November 27, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Top 5 ways Collegiates gain from being engaged

MSGA Collegiate Stockgrowers Montana State Northern HavreLast week, I had the opportunity to travel to our Collegiate Stockgrowers meetings in both Bozeman and Havre. Both groups are preparing for Thanksgiving break and Final Exams. The visit was a good chance to meet many of our members, remind them of the benefits of being a Montana Stockgrowers Student member and the advantage of networking and learning opportunities at our upcoming Convention.

Our Collegiate members are inspired and engaged members of their respective University communities. Although they may come from different areas of the state and study programs, they have a common interest in being a part of the ranching community.

Supporting our Young and Collegiate members lends itself to the strengthening of MSGA in the years to come. Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders. Every opportunity we can use to help them gain more experience and leadership skills, the better prepared they will be for what lies ahead.

What advice do I have to give to Collegiate members looking for opportunities with Montana Stockgrowers?

  1. Take advantage of networking opportunities. Events like our upcoming Annual Convention are the best opportunity you will have to meet leaders within our ranching community. Find out what changes are occurring within the ranching community through these events and learn how they may affect you.
  2. Introduce yourself and leave an impression. Give a firm handshake, look people in the eye, and try your best to remember names. You never know who you may be talking to and leaving a good impression with the right people will pay off down the road.
  3. Seek hands-on experiences outside your comfort zone. It may seem very uncomfortable at the time, but learning how others work in your industry and gaining a better idea of the larger picture helps you understand more about what you want to do for a career and why you want to do it. Internships on different ranching operations was the best thing I ever did to learn more about how I want to shape my future in the ranching community.
  4. Find a mentor. Look for people you want to be like and are respected in their circles and abroad. Find someone who is willing to answer questions and gives you encouragement to learn more. Those connections made through mentorship will last a lifetime. MSGA offers a Mentorship program that will connect you with some of the best leaders in Montana’s ranching community.
  5. Have fun, but stay focused. You’re  only young once. Enjoy it, but don’t let a fun night out wreck what you’ve worked so hard to obtain. Take advantage of opportunities to branch out. You can always return home, but when you’re young, it’s easier to travel and explore the opportunities offered to you.

Montana State University Collegiate Stockgrowers logoLevel of student involvement is highly correlated to student success and development that last well beyond the days of college life. Encouraging our younger generations to get involved in groups like Collegiate Stockgrowers sets us (and them) up for a brighter future.

As a person not far removed from my college undergraduate days, I am very thankful for the mentors I have and those members of the ranching community who gave me opportunity and advice.

What advice do you have for younger members of the ranching community?

Younger members, what development opportunities would you like to see most through a Stockgrowers program?

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ranchers relief fund heifers for south dakota
November 26, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Montana ranchers donate cattle to South Dakota following deadly blizzard

(Associated Press) GREAT FALLS, Montana — Montana ranchers have donated 45 head of cattle for breeding stock to their South Dakota counterparts who lost thousands of cattle in a freak blizzard in October.

The Great Falls Tribune reports (http://gftrib.com/1aYWoQr ) that the cattle shipped Friday.

Montana ranchers Rene Brown and Alisha Burcham decided they wanted to do something and began gathering cattle donations from Montana’s Hi-Line area in the northern part of the state.

“Twelve hours this way with that storm and that could have been us,” said Brown, a Chinook-area rancher.

ranchers relief fund heifers for south dakota

Rene Brown locks up a cattle delivery at the J S Livestock yard in Havre, Montana Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013. Brown collected cattle donations from area ranchers to send to the South Dakota Ranchers whose cattle was ravaged by the October blizzard. (AP Photo/Havre Daily News, Lindsay Brown)

South Dakota officials say the Oct. 4 blizzard dumped up to 4 feet of snow in the western part of the state, killing about 14,000 cattle, 1,257 sheep, 287 horses and 40 bison.

Brown and Burcham used social media and word-of-mouth to gather cattle donations. Brown’s brother-in-law, Earl Brown, started moving the cattle Friday.

“I told him I wanted to get a pot load of cattle together to send to South Dakota,” Rene Brown said. “He told me I couldn’t do it and that if I did, he would drive them there. We’ll, we did and even have donations for the fuel, so he’s donating his time for the drive.”

