Today the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA), Montana Public Lands Council (MPLC), Montana Association of Grazing Districts (MASGD) and the national Public Lands Council (PLC) denounced an effort by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and National Wildlife Federation (NWF) to buy out ranchers’ grazing leases on the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge (CMR) in south Phillips County, Mont., to reduce supposed conflicts between livestock grazing and conservation of sage grouse and elk on the refuge.
“As many of our members in south Phillips County have shown on their own ranches, as well as on their leases; livestock grazing and conservation of native grassland species work best hand-in-hand.” said Errol Rice, executive vice president of MSGA.
Earlier this week, MSGA and many of its members received a letter from the WWF and the NWF declaring their intentions to offer ranchers cash payments for voluntarily relinquishing their entitled grazing permits on the CMR. The letter stated that the payment system would present permit holders an opportunity to “pasture their livestock in places that have greater long-term grazing stability.” The letter also states that this so-called solution will “facilitate alternative grazing that can result in less conflict.” Both of these statements imply that the permit holders will face losing their permits one way or another in the future. This letter was sent despite efforts by livestock groups to foster collaborative incentive based partnerships between north central Montana ranchers and conservationists.
“The approach proposed by WWF and NWF is neither constructive nor mutually beneficial, as they have purported,” Rice said. “It is an intrusive approach that is really a giant step backwards in finding ways for agriculture and wildlife groups to work together.”
WWF and NWF claim that this approach has worked before for wildlife and livestock conflicts in the area surrounding Yellowstone National Parks, but those conflicts were with predators such as grizzly bears and wolves. The wildlife they are concerned about on the CMR, specifically sage grouse and elk, can live in harmony with cattle grazing.
WWF has highlighted the CMR and surrounding area as one of the last intact grasslands in the Northern Great Plains, with unique opportunities for conservation.
“These grasslands are intact and in good condition because ranchers have been working so hard to take care of the land here for multiple generations,” said former MSGA board member, Lesley Robinson, a south Phillips County rancher whose family holds a CMR permit. “This approach is nothing less than a slap in the face for the ranchers here who have continually demonstrated that they value native wildlife and are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to protect the important grassland species.”
Many of the ranchers in south Phillips County are involved in programs that emphasize conservation efforts. Seventeen ranchers in the area are certified by Undaunted Stewardship®, a cooperative program between MSGA, Montana State University and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) that works to improve and certify the quality of stewardship practices on rangeland in Montana. Today, over one million deeded, private lease, BLM, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Forest Service and state-owned acres are managed to meet standards set by the Undaunted Stewardship® program. Three ranchers in the area have been awarded MSGA’s Montana Environmental Stewardship Award; with two winning regional honors in the National Environmental Stewardship Award. Many ranchers are involved with Ranchers Stewardship Alliance whose mission is to “promote the ecological, social and economic conditions that will sustain the biodiversity and integrity of America’s northern mixed-grass prairie for present and future generations.” Others are involved with the Matador Grassbank, a program that allows ranchers to graze on the Nature Conservancy’s Matador Ranch in exchange for conservation practices on their home ranches.
“A truly constructive solution in the CMR would seek balance,” Rice said. “Removing livestock from public lands is not a ‘good faith approach’ in this case. To meet conservation objectives while also meeting producer concerns, WWF and NWF should work to build a dialogue with ranchers to find mutually beneficial solutions.”
Thursday, July 9, 2009
MSGA applauds efforts to regain brucellosis Class Free status
Today the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service announced it has upgraded Montana’s brucellosis status from Class A to Class Free.
“This is a huge relief to cattle producers in Montana,” said Tom Hougen, president of the Montana Stockgrowers Association. “It has only been 10 months since we were officially downgraded, and the Montana Department of Livestock—especially State Veterinarian, Dr. Marty Zaluski—and APHIS should be commended for their efforts in returning Montana to Class Free status so quickly.”
