Leach is a recent graduate of Oklahoma State University where she studied agricultural communications. While a student, Leach served as legislative intern under the office of Oklahoma Senator, Markwayne Mullin, and Oklahoma Congressman, Frank D. Lucas. For the past two Decembers, she served as the policy intern for MSGA’s Annual Convention and Trade Show. In 2024, Leach was the recipient of the Public Land Council’s Nick Theos Scholarship, which provides students the opportunity to learn about public lands policies and issues in Washington, D.C.

Cheyenne can be reached at (406) 442-3420 or cheyenne@mtbeef.org. 

The Montana Stockgrowers Association is a grassroots membership organization and is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers. With 140-years of history, MSGA advocates and ensures cattle ranching remains relevant, safe and a sustainable way of life for generations to come.

CONTACT:

Keni Reese

Director of Marketing & Communications

406-442-3420

keni@mtbeef.org
To view more MSGA news, visit https://mtbeef.org/news/

The post Cheyenne Leach Joins MSGA Staff to Serve as Communications and Program Coordinator appeared first on Montana Stockgrowers Association.

The 2023 Cattle Drive Program also included a new focus highlighting the quality genetics that Montana producers develop within their herds. MSF partnered with Montana Angus, Hereford, Red Angus, and Simmental Associations, to provide financial awards to contest winners if the winning steer was sired by a registered bull of that breed. Parentage verification was done through DNA samples of each qualifying steers and that information will be provided back to the donating producer. 

Each fall MSF’s Cattle Drive Program seeks donations of either live steers or the value of a steer from ranchers and businesses across Montana. Steers are then transported to Yellowstone Cattle Feeders in Shepherd, MT where they are put on contest and finished. When each steer is at optimum weight they are sold and harvested with all proceeds benefiting MSF programs, including educational scholarships and leadership development.  

This one-of-a-kind program allows donors to monitor the steer’s progress for the duration of the contest. Steers will be penned together, which results in feeding consistency, and are finished on a mixture of locally produced corn silage, corn, beet pulp silage, alfalfa and grain. Yellowstone Cattle Feeders welcomes visitors by appointment to view their facilities, the process and the cattle.  

Once a steer is harvested, donors receive valuable data on their steer’s performance against some of the best cattle in the state. The top three in average daily gain and carcass data, as well as an overall champion steer are recognized at MSGA’s Annual Convention and Trade Show each December. 

The 2024 Cattle Drive officially launched October 1, 2024. If you are interested in donating a steer or partnering to purchase a steer, please contact Heidi Kool at foundation@mtbeef.org or 406-461-0642. 

MSF would like to extend a special thank you to Marc King for his services in grading the steer carcasses. 

Thank you to our purchasing partners:

This program would not be possible without our generous donors. Thank you!

The post 2023 Cattle Drive Program Concludes with Record Donation Year appeared first on Montana Stockgrowers Association.

Federal Candidates (MSGA Endorsed)

Statewide Candidates (MAPA Endorsed)

Senate Candidates (MAPA Endorsed)

House of Representatives Candidates (MAPA Endorsed)

Other State Candidates (MAPA Endorsed)

Supreme Court Candidate Features

Cory Swanson

Cory Swanson currently serves as the Broadwater County Attorney. He is a fourth generation Montanan who grew up on the Hi-Line before graduating from high school in Manhattan, Mont. He received his bachelor’s degree from Carroll and his JD from the University of Montana. He also has a master’s degree from the U.S. Army War College.  Swanson joined the Montana Army National Guard in June 1997. Swanson had three deployments to the Middle East with the Montana National Guard’s 1-163rd Mechanized Infantry / Combined Arms Battalion. He commanded the 1-163 Combined Arms Battalion twice, including on its overseas deployment for Operation Spartan Shield to the Middle East in 2022. He is currently a Colonel nearing retirement from the Montana Army National Guard. He has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal. Swanson has described himself as a “tough on crime” prosecutor. He has shared that he is dedicated to preserving the independence of the judiciary, but also focusing on the needs of lawyers, courts, and especially clients to identify those areas where we need the system to function better. Endorsements highlights include: MAPA, Montana Chamber of Commerce, multiple Sheriffs across the state, and Montana Farm Bureau Federation PAC.

