January 16, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Western Montana Ranchers Elected to Stockgrowers Board of Directors

Race King of Dillon joins the MSGA Board as Western District Director

Race King of Dillon joins the MSGA Board as Western District Director

At the 130th Annual Montana Stockgrowers Association Convention and Trade Show last month, members elected two new ranchers to the MSGA Board of Directors. Race King of Dillon will join the 13-member Board for a two-year term, representing the Western Montana district; a seat previously held by Ray Marxer of Twin Bridges. Bryan Mussard of Dillon was elected at 1st Vice President.

Race King manages the LaCense ranch near Dillon. He and his wife, Rochelle, have four children, Cache (22), Carly (20), Carson (18) and Coby (14).

“My wife and I were both raised on livestock operations and we desired the opportunity to raise our children in that same environment,” says Race. “We feel truly blessed to have been able to spend our entire lives working with livestock and the great people in our communities. I’m grateful to be able to work alongside my family and watch them develop a passion for this great business and the way of life it provides us all.”

When asked what are the major challenges the beef industry will face in the next 10 years, Race recognized the ranching community’s need to focus on federal regulations, resource management and employee development.

Bryan Mussard was elected as first Vice President on the Stockgrowers Board of Directors. Bryan and wife Marcia have raised six children and operate Reminisce Angus near Dillon. Bryan has been actively involved in the commercial feeding business for 40 years. Today, his operation weans, backgrounds, and develops cattle, collecting genetic data for customers through the Tracker marketing program. Bryan also manages ranches through the Big West Management Program.

Bryan Mussard, Second Vice President

Bryan Mussard of Dillon was elected as 1st Vice President on the MSGA Board

Ray Marxer of Twin Bridges is the outgoing representative for the Western District on the MSGA Board of Directors. Marxer was elected in 2010 and has represented ranchers in Western Montana for two consecutive terms. Ray, along with his wife Sue, worked on the Matador Ranch for 37 years, where he retired as manager in 2011. Ray remains active in the livestock community through consulting and involvement in area youth and fair programs.

Other changes to the Montana Stockgrowers Board of Directors include Tucker Hughes of Stanford completing his term as President. Gene Curry of Valier was elected as President, while Fred Wacker of Miles City joins the MSGA officer team as second Vice President and Jess Drange of Ismay joins as Director, representing Southeastern Montana ranchers.

The Montana Stockgrowers Association meets annually to discuss and vote on policy measures, which guide the Association in representing its members on local, state and federal issues. To learn more about Stockgrowers programs or membership, visit mtbeef.org or contact the office in Helena, (406) 442-3420.

January 13, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Ray Marxer of Twin Bridges completes term on Montana Stockgrowers Board of Directors

Ray MarxerRay Marxer of Twin Bridges has completed two terms on the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) Board of Directors representing the Western District. Marxer was honored for his service at MSGA’s 130th Annual Convention and Trade Show at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana in Billings last month.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity I’ve had to serve on the MSGA Board of Directors and Executive Board over the past four years,” said Ray Marxer in his final address at the Annual Convention. “Being able to serve others in an organization such as MSGA is the biggest blessing and I encourage everyone to do the same in setting a positive example for others.”

Ray has many years of experience in managing business and dealing with other interests including government agencies, environmental groups, and wildlife groups. He grew up on a diversified family farm south of Great Falls, attended college for two years then went to work for the Matador Cattle Co. in Dillon where he worked in every phase from cowboy to manager.

After 37 years, Ray retired from the company in 2011. During his tenure, the Matador became a very large diverse operation and an innovator in natural resource management, livestock production and business management, focusing on sustainable business and resources.

“Ray has earned the respect from all on the MSGA Board with his quiet, thoughtful demeanor,” says Tucker Hughes of Stanford, MSGA outgoing President. “He has that ability to listen to all points of view on issues that can be contentious and then work toward a solution. Ray has assisted in providing positive direction for MSGA as a director and on the executive committee for the past four years. I know he and his wife, Sue, will stay involved so we are not losing a resource, but gaining seasoned professionals!”

Ray and his wife Susan have three grown children: Clayton, who is married to Kristine and has two children; and daughters, Kristy, and Anna who left the United States in 2012 to work with missionaries in Moldova establishing and managing the Hannah House, a home for teen-age orphan girls.

Currently Ray and Sue work on their own small acreage and continue to serve the livestock industry as independent contractors in several different capacities, including A.I., herd work, and consulting. Ray also currently serves on Montana’s Elk Brucellosis Committee.

Marxer was elected by MSGA members to the 13-member board in 2010 and re-elected in 2012.

