August 12, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Montana Rancher Q and A: Rose Malisani, Cascade

Rose Malisani on her horse near Cascade, MT.

Rose Malisani on her horse near Cascade, MT.

Rose Malisani and her mother, Cindy, ranch near Cascade Montana.  Rose not only helps on the family ranch, but she also is the MSU Cascade County Ag Extension agent, where she gets to help youth and local ranchers learn more about their livestock and land. If you haven’t met Rose, when you do, you will immediately have a smile on your face…she has the wonderful ability to make people laugh and feel happy. Read more about Rose and her family on today’s blog:

How long has your family been involved in ranching?

My family has been involved in agriculture for four generations. My maternal great-grandfather was a cattle and sheep buyer. He started in Windham, MT and eventually moved his family to the ranch in Cascade, MT. My maternal grandmother’s family farmed out of Geraldine, MT. Both my paternal grandparents were born in Italy and moved to the United States in the early 1900s. They started a very successful tile and terrazzo family business that is currently operated by my cousins. My dad decided to sell the family business to my uncle in the late 1970s and began ranching. My mom has some great stories of teaching the city guy how to ranch!

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

Working with my brother, Jack. He took me under his wing and taught me how to operate the tractors, fence, cuss, work with cattle, and so much more. Those were short, sweet years.

Rose Malisani Cascade 1

Trailing cattle on the ranch.

Tell us about your ranch today.

We’ve run a bred heifer operation for the last 15 years where we sell quality commercial Angus heifers to ranchers. We started running cows again in the past year and it’s fun to see calves back on the place. We also breed and ride AQHA horses. Our horses over the years have gone into the rodeo, show, ranching, jumping, and movie worlds in the United States and Canada.

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

Life is about how you react to change. One needs to know how to roll with the punches and adjust. Sometimes a surprising change works out splendidly.

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

The beauty of it. Being able to get to swing your leg over a good horse and gather cattle in the mountains is my idea of heaven. Farmers and ranchers work so hard every day to feed their family and other people’s families.

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

The stories of days gone by. My grandparents and mom tell about when they grew up on the ranch and their dreams for the future. I wouldn’t change it for the world.

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

Rose and her mother, Cindy (left).

Rose and her mother, Cindy (left).

I would have to say no. I’m a firm believer on not living with regrets and when change is needed, do it. Tell us about your current job and why you are excited to be a part of agriculture in that capacity. Besides working on the ranch I am the MSU Cascade County Ag Extension agent based out of Great Falls, MT. My job is extremely exciting that some days I don’t know if I will be helping a gardener with their tomatoes, inspecting a wheat field for disease, traveling for a training, helping a rancher with nitrate tests or working with 4-H members with their horse and livestock projects. The beauty of my job is to see people and talk about my favorite topic, agriculture. I started off working for the Montana Beef Council and then the Montana Stockgrowers Association out of college and I cannot express how blessed I am to have worked Montana ranchers.

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

Open communication with family members and partners. Develop a plan and put goals in place. Partner meetings are extremely important.

What’s your favorite beef dish?

A rare steak off the grill. Can’t beat it!

Is there anything else you can share with us?

Do good work in everything you do. Be honest and helpful.

August 11, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Conference Expands Education on Issues That Matter To Young Cattlemen

By Ryan Hughes, Dillon, 2014 Montana Delegate for Young Cattlemen’s Conference

Ryan Hughes Montana Young Cattlemens Conference“Life’s hard. It is harder when you are stupid,” is a quote from a famous man we all know, John Wayne. 35 years ago in June, he moved on to greener pastures. I am not sure if there is a correlation but since June 1979 (35 years ago,) Montana has been sending delegates to the to the NCBA’s Young Cattlemen’s Conference to expand our education on matters that affect the cattle industry.

Many of you have heard the stories, known someone who has gone or have gone yourself, so I am just going to give you a quick overview of the destinations and focus more on the whirlwind of knowledge that is presented over the ten day trip.

The trip starts in Denver, CO where 60 total strangers from all over the US embark on a journey together that challenges their knowledge, ignites passions, questions the possibilities and practices, builds lifelong friendships and severely deprives you of sleep! While in Denver, we spend two days in class covering CattleFax markets, Beef Check-Off programs, how to deal with media, self-reflection and discovery pertaining to our personalities and how to deal with others, Safeway/Cargill retail perspectives, and the NCBA’s missions for the beef industry. One day we traveled to Greeley, CO to tour JBS Five River’s Feed Yard, JBS packing plant and meet with the JBS executive team.

