June 23, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Comment Period Opens on DSA Boundary Adjustment; Public Meeting Set for July 2

DSA-map2_closeupPublic comment on expanding the state’s Designated Surveillance Area (DSA) for brucellosis to include a 365-square mile chunk of land between Norris and Three Forks (see map) opened late last week.

The Montana Board of Livestock at its last meeting approved putting the proposal out for review after learning that 10 of 60 elk in the corresponding elk hunting district (HD311) recently tested positive for exposure to brucellosis. State veterinarian Dr. Marty Zaluski said brucellosis-positive elk were not previously known to exist in the area, which is home to about 50 cattle producers and 12,000 head of cattle.

Created in 2010 with extensive input from the livestock industry and USDA-APHIS, the four-county (Beaverhead, Gallatin, Madison and Park) DSA is designed to prevent the spread of brucellosis and protect the marketability of Montana cattle. Cattle within the DSA are subject to additional testing, vaccination and identification requirements.

If approved, the boundary adjustment would be the third since the DSA was implemented in January 2010. Other adjustments occurred when brucellosis-positive elk where found in 2011 and 2012 on the western edge of the DSA in Beaverhead County.

The department will host a public meeting at 10 a.m. on July 2 at Headwaters Livestock Auction in Three Forks to discuss the proposal. Public comment will be accepted at the meeting, or can be submitted via email at [email protected] or via US postal mail at Christian Mackay, 301 N. Roberts St., Room 308, P.O. Box 202001, Helena, MT 59620-2001.

The public comment period closes July 12.

June 20, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Feeding Weedy Hay: Implications for Future Weed Problems?

Rachel Endecott, MSU Extension Beef Cattle Specialist

In the past few years, many Montana beef cattle operations have purchased hay, sometimes from many counties away, and even from another country based on the Canadian hay that we’ve seen move south the past few winters! Some of that hay might have been fairly weedy, or have different weeds than are found in your area. Just how well do weed seeds survive after going through the digestive system of a ruminant?

A Canadian study from the early 1990s evaluated weed seed viability after 24 hours of rumen incubation for many common weeds. In general, they found that after 24 hours in the rumen, grass weed species were more adversely affected than broadleaf weed species. Many broadleaf weed species have harder seed coats than grass weed species, which was suggested to be the main reason for the difference between grass and broadleaf species. The table below summarizes the results of the study, comparing viability of seeds after 24 hours in the rumen versus a control group (no rumen exposure).Weed Species Treatment and Digestibility in Cattle Rumen Chart

The study also found that the diet the cow was on when the seeds were incubated in the rumen had an impact on some species’ seed viability. For example, wild oats and field pennycress were not impacted much by rumen incubation when the cow was consuming an all-forage diet, but when the cow was consuming a mixed diet of grain and forage, the viability of these weed seeds was dramatically reduced. This suggests that the lower pH environment in the rumen due to grain supplementation may have been better able to decrease seed viability.

What about noxious weeds? Are their seeds impacted by rumen exposure? Several different research projects at Montana State University have tackled this question over the years. Sheep, goats, and even mule deer have been used in these studies rather than cattle, since most cattle avoid grazing these weeds.

Sheep and mule deer were dosed with 5,000 spotted knapweed seeds, and then seeds were recovered from the manure. Less than 20% of the dosed seeds were recovered, and large variability existed in seed viability (0-26%), but it was always lower than the control (98%). In a study evaluating leafy spurge, 18% of dosed seeds were recovered, and sheep were found to be more effective than goats in decreasing seed viability (sheep: 14%, goats: 31%, control: 90% viability). Digestion of sulfur cinquefoil seeds by sheep and goats decreased viability of immature seeds by 92% and of mature seeds by 64%. The difference was attributed to the hardened seed coat of mature seeds limiting digestive impacts.

Weed seed viability is impacted by passage through the rumen to varying degrees. It is important to keep a close watch on areas where weedy hay was fed this winter to ensure proper and timely management of any weed infestations.

References:
Frost et al., 2013. Rangeland Ecology and Management. 66:51-55
Lacey et al., 1992. Weed Technology. 6:599-602.
Wallender et al., 1995. Journal of Range Management. 48:145-149

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June 17, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Montana Rancher Q&A Feature: Wanda Pinnow, Montana CattleWomen President

Montana Ranchers Wanda and Craig Pinnow of Baker

Wanda Pinnow with husband, Craig.

Wanda Pinnow of Baker, Montana is currently serving as the Montana CattleWomen Association’s president and has spent her life raising cattle and sheep on her family’s ranch. Like all businesses, running the ranch hasn’t always been easy, but the work created a life that Wanda and her family are passionate about and are excited to pass that joy on to the next generation. Read more about Wanda in the follow Q&A: 

How long has your family been involved in ranching?

