March 23, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Thank you to our 2015 Cattle Directory Priority Page Ad Buyers!

Each year, Montana Stockgrowers Association publishes the Montana Seedstock & Commercial Cattle Directory, an extensive listing of quality cattle genetics and services available in the state of Montana from MSGA members. The Directory includes listings for commercial feeders, seedstock and commercial replacement females. There is also a large Associated Services directory included in the listings.

The annual publication, free for distribution, is a large source of funding for the Montana Stockgrowers Association. On Saturday night of Annual Convention each year, MSGA auctions off the priority page advertisements, which are the only full-color, full-page ads in the Directory. This program allows MSGA supporters an opportunity to financially contribute to Association programs and include a promotion for their annual cattle sales and market their services.

In times or record breaking cattle markets, the 2014 Priority Page Auction broke records during the recent Annual Convention. 46 Montana ranches and service providers purchased ads to be placed in the 2015-2016 Cattle Directory Publication. Please click on the company names listed below, visit their websites and thank them for their support of the Montana Stockgrowers Association.

Cattle Directory listings are available to all members of the Montana Stockgrowers Association. 2015 Cattle Directory Listings Form and should be submitted prior to June 1. Purchase your Full and Half page ads for the upcoming Cattle Directory TODAY by contacting Ryan Goodman ([email protected]) prior to June 1. See the 2015 Rate Card and Publishing Schedule for details.

Thank you for to all our supporters. To view the 2014-2015 Montana Seedstock & Commercial Cattle Directory in digital format, click here.

March 18, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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MT Dept. and Ag Organizations team up for National Ag Day Lunch in Capitol

Image: Montana Department of Agriculture

Image: Montana Department of Agriculture

Helena, Mont., Governor Steve Bullock welcomed a Capitol full of people to celebrate National Ag Day with state legislators, the department of agriculture, state agriculture organizations, and agriculture advocates. The all-Montana meal with items such as beef brisket, baked ham, roasted lamb and potato salad with local potatoes fed hungry legislators.

“It’s a great day to celebrate National Ag Day in Montana, and remember all that farmers and ranchers do to ensure that we have abundant, safe, healthy food to eat. This is a day where we give thanks and celebrate food produced right here in Montana,” said Governor Steve Bullock.

The semi-annual luncheon featured an all-Montana meal that included beef brisket, baked ham, roasted lamb, chickpea lime salad, local potato salad, wheat bread, brownies and honey donated or purchased locally. The event also hosted 16 agriculture organizations that setup booths throughout the rotunda providing an opportunity to showcase agriculture to legislators in attendance.

Image Credit: Montana Department of Agriculture

Image Credit: Montana Department of Agriculture

“Agriculture in Montana is growing and innovating every day in what we grow and how we grow it. Montana is now a leader in the production of dry peas and lentils that are a great rotational crop for wheat and enhance soil. We also lead the nation in barley acres planted and our cattle genetics are in demand around the world,” said Director Ron de Yong.

Revised numbers provided by USDA Economic Research Service show the value of Montana’s agricultural production was $5.3 billion in 2013, with over 28,000 farms or ranches across the state of which 97% are family farms.  Montana has nearly 2.5 cows for every person in the state, and is a leading producer of wheat, barley, dry peas, lentils, sugar beets, and honey. Wheat is Montana’s number one export, with approximately 75% exported to Asian markets.

Montana is known around the world for our high quality grains, pulse crops, seed potatoes, sugar beets, sweet cherries, and beef.  For a complete list of rankings and more information on Montana agriculture visit the National Agriculture Statistics Service’s annual state bulletin.

National Ag Day is organized by the Agriculture Council of America to increase the public’s awareness of agriculture’s role in modern society.  The Montana Department of Agriculture’s mission is to protect producers and consumers, and to enhance and develop agriculture and allied industries.  For more information on the Montana Department of Agriculture, visit agr.mt.gov.

March 16, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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What’s the deal with sainfoin?

Emily Glunk Montana State Forage ExtensionBy Dr. Emily Glunk, Montana State Extension Forage Specialist

I have been getting a lot of questions on my travels around the state about sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia), and how can it fit into forage production in Montana.

Sainfoin is a legume, with a bright pink flower (although they can also be white or purple), and leaves with 11-21 leaflets. It may grow a little taller than alfalfa in certain environments, but a lot of times we are seeing similar production results.