Then off for 24 hours in Chicago, IL to tour Chicago Midway dining, Chicago Board of Trade, and OSI (massive hamburger patty processing facility). And on our final descent to Washington D.C., we are briefed on political issues challenging the beef industry, meet with our state delegations, a quick monument tour, tour the New Zealand Embassy and discuss trade, and repack our bags with an amazing experience and newly acquired insights to share and utilize with others.

Touring JBS Five Rivers

Touring JBS Five Rivers

“A goal, a love and a dream give you total control over your body and your life,” said John Wayne. I would also add your business and ranches. That really encompasses what the NCBA brought to light throughout our industry, while giving us a tour of its segments.

We are all dedicated to the same goal of being the best and providing the best product, whether we sell beef, promote beef, package beef, and feed or raise beef. There wasn’t one person that I met on the trip or I work with here at home, that doesn’t love and have a huge passion for their role in our industry. Our dreams are very similar, but tend to be focused closer to our segment of the industry rather than the entire industry. The trip really lets you look at those dreams individually and opens the doors so you can visualize the possibilities when you combine them. The NCBA really works for all the segments and strives to combine the passions and dreams of each segment to enhance our industry as a whole. I was amazed by what our beef check-off does to support and sell beef for every rancher. Their focus isn’t just on those who eat beef but also those who don’t and how they promote beef is mind boggling.

“Don’t pick a fight but if you find yourself in one I suggest you make damn sure you win,” said John Wayne. Welcome to Washington D.C. Folks, if you don’t think our way of life isn’t threatened every second of every day, I would like to be in the spot you are hiding. The amount of legislation that is proposed which affects us and our livelihoods is astonishing. The number of teams assembled and amount of money spent just trying to ensure we can continue raising beef is staggering. I know I can’t be there every day to fight for my beliefs so I am dang sure going to support the people who do! And your 10 minute phone call to a representative goes a long way. Do it because your opposition is making those calls.

Thank you to the Montana Stockgrowers, the Research and Education Endowment Foundation and everyone who made this trip possible. It is an amazing opportunity that you should attend. “We’re burning daylight,” said John Wayne.

August 8, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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DOL Survey: High Use of Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, Satisfaction with Services

Montana Department of Livestock DOL(The following is a press release from the Montana Department of Livestock)

A recent survey of Montana veterinarians shows that they use the Montana Diagnostic Veterinary Laboratory in Bozeman, use it frequently and are overwhelmingly satisfied with the services it provides.

The survey, conducted in June and July, was designed to gauge veterinarians’ satisfaction with the lab and identify potential areas for improvement.

“We wanted to know how practicing veterinarians feel about the lab,” said Christian Mackay, executive officer for the Montana Board of Livestock. “We’ve always known that the lab receives a vast majority of the state’s diagnostic samples and has solid support, but we wanted some specifics.”

And according to the survey…

  • 83 percent of the respondents use the lab, and 78 percent of those use it on a weekly-plus basis.
  • 76 percent of the respondents were satisfied/very satisfied with the lab overall, while just 8 percent were dissatisfied/very dissatisfied.
  • 85 percent of the respondents were satisfied/very satisfied with the lab’s responsiveness to technical questions and concerns.
  • 93 percent of the respondents were satisfied/very satisfied with the professionalism and courteousness of lab staff.

“The numbers show high usage and a high rate of satisfaction,” Mackay said.

Other survey questions focused on satisfaction with turnaround time (84 percent satisfied/very satisfied), online instructions (57 percent satisfied/very satisfied), ordering of test materials (72 percent satisfied/very satisfied), and clarity of reports received from the lab (78 percent satisfied/very satisfied).

The two most common reasons for using the lab were convenience and cost, which were listed by 81 and 66 percent, respectively, of the survey’s respondents.

In addition to the survey questions, Mackay said respondents also provided useful information in the form of comments.

The survey, which was conducted on surveymonkey.com, was open to practicing Montana veterinarians – there are about 500 – and drew 136 respondents.

In a separate survey conducted by the Montana Veterinary Medical Association at its midsummer meeting, 93 and 90 percent of the respondents, respectively, said their practice and the state of Montana would be significantly impacted if the lab were closed. Ninety percent of the respondents in the same survey said they believe the lab plays a needed public health role.

