BILLINGS, Mont. (December 6, 2024) – Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) assembled for the second day of the 140th Annual Convention and Trade Show. Leaders in the livestock industry gathered at the Opening General Session, Stockgrowers Colleges, Northern Ag Network and Best of Beef Lunch, Tax, Finance and Ag Policy Committee, and the Trade Show Celebration Dinner.
Opening General Session, sponsored by Montana Livestock Ag Credit, brought livestock producers updates from the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) leadership, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Montana Public Land Council (MPLC), the Montana Association of State Grazing Districts (MASGD), Montana Beef Council (MBC) and American National Cattlewomen (ANCW). Sponsored by Silveus Insurance, Keynote speaker Meteorologist Brian Bledsoe, provided a long range forecast to attendees, noting optimism in future weather.
The morning was rounded out with a variety of educational sessions at MSGA’s Stockgrowers Colleges covering topics such as verification programs, large scale disease response, Montana beef in public schools and the Producer Profitability Initiative. Each session gave attendees an inside look on a different topic in the beef industry.
The Northern Ag Network Best of Beef Lunch, sponsored by AgWest Farm Credit, opened with a live broadcast from the Northern Ag Network. Steve Uffelman, of Hardin, was drawn as the winner of the Nutra-Lix saddle raffle. Awards were then presented to youth from across the state who were participants in the Steer of Merit. The Montana Stockgrowers Foundation also announced Cattle Drive winners.
The session wrapped up with a keynote address by Dr. Nevil Speer, who encouraged members to stay rooted in their industry and how to overcome stagnativity.
MSGA members continued policy discussion during the Tax, Finance & Ag Policy Committee where attendees received updates on taxes, ag policy and Producer Profitability.
The day concluded with the Trade Show dinner, sponsored by Tractor and Equipment Co., Montana Ag Safety, AgSpire and Hayden Outdoors Real Estate.
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.
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.
MSGA MEDIA CONTACT:
Cheyenne Leach
Communications and Program Coordinator
406-442-3420
