Over the past few months we have been listening. Our readers and members wanted to be able to see all of our updates and review all of our programs in one place! We have been working hard and the transition is complete to a new website design! This means you’ll be able to read all…
On Friday November 14th, the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA), Montana Association of State Grazing Districts (MASGD), Montana CattleWomen (MCW) and the Montana Public Lands Council (MPLC), submitted comments to EPA regarding the Proposed Rule regarding the definition of “Waters of the U.S.” under the Clean Water Act . Montana has long been known as an…
Promote the beef industry and the Montana CattleWomen with the purchase of a personalized “BEEF” sign! The 18” x 24” steel signs are designed for outdoor durability and to hang from a gate or fence. These also make great gifts for friends, family, or fellow ranchers! Signs are $50 each, plus $10 shipping and handling.…
What a year we are having in the cattle business with prices never seen before! Many of us have wondered just how much our consumers will be willing to pay for beef. Well, apparently a healthy amount! With this increase in prices comes an increase in pressure to produce a better, more consistent product. We…
We are looking for Young Stockgrowers interested in attending the 35th Annual Young Ag Couples Conference in Helena, January 21-24, 2015 at the Red Lion Colonial Hotel. Hosted by the Montana Department of Agriculture, the conference will explore contemporary issues facing family operated agri-business as well as development of leadership skills needed to survive in…
By Emily Glunk, MSU Extension Forage Specialist I have been getting many calls and emails from agents and producers about how to graze their frosted alfalfa. The biggest concern with grazing frosted alfalfa is the potential for bloat. Bloat is a serious problem in livestock, especially cattle, and preventative measures must be used when animals…
Farmers and ranchers in the northern tier states are all too familiar with the cold and severe weather conditions that winter may bring each year. Everything takes just a bit longer in the deep snow and strong wind. Equipment takes that much longer to warm up and keep running, water source threaten to freeze up…
By Megan Van Emon, MSU Extension Beef Specialist Summer in Montana has been a wild ride. Because of the weather, grain harvest was delayed in many areas, and some barley and wheat have sprouted in the seed heads. These sprouted grains, although not suitable for traditional markets, can be used as a feedstuff for livestock.…
MSGA has taken the lead on several issues this year and has done a lot of promotion for the beef industry in Montana. Our directors are well informed on current issues at hand. Please feel free to contact any of them in your area, if you have any concerns or if there is something going…
The Montana Department of Livestock will hold public meetings in Billings and Three Forks on a proposed rule that would remove brucellosis vaccination requirements for cattle imported into Montana from states, provinces and territories that have been brucellosis-free for at least 10 years. The proposal, said state veterinarian Dr. Marty Zaluski, is based on negligible…
Let’s face it… Ranching is a business. To operate, a business must turn some kind of a profit. In the cattle business, reproduction is one of the most important economic traits. More important than growth, production, or carcass performance. If a cow fails to have a calf on the ground every year, something is missing.…
The votes are in and final ballots are being counted for the 2014 election. Across the country, Republicans gained several seats over Democrats, even in traditionally Blue states. Republicans will now have the majority in both Senate and House, with Kentucky’s Mitch McConnell expected to take on the role of Senate Majority Leader. Locally in…
Sustainability is one of the hottest topics in food and agriculture today. Whether it be used for food products on maintaining a business, many folks disagree on what sustainability looks like. There are as many ways to define sustainability as there are cattle operations in the U.S. Maybe even more. Essentially, it boils down to…
BOZEMAN – Experts with Montana State University and MSU Extension have recommendations for growers on evaluating soil quality and health. The concept may seem subjective, but there are ways to measure and improve soil health. It takes time to measure, monitor and manage to improve soil health, but it can be worth the effort for…
Quality beef comes from cattle who are well cared for and raised with a strong code of ethics and values. Ranchers providing that care are passionate and dedicated in what they do. Despite some reports from activists groups who use online forums to promote mistreatment of animals and solicit fund raising for their programs, cattle…
MT Stockgrowers Blog 