The organization Heifers for South Dakota accepted nominations for the donated cattle. The group chose family ranches that had herds of about 160 head, but lost 50 to 60 percent of them in the storm, Brown said.

She said many small producers don’t have insurance because of the cost.

“Congress may approve some disaster aid, but that’s not a sure thing and they can’t even pass a Farm Bill,” she said. “This donation will make a big difference to ranchers in South Dakota. I knew the Hi-Line would come through, but it is humbling to see this come together.”

Learn more about disaster relief efforts and the Ranchers Relief Fund following the devastating Atlas Blizzard, by clicking here. Also, consider purchasing a copy of Big Sky Boots from MSGA’s Foundation – a portion of the proceeds from every sale through December 14th, goes toward the Ranchers Relief Fund.

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Montana Stockgrowers 2013 Film Festival Logo
November 25, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Voting is Now OPEN! – Film Festival 2013

Montana Stockgrowers 2013 Film Festival Logo

At the Montana Stockgrowers Association, we are passionate about sharing the family ranching story! And what gets us even more excited is when our members get out their cameras and start clicking away!

As part of the Montana Family Ranching Project, MSGA is hosting the 2nd annual Film Festival at the convention in December. The festival is open to all MSGA members and the entry topics range from cattle to life on the ranch. The convention attendees will vote for their favorite and the winner will be announced at the grand finale dinner on Saturday night.

However, we want you to help select the winner, also! Watch each of the entries embedded below. Then, place a vote for your favorite in the poll at the bottom. The video with the most online votes will receive an extra vote added to their overall score.

We would like to thank Northwest Farm Credit Services for sponsoring the dorm-size TV prize for the winner!

Please share this blog link with all of your family and friends to help receive more views and votes!

“Cows and Plows” – submitted by Danika Quenemoen

“Life of Reggie” – submitted by Larisa Mehlhoff

“Ridin’ the Ruby” – submitted by Sue Marxer

“Life on the Ehlke Hereford Ranch” – submitted by Jane’a Ehlke

Zoetis Cattlemen's College at Montana Stockgrowers Convention
November 20, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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MSGA 2013 Convention Highlights – Friday

2013 Montana Stockgrowers Convention Trade ShowThe 2013 Montana Stockgrowers Convention is coming up in just a few short weeks. Last week we highlighted events scheduled for Thursday, December 12. If you missed those be sure to check that post and be sure to get your registration submitted online soon!

Friday, December 13, kicks off the 2nd full day of the MSGA convention with Registration opening at 7 a.m. The Billings Chamber of Commerce Breakfast and MCW Past Presidents Breakfast both kick-off at 7 a.m.

Opening General Session starts at 8 and we are very excited to host featured speaker, Sarah Calhoun. Sarah is the founder of a company that produces work wear for women, Red Ants Pants. Be sure to check out our previous post highlighting Sarah Calhoun.

A very important function of Annual Convention is to review and establish Association policy on important issues that affect the future of our Montana ranching community. Starting at 9:30 a.m., both the Beef Production & Marketing and Tax, Finance & Ag Policy committees will meet.

Other important events during the day on Friday include:

  • 10:00 a.m. Trade Show Open
  • 10:00 a.m. Silent Auction Open
  • 12:00 p.m. Northern Ag Network Lunch
  • 1:30 p.m. Beef Production & Marketing Committee Meeting
  • 1:30 p.m. Tax, Finance & Ag Policy Committee Meeting
  • 1:30 a.m. MCW Annual Meeting and Installation
  • 2:00 p.m. Montana Range Days Steering Committee
  • 5:00 p.m. MCW New Board of Directors Meeting
  • 5:30 p.m. MCW Officer Reception

Starting at 3:00 p.m., the Zoetis Cattlemen’s College will feature more great speakers with educational and informative presentations. Dr. Darrel Peel, Oklahoma State University Agriculture Economist and MSU graduate will present a second round of his session titled, “Rebuilding the U.S. Beef Industry: Challenges and Opportunities.” At 4:00 p.m. 4:00-5:00 p.m. Larry Gran and Dan Ellis will present a second session of their workshop titled, “ZOETIS RANCH- An Interactive Cow Calf Game Designed to Explore Profit Opportunity From EPDs and HD50K Genetic Tests.”

