While the main focus of the meeting is for the setting of interim policy we also use the meeting as a networking opportunity for the MSGA membership. Ranchers and allied industry professionals gather together from across the state of Montana for two days filled with meetings, entertainment, education, and fun!
While the main focus of the meeting is for the setting of interim policy we also use the meeting as a networking opportunity for the MSGA membership. Ranchers and allied industry professionals gather together from across the state of Montana for two days filled with meetings, entertainment, education, and fun!
Agenda | Speakers | Sponsors | Lodging | Registration | Committees | MPLC & MASGD | Sunset Banquet | Tours
ALL INCLUSIVE PASS | $150 Members | $200 Non-Members*
(Includes Opening General Session, Committee meetings, Coffee Talk, Closing General Session, Breakfast, and Sunset Banquet)
MEETING REGISTRATION| $75 Members | $125 Non-Members*
(Includes Opening General Session, Committee meetings, Coffee Talk, Closing General Session, and Breakfast – Does NOT include ticket to the Sunset Banquet)
SUNSET BANQUET REGISTRATION | $75/attendee
(Includes access to Sunset Banquet dinner only)
*Non-Member registrations will receive a pro-rated MSGA membership until Sept 30, 2023.
This agenda is tentative and is subject to change
Meetings will be held on the MSU Northern Campus at the Student Union Building (SUB) | The Sunset Banquet will be held on the Great Northern Fairgrounds at the 4-H Chuckwagon Building
Montana Grass Commission Conservation Committee
8:00 am – 10:00 am
MSU Northern Campus, SUB
Montana Public Lands Council & Montana Association of State Grazing Districts Joint Board Meeting
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
MSU Northern Campus, SUB
State Grazing District Annual Meeting
12:00 – 3:00 pm
MSU Northern Campus, SUB
MSGA Executive Committee Meeting
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
MSGA Board of Directors Meeting
7:00 am – 10:30 am
Best Western Plus Havre Inn & Suites
Foundation Trustee Meeting
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Best Western Plus Havre Inn & Suites
Secure Beef Supply Seminar
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
MSU Northern Campus, SUB
Registration Open
9:00 am – 4:30 pm
MSU Northern Campus, SUB
Tours
Havre Beneath the Streets: 9:30 am – 10:30 am
120 3rd Ave, Havre, MT 59501
Northern Ag Research Center: Time TBD
Opening General Session
1:00 – 2:30 pm
MSU Northern Campus, SUB
Land Use & Environment Committee
2:30 – 4:00 pm
MSU Northern Campus, SUB
Beef Production & Marketing Committee
4:00 – 5:30 pm
MSU Northern Campus, SUB
Sunset Social
5:30 – 6:30 pm
Great Northern Fairgrounds | 4-H Chuck Wagon Building
Sunset Banquet
6:30 – 8:30 pm
Great Northern Fairgrounds | 4-H Chuck Wagon Building
Sunset After-Party
8:30 – 11:00 pm
Great Northern Fairgrounds | 4-H Chuck Wagon Building
Coffee Talk Presentation
8:00 – 8:45 am
MSU Northern Campus, SUB
Registration Open
8:00 – 11:00 am
MSU Northern Campus, SUB
Tax, Finance, & Ag Policy Committee
9:00 am – 10:30 am
MSU Northern Campus, SUB
Closing General Session
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
MSU Northern Campus, SUB
Tours
Havre Beneath the Streets: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
120 3rd Ave, Havre, MT 59501
Northern Ag Research Center: Time TBD
Todd Wilkinson is a co-owner and operator of a commercial cow-calf operation with his son, Nick, in De Smet, South Dakota. He is also a co-owner of Redstone Feeders, a family owned cattle feeding and finishing operation.
In addition, Wilkinson has practiced law for more than 38 years, specializing in estate planning and agricultural law. He is a graduate of Augustana College and USD School of Law. His firm, Wilkinson & Schumacher, is sought after by landowners (cow-calf, stocker and feeder segments) across the state when they are facing legal challenges.
Over the years, Wilkinson has been heavily involved in local, state and national leadership roles. During his time on the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association board, he had many roles including president in 2015-2016. Wilkinson has also served on numerous NCBA committees as well as the Environmental Working Group, Traceability Working Group and Cattle Marketing Working Group. Wilkinson served as NCBA Region VII policy vice president for two years. Wilkinson is a founding member and current vice president of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation.
JR Vezin is from Cowley, Wyoming and is a Professional Bareback Rider and 6-time WNFR qualifier.
Since being thrown from a horse and breaking his back in September of 2018, 6X NFR qualifying bareback rider J.R. Vezain has had mobility issues from the waist down — he’s also been determined to walk again. And the 6X NFR qualifier continues to make strides in his recovery. Hear more from him on his journey at Closing General Session.