My grandfather homesteaded the farm that I grew up on in 1913.  My parents had cattle, grain crops, forage and a garden that would feed us for the year.  I learned early that we all had a purpose on the farm.  Dad worked part time in the oilfield to help pay the bills.  Mom milked three cows to feed our 20 bum lambs, (summer project).  At an early age, I was outside helping my parents work the farm.  We all learned early how to ride the square baler so we could make sure the bales fell correctly.  My dad’s idea of Sunday family fun was hauling 600 square bales.   My husband, Craig, and I were married in 1980, after two years of living in town, his grandfather (maternal side) asked us to move onto his place.  We became cattle owners! In 1988, we moved to the farm (where we live now) that my husband grew up on.  We purchased Bracket Butte Ranch two years later.  Our greatest joy was making our last payment for the ranch.

What was your favorite part about growing up on the ranch? 

My favorite part of growing up on the farm was all ranch seasons: winter was feeding calves, cows, and of course, snowmobiling. Spring was the birth of all of the babies.  We couldn’t wait to see what the milk cows would have, for they would be our pets.  Branding was time for all of our neighbors to get together.  Horseback riding to move cattle, pulling rye out of the wheat field, and just play time on our horses.  Summer was a really busy time, fixing fence, swathing, baling then right into combining and seeding, there was never a dull time on the farm and my Parents made us a part of all of it.  They taught us well, so we would know what to do when they were not there.

Tell us about your ranch today.

Montana Charolais Cattle in BakerOn our ranch today, we have a cow-calf pairs that are Black Angus cross mommas and we use Charolais bulls.   We also run Ramboulet cross ewes with Hampshire bucks. It is just Craig and I out working on a daily basis, but our son wants to come back someday when the ranch can support two families.

What have been some of the trials you’ve had to overcome?

In 1993, we bought some replacement heifers and one of the heifers was a carrier of BVD.  We were told that they had had all of their pre-breeding shots.  We bought 50 head and 30 of the 50 lost or aborted their calves.  It also affected us the following next two years.  Our weights were down and we had a lot of sick calves.  The sheep were also affected the following year. This is a very bad disease.  Our marriage of 13 years almost did not survive this trial.

What is one thing you wish more people knew about life on the ranch?

Bracket Butte Ranch in Baker MontanaOne thing I wished people knew about ranch life is that the livestock and the care of land are very important to us. We do not take being stewards of the land very lightly.  God put us here to be care takers and to flourish and live off of the land.

What does it mean to you to be able to work with your family every day?

To be able to work with my family is an honor.  Our grandchildren come  over and I get such joy teaching them how to be caretakers of the land and animals, just as my parents taught me, and I taught my children.

How would describe “building a legacy” on the ranch? 

Baker Montana Ranching Pinnow FamilyOur son and daughters know how we do things on the ranch. They have come to understand that you do take care of the land to make it a renewable resource every year.  You need to take care of your livestock properly by feeding minerals, giving vaccinations yearly, and making sure that they have proper nutrition.

Do you have any advice for future Montana rancher generations about running a successful beef cattle business?

Ranchers can’t be big spenders. You will need to have an outside income to help support your household.  Look in to the Farm Service Agency and see what kind of loans they have for beginners.

What is your favorite part about being the Montana CattleWomen president? Why did you decide to lead this group of ladies? 

Visiting and sharing ideas with the members from around the state.  I knew that I wanted to be president after a year of being State Beef Ed Chairman.  I was impressed by how many schools and students we were able to teach using the Beef Ed curriculum!

What’s your favorite beef dish?

Montana CattleWomen President Wanda Pinnow of BakerEye of round roast slow cooked with potatoes, carrots, onions, and a gravy sauce.

Is there anything else you can share with us?

The young people  today feel that they are too busy to belong to Beef  Industry organizations.  Our industry would greatly benefit If they only realized that “to have a voice in our industry they need to be involved”.

If you’d like to see more of Wanda’s Montana ranch adventures, you can follow her on Twitter: @Wanda_Pinnow.

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June 9, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Northeast Montana Update | Bakken and ranchers

By Jim Steinbeisser. Sidney, Northeast Region Director

jim steinbeisser, sidney montanaBy 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.

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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 3, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Montana Rancher Q & A: Scott Wiley of Musselshell

36As part of the Montana Family Ranching Project, Montana rancher features are imperative for telling the beef story. Today, we feature Scott Wiley of Musselshell, Montana. Scott and wife Kathy, along with their two daughters and son, run the Wiley Ranch located in the Bull Mountains. Not only does Scott ranch, but he also volunteers with the local 4-H, Montana Stockgrowers Association, and a cultural exchange program for youth called, “Provider Pals.” After reading this feature, please share the link with your friends in order to help more people learn about Montana family ranching.

How long has your family been involved in ranching? 