What You Must Know Before Vaccinating Your Cow Herd- MLV vs. Killed Vaccination Choices

Zoetis Cattlemen's College at Montana Stockgrowers ConventionRichard Linhart, DVM, Dipl. ACT, is a managing veterinarian with the Zoetis Beef Veterinary Operations team. With 20 years of private practice experience and board certification in theriogenology, Dr. Linhart combines significant technical knowledge with an exceptional ability to communicate and work with cattlemen. Based in Boise, Idaho, he supports cow-calf producers, working primarily in beef cattle reproduction and herd health to help improve reproductive efficiency.

Prior to joining Zoetis, Dr. Linhart spent 20 years as owner of Simpsonville Animal Hospital in Simpsonville, Ky., a food animal and exotic animal veterinary practice. He received his undergraduate and veterinary medicine degree from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. and completed a theriogenology residency at University of Missouri.

Dr. Linhart specialized in advising clients on estrus synchronization programs and helping them implement these programs to optimize results of artificial insemination and embryo transfer. He also put his expertise in production medicine to work in the areas of prevention and control of neonatal diseases, stocker cattle health management, parasite control and reproductive herd heath, including use of ultrasound reproductive evaluation in bison, cattle and small ruminants.

Linhart is a member of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, American College of Theriogenologists and the American Veterinary Medical Association. Rich is also interested in exotic animals, including elk, deer, bear, bobcat, alpacas and exotic swine. He’s has worked with the Louisville Zoo on hoofed stock and marine mammals and with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife where he was responsible for the veterinary care of bison, elk, deer, black bear, bobcat and reptiles. Rich is also an avid metal artist with a primary interest in welded metal sculpture. He and wife, Jutta, hand-built their log cabin in Simpsonville, KY and have 4 children.

Dr. Linhart will present two sessions of his workshop; the first starting at 3 p.m., the second starting at 4 p.m.

Friday will close out the day starting at 7:00 p.m. with the Trade Show Closing Dinner & NFR Viewing.

A full schedule for the MSGA Annual Convention and online registration can be found on the Events tab at www.mtbeef.org.

 

Derrell Peel is the Charles Breedlove Professor of Agribusiness in the Department of Agricultural Economics
November 13, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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MSGA 2013 Convention Highlights – Thursday

2013 Montana Stockgrowers Convention Trade ShowHave you registered for the 2013 Montana Stockgrowers Convention and Trade show? Registering and quick and easy through the MSGA Events page!

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be highlighting each day of the convention and introducing the featured speakers. A full agenda and schedule is also available on the MSGA Events page.

The 2013 MSGA Convention kicks off on Thursday, December 12 with Registration beginning at 7:00 a.m. and the Trade Show opens at 11:00 a.m. Many committee meetings fill Thursday’s schedule:

  • 8:00 a.m. MSGA Board of Directors Meeting
  • 9:00 a.m. Montana Public Lands Council Annual Meeting
  • 10:00 a.m. Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Training Workshop
  • 10:00 a.m. MT Red Angus Commercial Cattlemen’s Symposium
  • 10:00 a.m. Steer of Merit Committee Meeting
  • 1:00 p.m. Land Use & Environment Committee Meeting
  • 1:00 p.m. Membership Development & Services Committee Meeting
  • 1:00 p.m. Silent Auction Opens

Beginning at 4:00, we have a few great speakers as part of the Zoetis Cattlemen’s College.

Rebuilding the U.S. Beef Industry: Challenges and Opportunities

Derrell Peel is the Charles Breedlove Professor of Agribusiness in the Department of Agricultural Economics

Dr. Darrell Peel

Derrell Peel is the Charles Breedlove Professor of Agribusiness in the Oklahoma State University Department of Agricultural Economics. He has served as the Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist since arriving at OSU in 1989. He has B.S. and M.S. degrees from Montana State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. He previously served as the Superintendent of the Southeastern Colorado Range Research Station in Springfield, Colorado. His main program areas at Oklahoma State University include livestock market outlook and marketing/risk management education for livestock producers.

