May 2, 2016 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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REEF Announces winner of scholarship

MSGA’s Research Education and Endowment Foundation announces winner of Educational Heritage Scholarship

Amanda Williams has been chosen as the recipient of the $1000 Scholarship. Amanda is from Miles City, Montana where she grew up on the family ranch, 2DO Ranch. She is currently attending Montana State University where she is majoring in Animal Science with a minor in Rangeland Management and Ecology.

Amanda

Though she is only finishing her second year at MSU, she is already at a junior status. She plans to become a county extension agent after graduation following in the steps of her father, grandfather and grandmother. Amanda believes this will be an excellent career for her because she will be able to work with not only the children of the community but also the adults and producers. Some of her fondest memories have been with members of the community through my jobs and helping people work cattle or working with a group of extension agents.

Another goal for Amanda is to return to the family ranch and try to expand it. She hopes through her coursework at MSU and the many hands on experiences will make her better equipped to help out and expand the ranch. The ranch is one of her favorite places to be and there are few things she enjoys more than working on the ranch or helping someone work cattle.

Amanda is currently serving as the President of the MSU Collegiate Stockgrowers. She is also active in the Range Club, College of Ag Student Council, Collegiate Cattlewomen, Collegiate FFA, Collegiate Young Farmers and Ranchers, MSU Plant ID team, and the Undergraduate Range Management Exam team. She has been on the Dean’s List twice and the President’s List!

Amanda hopes to continue her education throughout her life, whether that is through college classes, work or life experience. Her education at MSU will be crucial in her career path of extension and expansion of the family ranch. Amanda plans to continue her education for years to come and help others, as well as remain involved in the cattle industry and Montana Stockgrowers Association.

Congratulations to Amanda, MSGA looks forward to seeing your future accomplishments!

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The Montana Stockgrowers Association, a non-profit organization representing nearly 2,500 members, strives to serve, protect and advance the economic, political, environmental and cultural interests of cattle producers, the largest sector of Montana’s number one industry – agriculture.

December 3, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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MSU-Northern Collegiate Stockgrowers to Host Heroes and Horses in Havre

MSU Northern Collegiate Logo SquareThe MSU-Northern Collegiate Stockgrowers club is proud to announce they are partnering with the North Central Stockgrowers Association and North 40 Outfitters in a fundraiser for Heroes and Horses: A Program for Reforging America’s Combat Veterans, on December 9, from 4-7 p.m. at the Holiday Village Mall in Havre.

Based in Manhattan, Montana, Heroes and Horses harnesses the power of the horse/human connection to restore trust, motivation, and self-confidence. On expeditions in Montana’s high country, the Heroes and Horses program uses a positive pressure environment to re-forge the lives of America’s combat veterans. The Heroes and Horses program re-galvanizes our nation’s veterans, challenging them to rediscover who they are and what they can be moving forward. Heroes and Horses’ focus is not about what happened, but what can happen when one chooses to press on. By “challenging what challenges them,” Heroes and Horses provides veterans the chance to make peace with their past and replace devastating memories with positive ones. Donations are needed to fund a solider through a 3-phase/completion program, at no cost to the veteran.

The fundraiser will take place on Wednesday, December 9th from 4-7pm in the parking lot facing Highway 2 at the Holiday Village Mall. Rides on a horse-drawn trailer and refreshments will be provided for a small fee. All proceeds from the rides and refreshments, in addition to all in-kind donations, will go to Heroes and Horses in support of America’s combat veterans.

For more information, please contact Mary Heller at 406-265-3708 or [email protected].

MSU Northern Collegiate Heroes and Horses

July 27, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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MSU Students Place Second in Regional Animal Science Competition

Rachel Endecott, Montana State University Extension Beef Cattle SpecialistBy Dr. Rachel Endecott, MSU Extension Beef Cattle Specialist

Happy summer! This month, I’m proud to feature this press release from MSU News Service about the MSU Academic Quadrathlon Team.

