup of speakers and educational workshops for Montana ranchers. To view all the highlights from this year’s Annual Convention, click here. RSVP on the Facebook event so you do not miss a thing. If you are following along on social media, share your experience (and anticipation!) with the hashtag #MSGA15 on Twitter and Instagram
Read MoreMontana Stockgrowers Association is working hard to make our 131st Annual Convention & Trade Show the largest yet! With this year's move to Rimrock Auto Arena, we have more room than ever for Trade Show vendors, educational workshops and nightly entertainment! We also have some great speakers on hand for this year's event! Our Featured Speaker during the Opening General Session on Friday morning, December 4, is Grady Bishop. The Senior Director of North American Market Access with Elanco Animal Health will share his experience and insight to the rol
Read MoreThe 2015 Montana Stockgrowers Annual Convention & Trade Show is just a few weeks out. This year’s meeting offers a great lineup of speakers and educational workshops for Montana ranchers. To view all the highlights from this year’s Annual Convention, click here. RSVP on the Facebook event so you do not miss a thing. If you are following along on social media, share your experience (and anticipation!) with the hashtag #MSGA15 on Twitter and Instag
Read MoreBy Dr. Megan Van Emon, MSU Extension Beef Cattle Specialist Having your hay and pasture quality analyzed prior to feeding or turnout is one of the most important and effective tools for cattle feeding management. Forage analysis allows for more precise feeding of supplements and other feedstuffs to meet requirements throughout the year. Forage analysis becomes especially important during drought and the possibility of limited forage intake while on grass. Therefore, accurately interpreting that forage analysis is crucial. As Received Basis These values represent the content of nutrients with the mo
Read MoreThe 2015 Montana Stockgrowers Annual Convention & Trade Show is just a few weeks out. This year’s meeting offers a great lineup of speakers and educational workshops for Montana ranchers. To view all the highlights from this year’s Annual Convention, click here. RSVP on the Facebook event so you do not miss a thing. If you are following along on social media, share your experience (and anticipation!) with the hashtag #MSGA15 on Twitter and
Read MoreThis week's Montana Rancher Feature highlights Jed Evjene from Two Dot. Jed and his wife, Annie, manage the American Fork Ranch, which was recognized this year for their work in environmental stewardship, conservation and sustainability. The Evjenes raise Angus/Hereford cross cattle on their ranch. Learn more about the Environmental Stewardship Award Program. Connect with the American Fork Ranch on Facebook. Be sure to leave Jed any questions in the comments section below and check out other posts in our Montana Rancher Feature series. Know a member of the Montana ranching comm
Read MoreDrought Monitor Update November 12 [caption id="attachment_5080" align=blog-postRight width="300"] Montana Drought Monitor Update, November 12, 2015. Click image to learn more.[/caption] Periods of snow and moisture arriving in early November have significantly improved drought conditions across much of Montana during the past few weeks. However, one-third of the state, mostly west of the Divide remain in drought conditions. Areas where drought was more entrenched will need abundant precipitation to continue much farther into the wet season before any notable improvement could evolve.
Read MoreThe Saturday evening event during MSGA's Annual Convention & Trade Show is always a dinner you cannot miss! This year's Grand Finale Banquet is no exception! Before we clear out the dance floor for live music from Crazy Mountain Express, several items will be up for auction to help support various Montana Stockgrowers programs. Need a ticket? Grand Finale Banquet tickets are available with registration packets
Read MoreThe 2015 Montana Stockgrowers Annual Convention & Trade Show is just a few weeks out. This year’s meeting offers a great lineup of speakers and educational workshops for Montana ranchers. To view all the highlights from this year’s Annual Convention, click here. RSVP on the Facebook event so you do not miss a thing. If you are following along on social media, share your experience (and anticipation!) with the hashtag #MSGA15 on Twitter and
Read MoreQ: Do packers and importers pay the checkoff? A: Any packer who owns cattle for more than 10 days prior to harvest must pay the dollar-per-head checkoff on each animal. There are, however, no packer seats on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. Importers pay the $1-per-head checkoff or the equivalent, on imported cattle, beef and beef products, amounting to several million dollars each year. Meet the current members of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board.