Derrell also works in the area of international livestock and meat trade with particular focus on Mexico and Canada and the North American livestock and meat industry. He lived in Mexico on sabbatical in 2001 and has developed an extensive knowledge of the Mexican cattle and beef industry and the economics of cattle and beef trade between the U.S. and Mexico.

ZOETIS RANCH- An Interactive Cow Calf Game Designed to Explore Profit Opportunity From EPDs and HD50K Genetic Tests

Zoetis Cattlemen's College at Montana Stockgrowers ConventionDan Ellis was raised on a purebred Hereford Ranch in Columbus, Montana and received an Animal Science degree from Montana State University. Dan is a Genetics Consultant at Zoetis Animal Health and Administrator of GenomeXchange.com. Ellis’ accomplishments include serving as C.O.O. and Angus Division Manager at Beartooth International and Livestock Manager for Northern International Livestock Show until 1997. In 1992, Dan served as President and founded Western Management, renamed Ellis Management Group (EMG) in 2002 to accommodate commercial feeder cattle brokerage. EMG provides consulting services for management, genetics, and marketing for purebred clients. 

Larry Gran, Regional Manager for Zoetis Animal Genetics, covering South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho, grew up on a cow/calf yearling operation in Western Nebraska. Larry currently still has an interest in the family’s Registered Red Angus Operation. Larry Gran started with Bovigen, which is now Zoetis in July of 2007. Previously he was the General Manager, Editor and Sales consultant for Tri-state Livestock News and Graduated from University of Wyoming with a BS in Ag Business. Larry has also managed and owned a back grounding feedlot along with his own Red Angus cows.

Thursday’s schedule wraps up with a Young Stockgrowers meeting and social, the Leaders & Legends Dinner at 5:00 p.m. and the Trade Show Opening, Dinner and NFR viewing starts at 6:30.

Many more events are planned for the week at the 2013 MSGA Convention. Be sure to get your registration sent in. Stay tuned on the blog next week for meeting details for Friday and Saturday’s events! View the full agenda  on the Montana Stockgrowers Website.

November 12, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Giving Back Through Steer-A-Year Program

Earlier this year, we featured MSU’s Steer-A-Year program where ranchers donate animals are receive performance data (28-day gains and carcass performance) and contribute to a hands-on learning experience for Bozeman students.

“Donated steers make a direct impact on students, particularly those participating in the livestock judging program,” according to program coordinator and Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, Dr. Rachel Endecott. The steers also contribute to the educational experiences of dozens of students in the College of Agriculture since the steers are used in animal science courses throughout the school year. Those courses include “Beef Cattle Management,” “Livestock Management – Beef Cattle,” “Meat Science,” and “Livestock Evaluation.”

Montana State Steer-A-Year Dusty Hahn

Endecott and Hahn

One of this year’s steer donors is Montana Stockgrowers Association’s Foundation chair, Dusty Hahn. “I’m supporting the Steer-A-Year program because, as an MSU College of Ag alum, I’m able to make a financial contribution to the MSU Livestock Judging team, but also help with practical, hands-on learning opportunities. The Steer-A-Year steers are feed by ruminant nutrition graduate students. They are evaluated by the judging team, animal science, and meat science classes. I hope that my contribution helps advance the education of our future ag producers and leaders.”

Thank to the many ranchers like Dusty Hahn who donated steers to this year’s program and help MSU students gain a better education with hands-on opportunities like the Steer-A-Year program.

Montana Beef Council logo
November 6, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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On The Horizon – Montana Beef Council

Chaley Harney Montana Beef CouncilWritten by Chaley Harney, Executive Director, Montana Beef Council

As the new fiscal year kicks off for the Beef Checkoff and the Montana Beef Council, we will embark on another year of beef promotion, research and education that is intertwined with the changing consumer marketplace and industry realities.

According to the most recently available demand indices tracked by Dr. Glynn Tonsor, associate professor of livestock marketing, Kansas State University, he suggests retail demand was stronger in the second quarter of 2013 than experiences in 2012. This continues a three-year trend of overall beef demand strength which has added important support to cattle prices throughout the industry. (As of October 9th, it remains unknown when updated values will be available given data necessary for demand index calculations remains currently unavailable.)