BOZEMAN – Four students from Montana State University’s Department of Animal and Range Sciences in the College of Agriculture placed second in the Western Region Academic Quadrathlon, held June 22-23 in Ruidoso, N.M.

The regional contest was held in conjunction with the 2015 Western Section American Society of Animal Science meetings, hosted by New Mexico State University. The MSU team competed with four other universities in the western region, including California State University-Chico, New Mexico State University, Oregon State University and Utah State University.

L to R, Elena Combs, Alyson Hicks-Lynch, Bailey Engle, Emily Griswold

L to R, Elena Combs, Alyson Hicks-Lynch, Bailey Engle, Emily Griswold

Elena Combs of Missoula, Bailey Engle of Big Timber, Emily Griswold of Millerstown, Pa., and Alyson Hicks-Lynch of Hood River, Ore. competed in a four-part contest that consisted of a comprehensive written exam, impromptu oral presentation, hands-on lab practicum and a double-elimination quiz bowl tournament.

“Elena, Bailey, Emily and Alyson did a spectacular job representing MSU at the contest,” said Rachel Endecott, team adviser and MSU beef cattle extension specialist. “I’m extremely proud of them and their hard work.”

All four students graduated in May from the department. Endecott said Combs has been accepted into the Washington, Idaho, Montana and Utah (WIMU) Regional Program in Veterinary Medicine and will complete her first year of veterinary school in Bozeman this fall. Engle will begin a five-year Ph.D. program in breeding and genetics at Texas A&M University. Griswold works as a veterinary technician at Sorenson Veterinary Clinic and is applying for vet school this year. Hicks-Lynch will begin a master’s degree program at Oregon State University in range management and ruminant nutrition this fall.

April 7, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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MSU Northern Collegiates to Host Meet And Greet in Havre

csg northern logoMontana Stockgrowers is proud to have three collegiate groups at Universities and Colleges across the state – MSU in Bozeman, UM-Western in Dillon and MSU-Northern in Havre. The Collegiate Stockgrowers clubs are a great way for students to become involved in the Stockgrowers organization, learn more about the state’s ranching business and promote ranching and beef on their campuses.

Image: KRTV/KXLH

Image: KRTV/KXLH

Next Friday, April 17, the MSU-Northern Collegiate Stockgrowers will be hosting a Meet and Greet so that the campus and community may come out to learn more about the club and its activities. The event will take place at the Applied Technology Center on the MSU-Northern campus in Havre, beginning at 6 p.m. The Meet and Greet will include door prizes, several speakers from the campus and ranching community, along with entertainment from former Collegiate Stockgrower member and MSU-Northern alumni Holly Rose Cartwright.

To learn more about the event, contact Mary Heller at MSU-Northern or join the Facebook event.

A special thank you to the event sponsors Wild Horse Seeds, Hi-Line Chemical, and Norman’s Ranch and Sportswear. A special thanks to DaVonté McKenith and KRTV/KXLH for allowing us to share the news on Montana This Morning earlier this week!

KRTV.com | Great Falls, Montana

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!

January 22, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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$1,000 Educational Heritage Scholarship Application Due April 1

reefLogoMontana Stockgrowers Association’s Research & Education Endowment Foundation (REEF) is offering an Educational Heritage Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. This annual scholarship is awarded to a MSGA student member.

Last year’s scholarship recipient was Ariel Overstreet Adkins of Big Timber, MT. Upon receiving the 2014 award, Ariel, a student at the University of Montana School of Law said, “this scholarship means a tremendous amount to my family and I as we work to pay for school. Scholarships allow students like me to graduate with less debt, which is significant because it means that I am going to be able to work on issues for the people I care about.”

To be eligible for the Educational Heritage Scholarship, students must currently be enrolled in college and have completed at least one semester of coursework, be a member of Montana Stockgrowers Association, and demonstrate a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.

Applicants must complete the application form (mtbeef.org/educational-heritage-scholarship), include a copy of their current transcript, write a 500-word essay discussing their educational pursuits and what they hope to do with their education, and include two letters of recommendation.

Applications must be completed and postmarked or mailed no later than April 1, 2015.

