2026 Annual Convention & Trade Show
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The Montana Stockgrowers Association’s Annual Convention is the premier gathering of Montana cattle producers, bringing together ranchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and partners for education, networking, policy development, and advocacy that shapes the future of Montana’s livestock industry.
Registration
All Inclusive Pass
Member Pricing
Early Registration: $225
Onsite Registration: $250
Non-Member Pricing
Early Registration: $300
Onsite Registration: $325
(Includes all Annual Convention events happening December 3 – 5)
Grant Finale Banquet Pass
$50 / ticket
(Includes access to Grand Finale Banquet and After Party)
Saturday Pass
$125 / attendee
(Includes all events on Saturday, Dec 5)
Friday Pass
$100 / attendee
(Includes all events on Friday, Dec 4)
Thursday Pass
$50 / attendee
(Includes all events on Thursday, Dec 3)
Schedule Highlights
Download Full AgendaThu, Dec 3
Fri, Dec 4
Download the full agenda to view college schedule
Sat, Dec 5
Download the full agenda to view college schedule
Download the full agenda to view college schedule
Meet Our Speakers
Water Symposium
Abby Brown, Parsons Behle & Latimer
Abby is a member of Parsons Behle & Latimer’s environmental and natural resources team and the firm’s water law and real estate practice groups. She has more than a decade of experience representing a diverse range of water users, from small individual family farms to large irrigation districts, in water law and real property matters. Abby holds an L.L.M. in Water and Environmental Law from McGeorge School of Law, where she focused on contemporary water law and environmental issues facing the greater Intermountain West region.
In her water law practice, Abby represents water users through all stages of water rights adjudication proceedings in the Montana Water Court, water rights distribution and enforcement conflicts in state district courts and administrative permitting in state agencies.
Abby also concentrates her practice on real estate transactions, including water rights and real property due diligence investigations. Abby has particular experience with large-scale ranch transactions.
Anna Pakenham Stevenson, Basin Strategies Group
Anna has worked in western water and natural resource policy for more than twenty years, primarily leading collaborative efforts that advance conservation, agricultural, municipal, and tribal interests in state government. In that capacity she has worked directly on issues related to statewide water strategy, water rights administration, water policy reform, reservoir and canal funding, drought resilience, and fish and wildlife–related resource management. She holds a B.S. in Biology and Environmental Science and a M.S. and Ph.D. in Resource Management and Water Policy.
Clayton Elliott, Basin Strategies Group
Clayton has worked in Montana water and natural resource law and policy for more than fifteen years, primarily representing conservation and agricultural interests in state and federal government. In that capacity he has worked directly on issues related to water rights permitting, water resources, statewide adjudication of water rights, fish and wildlife policy, and stream restoration. He holds a M.S. in Natural Resource Policy and Administration from the University of Michigan and undergraduate degrees in Economics and Environment and Natural Resources from the University of Wyoming.
Opening General Session
Brian Bledsoe will be a featured speaker at Opening General Session, where he will present seasonal weather modeling and forecasting for the upcoming summer and beyond as part of MSGA’s exclusive Ranch Weather Radar member benefit.
With 28 years of experience as a broadcast meteorologist, Brian has built a reputation for translating complex atmospheric data into clear, practical insights. His unique background in both agriculture and meteorological communication allows him to deliver forecasts that are not only accurate, but actionable—helping agriculture producers, insurance providers, event planners, and other businesses better manage risk and make informed operational decisions.
More than 20 years ago, Brian began consulting for his own family farm and ranch, and he continues to do so today. That firsthand involvement gives him true “skin in the game” and a deep understanding of how weather directly impacts operations and livelihoods. While weather information is widely available, Brian believes it’s the personal connection, agricultural perspective, and commitment to precision he brings to each forecast that truly sets him apart.
Northern Ag Network Best of Beef Lunch
Greg introduces agriculture industry producers to the tools and services that can help them actively manage profit margins more effectively. Greg has 30 years of experience in Iowa Beef Processing with Tyson Cattle Procurement. Most recently, he worked as a Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager with RABO-AgriFinance. Greg has served as Chairman of the Washington State Beef Commission and as a board member of the Washington State Cattle Feeders Association.