Read MoreMontana Stockgrowers Association is working hard to make our 131st Annual Convention & Trade Show the largest yet! With this year's move to Rimrock Auto Arena, we have more room than ever for Trade Show vendors, educational workshops and nightly entertainment! We also have some great speakers on hand for this year's event! Our Featured Speaker during the Northern Ag Network Luncheon on Friday, December 4, is Robert O'Neill. The Team Leader at Naval Special Warfare Development Group will share his experience and leadership tools that can be taken back to our ranching businesses during his presentation “Never Quit: The Story of a Life Built on Successful Missions”
Read MoreThe 2015 Montana Stockgrowers Annual Convention & Trade Show is just a few weeks out. This year’s meeting offers a great lineup of speakers and educational workshops for Montana ranchers. To view all the highlights from this year’s Annual Convention, click here. RSVP on the Facebook event so you do not miss a thing. If you are following along on social media, share your experience (and anticipation!) with the hashtag #MSGA15 on Twitter and
Read More[caption id="attachment_5002" align=blog-postRight width="276"] From “Pastures for Profit: A guide to rotational grazing”. University of WisconsinExtension. 2014.[/caption] By Dr. Emily Glunk, MSU Extension Forage Specialist and Assistant Professor There are a lot of questions regarding whether or not it is safe to graze your fall pasture, and to what extent. Fall is a tricky time to manage grazing on pastures, as there is a lot going on with the plants below-ground, which we can’t always see. Grazing too hard in the fall has the potential to be very detrimental to
Read MoreThis week, the Senate finally took up a series of votes on the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers’ “waters of the United States” rule. A major priority for cattle ranchers and all land-use stakeholders, Montana Stockgrowers has been working aggressively with our Congressional Representatives and Attorney General Tim Fox to repeal WOTUS and limit EPA’s attempt at overreach in controlling our water on private lands. Earlier this week, the Senate took a vote on SB 1140 - Federal Water Quality Protection Act, sponsored by Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), which failed to obtain the necessary 60 votes to pass. SB 1140 aimed to repeal WOTUS in fav
Read MoreThis weekend (November 6-7), Montana State University will Celebrate Agriculture with a number of events on campus to recognize contributions of the College of Agriculture and Montana's largest industry. Friday's events will include an Economics Outlook Conference with a number of great speakers. Read more about the included topics. Friday evening, our Collegiate Stockgrowers will host a reception at the Animal Bioscience Building beginning at 4 p.m
Read MoreA new tradition begins at the 2015 Montana Stockgrowers Annual Convention with the generous donation of a 2015 purebred Angus foundation heifer by the Stars of Montana group. The Angus heifer (Reg. 18229568) will be auctioned during the Grand Finale Banquet, Saturday, December 5 in
Read MoreQ: What can and can’t the checkoff do? A: The mission of the Beef Checkoff Program focuses on “improving producer profitability, expanding consumer demand for beef and strengthening beef’s position in the marketplace.” To accomplish this, the checkoff acts as a catalyst for change and is designed to stimulate beef sales and consumption through a combination of initiatives, including consumer advertising, research, public relations and new-product development. Conversely, by law, checkoff funds cannot be used to influence government policy or action, including lobbying. The checkoff doesn’t own cattle, packing plants or retail outlets. It can’t control prices or single-handedly turn around a bad
Read MoreWASHINGTON (November 2, 2015) – The Public Lands Council welcomes Ethan Lane to the association in his new role as executive director. Lane is originally from Arizona and joins PLC with over 18 years’ experience in natural resource and land use issues. In his new role, he will also serve as executive director of federal lands for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
Read MoreThis week's Montana Rancher Feature highlights Suzanne (Suze) Bohleen from Wilsall. Suze is in her 40th year as a cattle buyer and is frequently active in sharing beef education with youth across the state. Be sure to leave Suze any questions in the comments section below and check out other posts in our Montana Rancher Feature series. Know a member of the Montana ranching community who should be featured in a future post? Use this online form to send us the information!
Read MoreMontana Stockgrowers appreciates the opportunity to be a part of Governor Bullock’s trade mission to Taiwan and South Korea this week. Our Executive Vice President, Errol Rice, is a member of the delegation on the trip, working to build relationships with business leaders that will lead to greater economic opportunities for Montana ranchers and our beef products. Asian markets are a rapidly growing segment for U.S. beef products with opportunity for tremendous growth. While domestic demand for our beef remains strong, future market growth depends on our ability to be globally competitive. These Asian markets continue to see growth in economic activity and a stronger middle class with
Read MoreWe are looking for Young Stockgrowers interested in attending the 36th Annual Young Ag Couples Conference in Helena, January 13-16, 2016 at the Red Lion Colonial Hotel. Hosted by the Montana Department of Agriculture, the conference will explore contemporary issues facing family operated agri-business as well as development of leadership skills needed to survive in the cyclical economic climate of agriculture. Montana Stockgrowers is able to nominate young ag couples to attend the conference each year. Couples selected to participate in the conference will have lodging and meal costs paid while in attendance. There will be a conference registration fee of $25 per couple. To be eligible, couples should demonstrate leadership abilities and earn their primary living from farming, ranching, agribusiness, or other agricultural enterprises. Our age preference is 25-45 years of
Read More[caption id="attachment_4958" align=blog-postRight width="400"] Click image above for more event details![/caption] On December 3-5. Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) will celebrate 131 years of serving the state’s ranchers with their Annual Convention & Trade Show. This year’s meetings move to Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings with a larger trade show, more educational workshops, policy meetings, over $100,000 in prizes and two nights of live music. “Montana’s ranchers have had a busy year following work during the legislative session and changes in a dynamic cattle industry,” says MSGA President, Gene Curry from Valier. “Our 2015 Annual Convention will feature
Read MoreBy Philip Ellis, Wyoming Rancher, NCBA President We learned this week that the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), has voted to tell the world that they believe processed meats are a human carcinogen. Similarly, they have decided red meat is a “probable carcinogen.” Let me be clear, this group did not conduct new research during their meeting, they simply reviewed existing evidence, including six studies submitted by the beef checkoff. That evidence had already been reviewed and weighed by the medical and scientific community. The science reviewed by IARC simply does not support their decision. We know
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