One of the biggest benefits of sainfoin is that it is a non-bloating legume, which means that not only is it valuable in hay production, but we can also safely graze our livestock on it without having to worry about any bloat issues. In addition, because it is a legume, it is providing Nitrogen back to the soil via nitrogen fixation, which is a huge benefit and a large reduction in cost. Because let’s face it, the cost of fertilizer these days can be a little hard to swallow. When we add sainfoin, or other legumes, in a mixture with other grasses, we can significantly reduce or eliminate the amount of Nitrogen that we need to apply (however, soil samples should always be taken to know exactly how much we need to fertilize and with what).

We also know that sainfoin is very palatable. I have even heard it described as being “too palatable” (if you can imagine that) with it being preferred by wildlife over alfalfa and other forages. It has been described as being slightly more drought-tolerant than alfalfa, although it likes a little higher average precipitation, typically over 14” of annual rainfall. However, some producers actually state that they have had better luck with sainfoin in dryland situations than alfalfa, although this may not always be the case. It also likes soils with a pH above 7, and it seems to prefer coarser soils, or calcareous soils.

Another huge benefit is that sainfoin does not exhibit the allelopathic, or autotoxic effect that we see in alfalfa. This means that when we have a declining stand, or one that is producing below our desired goals, we can interseed more sainfoin, or allow itself to interseed naturally. This is a huge benefit, as we don’t have to worry about completely renovating our stand.

Typically, we see sainfoin mature at a quicker rate than alfalfa. One study found that sainfoin reached full maturity (100% bloom) while alfalfa was only at 78% bloom.

The same study also recommended that for the highest yield of both dry matter and nutrients that you harvest when sainfoin is closer to full maturity, a little different than that of alfalfa. We do see slightly lower crude protein values when the plants are compared at similar maturities, but they have similar TDN (total digestible nutrients) concentrations, and in some cases the NDF and ADF (see previous column, “The case for RFQ” for an explanation) were actually lower in the sainfoin compared to alfalfa. Because sainfoin is able to retain its lower leaves better than alfalfa, we see a slower decline in nutrient quality through the growing season, another added benefit.

Another interesting thing about sainfoin is that it seems to have a natural resistance to glyphosate (Roundup). This does not mean that it won’t have significant yield reductions like RoundUp Ready alfalfa  after glyphosate application, but when varying rates of glyphosate were applied to a stand of sainfoin over two years in Wyoming, the stand was able to survive glyphosate application. However, it should be noted that it did have a significant reduction in yield. Even glyphosate applied at a rate of 8 fluid oz. per acre resulted in a significant yield loss. However, the stand was able to recover the following year after in the low-rate treatments. So while it may potentially be a tool for weed control, it should not be a first resort.

So what are the drawbacks? Sainfoin can be finicky to get established, and it seems to take a little bit longer than other forages such as alfalfa. It also requires significantly higher seeding rates than alfalfa, which can prove costly. Also, when being grown in a mixture with many forage species, alternate seeding is more conducive to adequate stand establishment than a complete mixture.

This is especially important when it is grown with bunchgrasses like Russian wildrye and crested wheatgrass. Another limitation to establishment is that it does not like soils with high water tables, or soils that are poorly drained. We also recommend that you do not graze for two seasons after planting to allow it to get established.

Care should be taken when harvesting and grazing sainfoin so that there is still some leaf area remaining. Sainfoin does not store carbohydrates during the summer, and relies on photosynthesis for regrowth, hence the need for extra leaf area.

On average, we typically see alfalfa persisting for longer periods of time than sainfoin, but there are stands that are over 20 years old in Montana. The biggest problem that producers have is that it is a little more susceptible to root and crown rots than alfalfa, this typically being the reason that a stand needs to be terminated. But, especially in a rotational setting, sainfoin can be a great option to look at.

Overall, sainfoin is a great forage, with a lot to offer to Montana producers. If you have any questions or comments, contact Dr. Emily Glunk at 406.994.5688 or [email protected].

March 12, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Contest: Why are you Proud to be a part of Montana Ranching?

instagram photoWhy are you proud to be a part of the Montana ranching community? Big Sky Country has so many amazing things to offer! Our ranching and cattle communities are a huge part of the state’s heritage and tradition and we want to see why you are proud to be a part of that community! With National Agriculture Day being celebrated on March 18, there is no better time to share these stories.