Dan Wilson

Dan Wilson has served as a Flathead County District Judge for more than twelve years. He received his undergraduate degree from Penn State University and his J.D. from the University of Minnesota. Wilson has noted that his desire to be in the Supreme Court stems from wanting to maintain the rule of law with stability and predictability. He has shared that maintaining public trust in the judicial branch and inspiring confidence in the public that the Supreme Court will function according to its proper constitutional role and function are priorities for him. Wilson believes that Montana is a great state because of its people, who are hardworking and decent and who have maintained these values across the generations. Most of all, Dan believes that Montanans value common sense and want judges who value it, too. Endorsements highlights include: MAPA, Montana Chamber of Commerce, Montana Mining Association, Montana Shooting Sports Association, and Montana Farm Bureau Federation PAC. 

A Breakdown of CI-126 and CI-127

We have received questions from the membership on Constitutional Initiatives 126 and 127. Here’s a brief overview of what each Constitutional Initiative includes. While the two Constitutional Initiatives will be voted on separately, the two initiatives are intended to work together to achieve that top candidates also received the majority of votes. MSGA does not have a position on the following Constitutional Initiatives.

A constitutional amendment by initiative is one way the Montana Constitution can be changed. To do this, a petition, including the full text of the proposed amendment, must be signed by at least ten percent of the qualified electors of the state and include at least ten percent of the qualified electors in each of two-fifths of the legislative districts. The petition then must be filed with the secretary of state. If the petition is certified that it has been signed by the required number of electors, the secretary of state must publish the amendment as provided by law twice each month for two months previous to the next regular state-wide election. At that election, the proposed amendment must be submitted to the qualified electors for approval or rejection. If approved by the majority, the initiative will become a part of the constitution effective the first day of July following its approval, unless the amendment provides otherwise.

CI-126 proposes to amend the Montana Constitution to provide a top-four multiparty primary election. This ballot initiative would apply to elections for the governor and lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state auditor, attorney general, superintendent of public instruction, state representatives, state senators, United States representatives, and United States Senators. 

• All candidates, regardless of political party, appear on one ballot. 
• The four candidates receiving the most votes advance to the general election. 
• A candidate may list a political party preference, but a candidate would not be required to be nominated by a political party. 
• A candidate’s political party preference would not be an endorsement by the political party. 
• The legislature may require candidates to gather signatures up to five percent of the votes received by the winning candidate in the last election to appear on the ballot. 
• All voters may vote for one candidate for each covered office. 

Supporters of CI-126 say:

• Better choices on the ballot
• More freedom to vote for the person, not the party
• More voice in every tax-payer funded election
• Greater accountability over elected officials

Opponents of CI-126 say:

• Makes primary elections largely unnecessary
• Makes decisions more difficult for voters
• Increases the number of candidates
• Requires candidates to be more reliant on special interest money
• Doesn’t represent the concerns of Montanans

Credit: Illustration by Margo Stoney, High Mountain Creative; Montana Free Press

CI-127 would amend the Montana Constitution to provide that elections for certain offices must be decided by majority vote as determined by law rather than by a plurality or the largest number of the votes. If it cannot be determined who received a majority of votes because two or more candidates are tied, then the winner of the election will be determined as provided by law. This ballot initiative would apply to elections for the governor and lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state auditor, attorney general, superintendent of public instruction, state representatives, state senators, United States representatives, and United States Senators, and other offices as provided by law.

Supporters of CI-127 say:

• Candidates can win election to office with less than half of voters’ support. This enables candidates to focus on narrow interests and win elections without representing a majority of their constituents. 
• Montana voters deserve elected officials who are accountable and responsive to Montana citizens.
• Majority-winner elections empower voters to hold politicians accountable and force our elected officials to focus on finding solutions that benefit a majority of citizens. 