December 10, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Western Montana MSGA Director Reflects on Value of Involvement

Ray and wife, Sue

Ray and wife, Sue

Hello again from western Montana! What a summer and fall we have had. Pasture and hay production has been good and the markets for cattle never higher! We got a taste of reality in the last couple of days when we went from 60+ degrees to -15 with 20 Mph winds. These difficulties are quite common in the life and business of raising cattle.

Attitudes in general are quite good across the area but there are still many challenges facing us that can turn those attitudes south in a hurry. Those challenges are the reason we need all ranchers to be members of MSGA. While membership dues are very important to operate an organization like this, it is more important that we have everyone’s input and voice in making decisions that will affect us all.

It is essential that we know how issues affect each of us personally and have the facts about the issue before we make a decision as an organization that could affect us all and future generations as well. Many of the issues we are challenged with are quite large in scope and affect more folks than just us in Montana. So being involved is very important if you want to guide your destiny and protect your ability to ranch.

I have found two things to be quite sure: 1) Change is going to happen whether you like it or not and 2) It is a lot easier to accept change if it is your idea. So come to convention and let us hear from you. It is easier not to be involved and be just another victim, but you can be more effective by being part of the discussion prior to decisions being made. I for one would rather live with the choices I make than the chances I take.

Ray and family

Ray and family

One of the most valuable features of MSGA to all of us out on the ground is our leadership team and staff that have an understanding of issues that we may not. Many times the big picture effect on our industry is lost on us out in the country, and that is when it is important for leadership and staff to keep things in perspective for us. We are coming up on another legislative session in Helena that promises to be more challenging as the people of our state continue more toward urban lifestyles and less toward Agriculture.

This will be my last convention as a board member as I have fulfilled four years on the board. I have truly enjoyed the time spent and the great folks on the board and staff. I have had the pleasure of serving during two different presidencies: Watty Taylor and Tucker Hughes. Both are great guys who have done a great deal for our industry. I have also had the pleasure of serving on the executive board as well. This involves more budgets and nut and bolt issues that really affect the organization. The board and leadership have done some good things on behalf of MSGA membership throughout those years. One of the big tasks that was accomplished was helping Errol and staff operate without the aid of a huge grant. Another was divesting Stockgrowers’ shares of Verified Beef, a venture that had run its course. Still another was the additional membership level established for smaller producers.

We have an excellent staff and incoming leadership with very good candidates for the officer and board positions. They truly are the cream of the crop in our state. I want to thank you all for allowing me to serve on the board and represent you, and my family for supporting that service.
See you at the convention, Ray Marxer

July 21, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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What Does Stockgrowers Do For Montana Ranching?

Ray Marxer Montana rancherBy Ray Marxer, Twin Bridges, MSGA Western District Director

How about this cattle market! Our district has had quite a winter and spring with a lot of variation in snow and rain. Most of the area has had lots of winter snow and cold and adequate spring rain. However, the southwestern portion had little snow and is lacking for moisture.

This is typical of our member driven organization. We all have our own challenges and sometimes the same ones, but they may affect each of us in a different way. Thus, the need for an organization like MSGA to help us all both understand each other’s point of view and come up with the best solutions for all. Recently Tucker Hughes, our President asked the directors for 3 things MSGA has done for the Montana ranching community. This is my reply:

1: I value the fact that MSGA is a member driven organization that is involved in many issues and is not made up of primarily (VICTIM) members. I liken this organization to bull selection for a sustainable profitable business. We do not concentrate on just one issue, but prioritize numerous important ones to be effective. Similar to using multiple traits in bull selection instead of just a couple.

2: MSGA provides a platform or opportunity for a sharing of ideas, concerns, and options among a very diverse group of people. We receive input from members, affiliates, staff and numerous segments of our industry, suppliers and consumers. A great deal of effort has been implemented this year to increase the involvement of our affiliate organizations and the members at the local level. What a great opportunity for a local affiliate to win a John Deere Gator through the Top Hand program!

3: MSGA staff is one of the most professional and effective organizational staffs I have been involved with. They do a great job of the everyday nuts and bolts operation of a complex organization plus they keep us updated and informed on the large scale issues that affect us all. Most of us do not take the time to think about things beyond our gate. That may have worked ok in the past but not now in this age of instant information. Our staff is ahead of the curve on the electronic information and is patiently dragging some of us along to be more effective. How about the newsletter in electronic form!

This is my fourth and final year on the board for MSGA and I value the time spent and the great folks I have gotten to know and work with. I encourage you all to get involved if you are not and help us to build membership and a stronger organization. For you Western district members, I challenge you to nominate some ranches for the Environmental Stewardship Award Program and submit some nominees to take my place on the board in December.

Membership in this organization is very affordable regardless of the size of your operation thanks to the new membership level created by your board for the operations with 1 to 60 head. Check for the details in coming months and on the website, mtbeef.org!

Hope you all have a great summer filled with safety, prosperity, and fun.