As the vice president of agriculture, Bajwa oversees the teaching, education and research network that stretches across Montana with seven agricultural research centers, five academic departments and five Bozeman-based campus farms and ranches. The College of Agriculture and Montana Agricultural Experiment Station collectively conduct research to address production challenges to benefit the agricultural industry in Montana.
Bajwa has an extensive background in agricultural engineering and developing technology for smart agriculture. She is a highly regarded researcher of precision agriculture and has provided international leadership into research and education for applying remote sensing and unmanned aerial systems to agricultural systems.
Currently, Darrin is serving as the Department Head of the seven Research Centers throughout Montana. He is also Superintendent of Northern Agricultural Research Center near Havre, Montana.
The research centers address production challenges in the diverse agro-ecosystems of the state and provide the foundation upon which the research and teaching missions of the university stay relevant to needs of agriculture in the state of Montana. Each research center has been tasked to address the diverse climatological, ecological, and environmental challenges of Montana’s agricultural industry. Northern Agricultural Research Center is a 7000 acre diversified agricultural research facility.
Current research interests include, 1) beef cattle breeding projects, exploring maternal efficiency on the mixed grass prairie establishing correlations with individual intakes and long term reproduction; 2) novel and alternative feedstuffs for inclusion in pre and post-weaning beef cattle diets and 3) investigating how to integrate cover crops into crop-fallow environments by integrating livestock or haying practices to increase soil health and to increase profitability of the agricultural operations.
Wednesday, June, 14 | 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm | MSU Northern, SUB
Land Use Committee – Tom Sparks, Chair
Water Committee – Rich Roth, Chair
Montana FWP Update – Quentin Kujala, FWP Chief of Conservation Policy
Landowner/Recreation and Wildlife Committee – John Hagenbarth, MSGA Director
Endangered Species Committee – John Hagenbarth, MSGA Director
Other Business – Dana Darlington, MSGA Director
Wednesday, June, 14 | 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm | MSU Northern, SUB
Department of Livestock Update – Mike Honeycutt, Executive Officer; Jay Bodner, Brands Administrator
NCBA Traceability Working Groups Update – Todd Wilkinson, NCBA President
Cattle Health, Brand, & Theft Committee – Rachel Endecott, Committee Member
Marketing Committee – Kirk Donsbach, Chair
Cattle Feeder Committee – Andy Kellom, Chair
Seedstock Committee Update – Devin Murnin, Committee Member
Other Business – Dusty Hahn, MSGA Director
Thursday, June, 15 | 9:00 am – 10:30 am | MSU Northern, SUB
General Ag Committee – Eric Moore, Chair
Tax Committee – Eric Moore, Chair
Other Business – Lon Reukauf, MSGA Director
Wednesday, June, 14 | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | MSU Northern, SUB
The Montana Department of Livestock (MDOL) will host a Secure Beef Supply Plan Training Seminar during MSGA’s MidYear Meeting to introduce Montana’s cattle producers to the biosecurity principles of Secure Beef Supply (SBS) Plans. SBS plans are a vital tool to help producers re-enter commerce following a severe disease outbreak such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
SBS Plans outline specific measures that ranches can employ to minimize the risk of either contracting or spreading infectious disease. In the past decade, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus, and the human coronavirus have disrupted agricultural markets and affected grocery prices in the U.S. When highly infectious diseases like these strike new populations, we cannot eliminate all risk of infectious disease transmission. However, conscientiously executed SBS Plans can minimize such risk.
“Livestock owners and consumers depend on the uninterrupted movement of livestock,” said State Veterinarian Marty Zaluski, “This program will teach producers how they can document that their herd is low risk and will help them move animals quicker during a disease event.”
These meetings will familiarize ranchers and their veterinarians with the format and development of individualized SBS plans, and disease control measures to protect operations.
Tuesday
June 13, 2023
8:00 – 10:00 am
MSU Northern
Tuesday
June 13, 2023
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
MSU Northern
Tuesday
June 13, 2023
12:00 – 3:00 pm
MSU Northern
View the Agenda
The Sunset Banquet is an annual fundraiser that benefits the Montana Stockgrowers Foundation (MSF). Hosted in conjunction with MSGA’s MidYear Meeting, the event brings together livestock industry professionals and the local community for a night of entertainment and giving back! All proceeds from the event support the Montana Stockgrowers Foundation’s mission of investing in the Montana ranching community through education, leadership, and conservation.
A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Foundation 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.