Tonsor, along with Dr. Ted Schroeder, professor of livestock marketing, Kansas State University and Dr. James Mintert, assistant director of Extension for Agriculture and Natural Resources at Purdue University, they authored the Beef Demand Determinant Study to identify the beef demand drivers in which the Checkoff programs should focus to have the most compelling effects on beef demand moving forward. (To view the full report visit MyBeefCheckoff.com). The key findings of the study identified seven broad beef product attributes as potentially salient demand factors that the beef industry may be able to influence and were the central focus of the study. Beef price; food safety; product quality; health; nutrition; social aspects; and sustainability were respectively identified as those key areas.

Although price is not an influential area for the Checkoff, it does have a high impact on consumers. The remaining areas are influential and these findings have helped refine the approach that the Beef Checkoff will take for future programs and ultimately serve to continually improve the ways that beef promotion, education and research are carried out.

Most notably on the national level, a new strategic promotion and advertising plan of work has been deployed that will integrate digital media everywhere possible and traditional media, namely print and radio, will be phased out. This new strategy is the proper course of action that targets the Millennial Generation (those born between 1980-2000) and specifically the older Millennials. The Millennial Generation is over 80 million strong in the U.S., and even though this number is close to the Baby Boomers, the Millennial Generation is unique in the fact that they are “building their life resume” every chance they get. They take the opportunity to share information about their daily lives, both in and out of the workplace, which then extends to their community… All online. The Baby Boomers have essentially stopped growing their families and their food spending is declining. However, the older Millennials are growing their families and their food spending is increasing. Millennials also tend to maintain close relationships with their Baby Boomer parents, offering yet another avenue for extended influence. The culmination of these factors and others are the reasons why the Beef Checkoff will engage and influence the target audience and continue to build beef demand.

On the state level, the Montana Beef Council Board of Directors reviewed project proposals from a variety of organizations from all across the state. The 2014 marketing plan includes many strong programs and incorporates new opportunities to engage, influence, educate and promote beef to Montana consumers. As a producer, you can expect to see beef promotion and digital media integration with the Montana State University Bobcats, in retail stores across the state, as well as with foodservice operators. Further steps will also be taken to build on the success of the Pasture to Plate Dietetic Intern Tour by hosting another tour as well as seeking influential participants for an  additional Pasture to Plate Tour. Many of the new strategies incorporated in national and state efforts seek to target ‘influencers’ with positive messages about beef and beef production. Influencers, in this context, are those that advise or offer advice to others in health, dietary and lifestyle choices. For instance, health, nutrition and fitness professionals, chefs, restaurateurs, bloggers and foodies.

These are just some of the strategies that will be activated in this new fiscal year. For more information, stop by the office, call us, check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or visit our website at MontanaBeefCouncil.org. And to see more of the great information available, visit MyBeefCheckoff.com, BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com and FactsAboutBeef.com.

Montana Beef Council logo

Programs with the Montana Beef Council are brought to you by the Montana Beef Producers and Checkoff Dollars.

**This article was originally published in the October 25, 2013 edition of Montana Stockgrowers Update.

 

2013 Montana Stockgrowers Convention Trade Show
November 4, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Annual Convention and Trade Show to be held at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana

2013 Montana Stockgrowers Convention Trade ShowThe 2013 Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) and Montana CattleWomen (MCW) Annual Convention and Trade Show will meet at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana in Billings, Mont. on Dec. 12-14. The Convention will offer opportunities for attendees to learn tips to improve their ranch or business, find out about new products available for their animal health and ranch supply needs at the trade show, and for members to weigh in on policy discussions. Members who attend convention will be eligible to win a Ford Super Duty truck from the Montana Ford Stores.

