MSGA’s 127th Annual Convention and Trade Show draws 740 to Billings -

Nearly 100 people participated in the Young Stockgrowers events, representing the largest showing of that group at any convention.

“It was great to see all the young people at our meeting learning about our association and policy process, and really getting involved,” said Watty Taylor, MSGA’s president. “Although 2011 hasn’t been without its challenges, everyone seemed to be in high spirits thanks to the record high cattle market, the mild winter we’ve been having so far this year, and a chance to meet up with friends at convention time.”

Here are some of the highlights:

-Walter “Watty” Taylor, of Kirby was elected to his second one-year term as President; Tucker Hughes of Stanford was elected to his second one-year term as 1^st Vice President; and Gene Curry of Valier was elected to his second one-year term as 2^nd Vice President.

-Leon LaSalle of Havre was newly elected to the Board of Directors representing the North Central District, filling the seat vacated by Kraig Meeks of Geraldine. Jed Evjene of Two Dot was also elected to the Board representing the South Central District, filling the seat of Jason Camp of Belgrade. Fred Wacker of Miles City was elected representing the Southeast District, filling the seat of Don Griffin of Ismay.

-Mick Denowh of Sidney (Northeast District), and Heath Martinell of Dillon (Western District), were elected to their second two-year term on the Board of Directors.

-Bill Donald, past president of MSGA and current president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), and current MSGA President, Watty Taylor, held a “town hall” discussion as the keynote presentation for the Opening General Session on Friday, Dec. 16. They discussed state and national issues facing the two associations and took questions from the crowd. Topics covered included the recently passed Free Trade Agreements, brucellosis, the Farm Bill, estate tax, GIPSA rule revisions, the child labor law proposal, and a recap of the 2011 Montana Legislature.

-MSGA’s policy process was especially robust this year, providing direction for MSGA officers and staff through 2012. Over 150 people attended the joint Animal Health/Land Use Committee which discussed the issue of bison management and bison relocation. Second reading of resolutions and MSGA’s Business Meeting were well attended with 11 new, 19 revised, and 37 renewed policies passed through the process. Notable new policies address traceability, bison management in Yellowstone National Park, bison relocation, brucellosis in elk, predator funding, state grazing fees, irrigation, the proposed changes to the child labor law, and the recent MF Global situation.

-The Pfizer Cattlemen’s Colleges held on Saturday, Dec. 17 featured Gary Brester, agricultural economics professor at Montana State University, who conducted two economic workshops. Larry Gran with Pfizer Animal Health talked about utilizing modern technology to help commercial cattlemen select bulls for their ranch. Brett Crosby of Custom Ag Solutions, Inc. presented “Managing Price Risk I: Contracting and Commodity Futures markets” and “Managing Price Risk II: Commodity Options and Livestock Risk Protection.” Daniel Sullivan with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association presented an introduction to the Masters of Beef Advocacy program and “Engaging in the Beef Conversation: What to do now you are an MBA Graduate.”

-The Bold Ranch, owned and operated by Bob and Annette Bold of Winifred, was named winner of the 2012 Montana Environmental Stewardship Award sponsored by MSGA’s Research, Education and Endowment Foundation. Bold Ranch is the 19^th winner in the history of the award. MSGA will submit Bold Ranch for the regional and national Environmental Stewardship Award in early March.

-Helen Hougen of Melstone was named “Ranching Woman of the Year.”

-The Trade Show boasted over 90 booths, featuring animal health supplies, government agencies, insurance, lending firms, gift vendors, free boot shines, complimentary tote bags, beef dinner stations and “watering holes.”

-The highlight of the convention was the 2011 Ford Truck drawing. MSGA and Montana Ford Stores teamed up to give a 2011 Ford Super Duty truck to a lucky member who attended convention and the Grand Finale Banquet on Saturday, Dec. 17. The lucky winners were Gary and Phyllis Eliasson of Currant Creek Ranch in Roundup.

-Convention photos can be seen on MSGA’s Facebook Page.

-Plans are already underway for MSGA’s Mid-Year meeting which will be held in Glasgow, in June 2012.