Prime Rib Dinner (Provided by The Mint in Big Sandy)
Our main course is a tasty Prime Rib provided by The Mint Bar and Cafe of Big Sandy. Locals and travelers alike will enjoy a bite of this great cut of beef!
Montana Environmental Stewardship Award Program Announcement
Each year, the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) honors a Montana ranch that exemplifies environmental stewardship and demonstrates a commitment toward improved sustainability within the beef industry.
Environmental Stewardship Award winners are prime examples of how environmental management benefits both the rancher’s bottom line and the resources in their care.
Who will be this year’s winner? We will find out at the Sunset Banquet!
MSF Live & Silent Auctions
Horse Breeding Package
Cooled transported semen for artificial insemination of purchaser’s mare in 2024 breeding season to one of two of their studs, Irish Blu and French Cowboy. Buyers will be able to pick the stud. Donated by Cowan Select Horses.
A Great Falls Weekend Getaway
Two tickets to Kolby Cooper at the Newberry and one night at the O’Hair Motor Inn on June 28, 2023. Donated by The Newberry and O’Hair Motor Inn.
Taking Stock Artwork Print
A Chris Owen artwork, Taking Stock was painted to capture the image of a rider that is on the range checking the cattle. Framed artwork donated by MSGA member, Jim and Lorraine Peterson.
Skid Steer and Trailer Rental
Use of a skid steer loader with trailer for eight hours of use in a one day time frame. Donated by MP&E. Buyers can use the certificate at any Cat rental store within the state of Montana.
Kolar Tire Gift Certificate
Donated by Kolar Tire.
Whitefish Getaway
Two nights in a penthouse condo with a hot tub and balcony overlooking downtown Whitefish. Blackout dates May-Sept. Donated by Steve Mergenthaler.
Herd from Hell Canvas Print
Print donated by Mark Larowe.
Concrete Lawn Ornament
Donated by Smitty’s Fireplace.
IIDEX Pregnancy Test Package
75 Pregnancy tests donated by IIDEX.
Montana Silversmiths Cross Necklace + More
Coffey Anderson American Made by Montana Silversmiths Big Bold Stripes cross necklace. Additional pieces will be available for auction. Donated by Montana Silversmiths.
Cowgirl Dreaming Wild Rags
Donated by Cowgirl Dreaming Wild Rags.
iFlyBigSky Aerial Photo
Beautiful aerial photo of the Helena fire tower. Donated by iFlyBigSky.
130 Piece Tool Kit
Pittsburgh 130 Piece Tool Kit with case. Donated by Harbor Freight.
Give’r Leather Gloves
Custom leather gloves with ranch brand or initials branded into them. Donated by Give’r.
Canvas Artwork Print
Donated by Western Trailer and Marine.
Diecast Toy
Donated by Big Equipment.
Equine Boot Tote Bag
Donated by Western Ranch Supply.
MSU Gift Basket
Donated by MSU Alumni Foundation.
Luxury Camp Chair
Comfy camp chair with built in cooler and cup holder. Donated by Murdochs.
M-T Glass Liquor Basket
Three bottles of whiskey including a bottle of Makers Mark, Pendleton, and Red Door Whiskey. Donated by M-T Glass Liquor.
Boxwoods Furniture Gift Basket
The gift basket includes a turquoise bracelet, decadent chocolate, a leather-bound notebook, and a steer head wine bottle opener. Donated by Boxwoods Furniture.
Costco Gift Card
Gift card to be used at store or at fuel station. Donated by Costco.
Windrift Hill Gift Basket
2 farm/livestock shelf sitters, a Farm Sweet Farm travel cup, Windrift Hill tee and cap. Windrift Hill Products: 1 oil, 2- 8 oz. lotions, 2- travel lotions, 1 salt, 2- soap, 2- 2oz. body butters, 2 lip balms. Donated by Windrift Hill and Curry Cattle Co.
Yard Games
How to Play: To play, simply drop a token into one of the holes at the top edge of the frame. Watch it bounce from peg to peg until it lands in a slot. If you land in the highlighted slots you get a raffle ticket to drop in a prize basket of your choice. Prizes will be announced after the live auction at the Sunset Banquet. Plinko tokens can be purchased for 1 chance for $5 or 3 chances for $10.
Prize: Raffle Basket
Price: 1 for $5 or 3 for $10
How to Play: The object is to toss a ring around a bottle. Successful tosses will win that bottle. The game lasts until all bottles are gone. Rings can be purchased for 1 chance for $5 or 3 chances for $10.
Prize: Liquor Bottle
Price: 1 for $5 or 3 for $10
How to Play:
Our Sunset Banquet emcee will ask all Heads and Tails participants to stand up. Then participants select either “heads” or “tails” by putting their paint stick on their heads—or their tails! The emcee flips a coin and announces whether the coin came up heads or tails. Those participants whose choice matches the coin flip get to stay standing—everyone else sits down. The emcee continues asking participants to select “heads” or “tails,” then flipping the coin, eliminating more players until only a handful are left.
