Northeast Montana Update | Bakken and ranchers
By Jim Steinbeisser. Sidney, Northeast Region Director
By the end of May, spring is finally underway! This sure is a great time to be in the cattle business, isn’t it? Strong cattle markets and with that, positive balance sheets for our individual businesses, give us an opportunity to reevaluate where we focus our resources.
Being from the Sidney area in the heart of the Bakken oil boom, I am asked occasionally what it is like to ranch in the middle of all that. I will say it is mostly good. The economy of the area is certainly strong! We have many buildings going up, more businesses starting and more people coming to live here. However, there is a down side. The roads are busier than I would like although after the initial drilling, the traffic does lessen. Crime has increased some and housing is in short supply but even now, it is starting to catch up. Overall, it is a net benefit for our communities. As drilling expands to areas not very experienced with the oil activity, I would encourage landowners and renters to talk to folks who have already been through the process of leases, easements, etc. You do not need to make all the mistakes that have been made by ranchers in the past. Just pick up your phone and call. It could be very helpful!
Being on the MSGA board now for the second year, I can really see the issues that need to be and are being addressed. Your very competent staff is not only working on the front-page issues that we read about or hear about but also working on the smaller, lesser-known issues that are equally important. The board members, officers and staff take all the challenges that we, as an industry face very seriously. Everyone is encouraged to contact us with any concern they may have or just to share their thoughts on a matter. We really are working to build an even better communication channel between the leadership and the members of this great organization.
The newly developed AMP (Affiliate Mentorship Program) will also help us with building dialog with our affiliates. Please get to know the program and its benefits. It is worth knowing, for example, that there is the Affiliate Top Hand Club where your local affiliate can win a John Deere Gator, generously donated by Frontline Ag! Be sure to check the newsletter or our website for all the details! I hope to see you in Miles City for our Mid-Year Meeting in June 13 & 14. It will be a grand time with good meetings and good fun.