Opponents of CI-127 say:

• This already happens in most Montana elections. In our current system there are usually only two candidates participating thus resulting in the winning candidate receiving more than 50% of the vote. 
• Constitutional amendments are almost permanent. The Montana Legislature can do nothing to fix problems caused by the passage of CI-127. CI-127 will have the effect of constitutionally mandating that more money coming from property taxes be spent on elections. That money will have to come from higher taxes or cutting budgets
• Together, CI-126 and CI-127 amount to a radical, expensive, and unnecessary experiment that is all but guaranteed to make political campaigns longer, more confusing, and even more dependent on special-interest money. 

Credit: Illustration by Margo Stoney, High Mountain Creative; Montana Free Press

The post 2024 ELECTION ALERT: MSGA and MAPA PAC Endorsements and Voter Information appeared first on Montana Stockgrowers Association.

The report recommends out-of-touch dietary choices that are unrealistic for a majority of Americans. These changes include but are not limited to reducing the intake of meat, poultry, and eggs (MPE), while increasing the consumption of beans, peas, and lentils to compensate for the shortall in animal proteins. Beans, peas, and lentils were moved from the Vegetables category to the Protein category and red meat was highlighted as part of the continued heavy focus on reducing saturated fats. MSGA is very concerned about the implications of the above recommendations, and views them as harmful. 

The issue of Dietary Guidelines is not new to MSGA. MSGA has been advocating for increasing the recommended red meat consumption for some time. At the 2024 MSGA MidYear meeting, members brought forward and passed a comprehensive policy to allow MSGA to advocate for significant changes including removing the limit of red meat altogether from within the Dietary Guidelines. 

MSGA encourages its members to reach out to members of Congress while lawmakers are still campaigning prior to November 5th. To simplify the process, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has launched a landing page where. producers can read more about the issue and send a pre-drafted email to Senators and representatives. To share your concern with these recommendations visit: https://p2a.co/xLDfn7V

MSGA will remain engaged on this issue and will submit formal comments during the regulatory comment period which will likely open once the Dietary Guidelines are sent to USDA and HHS. 

The Montana Stockgrowers Association is a grassroots membership organization and is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers. With 140-years of history, MSGA advocates and ensures cattle ranching remains relevant, safe and a sustainable way of life for generations to come.

CONTACT:

Keni Reese

Director of Marketing & Communications

406-442-3420

keni@mtbeef.orgTo view more MSGA news, visit https://mtbeef.org/news/

The post Montana Stockgrowers Opposes the Federal Dietary Guidelines Advisory Council New Recommendations appeared first on Montana Stockgrowers Association.

HELENA, Mont. (October 3, 2024) – Registration is now open for the 140th Annual Convention and Trade Show of the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA). MSGA invites cattle producers and industry professionals to Billings, Montana, December 4-6, 2024. The event agenda is packed full of educational sessions, keynotes, networking events, and an opportunity for MSGA members to set policy that will shape the landscape of cattle ranching in Montana as the 69th Montana Legislature approaches.

Attendees will hear keynote addresses from industry leaders, a weather outlook from Brian Bledsoe, Meteorologist; insights into producer profitability from industry consultant and author, Dr. Nevil Speer; policy updates from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA); and an economic outlook update from Gregg Doud, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation. The event’s trade show will include over 70 booths filled with industry resources and western merchandise. MSGA’s Stockgrowers Colleges will provide attendees the opportunity to learn more on estate planning, risk management, value added programs, and disease response.

Early bird registration is now open and can be found online at www.mtbeef.org. The early bird discounted rate will be available through November 29.

Onsite registration will be available for attendees Wednesday, December 4 through Friday, December 6, 2024, at the DoubleTree and Northern Hotels. For more information on MSGA’s Annual Convention & Trade Show, visit www.mtbeef.org. 

The Montana Stockgrowers Association is a grassroots membership organization and is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers. With 140-years of history, MSGA advocates and ensures cattle ranching remains relevant, safe and a sustainable way of life for generations to come.