Beef Breakfast
Kraig Arnaud is a fifth-generation Montanan with deep roots in agriculture and a strong commitment to serving the farming and ranching community. Raised with a firsthand understanding of the challenges and rewards of agricultural life, Kraig has dedicated his career to helping producers protect what they have worked hard to build. He has spent the past 11 years specializing in agriculture insurance, bringing practical experience, industry knowledge, and a producer-first approach to every relationship. His background in agriculture, combined with his expertise in crop insurance, gives him a unique perspective on the risks and realities that Montana producers face every day.
Gary Heilig Jr. is the president of Crop West Insurance today and brings with him a lengthy and impressive resume in crop insurance. Gary grew up and worked on the family wheat farm in central Montana before moving to Kansas in early 2000. He started his career in crop insurance that same year as an independent crop adjuster and has been in the industry ever since holding a variety of senior leadership roles. He is very involved in agriculture and is an avid student of farm programs & ag policy.
Degree: B.S. Business Management Southwestern
Member of the Crop Insurance Professional Association (CIPA)
Presidents Lunch
Kent Bacus serves as NCBA’s Executive Director of Government Affairs. In this role, he works with Congress, the Administration, and foreign governments to advance the U.S. cattle and beef industry’s trade priorities and expand U.S. beef access to foreign markets.
Bacus also represents NCBA as a cleared advisor on the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Animals and Animal Products. Prior to joining NCBA’s Washington team in 2010, Kent worked on political campaigns in Texas and worked for several years as the agriculture and appropriations legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole (RNC). Kent is originally from Texas, and holds a degree in history and political science from Texas Tech University.
Women of the West
Karen Grosz is a six-time author, both an award-winning and TEDx Speaker, founder of Canvas Creek Team Building, and recipient of the Montana Governor’s Award for volunteerism and the SBA award Small Business Champion. Her mission is to inspire others to be their best, to try the next thing, and to know they are worth every effort it takes to live their Next.
Karen is currently building a movement called Nexters, an online community devoted to helping her peers exit their careers well and lead fulfilling lives in retirement.
Described as a dynamo and a catalyst for change, Karen decided early on that she wanted learning and adventure in her life. She grew up near Mt. Rushmore, which gave her a passion for high ideals. Living in Alaska for 25 years before settling in Montana honed Karen’s frontier spirit full of can-do, will-do and let’s-do-it-together energy.
A cornerstone of her community, Karen is a Rotarian and RYLA Director, an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and Experience Scottsdale, a Boys and Girls Club board member, founder of several nonprofit and community outreach programs, Karen has a heart for giving back while building community.
In addition to making an impact through her books and speeches, Karen works as a team and leadership development coach for companies as large as Walmart and as hard-working as Newman Restoration.
Highlights of her career include:
- Karen has been married for 45 years… to the same guy!
- Started out as too shy to talk to three people at once and now boasts public speaking awards and inspirational speaking as part of her repertoire.
- Earlier careers in housekeeping, running her own daycare businesses, a top car salesperson, a Direct Sales Company sales and recruiting record holder, a Corporate Trainer, a Sales Manager with a $50 million field, Co-Owner of In Good Glazes and an Insurance Agent for just long enough to know she would rather coach than sell.
- Books: What’s Your Name?, What’s Your Excuse, What’s Next?, Seasoned, Quiet Leadership, Begin. Become. Believe. A teen leadership journey, What’s Next? Retirement! The art of living forward.
Committee Meetings
Tax, Finance & Ag Policy
Land Use & Environment
Beef Production & Marketing
Trade Show
The MSGA trade show is the largest show in the ranching business hosted in Montana. Whether you’re looking for new equipment, the latest in technology, fencing supplies, or pharmaceuticals, this is the one show you can’t afford to miss! The MSGA Trade Show is located on the third floor of the DoubleTree Hotel in Billings, MT.