“It’s pretty clear that the state’s veterinarians feel that the lab is an asset,” Mackay said.

###

August 7, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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REEF Welcomes Gary Adams as new Trustee

Gary Adams of Billings

Gary Adams of Billings

At the recent meeting for the Trustees of the Research and Education Endowment Foundation, Gary Adams of Billings joined as the newest Trustee. We welcome Gary and are excited about the enthusiasm and experience he brings to REEF! Below is a brief introduction and statement he provided for us. Learn more about our work at mtbeef.org/reef.

I would like to thank the Research and Education Endowment Foundation of Montana Stockgrowers Association for asking me to serve on their Board of Trustees.

For the past 25 years I have worked for the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch and Foundation, engaged with ranchers all across Montana.  Many of those ranchers are members and directors for MSGA. I don’t know a better way to give back to MSGA and its membership for all they have done for the kids at YBGR, than to offer my skills to the Foundation’s Board.

Many of MSGA’s members are calf donors to YBGR to our programs.  Several of our kids from YBGR attend MSGA’s Annual Convention with a shoe-shining booth.  That is their way of saying “thank you” to the members of the MSGA for their support.

One of the goals I hope to bring to MSGA’s Foundation Board is a greater awareness of the creative options available to MSGA members in passing on their ranch to the next generation and ways to eliminate the amount of taxes paid through the sale of the land, cattle and machinery. At the heart of both organizations is the desire to help youth and to educate through agriculture.  Again, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve.

August 5, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Big Timber native awarded W.D. Farr Scholarship from National Cattlemen’s Foundation

Ariel Scholarship Presentation Plaque--Ariel Overstreet-Adkins, a native of Big Timber, was recently awarded the W.D. Farr Scholarship from the National Cattlemen’s Foundation. The $12,000 scholarship is awarded to two graduate students each year, recognizing superior achievement in academics and leadership, while working to benefit the beef cattle industry. The award was presented at the Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Denver, Colorado.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF) and NCBA for the incredible honor,” said Overstreet-Adkins as she accepted the award. “It has been great to learn more about W.D. Farr’s life, leadership, vision and legacy; and it is certainly humbling for my name to even be mentioned in the same sentence as W.D. Farr.”

Ariel continued showing her appreciation by adding, “I have been incredibly blessed this summer to receive support from my friends in the cattle industry, with scholarships from the Montana Stockgrowers Foundation, Montana CattleWomen, and today from NCF. These scholarships mean a tremendous amount to me and my family as we work to pay for law school. These scholarships will allow me to graduate with less debt, which is significant because it means that I am going be able to work on issues for the people that I care about.”

Overstreet-Adkins is especially thankful to MSGA and MCW for their support. “Both associations have been instrumental in my professional development. Working for MSGA in communications, then having the opportunity to lobby for the Stockgrowers and CattleWomen at three Montana legislative sessions, really solidified my passion for the cattle industry.”

Ariel is a student at the University of Montana School of Law in Missoula. Expecting to graduate in 2016, Overstreet-Adkins intends to help ensure the continued influence of agriculture and rural America, by practicing with a focus on natural resource and environmental law, especially water law from an agricultural perspective.

Overstreet-Adkins received her undergraduate degree from Princeton University, where she graduated with Honors while studying Cultural Anthropology in 2006. For the five years prior to law school she worked for the Montana Stockgrowers Association in charge of the Association’s communications efforts and serving as a lobbyist at the Montana legislature for three sessions to help advocate for Montana ranchers.

The annual W.D. Farr Scholarship awards were established by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation in 2007 to recognize outstanding students who plan to pursue careers in meat science and animal agriculture. W.D. Farr was the first president of the National Cattlemen’s Foundation, and served as president of the American National Cattlemen’s Association, which would later become the NCBA. His career spanned 75 years and included innovations in cattle feeding, uniform beef grading, water conservation and banking. Farr died at age 97 in August 2007.

August 4, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Stockgrowers Foundation Announces Change in Leadership


Foundation Logo - ColorAt their recent Mid Year meeting in Miles City, the Research and Education Endowment Foundation of the Montana Stockgrowers Association (REEF) announced a change in leadership as Townsend rancher Dusty Hahn finished his five-year term as Foundation Chairman. John Grande of Martinsdale will serve as the newly elected Chairman and Gary Adams of Billings will join the REEF Board as a new Trustee.