For more information on these scholarships and to apply online, visit the MSGA website at mtbeef.org. For questions, please email Jesse Gill at [email protected]. If you are interested in these scholarships but are not currently a member of MSGA, join today. Student memberships start at just $20.

The Research and Education Endowment Foundation (REEF) of the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established to provide resources for education and research that supports the Montana Stockgrowers Association in enhancing the Montana ranching community, as excellent environmental stewards, in their production of healthy beef for the world.

 

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January 21, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Public Lands Council Offers Scholarships for Legislative Conference in D.C.

The Public Lands Council is once again offering two Nick Theos scholarships of $250, complimentary hotel accommodations on Capitol Hill, and complimentary conference registration to attend the annual Spring Legislative Conference in Washington, DC, March 23-26, 2015.

PLC represents public lands ranchers in Washington, DC. Since 1968, PLC has worked with Congress and the federal land management agencies to maintain a stable business environment in which livestock producers can conserve the West and feed the nation and world.

Nick Theos, a founding member of PLC and great supporter of the livestock industry, passed away on April 11th, 2013 at the age of 92. It is because of the Theos family and the Nick Theos PLC Scholarship Program that young people are able to attend our annual Legislative Conference in Washington, DC.

In an effort to get more college students involved with PLC issues and provide them with an unforgettable learning experience, we are offering this chance to meet members of Congress and their staff; attend meetings with agency officials; and hear from the leading experts and influencers in the industry. Scholars will be able to actively participate in our efforts to promote and support public lands grazing at our Nation’s Capital.

Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in public lands ranching. We ask that they complete the attached form and include a letter of recommendation from a teacher or professor, FFA mentor, livestock association, or other leader that can attest to the professionalism and interest of the applicant. If selected, applicants should be prepared to give short remarks to meeting attendees during lunch on Tuesday, March 24th.  PLC will provide hotel rooms and registration fees. Sponsorships to help cover travel costs are encouraged.

Application forms and letters of recommendation are due by COB Friday, February 6, 2015. The PLC Executive Committee will select the two recipients and PLC staff will notify them by Friday, February 13th.

The 2015 PLC Nick Theos Scholarship Application is available by clicking here.

January 15, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Collegiate Stockgrowers Launch at Montana Western

Montana Stockgrowers Association is proud to announce the formation of a third Collegiate Stockgrowers club. Students at the University of Montana Western in Dillon have been hard at work this past fall semester to launch the student club affiliated with MSGA.

Although the Collegiate Stockgrowers are new to the Western campus, they already have big plans to increase involvement in the community. “We are introducing ourselves to local businesses and talking to anyone who is interested,” says Haley Rayl, club Secretary. “We have been contacted by many local ranchers looking for help this calving season with general ranch hand duties.”

Local MSGA members have been big supporters of the Collegiate Stockgrowers club during the formation. MSGA 1st Vice President, Bryan Mussard of Dillon, and several members of the Southwestern Montana Stockmen’s Association who are local to Dillon have expressed interest in helping the University club grow on campus and in the community.

The Western Collegiates hope to bring educational opportunities to the Western campus that will help students learn more about the ranching industry in and around Dillon. Mike Rose, current President and club co-founder, recognized the impact of Beaverhead County’s ranching industry to the state and hopes to support local ranchers through club service projects. The Collegiates have also been working with area high school programs to work with their agriculture programs, involving younger students in learning and service projects.

Several members of the Western CSG group made the trip to Billings for MSGA’s Annual Convention in December. The students participated in Cattlemen’s College workshops, attended policy committee meetings and made good use of their time networking with Stockgrower members from across the state.

Western students will join other Collegiate Stockgrower members from Montana State University in Bozeman and MSU-Northern in Havre on an educational trip to the National Western Stock Show in Denver next month. The cooperation of all three collegiate clubs speaks to the involvement and energy surrounding Montana’s Collegiate and Young Stockgrower membership programs.