Montana Stockgrowers Association is giving away THREE (3) copies of our book, Big Sky Boots (value of $45 each)! This coffee-table-style book makes a great gift for friends or a new addition to your home. Big Sky Boots is part of the Montana Family Ranching Series through the Research and Education Endowment Foundation, and takes the reader on a journey through a year in the life of Montana’s cowboys – through calving, branding, and shipping, and everything in between. Throughout pages of the book is an interactive experience with QR codes, which take the reader to videos of the featured ranchers with a quick scan of a smartphone.

Here is how to enter:

Submit your perspective of why you are proud to be a part of the Montana ranching community. Maybe it is preserving family traditions, celebrating your heritage, or making things better for future generations. You decide what that means to you!

There are three ways to enter the contest (pick one):

  1. photos with a 50-word description,
  2. video clips, at least 120 seconds long, or
  3. a written story, 100 word minimum.

Montana Stockgrowers Association will select a winner in each category after the contest closes, and each winner will receive a copy of Big Sky Boots! (Don’t forget to buy an extra copy for your friends and family at Easter!)

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@MTstockgrowers) and Instagram (@MTstockgrowers) for more great ideas and to see many of the entries from the contest!

Entries must be emailed to [email protected] no later than March 31, 2015, 11:59 p.m. MT.

Employees of Montana Stockgrowers Association are not eligible to win. MSGA reserves the right to utilize all submissions in future promotional marketing or promotional materials. For questions, please contact Ryan Goodman, MSGA Manager of Communications by emailing [email protected].

March 5, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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20 Montana Ranches Needed for 2015 Summer Research Project

Agri-Best Feeds is looking to work in conjunction with the Growth Through Agriculture Program sponsored by the Montana Department of Agriculture to do a summer research project on ranches throughout Montana evaluating the economic benefit of increased average daily gain on either calves or yearlings by feeding SweetPro and Redmond salt.

This project looks to work with approximately 20 ranches in different areas across Montana. Each ranch will put 75 to 200 head per ranch on the feeding program and compare the average daily gain to a contemporary group (same sex calves, similar genetics, range, water, etc.) of cattle on the rancher’s mineral and salt program. Each ranch will work with the researchers to put the protocols into place for around a 180 to 205 day trial that will look to run from calving to weaning for the cow/calf operation and the summer grazing period for a yearling operation.

Historically Agri-Best has seen and increase in average daily gains up to 4/10 of a pound utilizing SweetPro and Redmond salt compared to simply grazing with a good mineral program. The day cost for this program ranges from $0.42 to $0.48 per pair (or yearling) but the increased weight gain pays for all of the vitamin, mineral, protein, and energy needs of the cow, calf, and calf in gestation plus puts more dollars in the producer’s pockets and all on less grass.

For the summer research project, the selected ranches will pay $0.12 per pair (yearlings per head) per day for the animals on trial to participate in the program as a replacement value to their current salt and mineral program as well as supplying their normal mineral and salt for the control group. Agri-Best Feeds will carry the remaining cost of the program and deliver product into the ranch as well as working with the rancher on managing the feeding program. At the end of the trial period, the average gain increase will be multiplied by the contracted calf/yearling price and the proceeds split 50/50 between the rancher and Agri-Best Feeds. For example, a 4/10 pound average daily gain increase on $2.00 calves would produce an additional $.80 per day that would be split equally between the rancher and Agri-Best Feeds. The $.40/head on 100 head for 180 days would give the rancher an additional profit of $72/head or $7,200.

Other areas that this research project will evaluate are conception rates, forage usage, body condition, weaning ease and growth, and overall herd health.

Requirements to Participate in the 2015 Summer Feeding Research Project include:

  1. The management ability and commitment to follow the research protocol
  2. Enough cattle (pairs or yearlings – min of 100 head with 50 on trial/50 control) of:
    • Similar genetics
    • Same age (focusing on first and second calf heifers for the target of the bulk of the study)
    • Same sex on calves/yearings
  3. Same/similar range conditions (forage type, quality, quantity, etc.)
  4. Same/similar water (quality, availability, etc.)

The Growth through Agriculture Program seeks to add value to Montana’s agricultural products and have the prospects to create and/or retain jobs in Montana by funding projects that meet their criteria through grants and loans. Agri-Best Feeds, 2010 MSU College of Business State Farm Montana Family Business of the Year, seeks to equip farmers and ranchers to maximize land and livestock by distributing unique high performing products.

If you are interested in more information about this research project or to receive an application to participate in this research call 866 601-6646 and ask for Scott Anderson or email [email protected].