“It’s been an honor to have served as the Foundation Chairman for the last five years,” according to Dusty Hahn. “In my nine years as a Trustee, I really feel that the Foundation has helped Montana Stockgrowers become a more proactive organization, and that has been a great benefit to our membership.”

Under Hahn’s leadership, the Foundation has evolved from managing a handful of small projects into one that tackles larger, more complex projects. REEF is a strong supporter of youth and outreach programs in the Montana ranching community, funding projects that raise awareness of Montana ranching families and documenting their work through a detailed book and video series.

The Foundation also sponsors a young rancher from Montana each year to attend the Young Cattlemen’s Conference; which helps participants gain exposure to national industry programs while visiting Denver, Chicago and Washington D.C.

Martinsdale rancher, John Grande, is excited about the opportunities ahead as he takes the reins of the Foundation. “It is a privilege to be asked to take this on and I look forward to the challenge,” says Grande.

“After serving the Foundation for the past five years I have become more familiar with how we have done things to date. Taking over as Chair is an opportunity to guide the Foundation in some new directions as well as sharpening the focus on current activities.”

Grande looks forward to developing new projects for REEF that will help grow the Foundation’s endowment, which in turn to provides scholarship opportunities for students and research programs that benefit members of the Montana ranching community.

“Change is inevitable and I look forward to the exciting change coming for the future of Montana ranching, while feeling confident that some things will not change,” says Grande.

“Great advances will be made in genetics, animal health, nutrition, cattle management, and many other areas, and the Stockgrowers’ Foundation can, and should, play a role in these advances. What will not change is that we will still have dedicated people living on the land, taking care of our environmental and animal resources, while providing a healthy, nutritious product for consumers worldwide.”

Gary Adams of Billings has been active with Montana’s non-profits, serving with the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch and Foundation, engaging with ranchers across Montana for the past 25 years. “I don’t know a better way to give back to MSGA and its membership for all they have done for the kids at YBGR, than to offer my skills to REEF,” says Adams. “At the heart of both organizations is the desire to help youth and to educate through agriculture.”

In his role as Trustee for MSGA’s Foundation, Adams hopes to bring a greater awareness of the creative options available to MSGA members in passing on their ranch to the next generation and ways to eliminate the amount of taxes paid through the sale of the land, cattle and machinery.

The Research and Education Endowment Foundation of the Montana Stockgrowers Association is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization established to ensure the future of Montana’s cattle industry through producer and public education, and promotion of MSGA programs. To learn more about REEF programs or to donate to the Foundation, visit mtbeef.org/REEF or contact the Montana Stockgrowers Association, (406) 442-3420.

August 1, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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FWP Bison Discussion Group Meeting Held in Billings

Jay BodnerBy Jay Bodner, MSGA Director of Natural Resources

MSGA attended and participated in the latest Bison Discussion Group, convened by MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks.  The meeting was held in July 14-15 in Billings, MT.  The discussion group included various interests such as agriculture, sportsmen, bison advocates and legislators.  This was the second meeting held by MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks to discuss the development of an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) that would consider a range of alternatives to bison reintroduction.

The first day of the meeting included a public comment period, where ranchers were well represented and made it very clear there would be no support for free roaming bison in MT.  In addition, there were also concerns over containment, meeting population objectives, displacement of grazing, range conditions and the significant funding that would be required.

The group was then divided into smaller groups to help develop a list of possible alternatives that would be further evaluated by FWP as it develops the EIS.  The alternatives consisted of a: tribal/state partnership, private/public partnership, placement on federal lands and a no action alternative that continue current bison management activities.  While many of these alternatives have been discussed, one alternative discussed the formation of a “citizen management committee” that would have actual authority to make management decisions.  This type of committee would most likely require legislation action.

The final task of the group members was to consider what type of funding options might be available.  Many of the members discussed the challenges with adequate long and short term funding and also the funding requirement in state law (SB 212).

At the conclusion, Mike Volesky, Chief of Staff for FWP, stated the Department would take the materials developed by the group and continue working on the EIS.  He stated the schedule of the EIS would be to develop a comprehensive plan by the fall or winter, hold a 90-day comment period and finalize the document by next spring.  The group discussed the possibility of meeting again to review the draft document, but no decisions were finalized.

