July 14, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Specialists, Generalists, and Working with People

Rachel Endecott Montana Young Stockgrowers Mid Year Miles CityDr. Rachel Endecott, Belgrade, MSU Extension Beef Cattle Specialist

Sometimes, it seems that the world wants people who specialize. For example, my job title is Extension beef cattle specialist; however, “beef cattle” is a fairly general topic. In fact, I’m trained as a ruminant nutritionist, but I help folks with cattle reproductive physiology, genetics, marketing, health, and general management questions on a regular basis in addition to their nutrition questions. I’ve found that my clientele don’t care how I was trained; they just expect answers to their beef cattle questions. My ranch background and animal science training has made me pretty comfortable with the generalist role. And if you think my work makes me a Jill-of-all-trades, think about your county Extension agent. Many of you live in single-agent counties, where that one person handles all the questions that come into the office.

What kind of tree is this? What kind of bug is this? Is this bug killing my tree? Can you help out with the community forum on the new swimming pool? Can you test my pressure cooker before canning season starts? Can you come take a look at the damage the hailstorm did to my wheat? Should I test my grain hay for nitrates? And I’ll leave all the 4-H related questions up to your imagination! I’d encourage you to sit down with your county agent(s) sometime and ask about the variety in their job; you might be surprised.

At Mid Year, I was invited to speak at the Young Stockgrower meeting about issues and trends in the beef cattle industry. I’d say that was a pretty generalist topic, so I started with changes in the use of feed-grade antibiotics and we had a good discussion about that and a few other topics. At the end, all the speakers took questions as a panel, one of which was “What advice would you give to a young person who wants to talk to their folks or grandparents about making a change on the operation?”

My answer was this: Get some soft skill leadership training before you have that conversation. Now this might raise an eyebrow or two out there in MSGA readership land, and probably did that day in Miles City, too. But here’s where I’m coming from: in school, we choose our area of interest to study with the goal specializing in that area of interest, be it animal science, ag business or whatever. I think most would agree that as you enter the workforce (and for the rest of your career), you might have to generalize some depending on the job.

Did you learn about how to effectively work with people from other generations or different personality types? I know I didn’t. And (as I was reminded at the ranch rodeo by one of my clientele), I’ve gone to a lot of school! But you know what a major part of my job is? Working with people. I bet it’s a pretty big part of your job, too. What would it be like to have some training to help you work more effectively with people?

June 24, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Fantastic Outcome for Foundation at MSGA’s Mid-Year Meeting

MSGA's Foundation Trustees at Mid-Year Meeting 2014.

MSGA’s Foundation Trustees at Mid-Year Meeting 2014.

The 2014 Montana Stockgrowers Association’s Mid Year Meeting in Miles City provided a fantastic outcome for the Research & Education Endowment Foundation (REEF). At multiple fundraising events throughout Mid Year, the Foundation brought in generous donations, totaling more than $15,000, to help support Montana’s youth via scholarships and educational opportunities for the ranching community.

This year, the Foundation was lucky to receive many auction items donated from Montana ranchers and the community. REEF trustees also hosted a fundraiser pancake breakfast for meeting attendees on Saturday morning. The proceeds from the events go to the Foundation’s scholarship funds.

This year’s auction items included an original commissioned David Graham painting, along with several prints, featuring generations working together on the ranch; a beautiful saddle from the Pilster family of Alzada, honoring their late son, Shawn Pilster; and a Montana State University football package that consisted of Athletic Director box seats and a gift certificate to Ferraros in Bozeman. The auction items brought in over $13,500 to support REEF scholarship funds.

During the Ranch Tour dinner, the Foundation honored this year’s Montana Educational Heritage Scholarship winner, Ariel Overstreet-Adkins. She is currently attending law school at the University of Montana with hopes to one day help Montana’s ranchers with legal issues in the areas of Natural Resources.

The Foundation also transitioned its chairman seat from Dusty Hahn of Townsend to John Grande of Martinsdale. “I’ve really enjoyed my time on the Trustee board and seeing the Foundation go to the next level in educating youth and our membership,” said Hahn after completing his five year term as REEF Chairman. Nancy Ereaux of Malta was voted in as vice-chair.

If you missed this year’s Mid-Year Meeting and would like to contribute to the Foundation, please visit www.mtbeef.org/reef to learn about ways you can help. Also, follow us on Facebook and Twitter for daily news and features.

We want to thank those in attendance for their support of the Foundation. The Montana ranching community wouldn’t be the same without you.

Foundation Trustees with auction items.jpg

Some of the Foundation Trustees pictured with the auctioned saddle and painting.