March 3, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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MSU Collegiate Stockgrowers Elect 2015 Officer Team

Back, L-R: Amanda Williams, Connor Hodgskiss, Brady Johnson, Kamron Ratzburg, Kyle Moore Front, L-R: Brittany Hansen, Kensey Mikkelsen, Marni Wade

Back, L-R: Amanda Williams, Connor Hodgskiss, Brady Johnson, Kamron Ratzburg, Kyle Moore
Front, L-R: Brittany Hansen, Kensey Mikkelsen, Marni Wade

The New Year and semester at Montana State University brought a new officer team for the Collegiate Stockgrowers! The team has made plans and goals for the year and is very excited for what the club has in store.

The new 2015 Collegiate Stockgrowers Officer Team includes:

  • President – A sophomore is Kamron Ratzburg from Sunburst, majoring in Animal Science, Pre-Vet option.
  • Vice President – Brittany Hansen, from Ekalaka, is a sophomore in the Pre-Nursing program.
  • Secretary – Baker native, Marni Wade is in her junior year of Business Management with an Entrepreneurship and Accounting minor.
  • Treasurer – From Choteau, Connor Hodgskiss is double majoring in Ag-Business and Crop Sciences in his sophomore year.
  • Historian – From Hobson, Kensey Mikkelsen is in her sophomore year majoring in Exercise Science with a minor in Ag-Business.
  • Social Media Specialist – Amanda Williams is a freshman double majoring in Animal Science, Livestock Management & Industry option and Rangeland Ecology & Management. She is from Miles City.
  • Agriculture Student Council Representative – Brady Johnson, from Hinsdale, is a junior in Animal Science, Livestock Management & Industry option with a minor in Business Administration.
  • Agriculture Student Council Representative – Originally from Maine, Kyle Moore is studying both Ag-Business and Animal Science in his freshman year.

As in the past, we have a Work Crew available to help ranchers/farmers with any job. Branding help is always popular in the spring, but we aren’t limited to only helping with brandings. If you or someone you know needs any kind of ranch/farm help, please contact Vice President Brittany at her email: [email protected], a few days in advance if possible.

Our meetings are the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month at 6 pm in the Animal Bioscience Building Room 138 and we’d love to have you join us if you’re in Bozeman! Do you know an MSU student that we should contact about joining CSG? Let us know at [email protected]. Don’t forget to “like” our Facebook page and stay updated with us!

February 27, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Next Generation Conference Draws Ranchers from Across Montana

Image via Next Generation Conference

Image via Next Generation Conference

If you live in Montana, almost everything starts with a drive. This statement held true for the Montana’s Next Generation Conference held in Shelby, MT on January 30 and 31.  Walking among the crowd nametags declared Malta, Billings, Chinook, Box Elder, Butte, Fort Benton, Geraldine and other far destination were common.  In addition to the travelers approximately 130 participants were locals, meaning they drove 50 miles or less to attend the conference.

Many people have the misconception that farms and ranches are just given to the children when parents are ready to retire.  In reality it just doesn’t work that way.  The first day of the conference focused on Succession Planning, which is about how to get your business operation from one generation to the next or how to include the next generation into the current operation.   There are communication issues, control issues and responsibilities that don’t allow an easy hand off without detailed planning.   Succession is as much about the people involved as it is about the financial aspect.

This year there were repeat attendees who had listened to Kevin Spafford’s workshop last year and returned bringing with them more family members.  Many families find it hard if not impossible to start the conversation about how do we make this transition from one generation to the next work and how do we plan for the future generations.  The younger generation fears rejection and the generation in place fears giving up control of what has been their life’s work, their pride and their income.  Spafford’s presentations helps people to see that delaying that conversation basically means failure to ensure that the family farm or ranch will stay in the family.

Spafford repeatedly pointed out that the attendance is larger at Montana’s Next Generation Conference than many national conferences.  Also for two years in a row he has been delighted by the fact that attendance of the younger oncoming generation out numbers the in place or middle generation by such a great amount.  It shows there are young people waiting and wanting to take over.

Saturday kicked off at the High School where there were 36 high quality breakout sessions and two panel discussions covering livestock production and cropping.   Cindy Halley, Carter, stated, “At all the workshops I attended I gained knowledge and great information.  I learned lots and now need to go home and do my homework (on bull genetics and selection).”