Thursday, Dec 3: Trade Show Open 1:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Friday, Dec 4: Trade Show Open 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Saturday, Dec 5: Trade Show Open 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Prime Exhibitors
100th Meridian Ranching
ABS Global
Advanced Ag Products
Agri-Generational
Agri Best Feeds
AgSpire
AgWest Farm Credit
Bank of the Rockies
Boehringer Ingelheim
CKP Insurance
Corteva Agri Science
Cultivo
Cutco
Elanco Animal Health
Envu
Farm Family Insurance
Fera Diagnostics & Biologicals
Gallagher Animal Management
Grassroots Carbon
Hall & Hall
Halter HQ
Icon Global
IMI Global (Where Food Comes From)
ImmuCell / First Defense
Lifewave
LiphaTech Inc
Massey Ferguson
Merck Animal Health
Mishima Reserve American Wagyu Beef
MJE Livestock Equipment
Montana FFA Foundation
Montana Ford Stores
Montana Livestock Ag Credit
Mountain West Ag Services
Muscle First Wellness
Neogen
Northern Ag Network
Nutra-Lix
Producer Partnership
Select Sires
Shearwell NA
Simplot Western Stockmen’s
Steffes Group Inc.
Stockman Bank
Tractor & Equipment Co.
USDA-ARS
Western Ag Network
Western Ag Reporter
Western Ranch Supply
Y-TEX Corporation
Yellowstone Boys & Girls Ranch Foundation
Zoetis
Choice Exhibitors
Animal Health International
Breedr
Cow Camp Mercantile
Little Rockies Contracting LLC
Medicine Creek Bovine Health and Consulting
Montana Ag Safety Program
Montana Department of Agriculture
Montana Hereford Association
MSU Extension
MT AgriDrone Services, LLC
National Cattlemens Beef Association
Western Sustainability Exchange
Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities
Select Exhibitors
Lewistown Ag Services, Inc. / Lewistown Insurance Agency, Inc.
Montana Beef Council
Montana State Library
Outdoor Exhibitors
Agri Best Feeds
Massey Ferguson
Montana Ford Stores
Little Rockies Contracting LLC
Grand Finale Banquet & After Party
Live Music by Exit 53
Celebrate the final day of MSGA’s Annual Convention & Trade Show at the Grand Finale Banquet & After Party! Enjoy a delicious steak dinner, prizes and drawings as we cap off another great convention, then keep the celebration going with live music and dancing from Exit 53. Gather with fellow members, friends and industry partners for an evening of good food, great company and plenty of fun to close out convention in style.
Saturday, December 5 | Northern Hotel, Grand Ballroom
- 5:30 pm – Grand Finale Social
- 7:00 pm – Grand Finale Banquet
- 9:00 pm – After Party
Auctions & Drawings
Priority Page Auction
Saturday, Dec 5 @ Grand Finale Banquet
The Montana Seedstock and Commercial Cattle Directory is your resource for Montana cattle. Priority Page buyers will secure a premium full-page, full-color ad with priority placement in the 2027 Montana Seedstock & Commercial Cattle Directory, the most trusted resource for Montana cattle. Published each August and mailed nationwide to MSGA members, livestock markets, feeders, and cattle buyers, this directory reaches your ideal audience. Don’t miss your chance to showcase your operation in front of thousands of industry leaders and buyers!
Producer Partnership Hay Auction
Saturday, Dec 5 @ Grand Finale Banquet
The Producer Partnership has generously donated 27 tons of hay to be put up for auction to benefit the Montana Stockgrowers Association. High quality, never been rained on, alfalfa grass hay. Hay will be delivered to the auction winner.
The Blue & Gold Massey Tractor Raffle
Saturday, Dec 5 @ Grand Finale Banquet
Each year the Montana Stockgrowers Association and Massey Ferguson partner and raffle a four (4) month tractor lease. This year, MSGA and Massey Ferguson are offering an opportunity for FFA chapters around the state to use our partnership as a fundraising tool for their chapters to help raise funds from travel, state convention, chapter activities, or national convention. Participating Montana FFA Chapters will receive 50% of the proceeds from the tickets they sell.