MSGA will continue to update members on this important topic and would like to thank those members that participated in the discussion and those that traveled to attend and provide public comments. Provide your feedback on the Bison Management Plans to the Stockgrowers Association and join us during the Policy Committee Meetings at Annual Convention in December. Email [email protected] or call (406) 442-3420.

July 31, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Board of Livestock Creates Budget Subcommittee, Encourages Industry Participation

Montana Department of Livestock DOL(The following is a press release from the Montana Department of Livestock after their Board meeting on Tuesday, July 29, 2014. Minutes from the meeting will be available on the DOL website. The Montana Stockgrowers encourages ranchers and members to provide us with feedback. Please contact us through email or call (406) 442-3420.)

In an effort to address funding issues for the Department of Livestock, the Montana Board of Livestock has created a subcommittee for budget oversight, guidance and planning.

Board chair Jan French, a cattle rancher from Hobson, appointed board members John Scully (Ennis/cattle), Brett DeBruycker (Denton/cattle) and John Lehfeldt (Lavina/sheep) to the subcommittee at yesterday’s Board of Livestock meeting, and encouraged industry groups to take a seat at the table and help find solutions to recent funding shortfalls.

“It’s clear that we have some issues with the budget, and that industry is concerned,” French said. “So the best way to move forward is by communicating and working together.”

Errol Rice, executive vice president of the Montana Stock Growers Association, said the state’s oldest industry group plans on playing a prominent role and hopes that other groups will also get involved.

“It’s a positive move,” Rice said of the subcommittee. “We’re looking forward to working with the board members and representatives from other livestock industry groups on issues like the budget, cash flow and the diagnostic laboratory. We have to keep looking forward.”

French said the one-day meeting was busy and productive, including the formation of the subcommittee.

In other board news:

  • Market audit compliance officer Laura Hughes reported on the pending sale of Headwaters Livestock Auction in Three Forks.
  • The Animal Health Division proposed administrative rule changes for tuberculosis testing on elephants (ARM 32.3.227); for handling anthrax-infected carcasses (ARMs 32.3.1002 and 32.3.1001); for tuberculosis testing on cervids (ARM32.3.221 and 32.3.602a); and for repeal of a rule requiring brucellosis vaccination for imported cattle (ARM 32.3.212a and 32.2.212).
  • Attorney Rob Stutz updated the board on the state Supreme Court’s recent decision to reaffirm the board’s 12-day milk labelling rule after a lengthy legal battle.

The next board meeting has been scheduled for September 29-30.

July 29, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Montana Rancher Feature Q&A: Lillian Ostendorf

Lillian and Tom Ostendorf.

Lillian and Tom Ostendorf.

Lillian and her husband, Tom, own and operate the Ostendorf Red Angus Ranch near Powderville, Montana. They are working to not only run a successful cattle business, but to be able to pass the ranch on to the next generation when the time is right. This family business means the world to the Ostendorfs…read more in today’s Q&A feature with Lillian:

How long has your family been involved in ranching?

Lillian Ostendorf (age 1) with her father.

Lillian Ostendorf (age 1) with her father.

My Norwegian grandparents came to this country and settled here around the time my Dad was born in 1917. The Orestad’s started a ranch on a section of land in Powder River County. My Dad grew up there and worked for ranches like the WL and the Brown Ranch. Dad met and married my Mom in Sioux City, IA. He worked for the stockyards, and later the Milwaukee railroad. They saved their money and bought their first section of land at the head of Ash Creek, in Custer County. From that section of land, our ranch has grown to about 17 sections, including the original Powder River section and the land that Tom and I bought and combined with my parents. (Dad passed away in 2004.)

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

My favorite part of growing up on the ranch was being my Dad’s sidekick, because it usually involved horses and riding. Whenever we didn’t have something to do, I could be found at the corral with the horses. I learned to ride bareback quite proficiently at an early age. I might not have been able to lift the saddle, but the old horse would let me bridle him and stand by the feed bunk until I scrabbled on.

Tell us about your ranch today.