Ariel Overstreet-Adkins with Dusty Hahn.

Ariel Overstreet-Adkins with Dusty Hahn.

Dusty Hahn, Outgoing Foundation Chairman

Dusty Hahn, Outgoing Foundation Chairman

John Grande, Incoming Foundation Chairman

John Grande, Incoming Foundation Chairman

 

June 18, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Stockgrowers Continue Tradition, Host Mid Year in Miles City

MSGA Directors Jim Steinbeisser and Jack Holden in the Parade in Downtown Miles City

MSGA Directors Jim Steinbeisser and Jack Holden in the Parade in Downtown Miles City

The 2014 Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) Mid-Year Meeting drew over 300 ranchers from across the state for policy meetings and MSGA’s annual Ranch Tour. The meeting also hosted several events for the community, including a concert with the Bellamy Brothers, an All-Horse/Livestock Parade through downtown, and the Miles City Ranch Rodeo.

Here are some of the highlights from the 2014 MSGA Mid-Year Meeting:

-Opening General Session featured Bob McCan, Texas Cattleman and President of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. McCan discussed several issues affecting Montana ranchers today. The NCBA continues working on rancher’s behalf including the EPA’s Waters of the U.S. proposed ruling, and foreign trade opportunities.

-The 2014 MSGA Ranch Tour began at the Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Center where ranchers learned more about the Center’s research work with forage establishment, cow longevity and grazing recovery following range fires. MSGA then traveled to the Range Riders Museum and WaterWorks Art Museum. Finally, the tour traveled to OptiBlend Industries to learn about work in the oil and gas fields, which has a large impact on the economy in Eastern Montana.

The Stockgrowers Ford at Mac's Ford in Miles City

The Stockgrowers Ford at Mac’s Ford in Miles City

-Following the Ranch Tour, a delicious dinner was served at the Eastern Montana Fairgrounds. MSGA’s Research and Education Endowment Foundation (REEF) awarded Ariel Overstreet-Adkins of Helena the 2014 MSGA Educational Heritage Scholarship and held a fund-raiser auction to benefit education programs. The auction included a commissioned painting by local artist David Graham and a saddle donated in memory of the late-Shawn Pilster. The saddle garnered over $10,000 for REEF programs in a rollover auction.

-The community of Miles City also joined in on the Mid Year festivities. On Friday night, the Bellamy Brothers came to the Eastern Montana Fairgrounds for a well-attended concert opened by Copper Mountain Band. On Saturday morning, prior to the Miles City Ranch Rodeo, Stockgrowers hosted an All-Horse/Livestock parade through downtown.

-Two interim policies were passed through during committee meetings on Friday and Saturday mornings. The Beef Production & Marketing Committee passed interim policy in opposition of proposed importation of beef products from Brazil due to concerns of Foot and Mouth Disease being brought to the U.S. The Land Use & Environment Committee passed interim policy regarding the Montana Water Court, encouraging the completion of adjudication.

Ranchers in Policy Meetings at Miles Community College

Ranchers in Policy Meetings at Miles Community College

-The Membership Development & Services Committee passed a new dues structure that will allow Montana’s small ranchers to join MSGA through a fair-share dues structure. Rancher dues for those owning 1-60 head of cattle are now set at $75. Higher due levels are set for those ranchers owning larger numbers of cattle as a part of the dues structure.

-The Young Stockgrowers held a meeting on Thursday afternoon with five featured speakers. Topics ranged from changes in antibiotic use in livestock, soil management, land appraisals, market outlooks and advocacy.

-Mid-Year photos can be seen on MSGA’s Flickr page – bit.ly/2014MidYearPhotos.

-Plans are already underway for MSGA’s Annual Convention and Trade Show, which will be held Dec. 11-13 in Billings at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana. Watch for more information to be announced at mtbeef.org.

Fred Wacker Montana Cross Four Ranch
June 5, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Southeastern Montana Update | Sage Grouse, Small Ranchers, and Mid Year

By Fred Wacker, Miles City, Southeastern Region Director

Fred Wacker Montana Cross Four RanchHere in Southeastern Montana, Miles City, surrounding towns and communities are all abuzz with talk of the up-coming 2014 Mid-Year Montana Stockgrowers Convention on June 13 & 14. People are excited to welcome Montana Stockgrowers members, guests, and supporters to Miles City for the 130th convention of Montana’s oldest and most respected agriculture organization. People are excited about the concert, featuring The Bellamy Brothers, who are known to play music that everyone enjoys. The concert, along with the all horse and livestock parade, and the convention, with featured speakers, Montana Governor, Steve Bullock, and President of the NCBA, Bob McCan, has the entire area looking forward to a great convention with lots of fun and something for everyone. Thanks to the business community for all of their financial support, this mid-year convention will be one of the best ever.