To contact the Collegiate Stockgrowers at University of Montana Western, email [email protected]. To learn more about Collegiate and Young Stockgrowers programs, contact Ryan Goodman at the MSGA office, (406) 442-3420 or [email protected].

August 6, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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MSU students tie for second in national animal science competition

Montana State University Animal Science Academic Quadrathalon(The following is a press release from Montana State University. To learn more about the team’s regional win earlier this year, click here.)

BOZEMAN — Four students from the Department of Animal and Range Sciences at Montana State University tied for second place in the National Academic Quadrathlon, held July 20-21 in Kansas City, Mo., and Manhattan, Kan.

Anna Downen of Columbia Falls, Preston Kiehl of Winnett, Jessica Roloff of Bozeman, and Ben Stokes of Pflugerville, Texas, competed in a four-part contest that consisted of a comprehensive written exam, impromptu oral presentation, hands-on lab practicum, and a double-elimination quiz bowl tournament.

The MSU team competed with four other universities, including Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University and Texas A&M University. The MSU team won the oral presentation and took second in the lab practicum.

“Anna, Preston, Jessie, and Ben did a fantastic job representing MSU at the contest. I’m extremely proud of them and their hard work. It’s exciting that MSU holds our own with much larger schools. It only increases our confidence that our program is turning out students who are well-prepared for their future careers,” said team adviser Rachel Endecott.

Three of the four students graduated from MSU in May. Kiehl has one semester remaining and plans to return to his family ranch. Downen now lives in Fairview and works at a Sidney veterinary clinic. Roloff works on a ranch near Lewistown. Stokes is starting a master’s degree at Iowa State University.

The national contest was held in conjunction with the 2014 joint annual meeting of the American Society of Animal Science, American Dairy Science Association, and Canadian Society of Animal Science.

MSU Northern Collegiate Stockgrowers Havre
June 11, 2014 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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MSU-Northern Collegiate Stockgrowers Head into Summer with busy schedule

Jaylee Berg (Secretary/Treasurer) and Hollyn Cardani (President), MSU-Northern Collegiate Stockgrowers

MSU Northern Collegiate Stockgrowers HavreWith the end of school and summer right around the corner we would like to give you a little recap of what our MSU Northern Collegiates have been up to this Spring semester. Picking up where we left off with our last update, as previously planned, our group had the opportunity to tour the Northern Agricultural Research Center at Fort Assinaboine.

Darrin Boss and his associates were kind enough to answer all our questions we had and did a great job showing our group around their facility. The tour consisted of a very well formatted calving barn that incorporated Dr. Temple Grandin’s livestock handling corral designs and the bud box system. They were in the peak of their calving season so we were able to witness first-hand how the science worked behind the scenes.

Darrin Boss, Julia Dafoe, Les Gray and Andy Matakis spoke to us about some of the different types of research experiments they are currently conducting; including many studies on cross-breeding and genetics. One test that particularly interested me was studying what causes newborn calves to immediately get up and nurse the cow. We greatly appreciated the hospitality that Darren and his crew showed us and are looking forward to future learning experiences with them.

A few days later some of our members headed to Chinook, just 20 minutes east of Havre, to represent our Collegiate Stockgrowers group at the Nissen Angus production sale (Jeff & Christie Nissen). Then, a few weeks later, we went back to Chinook Livestock for the Montana Northern Premier Angus sale which includes breeders such as Top Notch Angus (Marv Cross), Whistling Winds Angus (David & Katie Sattoriva), Kel McC Angus (Kelly McCracken), Peterson Grain & Cattle (Kim, Nola & Andee Peterson).

Next on our agenda was Jeff Solomon’s branding. This was the second year our group was invited out to help and we were very thrilled for that opportunity. We are always excited and willing to lend a hand to our local Hi-Line ranchers.

As the end of the year came around, we had our second annual end of the year barbecue. We had a great turn out at First Lake out at Beaver Creek Park and reminisced on all this year’s great opportunities and experiences. Our group would like to give a huge thank you to all of our supporters that have helped us grow and prosper over these last few years. We look forward to next year and many more to come.

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