Ostendorf Red Angus Ranch

Ostendorf Red Angus Ranch

Today our ranch consists of a herd of Red Angus cattle instead of Herefords, like Dad had. Using AI and Quality natural sires we have established a Registered Red Angus Herd and sell bulls. We have installed waterlines, cross fences, and established good grazing practices. Hay is more abundant on our dry land ranch since we developed alfalfa meadows and plant peas and hay barley for feed instead of wheat. Aaron and Mollie Phipps (our daughter) and the two grand boys are working with us on the ranch. Our son Steve has cattle and involvement in the ranch even though he is an engineer and works for an oil company in Minot. Even our daughter, Martha who writes for the JD Furrow magazine, comes out from Miles City to help on occasion. We continue to work the ranch in family style tradition.

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

A few of the most trying setbacks we had to overcome were, a hailstorm that knocked out probably the best wheat and hay crop we have ever raised, a prairie fire that burned our ranch and neighboring ranches in 1996, but still probably the most devastating was the drought of 1988. Our ponds all went dry and grass was scarce. We had to move our cattle and my parent’s cattle to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in S.D. for the summer. It was really hard to keep watch over them that far away in 100 degree day temperatures. We hired a cowboy to check on them regularly and we made many trips that summer to fix fence and bring cattle back to their pastures. We were able to keep our cattle herd and bring them home in the fall.

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

Screen Shot 2014-07-08 at 8.10.02 AM

Ostendorf Red Angus Ranch

Our ranch and cattle is not only our livelihood, but it is our backyard where we live and raise our families. We take pride in being good stewards of the land and work to make it sustain life not only for humans and cattle, but for the wildlife to co-exist as well.

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

Working together with our family who fully understands our dedication and expectations towards the animals and the ranch, makes our life whole. Children grow up here learning about trials and responsibility side by side with grandparents and parents, to become responsible caring adults. It’s an indescribable prideful feeling, when after college they want to continue on the ranching tradition or they are responsible employees in another field.

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

Our goal has been to preserve the basic land we have making improvements that sustain it for the future. Improved grazing practices, waterlines, solar power wells, buffer grass strips in the water ways all contribute to the overall sustainability and wellbeing of continuing the heritage of a ranch, while improving the number of animals it will support. Teaching methods and patience to contribute to the humane handling of cattle, like being Beef Quality Assurance certified on our ranch is important to us. Do you have any advice for future Montana rancher generations about running a successful beef cattle business? Figure your expenses a little higher and cattle prices lower than you anticipate and enjoy it when it works out better than you figured. Keep extra cattle feed on hand for those unexpected long winters and storms. Treat your cattle, your helpers, and the land well and they will reward you back. Trials will come along, persevere and work your way through them. It is a great next year country!

Ostendorf Red Angus Ranch

Ostendorf Red Angus Ranch

What’s your favorite beef dish?

A medium rare beef steak grilled with a baked potato and salad has to be my favorite meal.

Is there anything else you can share with us?

Different problems face this generation. One of the biggest issues we face, in my opinion, is the challenge of our private property rights from the government. Interpretations of rules from government agencies like the EPA’s attempt at new definition of the Waters of the US that would establish their jurisdiction over dry ditches and creeks that only carry water once or twice a year will threaten ordinary practices on our ranches, like mending a ditch. The definition of the waters of the United States is only those “navigable” waters. The Supreme Court never intended for EPA to rule on dry streams and ditches, proven by two previous Supreme Court cases. It takes time away from our ranches to talk to legislators about these issues.

July 24, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Governor’s Range Tour, September 4-5 in Ronan, Montana

Montana Annual Governor's Range Tour

Save the date!! 2014 Annual Range Tour will be hosted by Lake County Conservation District (LCCD) in Ronan, MT on September 4-5.

The Lake County Conservation District, Rangeland Resources Executive Committee (RREC), and DNRC would like to invite you to attend the 2014 Annual Range Tour. The tour will be held Thursday September 4th and Friday September 5th, in the beautiful Mission Valley.

The tour will be based at the Amish Community Building located between Ronan and St. Ignatius, MT. This year the focus of the tour will be intensive “mob” grazing on tame pastures in the Mission Valley. The first day will feature four ranchers and their mob grazing stories along with a body condition scoring workshop from MSU Beef Cattle Extension Specialist Rachel Endecott. The day will conclude with a banquet at the Ninepipes Lodge near Charlo, MT with Governor Bullock invited for the keynote address. The second day of the tour will feature an electric fencing demonstration with various techniques and infrastructure.

For additional information please contact Chris Malgren [email protected] (406) 676-2842×102, Ben Montgomery [email protected] (406) 676-2842×111, or Heidi Crum [email protected] (406) 444-6619.