I grew up on a ranch in Idaho and worked for various ranches in the area. As often happens, the ranch was not big enough to support all of us which lead me to Montana. Upon completion of a MS degree in Animal Science at Montana State University, my wife and I were hired to manage Dyer Land and Cattle. After running the ranch for 12 years, we were given the opportunity to lease all of the land and buy all of the cattle. We have been in this situation for the last 10 years. The only time in my life that I was not involved with ranching was when I was going to college, but even then I worked on the college farm and local ranches on weekends.

What was your favorite part about growing up on the ranch? 

My favorite part of growing up on the ranch was being outside and working with animals. There was never a dull moment with 2 older brothers, horses to ride, open spaces and the freedom to enjoy it.

Tell us about your ranch today.43

Today the ranch is raising Gelbvieh and Angus cross cattle. We have over 13000 acres of leased ground and can run as many as 400 mother cows. With all of the kids grown up and doing things of their own, my wife Kathy and I are the only family members involved. I am probably most proud of the condition of this land that we have been caring for. Bob Ross whose family homesteaded part of this ranch, came here and toured the place. He is a retired Range Conservationist so when he told me that I was doing a wonderful job managing this range I was very proud.  The number of wildlife that share this land with us has increased dramatically which to me is an indicator of good range management.

What have been some of the trials you’ve had to overcome? 

We have so far been flooded, burned out, taken over by grasshoppers, gone through drought, gone through severe snow storms and terrible cold. The fire of 2012 was the worst, we lost almost all of the range and had to start feeding hay real early just to keep the cows. The aftermath of that fire will be with us for years to come as the cattle did not perform very well after the smoke inhalation, the stress and being fed poor hay for nearly 8 months. The range is recovering with good rains and snow but we will be looking at burned trees forever, reminding us of the devastation.

What is one thing you wish more people knew about life on the ranch?35

I wish that more people would know about the reality of ranching. We do not get up at dawn every day, saddle up the horses and ride around all day. That only occurs on a few days of the year. Reality is we spend many days fixing fences, fixing water lines, putting up hay, feeding the hay, fixing machinery and doing many little things to keep the ranch running. People need to know the way it feels to work very hard trying to save a new born calf only to have it die as well as the feeling of helping a heifer deliver a live calf and hear her talking to her new baby as she cleans it off. Ranching can be really rewarding but it can be just as depressing. My daughter wrote of ranching: “It is decisions. All building up on one another until it seems as if one can’t take it anymore. Burdens of making decisions that affect too much and burdens of when there was nothing you could do.”

What does it mean to you to be able to work with your family every day?66

Working with your family is one of the best things about ranching. Having your kids growing up working alongside of you is a really good way to teach them responsibility and a good work ethic. Working together makes you grow together when you face adversity and you take it head on as a family.

Is there anything you would have done differently on the ranch if given the chance? 

I am not sure what I would do different, certainly not anything major. Maybe little things like use AI more extensively early on or put fences in different places.

How would describe “building a legacy” on the ranch? 

Building a legacy to me would be that when I am gone people will say of me that I left the land in better condition than when I found it and that I had one heck of a good set of cows. All of our pastures are named after the original homesteaders, they left a legacy. I would like for someday that people would refer to some part of the place the ”Wiley Place”, that would be leaving a legacy.

Do you have any advice for future Montana rancher generations about running a successful beef cattle business?

The best advice I could give is get educated and never stop learning. That may not mean going to college but working with a mentor and going to every possible seminar or school that you can attend. It may mean getting a job on a ranch and learning the hard way. I also think that even ranch raised kids should go and work for other ranches to see how others function. One of the worst things that I have seen is ranchers who continue to do things the way that grandpa did it and they get into a rut, never improving. Being exposed to new and different things is good. Yes some of the things that grandpa did he did for a reason, but everything should be questioned and looked at from a business perspective.

What’s your favorite beef dish?

It would have to be a good roast, prime rib or top sirloin slow cooked on the grill to a medium rare with horseradish!

Is there anything else you can share with us?15

Every rancher should have at least 2 Corgi dogs that will help him work cows and snuggle on him at night!

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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 28, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Montana 4-H Brand an Animal Program Supports Youth

Montana 4-H Brand an Animal photo

The Montana 4-H Foundation “Brand an Animal for 4-H” program expands learning opportunities for more than 20,366 4-H youth and 4,200 volunteers throughout the state. By branding an animal for 4-H, you can help offset the costs of statewide events and activities available to all Montana 4-H Youth, enabling more kids to experience 4-H.

The brand is applied to the left rib on cattle, either by use of a bar iron in multiple steps, or a one-piece branding iron which can be obtained from the Montana 4-H Foundation, or by contacting your County Extension Agent. When the animal is branded, the top of the 4 is closed, and the bottom bar of the 4 must connect to the dash and the centerline of the “H.” Once branded, the animal becomes the property of Montana 4-H. When each animal is sold, the State Brand Inspector overseeing the sale will see that proceeds are sent to the Montana 4-H Foundation as the registered owner of the brand. If you prefer not to brand an animal with the 4-H brand, proceeds can be designated to 4-H at the time of sale. All recognition still applies.