Tickets are one (1) for $20 or six (6) tickets for $100. The raffle ticket prize is use of a Massey Ferguson Tractor and Loader for 200 hours or 4 months.
Purchase Tickets Online
Nutra-Lix Saddle Drawing
Friday, Dec 4 @ Best of Beef Lunch
Enter to ride away on a brand-new saddle! This handcrafted saddle is generously sponsored by our friends at Nutra-Lix. One lucky MSGA member will win the saddle at the Northern Ag Network Best of Beef Lunch on Friday, December 4.
Tickets will be available onsite at the registration desk. Must be present to win!
Nutra-Lix Supplement Drawing
Saturday, Dec 5 @ Grand Finale Banquet
Nutra-Lix is giving away one ton of liquid supplement during MSGA’s Annual Convention & Trade Show to one lucky attendee! Attendees can get submit for the drawing at the Nutra-Lix Trade Show booth. Must be present to win.
WRS $500 Certificate Drawing
Saturday, Dec 5 @ Grand Finale Banquet
Our friends at Western Ranch Supply are supporting Montana’s ranch community by giving away a $500 gift certificate. Must be present at the Grand Finale Banquet to win.
Agri-Best Feeds Drawing
Saturday, Dec 5 @ Grand Finale Banquet
Win one ton of SweetPro Feed OR one pallet of Redmond Natural Trace Mineral sponsored by Agri-Best Feeds! All current MSGA rancher or young stockgrower members have a chance to win.
Must be present to win! Tickets can be found at the registration desk.
Stockgrowers Colleges
Livestock Antibiotic Sustainability
Friday, December 4 | 10:15 – 11:15 am | DoubleTree, Skybridge 1, 2nd floor
Dr. Katie Rein and Dr. Rachel Endecott
In 2024, Katie Rein, a veterinarian for Crazy Mountain Veterinary Service, along with Sweet Grass County Extension Agent Marc King, and livestock producers Rachel Endecott PhD, Dick Raths DVM, Tami Sanders, and Sarah Mauws RN, received a grant from the Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) for antibiotic research and education in Montana livestock operations. This group worked closely with the Human Ecology Learning and Problem Solving (HELPS) Lab from Montana State University Bozeman to design a survey that gathered information from livestock producers about their current antibiotic therapy decisions. Once the results were compiled the group reviewed the current scientific literature to find the best treatments for the top five disease processes. During the winter of 2026-27 the group will travel across the state to various producer groups, presenting their findings to aid producers in on-ranch diagnosis and treatment of these diseases.
Understanding Carbon Markets
Friday, December 4 | 10:30 – 11:30 am | DoubleTree, Skybridge 2, 2nd floor
Ford Smith, Northern Plains Land Partnerships Manager
Ford is the Northern Plains Land Partnerships Manager at Cultivo, a tech-enabled project developer unlocking the carbon sequestration and biodiversity potential of grasslands through improved grazing. He grew up ranching in Emigrant with his folks on the Yellowstone River.
Lease or Own the Bull? Sorting Facts from Opinions
Friday, December 4 | 10:30 – 11:30 am | DoubleTree, Skybridge 3, 2nd floor
About the Session
Owning the bull is the default. It is not always the better deal. This session examines the facts and assumptions of leasing versus owning in terms of actual cost, convenience, reliability, bull quality perception, and long-term economic impact. Attendees leave with a clearer read on how each affects profit, risk, and day-to-day ranch management.
JUSTIN RADER, Owner, 100th Meridian Ranching
Justin Rader is a fifth-generation rancher based in Canadian, Texas, where he and his wife, Bryn, own and operate 100th Meridian Ranching. Their operation includes ranch management services, cow-calf production, bred heifers, custom grazing, and bull leasing. Justin is passionate about building a profitable, sustainable ranching business while preserving the ranching way of life for future generations.