At this year’s convention we are planning to have several amazing speakers, Sarah Calhoun, Founder and Owner of Red Ants Pants will be the featured speaker of the Opening General Session. The Zoetis Cattlemen’s Colleges will be held on Dec. 12 & Dec. 13 featuring Dr. Derrell Peel, Charles Breedlove Professor of Agribusiness, Larry Gran with Zoetis Animal Health, Dan Ellis with Zoetis Animal Health, and Dr. Rich Linhart, Managing Veterinarian with Zoetis Animal Health. The Zoetis Cattlemen’s College will feature educational topics such as Rebuilding the U.S. Beef Industry: Challenges and Opportunities, What you must know before vaccinating your cow herd: MLV vs. Killed Vaccination choices and Zoetis Ranch: An Interactive Cow Calf Game Designed to Explore Profit Opportunity from EPDs and HD50K Genetic Tests.

A major component of the convention is the setting of new policy and the review of past policies to guide the association through its day-to-day work. The policy process will begin on Thursday, Dec. 12 with the Beef Production & Marketing and Membership Development & Services committee meetings. The Land Use & Environment and Tax, Finance & Ag Policy committee meetings will be on Dec. 13. The Second Reading of Resolutions will be held on the morning of Dec. 14, with reports from each committee. The final reading, and an up or down vote on resolutions, will occur at the MSGA Business Meeting on the afternoon of Dec. 14. Resolutions that make it through the entire process will become association policy.

MSGA and Montana Ford Stores have teamed up to give a Ford Super Duty truck to one lucky member who attends convention. The drawing will be held on Saturday during the Grand Finale Banquet. To be eligible for the truck drawing, you must attend convention, be a current Rancher, Stocker/Feeder or Young Stockgrower member, and fill out the truck entry form.

For a full schedule of events, please click HERE. To learn more, please call the MSGA office at (406) 442-3420, or visit www.mtbeef.org where you can register on-line! Preregistration is available at a discounted rate for those attendees that register prior to Dec. 1. If you would like to reserve a trade show booth or sponsor part of the convention, please contact the MSGA office soon as there are limited spaces open.

Throwback Thursday Montana Ranch
October 31, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Throwback Thursday: American Fork Ranch

Throwback Thursday Montana RanchA big thank you to the American Fork Ranch for this Throwback Thursday photo. Be sure to give them a ‘Like’ on Facebook.

Do you have a Throwback Thursday photo for us to share? Send us your photo ([email protected]) and a brief background on the subject and your ranch photo may be featured on our TBT posts!

Learn more about Jed and Annie Evjene and the American Fork Ranch is this Rancher profile.

Walker MIlhoan Montana Collegiate Stockgrowers
October 29, 2013 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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What is the value in Mentorship?

Walker MIlhoan Montana Collegiate StockgrowersThe first group of participants in the Montana Stockgrowers Mentorship program will be announced at Annual Convention this year. This program will be a great opportunity for seasoned members of the Montana ranching community to mentor some younger members and help guide their journey as becoming members of the industry. One of the participants is Walker Milhoan.

Walker is a Collegiate Stockgrowers member at the University of Montana in Missoula. Here is a brief Q&A with Walker about participating in the Mentorship program. Applications for both Mentors and Mentees are due November 1

Why do you want to participate in the Mentorship program?

Walker: It has been my life’s goal to call myself a “rancher.” This is all I have ever wanted to do, and fortunately for me, I wasn’t born into the lifestyle. I say “fortunately” because not being born into the ranching business has forced me to think of it in a way that someone who has a lot of tradition behind them might not. It’s not second nature to me, therefore I have to think out and analyze every piece of the puzzle, and this is where a solid mentor can be a great deal of help. Since I can’t always rely on my own intuition and experience, I must fall back on someone who can.

What do you hope to gain while participating as a “Mentee”?

I hope to gain a better understanding of the minutia that comes with cattle business. For example: I was helping this rancher from Helmville ship calves last summer and we were trying to piece together the most similar ones to send to the truck. I thought I had done a good job of pairing up these two steer calves when Dan sorted one of them off and said, “that one has piece of Burdock behind his ear, he came from a different pasture, don’t send him.” I wouldn’t have thought of this in a million years, but Dan did, and it’s those little things that can add up in a hurry. Ranching requires a million little nuances like this everyday and having a solid mentor can help a greenhorn like myself stay out of some of the weeds.

What value do you gain from Mentorship programs? Any suggestions for those who want to become involved?