Stockgrowers members in Southeastern Montana have voiced support for the new smaller rancher dues structure that was unanimously passed by Montana Stockgrowers Association Board of Directors, and will be offered for adoption to the general membership at the Mid-Year convention. A review of the ag census data clearly shows that there are many more small ranchers in Montana that are not members of the Montana Stockgrowers Association. This new dues structure should allow the Association to have more members, which brings more clout when dealing with important issues.

Most all of Southeastern Montana is in the area involved in the new Sage Grouse plan. The restrictions and rules concerning the average ranch operation are of great concern to all ranchers and landowners in Southeastern Montana. MSGA board members, association members, and other interested parties have appeared at many hearings concerning Sage Grouse, and are keeping a watchful eye on the situation.

The wonderful moisture condition in Southeastern Montana, this spring, has brought green grass, full reservoirs and ponds to most areas. It appears to be the start of a great grazing and haying season, which is so important to all ranchers. The reports of above average snow pack, in the mountains, has everyone along the rivers hoping for an orderly melting of snow in the mountains that will not cause flooding in the area.

2014 brings continued enjoyment of an excellent cattle market. There have been many reports of early interest in contracting calves and yearlings at record prices. If the rains continue, and we have a great corn crop, this could be a record year for Montana ranchers.

As I am in my 3rd year as a board member of the Montana Stockgrowers Association, I can assure you that your association has a very dedicated and capable staff, officers, and board members who all work hard for the good of Montana ranchers. It is a pleasure to be a part of this fine organization. Make plans to come to Miles City, and take in the 130th mid-year convention. Hope to see you in Miles City, where the cowboys ride.

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June 2, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Mid Year Meeting Next Week | Event Highlights

Montana Stockgrowers 2014 Mid-Year Meeting Miles CityWith only one week to go until the 130th Mid-Year Meeting Celebration the MSGA Board of Directors and staff are busy finalizing details to make this Mid-Year Meeting the best Mid-Year yet! With an incredible list of events this will be the one Mid-Year Meeting you don’t want to miss. Make sure you register TODAY (Monday, June 2) to receive the early registration discount.

Here is a review of the incredible events we have planned for you June 13 & 14 in Miles City, Montana. Go to www.mtbeef.org to purchase your registration.

The Bellamy Brothers Concert

Join us on Friday night June 13th for an amazing concert featuring The Bellamy Brothers! The Bellamy Brothers have received nearly every music award there is to have, and they even hold the record in both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association for the most duo nominations. They’ve written countless worldwide hits, crossed the globe like their music has crossed genres, brought reggae to the Grand Ole Opry, and recorded 45 albums. Wait, that’s not all!

We are also bringing in Copper Mountain Band as the opening act! Copper Mountain Band is a fresh, high-energy country music group from the great state of Montana. With a fiery passion for their craft and an appeal to all audiences, they incorporate music from many genres and styles into their performances. Copper Mountain Band appeals to all audiences as they incorporate music from many genres and styles into their performances. They have found a way to give cover tunes a whole new dimension and they have outstanding original material as well. CMB has recorded two albums featuring several songs written by band members Jacque Jolene, Israel David, and Nate Norman. They have also received praise for their rendition of Cher’s “Just Like Jesse James”.

Opening General Session

Join other progressive ranchers at the Opening General Session at 10:30 a.m. on June 13th! This portion of Mid-Year will gather ranchers together to discuss current issues affecting Montana’s livestock industry. Our keynote speakers will be Gov. Steve Bullock followed by NCBA President Bob McCan.

Old Times All-Horse/Livestock Parade

Saturday, June 14th will bring more fun and excitement at the Old Times All-Horse/Livestock Parade.

Tailgate Luncheon

Hosted by the Young Stockgrowers, this luncheon will feature a networking opportunity and delicious BBQ lunch/beverage gardens out at the Fairgrounds before we cheer on the teams at the Miles City Ranch Rodeo!

Miles City Ranch Rodeo

Cheer on your favorite team at the Miles City Ranch Rodeo. Watch teams of cowboys from Montana ranches compete with one another in one of a kind ranch rodeo events!

Mosquito Festival Street Dance

Dance the night away and enjoy great company at the Miles City Mosquito Festival Street Dance. The Street Dance will feature Copper Mountain Band and will be held on Friday, June 13.