He holds a degree in Rangeland Management from Oklahoma State University and completed Texas Christian University’s Ranch Management Program. Justin has also completed Ranching for Profit and participates in the Executive Link program. He combines hands-on ranching experience with an emphasis on sound business management and practical strategies to improve ranch profitability and long-term sustainability.
LANE HALE, Bull Lease Manager, 100th Meridian Ranching
Lane Hale serves as Bull Lease Manager at 100th Meridian Ranching, where he oversees customer relationships, bull acquisitions, logistics, and livestock care. Raised in Ozona, Texas, Lane developed a strong foundation in agriculture and a passion for the western way of life. He earned a degree in Agricultural Leadership with a minor in Animal Science from Texas Tech University in 2016 after attending South Plains College. His professional experience spans education, crop production, small business entrepreneurship, and livestock production, giving him a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing today’s agricultural producers. Lane works directly with customers to understand their breeding goals, calving seasons, and operational needs, helping ensure the right bulls are delivered at the right time. He is passionate about serving producers and supporting the future of agriculture.
Understanding Soil Function: How to measure and support soil biology to improve crop production and herd performance
Friday, December 4 | 10:45 – 11:45 am | DoubleTree, Skybridge 4, 2nd floor
Al Toops, Tucker Garrigan
Al Toops is the Director of Agronomy for BetterAcre. Al has 40 years of experience as a soil scientist and agronomist. He is a leader in the field of soil metagenomics (mapping the DNA of the soil)
Our mission at BetterAcre is to teach farmers and ranchers how to measure soilbiology in order to understand soil function. The soil is a digestive system and it is powered by microbes. Just like the rumen of a cow, the microbiome must be healthy and balanced in order to function for optimal performance.
Our session will focus on three highly integrated topics:
- How healthy soils influence nutrient density in feed and the impacts on herd performance and ranching economics.
- Measuring soil biology and understanding soil function
- How high functioning soils cycle nutrients and the impact on crop production and farming economics.
Renewable Diesel for Montana Agriculture: Performance, Practicality, and Cost
Friday, December 4 | 10:45 – 11:145 am | DoubleTree, Conf Room 5, 3rd floor
Jesse Therien, Montana Project Manager
Jesse Therien, PhD, is the Montana Project Manager for Yellowstone–Teton Clean Cities. With a doctorate in biochemistry, he helps fleets, agricultural producers, and fuel suppliers understand renewable diesel’s performance, compatibility, costs, and availability.
Jesse leads the Renewable Diesel Working Group, bringing together participants from across the United States and Canada to learn from fuel producers, fleet operators, and other experts. His agricultural outreach connects producers’ roles as feedstock suppliers and fuel users, helping farmers and ranchers evaluate renewable diesel for their equipment, operating conditions, and business goals.
Building Herd Health Through Genetic Selection: BCHF and BRD
Saturday, December 5 | 10:15 – 11:15 am | DoubleTree, Skybridge 1, 2nd floor
Kirk Ramsey DVM, MS, Integy and Neogen
Dr. Kirk Ramsey is a cattle veterinarian and Professional Services Veterinarian with Neogen, specializing in cattle health, genomics, pharmaceuticals, and veterinary technologies. Over the course of his career, he has worked extensively with feedlots, dairies, calf ranches, and cow-calf operations, helping producers solve practical health and performance challenges in real-world settings. With a master’s degree in ruminant nutrition, Dr. Ramsey combines scientific expertise with a deep appreciation for the everyday realities of cattle production.
Kirk lives in Idaho with his wife, Rebecca, and their four children. As a family, they love the Idaho way of life, spending time outdoors and staying closely connected to the agricultural values and western traditions that continue to shape both his personal life and professional perspective.
Preparing your Ranch for the Big Handoff
Saturday, December 5 | 10:15 – 11:15 am | DoubleTree, Skybridge 2, 2nd floor
Most succession planning sessions talk about what you should do, this session will actively get you started. We will not only share ideas about the process, but we will also walk you through the steps you can take now to begin. Your enterprise is valuable and most of the time your biggest asset, and it deserves a proper handoff to the next generation. It has never been easier to tackle this issue, and your family is begging for a plan, so they can plan theirs. This session will cover the basics, direct you to solutions, and we will even have a guest appearance from Ariel Overstreet-Atkins to share governance details you should consider.