Kenny Benson, Sunburst, is looking to moving back to the family ranch.  After attending Lyle Allen, Lewistown Livestock Auction, and Gary Buffington’s, Northern Video Representative, presentation on Beginning Beef Cattle Marketing he stated, “There were a lot of good tips for getting more dollars. There are so many things to think about.”

Kory Fauque, KW Insurance, has been a favorite presentation of attendees and his facilitating of the Cropping Panel is well done.  Fauque frequently knows the producers and what questions to ask them to spotlight their knowledge and skills.

When asked why he drove all the way from Billings, William Archembault stated he had been told by his FSA Officer that this was the best (borrowers) training in the state.   FSA requires borrowers to get training on how to manage their finances and records. They can get the mandatory training condensed into one weekend by attending the Montana’s Next Generation Conference, which is a great time saver for many.

Lacy Roberts, FSA Loan Officer from Glacier County, the Borrower Trainer and one of the main organizers of the event stated, “I was very excited to see the participation from across the state of Montana and enthusiasm for learning. It is great when people come up to you after the conference and say they wish they could have had another day of workshops to learn more! We are very appreciative of all the speakers and sponsors who helped make this event possible along with all the great help we received from the Toole and Glacier County FSA offices, Marias River Livestock, the Glacier and Toole County Extension Agents and Farm Bureau. We really have a great team to work with!”

February 3, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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MSU Extension and MSGA Announce 2014 Steer of Merit Certifications

MSU Extension Montana Nutrition Conference and Livestock ForumMontana State University Extension and the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) distinguished 118 “Steers of Merit” out of 930 entries for 2014. Out of 622 steers entered in the Carcass Division, 76 were deemed Steers of Merit. In the Ultrasound Division, 42 out of 308 entries received the distinction.

“The Steer of Merit award promotes and recognizes the production of the highest quality of Montana beef with carcass characteristics that meet the U.S. beef industry’s standards of excellence,” said Errol Rice, MSGA’s executive vice president. “We are proud to sponsor this great youth program that teaches and awards 4-H and FFA beef projects that have met or exceeded these industry benchmarks in order to meet both domestic and global consumer demand for the 21st century.”

The exhibitors and breeders of the top five steers in each category were honored at MSGA’s Annual Convention, Dec. 11-13 in Billings at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana. The top five steer entries in the Carcass Division were:

  1. Sydney Greenslade, Beaverhead County (Probst Livestock, breeder)
  2. Blake Toyne, Beaverhead County (John & Sandy Dixon, breeder)
  3. Skyler Frame, Lake County (Skyler Frame, breeder)
  4. Kenny Pauley, Beaverhead County (Roberts & Heffner, breeder)
  5. Cierra Lamey, Beaverhead County (Cory Lamey, breeder).

The top five steer entries in the Ultrasound Division were:

  1. Jake Kraft, Yellowstone County (breeder unknown)
  2. Levi Mydland, Carbon County (Bryan Vincent, breeder)
  3. Raegan Nansel, Yellowstone County (Gillespie Livestock, breeder)
  4. Tysa Oswald, Carbon County (Oswald Farms, breeder)
  5. David James, Big Horn County (Colt Johnson, breeder).

The number of Steer of Merit certifications for 2014 decreased by 17 steers, with 14 fewer entries submitted compared to 2013.

“Steer of Merit certification decreased slightly in 2014 compared to 2013,” said Rachel Endecott, Montana State Extension Beef Cattle Specialist. “Most areas of the state had good cattle feeding weather and conditions in summer 2014. Cattle might have been able to finish quite easily and this may have resulted in slightly lower overall cutability in the entries.”

The Montana Steer of Merit program was initiated in 1967 as a joint effort between the Montana Stockgrowers Association and Montana State University Extension. The program was designed to measure, record, and improve carcass characteristics in beef cattle. Data from these carcasses has been summarized and analyzed statistically. Over time, significant increases have been made in quality grade and in yield grade, or cutability, indicating that cattle can be selected for leaner carcasses with higher cutability and still maintain high quality grade as reflected by marbling.

To be designated a Steer of Merit, carcasses are evaluated by a qualified individual using information that relates to yield of lean meat and eating quality. Beef carcasses must meet criteria set by the Steer of Merit Committee in the areas of hot carcass weight, dressing percent, fat thickness over 12th rib (back fat), total rib eye area, yield grade, percent cutability, and quality grade. Computer software programs help compile data and rank carcasses for state and county awards. Data is also analyzed periodically to track genetic and feed management progress. The minimum standards for Steer of Merit are reviewed each year and the program is updated to meet the changing industry standards.