Young Stockgrowers Workshop

Thursday, June 12 at 1:00 p.m. will feature an educational workshop for our Young Stockgrowers. This workshop will feature four different speakers. See our previous post for more on this workshop and speaker topics.

Please visit www.mtbeef.org to register for the 130th Mid-Year Meeting. You can also find a printable registration form for those that would like to register by mail, email, or fax. Register TODAY, June 2 to receive preregistration discounts. For questions please call the MSGA office at 406-442-3420 or email [email protected]

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May 21, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Young Stockgrowers to Host Meeting at Mid-Year in Miles City

Today’s Ranching Industry & Planning for the Future

Young Stockgrowers LogoRanchers under 40 years of age have an additional reason to attend this year’s MSGA Mid Year Meeting in Miles City, June 13 & 14. Prior to the main Mid Year events, the Young Stockgrowers are hosting a workshop and leadership training geared toward younger generations on the ranch. These workshops will give young ranchers an opportunity to network with their peers and learn skills and information they can take back to the ranch.

The Young Stockgrowers meeting will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 12 at the Miles City Community College, Room 108. The meeting will have a series of speakers, workshops, and wrap up with a networking-social where attendees will have the opportunity to meet the Montana Stockgrowers Board of Directors.

Workshops will include:

  • “Current Topics & Issues in the Beef Industry” with Rachel Endecott, Beef Cattle Specialist with MSU Extension
  • “Improving Soil Health” with Kate Vogel, North 40 Ag Agronomist
  • “Land Appraisals” with Christine Murphy, Appraiser at Northwest Farm Credit Services
  • “You get MORE with LESH” with Monte Lesh, Broker/Owner of Lesh & Company Real Estate
  • “Online Tools for Today’s Young Stockgrower” with Ryan Goodman of Montana Stockgrowers Association

“The YSG officers have put a diversified and outstanding group of presenters together for the workshop,” said Lacey Sutherlin, Young Stockgrowers Chair. “We will conclude the workshop with a panel discussion/question & answer session including all of our presenters and finalize the deal with a social event. This will be a great place to network with other producers facing the same challenges as you are within the Ranching and Farming Industry. It is going to be an excellent event and we encourage all of you to attend at no cost to you just a great investment of your time!”

The Young Stockgrowers meeting is made possible by generous sponsors from the Montana ranching community: Jocko Valley Cattle, Volberg; ORIgen Inc., Huntley; Gateway Simmental. Lewistown; Idland Cattle Co., Circle. YSG extends a great appreciation to these companies for their support and encouragement of young ranchers in Montana.

The YSG meeting is included in 2-day registration for the Montana Stockgrowers Mid Year meeting, June 13 & 14. Registration forms can be found online at www.mtbeef.org or by contacting the MSGA office at (406) 442-3420 or emailing [email protected].

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May 20, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Foundation to hold Saddle Rollover Auction in Memory of Alzada Rancher

Tribute to Montana Ranchers Shawn Pilster of Alzeda

Shawn with horse, Fox

In the last days of 2013, Montana lost a beloved son, uncle, friend, and stockman. Shawn Pilster of Alzada (46) passed away on December 27 in his home on the family ranch. Shawn was active in the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA), Montana Public Lands Council, Carter County Sheep and Cattle Growers Association, and 4-H programs. He had served in the US Army for three years before being honorably discharged. Shawn went on to work for the timber industry, Caterpillar, and eventually, returned home to the ranch.

In 2010, Shawn won a new saddle at the MSGA convention, donated by NutraLix of Billings, Montana. The Pilster family has generously offered to donate the saddle back to MSGA’s Research and Education Endowment Foundation (REEF). Therefore, REEF will host a rollover auction of the saddle in Shawn’s honor at the MSGA Mid-Year Meeting in Miles City, as a fundraiser for its educational programs, leadership opportunities and academic scholarships.

“We cannot express how thankful we are to the Pilster family for their generosity and offer our sincerest condolences for the loss of Shawn,” said Dusty Hahn, chairman of MSGA’s Foundation. “The Foundation is glad to honor him at the Mid-Year Meeting, and with the money received from the rollover auction of his saddle, his legacy will live on through educational programs and youth leadership opportunities in Montana.”

Tribute to Montana Rancher Shawn Pilster

One of Shawn’s Aurora Borealis captures

Shawn loved life on the ranch… especially raising livestock. According to his obituary, Shawn often made pets of sheep and cows each year and could identify each one from a distance. He loved his nieces and nephews, and brought smiles and joy to those he was around.