Brent Turner, Author | Speaker | Succession Strategist
A Tennessee native with a degree in Animal Science from The University of Tennessee at Martin, Brent Turner has spent more than 30 years helping families plan for meaningful financial outcomes. He is a lifelong student of his craft, from the Life Underwriter Training Council Fellowship to the Family Enterprise Advisor program, and he is the author of Peace of Land.
Brent’s passion for agriculture led him to found Agri-Generational, Inc., a Montana-based company dedicated to farm and ranch family succession. His work centers on helping ag families protect their legacy and carry it across generations, limiting unnecessary wealth transfers. For these families, Agri-Generational created a community-based learning system at www.skool.com/agrigenerational, built especially for farmers and ranchers and covering the full succession planning process.
Brent lives in Columbus, Montana, within sight of the Rocky Mountains. When not advocating for agriculture, he enjoys horseback riding, hunting, camping, and skiing.
Cows and Cowboys, Who Works for Who?
Saturday, December 5 | 10:15 – 11:15 am | DoubleTree, Skybridge 3, 2nd floor
A look into historical New Zealand and Montana ranching systems, innovations, and a new way to think about Grazing, Ranching, and building Montana’s cow herd. Speakers include:
Eric Wickens, Wickens Ranch and Wickens Ranch Beef, Owner Operator
Josh Morrison, Halter
Keeping the IRS Out of the Sale: 1031 Exchanges and DSTs for Ranch Families
Saturday, December 5 | 10:15 – 11:15 am | DoubleTree, Skybridge 4, 2nd floor
Jim Parry brings more than 40 years of experience helping agricultural landowners, ranching families, and multi-generational farm operators bring clarity and confidence to complex financial decisions. His work is focused on ensuring clients’ financial needs and objectives are met so they can concentrate on what matters most, family, land, and long-term legacy.
Jim takes a planning-first, relationship-driven approach, grounded in the realities facing ag families, including land sales, tax exposure, and succession planning. A key area of focus in his practice is the thoughtful use of Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) as part of tax-deferred exchange and income-planning strategies for clients transitioning out of actively managed property.
In addition to advising clients and implementing investment strategies, Jim serves on the investment committee and actively participates in the due diligence process, particularly around DST offerings. He believes disciplined underwriting and sponsor evaluation are essential when clients are reinvesting proceeds from generational land.
At his core, Jim believes this business is about relationships, not transactions. An entrepreneur and philanthropist by nature, he is committed to advocating for his clients’ financial well-being and continually seeking ways to add long-term value through thoughtful guidance and steward
Cameron Rafati has more than 15 years of experience in real estate development and finance. He understands how land, debt, taxes, and cash flow work together, especially for ranchers, farmers, and multi-generation landowning families facing major decisions around selling property or stepping back from active management.
Cameron works in real estate investment and securities, with a strong focus on Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) and tax-deferred exchange strategies. His role is to help clients reinvest sale proceeds in a way that makes sense, prioritizing income, simplicity, and long-term protection of what they’ve built.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Southern California (USC), a Master’s degree in Real Estate Development from the University of Utah, FINRA Series 7 and 66 licenses, and is a former licensed real estate broker. Cameron also writes and teaches continuing education for CPAs and real estate brokers, helping professionals better serve landowning clients.
Outside of finance and real estate, Cameron is also a musician. Under the name Rafferty, he wrote a hit song in 2015 that was featured in Apple iPhone 6S commercials worldwide and performed at festivals from Norway to Mexico.
Building a Better Cow: The Mineral Connection to Reproduction, Immunity, and Performance
Saturday, December 5 | 1:30 – 2:30 pm | DoubleTree, Skybridge 1, 2nd floor
Dr. Jennifer Schutz, Director of Technical Services, Global Animal Products
Dr. Jennifer Schutz is Director of Technical Services at Global Animal Products, where she leads technical strategy and support focused on advancing animal health, nutrition, and performance. With more than 14 years of experience in the beef industry, Jennifer has built her career at the intersection of applied research, cattle production, and practical nutrition.