CONTACT:

Keni Reese

Director of Marketing & Communications

406-442-3420

keni@mtbeef.orgTo view more MSGA news, visit https://mtbeef.org/news/

The post MSGA to Celebrate 140 Years in Billings at Annual Convention; Registration for the Event is Now Open appeared first on Montana Stockgrowers Association.

The Raising the Steaks Ranch Tour gathers an intimate group of thoughtful, creative individuals to put their boots on the ground and their heads in the game in facilitated diverse and informative discussions that highlight current issues and solutions to challenges ranchers and conservationists face when managing private and public lands for future generations.

The 2024 tour was hosted at the Goggins Ranch located in Ennis and McAllister, Mont. The Goggins Ranch was awarded the 2023 Montana Environmental Stewardship Award (ESAP). The tour started with an introduction to the Goggins/Endecott family and a review of the ranch’s history.

Then, attendees visited various stops at the ranch’s Ennis and McAllister locations to discuss grazing, wildlife management, stream restoration, cattle health, and urban sprawl. A highlight of the tour was showcasing the Goggins Ranch’s riparian pasture fencing and hardened crossings to protect sensitive habitats. 

In 2011, the Goggins Ranch volunteered to participate in partnership with the Madison Conservation District (MCD), Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MTFWP), Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), and Northwestern Energy to consider alternatives to their riparian management strategies. Through a comprehensive pilot project, the ranch incorporated adaptive management techniques on South Meadow Creek to improve the ecological condition of the stream and adjacent rangeland.

To conclude the tour, a networking dinner was hosted to review topics discussed that day. 

Attendees on the tour included students of the Dan Scott Ranch Management Program, natural resource experts, wildlife advocates, educators, media, Montana State University dietetic interns, Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) leadership and more.

MSF would like to thank the Goggins/Endecott families for welcoming the tour onto their ranch and hosting a diverse group of individuals to create a deeper connection between land, livestock, and conservationists. 

The Montana Stockgrowers Foundation (MSF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and was established to ensure the future of Montana’s cattle industry through producer and public education, and promotion of MSGA programs. The Foundation supports the next generation by offering educational programs, academic scholarships and providing leadership opportunities. 

CONTACT:

Keni Reese

Director of Marketing & Communications

406-442-3420

keni@mtbeef.org

To view more MSGA news, visit www.mtbeef.org/news

The post Montana Stockgrowers Foundation Host Raising the Steaks Environmental Stewardship Tour on Award Winning Ennis Ranch appeared first on Montana Stockgrowers Association.

To help inform our members of the proposed solutions that will be presented at the upcoming legislative session, MSGA will be hosting a three-part webinar series. I invite you to participate in one or all of the sessions. As you know, water is not a simple topic and many of the proposals are multi-faceted and complex processes. We wanted to give our members the opportunity to gain foundational knowledge prior to convention, because we know there just is not enough time in our water policy committee meeting. 

October 3, 2024 at 6:00 PM

The Comprehensive Water Review Overview and Water Funding

This webinar will provide an overview of DNRC’s comprehensive water review process. We will discuss the future of water storage in Montana and what funding packages might look like as we move into the 2025 legislative session. Additionally, the webinar will cover proposed updates to change processes and the process for provisional permit reconciliation. 

October 24, 2024 at 6:00 PM

The Role of the Judiciary

Following the completion of the adjudication process, there leaves a question as to, what is the role of the judiciary? This session will cover the proposed changes to the current statutory structure for the post final decree administration and regulation of water rights. We will also cover how this proposed legislation is different and similar to the previous legislation, SB 72. 

November 21, 2024 at 6:00 PM

The Future of Exempt Wells

Members of the Comprehensive Water Review have drafted a proposal that will provide more clarity and assurance for those using exempt wells. The group has looked at vulnerable areas in the state where exempt well use has created issues and other parts of the state where there are not current concerns with exempt well use. This session will walk participants through the science used in the proposal and how the exempt well process could be managed in the future.