For more information about the Steer of Merit program call Rachel Endecott, Montana State Extension Beef Cattle Specialist at (406) 994-3747.

January 23, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame to honor inductees at Circle the Wagons Gathering and Cowboy Ball in Helena, Feb. 7

The Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame & Western Heritage Center (MCHF & WHC) extends an invitation to all to attend the 9th Annual Circle the Wagons Convention in Helena, Feb. 6 & 7 at the Great Northern Best Western Premier.

“This is an exciting time for the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame,” said MCHF &WHC President Bill Galt of White Sulphur Springs. “In this world focused on celebrity, fame and fortune, we are so glad to be able to honor those who set a positive example in their communities through their everyday deeds and hard work. We hope to see anyone and everyone who cares about Montana’s Western heritage at this fun event in Helena.”

The weekend will kick off Friday evening, Feb. 6 with a free Cowboy Social featuring entertainment by the Dillon Junior Fiddlers. The Inductee Recognition Ceremony Brunch will be held on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 10:30 a.m. to celebrate the notable accomplishments and lasting legacies of the inductees to the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame Class of 2014. Tickets are $30 per person. Early registration is recommended as this event sells out well in advance each year!

The 9th Annual Cowboy Ball and Benefit Auction will kick off at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday with a social hour and auction preview. This event will feature great Western music by World Livestock Auctioneer Champion Kyle Shobe and his band The Walk ‘Em Boys. There will be both a silent and live auction featuring unique and Western items. Tickets to the Cowboy Ball are $50 per person or $450 for a 10-person table.

Register online at www.montanacowboyfame.org, by calling (406) 653-3800, or email [email protected]. Rooms may be reserved at the Great Northern Best Western Premier in Helena by calling (406) 457-5500.

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The mission of the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame & Western Heritage Center is to “honor our cowboy way of life, American Indian cultures and collective Montana Western heritage.” We exist to serve as a resource to all who wish to see this way of life passed forward to the next generation. Our vision is “to be the state’s premier destination attraction that celebrates and passes forward Montana’s unique western culture and heritage.” To learn more, visit www.montanacowboyfame.org

January 13, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Montana Winter Grazing Seminar to Focus on Sustainability

BILLINGS, Mont. – Perspectives on sustainability in Montana’s agriculture and natural resources will be the central focus of the 2015 Winter Grazing Seminar, to be held Jan. 21-22 in Billings, Mont., at the Billings Hotel & Convention Center.

The first day of the seminar will feature Wayne Fahsholtz, currently with AgWin Group LLC in Dayton, Wyo., and a past president of the Padlock Ranch. Fahsholtz will give a presentation on enabling sustainable ranch success. Jill Herold, from Syngenta, will follow with a talk on sustainability in Montana.

Next will be a rancher panel to discuss a producer’s perspective on sustainability moderated by Dr. John Paterson. The panel will include Dave Mannix of Helmville, Chase Hibbard of Helena and Leo Barthelmess of Malta. The first day presentations will conclude with a discussion on the early buy-out option of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands. Heidi Brewer, Chief Program Specialist with the Farm Service Agency, will talk about the program and rancher Tom Hogan of Broadview will detail the economics of the buy-out option.

That evening, a social hour and banquet will be held at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center. Northern Ag Network’s Russell Nemetz will be the Master of Ceremonies for the banquet. Range Leader of the Year Awards will be given to the winners of the rancher and agency/consultant categories. The High Country Cowboys will be the evening’s entertainment with a variety of country music.

The second day of the seminar will begin with a panel of consultants to speak on sustainability. The panel will include Butch Whitman, nutritionist with West Feeds; Neal Fehringer, a professional agronomist and consultant; and Bill Ramsey, a livestock information manager for DuPont Pioneer. Following the panel talk, Chase Hibbard will give a presentation on behalf of the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) Steering Committee on the new Grazekeeper Record Keeping Program. The seminar will conclude with Dr. John Paterson and his presentation on sustainability in beef and the food market.

This year’s Winter Grazing Seminar is proudly sponsored by the Yellowstone Conservation District and in cooperation with the Rangeland Resources Executive Committee (RREC).

Registration is $50 per person until Jan. 20 and $55 at the door.

For the agenda and registration form please call (406) 247-4420 or visit the DNRC website.