Jennifer’s connection to the cattle industry began long before her professional career. She grew up on a large research cattle operation that included both cow-calf and feedlot programs, giving her early exposure to cattle production and research across multiple stages of the production cycle. Those experiences shaped her passion for the beef industry and continue to influence her practical approach to applying science in the field.
Jennifer earned her Ph.D. in Ruminant Nutrition from Colorado State University, where her research encompassed beef cattle nutrition and management, cattle health and immunology, performance, and carcass quality. She went on to complete postdoctoral research at Texas Tech University focused on feedlot cattle health, nutrition, and efficiency.
Throughout her career, Jennifer has held technical and leadership roles with ADM, Chr. Hansen/Novonesis, and now Global Animal Products. She has worked extensively with cattle producers, nutritionists, veterinarians, researchers, and industry partners, with an emphasis on translating science into practical strategies that support cattle health, productivity, and efficiency.
Jennifer resides near Cheyenne, Wyoming, with her family.
Montana Department of Livestock Updates
Saturday, December 5 | 1:30 – 2:30 pm | DoubleTree, Skybridge 2, 2nd floor
The Montana Department of Livestock will discuss the latest information effecting the state’s producers in the areas of Animal Health, Meat Processing, Livestock Brands Enforcement, and Livestock Loss Compensation and Reduction. Key agency staff will discuss the current challenges they are seeing across the state and nation in these areas and how it effects or provides opportunity to Montana producers. The Department will also discuss new advances planned agency services and technology to better serve our constituents.
Mike Honeycutt, Executive Officer
Jay Bodner, Brands Enforcement Administrator
Dr. Tahnee Szymanski, Montana State Veterinarian/Administrator
From Shoebox to Solid Data: Building Financial Records You Can Actually Use
Saturday, December 5 | 1:30 – 2:30 pm | DoubleTree, Skybridge 3, 2nd floor
Elizabeth Long, Financial Consultant
Can you say exactly what it costs to carry a cow for a year? Many operations can’t, and it’s rarely for lack of effort. Without a simple, consistent system for tracking income, expenses, receivables, payables and inventory, the financial picture stays fuzzy and big decisions get made on gut feel.
This session walks through practical accounting processes any operation can put in place, whatever its size or software. We’ll cover what to track, how often to review it, and how to use that data to find your true cost of production, including cost per cow or pair and real feed costs.
You’ll leave with tools and checklists to tighten up your records, plus a clearer way to judge which investments make sense. Whether you’re the decision maker now or getting ready to be, better data means better choices.
From Data to Decisions: Using Precision Ranching Tools to Improve Profitability and Rangeland Performance
Saturday, December 5 | 1:30 – 2:30 pm | DoubleTree, Skybridge 4, 2nd floor
Kelsey Miller, RangeView Program Manager, Envu
Kelsey Miller is the RangeView Program Manager at Envu, bringing more than two decades of experience in grazing management, rangeland stewardship, and noxious weed control. Having worked across government agencies, conservation organizations, nonprofits, and the commercial agriculture sector throughout North America, she is passionate about helping producers leverage technology to make better land management decisions. In this session, Kelsey will demonstrate how RangeView’s digital ranch management platform combines satellite imagery, GPS livestock tracking, weather intelligence, and operational data to support more profitable and resilient ranching operations. Learn how precision monitoring tools can improve grazing management, target weed control efforts, optimize pasture utilization, support genetic and herd management decisions, and advance sustainability objectives. Attendees will gain practical insights into how remote sensing, stock water planning, weather monitoring, and market intelligence can help ranchers increase operational efficiency, improve forage performance, and strengthen their bottom line.
Lodging Information
- Double Tree by Hilton: (406) 252-7400
- Northern Hotel: (406) 867-6767