The post MSGA to Host Water Education Series appeared first on Montana Stockgrowers Association.

Statewide Candidates

Senate Candidates

House of Representatives Candidates

Other State Candidates

The Montana Agricultural Political Action Committee (MAPA PAC) is a non-partisan, voluntarily funded committee that supports candidates who protect and advance the interests of the agricultural and livestock industry. Montana Political Action Committee, Raylee Honeycutt, Treasurer, 420 N. California, Helena, MT 59601.

The Montana Stockgrowers Association is a grassroots membership organization and is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers. With 140-years of history, MSGA advocates and ensures cattle ranching remains relevant, safe and a sustainable way of life for generations to come.

CONTACT:

Keni Reese

Director of Marketing & Communications

406-442-3420

keni@mtbeef.orgTo view more MSGA news, visit https://mtbeef.org/news/

The post Montana Agricultural Political Action Committee Announces 2024 Endorsements appeared first on Montana Stockgrowers Association.

While in Japan, Iverson will be working to establish business relationships and explore opportunities for U.S. beef exports to the region. The mission itinerary includes meetings with restaurants, a culinary school, a processing plant, Wagyu farm, and meat market. 

Iverson and his family own and operate a commercial cow-calf operation in the Blackfoot River watershed of Western Montana. Primarily running Red Angus mother cows, they cross breed with Gelbvieh and Simmental bulls to produce calves that are born in March and April, wean in November, and ship to Nebraska for finishing. In his spare time Justin represents the Montana Stockgrowers Association as a Director of the Montana Beef Council, he is a Director on the Federation of State Beef Councils, and he is the Assistant Chief of the local volunteer fire department. 

Iverson will be providing updates from Japan through MSGA’s social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram.

To learn more about the Montana Stockgrowers Association visit www.mtbeef.org.

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The Montana Stockgrowers Association is a grassroots membership organization and is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers. With 140-years of history, MSGA advocates and ensures cattle ranching remains relevant, safe and a sustainable way of life for generations to come.

CONTACT:

Keni Reese

Director of Marketing & Communications

406-442-3420

keni@mtbeef.org

To view more MSGA news, visit https://mtbeef.org/news/

The post MSGA Member Justin Iverson Joins the U.S. Meat Export Federation in Japan to Promote Beef appeared first on Montana Stockgrowers Association.

The TBone Classic Gala Dinner & Golf Tournament provides an opportunity to foster new partnerships between Montana’s ranching community and other businesses/industries essential to Montana’s economy.

Events at the TBone Classic included a fundraiser gala dinner and auction on Wednesday where guests enjoyed a steak dinner provided by Little Belt Cattle Co. Auction items included 25 tons of hay donated by the Producer Partnership, half a beef donated by Two Creek Monture Ranch, a Bobcat football package donated by Holden Herefords, and a custom steel fire pit made by Brady Stone.

Starting early Thursday morning, attendees participated in a friendly round of golf followed by an awards social with the announcement of the winning teams. The Little Horn State Bank team won first place. Their team was purchased in the calcutta by Jerome Chvilicek. Second place went to the team from Marsh McLennan Agency, purchased by Tory Johnson, and third place went to the Key Insurance of Roundup team, purchased by Brett Adolph. Brett also purchased the team that finished in 10th place, AgWest Farm Credit.

For more information on MSF or the TBone Classic Gala Dinner & Golf Tournament, visit www.mtbeeffoundation.org. 

The Montana Stockgrowers Foundation (MSF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and was established to ensure the future of Montana’s cattle industry through producer and public education, and promotion of MSGA programs. The Foundation supports the next generation by offering educational programs, academic scholarships and providing leadership opportunities. 

CONTACT:

Keni Reese

Director of Marketing & Communications

406-442-3420

keni@mtbeef.org

To view more MSGA news, visit www.mtbeef.org/news

The post MSF Fosters New Partnerships at Sold Out TBone Classic Gala Dinner & Golf Tournament in Billings appeared first on Montana Stockgrowers Association.