Then the few finalists come to the stage for the last few coin tosses until only one player is left standing. The last player left standing will win a Ruger .22LR Semi-Auto Carbine Rifle!
Buying multiple paint sticks gives you a second chance! Use your additional paint sticks to keep yourself in the game. Once you run out of paint sticks, you are completely eliminated. Paint sticks can be bought for $5/stick.
Prize: Ruger .22LR Semi-Auto Carbine Rifle
Price: $5/stick
Cow Pie Bingo
How to Play: A cow is turned loose in a fenced-in area which has been marked off in numbered squares. The cow will determine the winner by making a “deposit” on one of the squares. Each pen will contain 16 squares and chances for each square will be sold for $20/square. Multiple pens will run consecutively. Then once all pens have finished, the winners will compete in the “AgriBest Feeds Champion of Poo Pen” for a grand prize! Other bidders may also buy into the champion pen for $50/square. There will be 16 squares in the champion pen for purchase.
No one except the cow and cow handler will be allowed on the grid. However, you may stand around the edges and see if you can encourage the cow to move towards your square.
Prize: $600 Kolar Tire Gift Certificate
Price: $20/square, $50/square in the champion pen
Live Music
More info coming soon!
Location: Great Northern Fairgrounds, 4H Chuckwagon Building
1676 U.S. Rte 2, Havre, MT 59501
5:30 pm Sunset Social
Cold Drinks
Cowpie Bingo
MSF Silent Auction
6:30 pm Sunset Banquet
Prime Rib Dinner
Montana Environmental Stewardship Award Announcement
MSF Live Auction
8:30 pm Sunset After-Party
Live Music
Dancing
Tickets to the Sunset Banquet are $75/attendee
Not attending MidYear? You can still come to the Sunset Banquet! Tickets are available to the public so bring your family and friends for a night on the town. Registration includes the best Prime Rib dinner in town courtesy of The Mint Bar in Big Sandy, access to the Sunset Social, live music, drawings, auctions and more. Tickets will be available onsite and online.
All proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Montana Stockgrowers Foundation.
MidYear is a time for policy and networking, but it’s also a time to explore our host city and what makes it unique to Montana! See below for the available FREE tours hosted during our MidYear Meeting.
Havre Beneath the Streets (Historical Underground Tour) is a recreation of Havre’s history. When fire destroyed most of Havre, business owners moved underground to carry on their business until the town could be rebuilt.
The flourishing business community in Havre got its start in the community’s early days. Many of the businesses were located in what we, today, might call an underground mall. We invite you to step back in time with us, as much as 100 years ago, into the Sporting Eagle Saloon, a turn-of-the-century honky-tonk where cowboys gambled, kicked up their heels and drank some good old-fashioned frontier rot-gut.
Join us as we saunter along the streets beneath Havre and see an opium den (one of three known to have existed in the early days), Chinese laundry, an ethnic restaurant, and of course, a bordello. See all of this and more and hear why the underground exists on the “Havre Beneath the Streets” historical tour.
Want to join? Just select your preferred time slot when registering for MidYear!
Time Slots Available
Wednesday, June 14, 2023 | 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Thursday, June 15, 2023 | 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: 120 3rd ave, Havre, Montana 59501
Northern Agricultural Research Center will be offering tours during MSGA’s MidYear Meeting. The tours can be tailored to suit the desires of the participants. Tours could include several cattle working facilities including Temple Grandin or Bud Williams inspired designs, along with some calf tagging options to improve the efficiency of tagging calves and the safety of the tagger. NARC will have cattle on hand and will discuss current research projects which include Residual Feed Intake, winter supplementation, environmental adaptation, precision livestock management, grazing location, and breeding projects. There will be several people available to give the tours so the tours can be adapted to the people who would like to participate.
Time Slots Available
Wednesday, June 14, 2023 | 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Thursday, June 15, 2023 | 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
If you would like to participate as a 2023 MidYear sponsor, please email Joey Berndt at [email protected] or call the MSGA office at (406) 442-3420.
1425 Highway 2 NW | Havre, MT 59501
Reservations may be made by calling the hotel directly at (406) 265-2888.
Please mention the Montana Stockgrowers Association to receive the discounted rate of $110 + taxes and fees.
*Note – There are two Best Western hotels in Havre, the MidYear room block is at the Havre Inn and Suites*
2024 Miles City
2025 Southwest Montana
2026 Great Falls
2027 Helena