His other love was taking scenic photography. Shawn won many awards for photos of sheep on the range and his Aurora Borealis images amazed everyone who saw his work. He would travel several hundred miles to attend Black Hills Photography Club.

“Shawn will forever be a part of the Black Hills Photography Club. We will miss him dearly, but also know he will be with us in spirit in all of our activities.”

Those wishing to support REEF programs through the rollover auction of the Pilster saddle are invited to attend the MSGA Mid-Year Ranch Tour Dinner at the Eastern Montana Fairgrounds on June 13 at 6:00 p.m. Please contact the MSGA office in Helena for more information at (406) 442-3420.

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Shawn winning the NutraLix saddle in 2010.

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April 14, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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130th Mid-Year Meeting in Miles City Brings Concert, Parade and Ranch Rodeo

Montana Stockgrowers 2014 Mid-Year Meeting Miles CityHold on to your hats and kick up your heels because the 130th Montana Stockgrowers Association Mid-Year Meeting in Miles City promises to be a weekend to remember, June 13-14. This year’s event will be highlighted by an amazing concert on Friday night featuring The Bellamy Brothers and opening act Copper Mountain Band!

“Miles City is very excited about the opportunity to host MSGA’s 130th Mid-Year and we look forward to a great meeting and events,” says Fred Wacker, MSGA Board of Directors member and rancher from the Miles City area. “In addition to Friday night’s concert, Mid-Year attendees will be treated to a horse parade in downtown, followed by the ranch rodeo on Saturday afternoon.”

RSVP in the Facebook event and keep up with the conversation by using #MSGA14 online!

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. Policy and Committee meetings this year will be hosted at the Miles City Community College.

Opening General Session on Friday morning will include an address by current president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Texas cattleman, Bob McCann. A ranch tour on Friday afternoon will include stops at Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory, Range Riders Museum, WaterWorks Art Museum, and OptiBlend Industries.

Everyone is welcomed to join us on Friday, June 13th for an amazing concert featuring The Bellamy Brothers at the Eastern Montana Fairgrounds! The Bellamy Brothers have received nearly every music award there is to have, and they even hold the record in both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association for the most duo nominations.  They have written countless worldwide hits, crossed the globe just as their music has crossed genres, brought reggae to the Grand Ole Opry, and recorded 45 albums.

The concert will also bring in Copper Mountain Band as the opening act, a high-energy country music group from the great state of Montana. With a fiery passion for their craft and an appeal to all audiences, they incorporate music from many genres and styles into their performances.

Saturday, June 14th will bring more fun and excitement as attendees finish policy meetings, enjoy an Old Times All-Horse/Livestock Parade, grab a bite to eat at the Young Stockgrowers Tailgate Luncheon, and then head off to cheer on their favorite teams at the Miles City Ranch Rodeo!

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn, and Sleep Inn. Discounted rates start at $90 and must be reserved by May 5th. For more information about MSGA’s 2014 Mid-Year Meeting, contact MSGA’s office at (406) 442-3420 or join the Facebook event. Registration packets are available online at www.mtbeef.org.Registrations received before June 2 will receive discount pricing.

2014 Montana Stockgrowers Mid Year Meeting Miles City
March 19, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Preview: MSGA Plans Mid-Year in Miles City

Montana Stockgrowers is excited to announce that the 2014 Mid-Year Meeting will be held in Miles City, MT on June 13 & 14. Your Board of Directors and MSGA staff has been hard at work putting together a Mid-Year Meeting that will be one to remember!

Sneak Peeks to Mid-Year

  • Gather together to discuss the critical issues facing Montana ranching families and set interim policy to guide our association.
  • Hop on the bus as we conduct a Ranch Tour that includes a tasty beef lunch, range and research tour at Fort Keogh, a tour of the Range Rider Museum, and a tour at Optiblend Industries.
  • Enjoy a Prime Rib dinner, watering hole, and entertainment at the end of the Ranch Tour on June 13th.
  • Dance the night away at the Miles City street dance, featuring the Copper Mountain Band, held on Friday night June 13th.
  • Fill up and re-energize at the REEF Pancake breakfast before finalizing committee meetings on June 14th.
  • Discover the big taste of the Kansas City BBQ cook-off.
  • Network at the tailgate lunch starting at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.
  • Hold on to your hats and cheer on the contestants at the Miles City Ranch Rodeo to be held on Saturday June 14th at 1:00 p.m.

Mark your calendars! Save the date! Join the Montana Stockgrowers Association at the 2014 Mid-Year Meeting. For more information and to register, visit www.mtbeef.org or call 406-442-3420.

2014 Montana Stockgrowers Mid Year Meeting Miles City

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