Donors will receive a decorative plaque, will be listed in annual publications, and recognized at statewide events.

Funds will support statewide 4-H programs and help create opportunities for 4-H youth to attend and compete at events such as MT 4-H Congress and West- ern Roundup in Denver. Priority will be given to the 4-H Livestock programs, including 4-H Livestock and meat judging teams. We thank you for helping to make this a successful program and for supporting MT 4-H youth!

For more info call: (406) 994-5911 Or e-mail: [email protected]. To participate, send the Donor Name, Address, Phone, E-mail, and Animal Description to Montana 4-H Foundation, 211 Taylor Hall Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717.

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May 27, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Spring Includes Branding, Rodeo, and Helena Visit for MSU Collegiates

Collegiates MSGA OfficeThis Spring has been exciting and eventful for the Collegiate Stockgrowers at MSU. The month kicked off with a work crew heading to Harrison to brand at the Sitz Ranch, then proceeded to stay busy with some of the members spending a day in Helena at the MSGA office, and wrapping business up as we prepare to part ways for the summer.

In the midst of the MSU Rodeo, the club got a call that asked for a branding crew and members were more than eager to fill the role. A group consisting of five members set off on a road trip to Harrison, MT to represent the club at the Sitz branding. The day was a successful one with no injuries or accidents, and everyone was back in time to enjoy the Saturday night rodeo action!

Keeping the events rolling, a group of members was Helena bound on April 11. The group was able to tour the MSGA office to talk with Errol Rice, Jay Bodner, and Ryan Goodman about the issues the association deals with on a day to day basis.

Lunch was enjoyed at the Overland Express before heading to the Department of Livestock to talk to a few of the directors about brand inspection, diseases affecting livestock throughout Montana, and a day in the life of a Department of Livestock director. We greatly appreciate being able to visit with DOL Executive Director, Christian Mackay; Chair of the Board of Livestock, Jan French from Hobson; Brands Enforcement Director, John Grainger; and State Veterinarian, Marty Zaluski.

Collegiates Historical Society Trip

Following the visit to the Department of Livestock was a trip through the Montana Historical Society to see a special Charlie Russell exhibit partially sponsored by the Montana Stockgrowers Association.

In all, this Spring been a busy one filled with activities as the school year draws near the end. However, there has been just enough spare time to spend partaking in some fun activities with the Collegiate Stockgrowers. For more information, be sure to follow the MSU Collegiates on Facebook.

Collegiates 2014 Branding Sitz

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May 26, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Preview to the Young Cattlemen’s Conference with Montana’s Delegate – Ryan Hughes

Ryan Hughes Montana Young Cattlemens ConferenceEach year, the Montana Stockgrowers Association’s Foundation sends one Young Stockgrowers member on a trip of a lifetime. The Young Cattlemen’s Conference (YCC), hosted by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, takes a group of bright and motivated young beef industry leaders on a cross-country exploration of the supply chain, ending with conversations of the nations representatives in Washington D.C.

This year, the Foundation selected Ryan Hughes of Stanford, Mont. to be the Montana representative for the trip in June. We wanted to share a brief introduction about Ryan before he departs:

Ryan grew up commercial cow ranch south of Stanford, Mont. and graduated from Montana State University with a degree in Agricultural Economics and a minor in Agricultural Business. He has lived in several western states including Colorado, Idaho and Arizona before settling in Dillon, Mont. to work for Westfeeds. He also owns a small herd of registered Angus cattle and does sales consulting and purchasing for purebred Angus breeders and commercial producers across the west.

Ryan is excited about being selected as the YCC participant: “I’ve heard a lot of good things about the trip, especially its focus on leadership and the preservation of agriculture across the US.” With this comprehensive look at the entire cattle business, Ryan is hopeful to meet other industry leaders and gain from their shared experience, “Life and business evolve around who you know and there will be many influential people on the trip with me.”

The experience of the trip will not only help Ryan, but in return, will help benefit his future life in Montana. “I have always wanted to ranch in Montana. You either inherit the family ranch or manage one for someone who has been successful in other endeavors. As all young people in agriculture know, it is near impossible to start your own ranch from scratch in Montana.”

“As I work toward that goal, I am lucky enough to be involved in many operations from a nutritional, genetic, and marketing standpoint. I want to be the best resource for those people on the ranch that I can be.”

Be sure to check back in the July newsletter to read a re-cap of Ryan’s trip. To help support future YCC participants and other educational programs for Montana’s youth, please consider a donation to the MSGA Foundation. You can make donations online at www.mtbeef.org/reef.

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