Stockgrowers convention to feature governor and cattlemen's colleges

From Montana Stockgrowers

During next week’s 130th Annual Convention of the Montana Stockgrowers Association, ranchers will have the opportunity to attend several Cattlemen’s College education workshops, ranging from animal reproduction and nutrition, estate planning and discussions on current markets and processing plant feasibility.

Gov. Steve Bullock is scheduled to speak during Friday’s Opening General Session. All MSGA events will take place at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana, Dec. 11-13 in Billings.

“This year we are excited to host fourteen Cattlemen’s College sessions during the three-day convention. With a great number of different subjects covered, there should be a workshop of interest for everyone in attendance” said Katie Stokes, MSGA associate director of member services and marketing.

The Cattlemen’s College courses are sponsored by several Allied Industry agricultural service companies, so that a variety of speakers may participate in the educational workshops. Topics covered will include estate planning, nutrition for the cowherd, antibiotic use, genetic selection, breeding program strategies, current cattle market trends and biosecurity for the livestock herd.

In addition to Cattlemen’s College sessions, Matt Bitz, with One Montana, will lead a discussion on the feasibility of establishing a beef processing plant in Montana. The Bozeman-based nonprofit has been working to explore the possibility and will present the findings of marketing, location, labor and economic impacts during a session Saturday morning.

Greg Hanes, U.S. Meat Export Federation, will highlight the President’s Luncheon Saturday. With 96 percent of the world’s population outside the U.S. and improving economies worldwide, the international markets play a larger and more important role for the American beef producer. Hanes will discuss how Checkoff dollars contribute to these global beef marketing opportunities.

Working with multiple generations of managing ranch employees can often bring to light challenges in communication. Michelle Reines, Zoetis, will host a communication workshop Friday morning to help ranchers better understand themselves and how to flex their leadership style with their teams, peers as well as in any other relationships.

Tyrrell Hibbard with Montana Grazing Land Conversation Initiative will discuss new web-based tools for pasture and grazing management during the Young Stockgrowers meeting Thursday evening. Association Policy Committee meetings Thursday and Friday will feature updates on several updates on water, wildlife, Department of Livestock and livestock health topics.

Other featured speakers during general sessions will include Gov. Steve Bullock Friday morning; Montana’s congressional representatives and a live broadcast with Northern Ag Network Friday afternoon; and motivational speaker Lois Olmstead during Saturday’s Inspirational Breakfast.

All meetings are included in general event registration, which will be available on-site. For additional meeting information, a full agenda, or preregistration, contact the Montana Stockgrowers office in Helena, 406-442-3420, or go online at http://mtbeef.org.