Hougen added, “The entire livestock industry in Montana should also be commended for pulling together in the face of this difficult situation and undergoing burdensome testing requirements in order for the whole state to regain its Class Free Status.”
Montana must now remain free of brucellosis for 12 consecutive months to retain its Class Free status.
“This is a huge relief to cattle producers in Montana,” said Tom Hougen, president of the Montana Stockgrowers Association. “It has only been 10 months since we were officially downgraded, and the Montana Department of Livestock—especially State Veterinarian, Dr. Marty Zaluski—and APHIS should be commended for their efforts in returning Montana to Class Free status so quickly.”
Hougen added, “The entire livestock industry in Montana should also be commended for pulling together in the face of this difficult situation and undergoing burdensome testing requirements in order for the whole state to regain its Class Free Status.”
Montana must now remain free of brucellosis for 12 consecutive months to retain its Class Free status.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Beef Quality Assurance updates
Here are a couple of Beef Quality Assurance updates from Clint Peck, Montana BQA director:
Ranchers Care Project Up and Running
You may have already heard some of the “Ranchers Care” spots on your local radio stations. Hopefully though, more than ranchers are hearing the messages highlighting the new Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program designed to help boost consumer confidence in the beef industry.
To date, "Ranchers Care" has featured Kristin Larson and Bill and Jennifer Davis, Sidney; J.O. Miller and Diana Scollard, Absarokee; Jim and Dena Fritz, Chester and David Fryer, White Sulphur Springs.
The tagline for Ranchers Care – “We care about the cattle we raise and we care about the beef you eat” – underscores to consumers the two-fold role ranchers play in providing safe and healthy beef from cattle that are raised on our cattle operations. "Ranchers Care" is focusing on consumer markets in Billings, Missoula, Butte, Helena, Kalispell and Great Falls as well as affiliates of the Northern Broadcasting System.
The "Ranchers Care" project is supported by the Montana Beef Council and the industry partners of Montana BQA programming. For more information contact Clint Peck at 406-896-9068 or cpeck@montana.edu.
Montana BQA Receives Support from Novus International
The Montana Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program recently received a $5,000 grant from Novus International, Inc. to support statewide BQA programming.
“Novus is committed to helping with Beef Quality Assurance projects in Montana because we feel the program fits our mission,” says Tim Evans, Billings, Novus’ ruminate account manager.
“This kind of support underscores how important our allied industry partners see BQA in Montana,” says Clint Peck, Montana’s BQA director.
Novus International, Inc., a global leader in the animal agriculture industry, is a privately held corporation headquartered in St. Louis, MO. The Novus mission is to help feed the world affordable, wholesome food by supplying goods and services to the leading commercial food producers worldwide. To learn more about Novus go to http://www.novusint.com or call Evans at 406-568-4000.
Ranchers Care Project Up and Running
You may have already heard some of the “Ranchers Care” spots on your local radio stations. Hopefully though, more than ranchers are hearing the messages highlighting the new Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program designed to help boost consumer confidence in the beef industry.
To date, "Ranchers Care" has featured Kristin Larson and Bill and Jennifer Davis, Sidney; J.O. Miller and Diana Scollard, Absarokee; Jim and Dena Fritz, Chester and David Fryer, White Sulphur Springs.
The tagline for Ranchers Care – “We care about the cattle we raise and we care about the beef you eat” – underscores to consumers the two-fold role ranchers play in providing safe and healthy beef from cattle that are raised on our cattle operations. "Ranchers Care" is focusing on consumer markets in Billings, Missoula, Butte, Helena, Kalispell and Great Falls as well as affiliates of the Northern Broadcasting System.
The "Ranchers Care" project is supported by the Montana Beef Council and the industry partners of Montana BQA programming. For more information contact Clint Peck at 406-896-9068 or cpeck@montana.edu.
Montana BQA Receives Support from Novus International
The Montana Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program recently received a $5,000 grant from Novus International, Inc. to support statewide BQA programming.
“Novus is committed to helping with Beef Quality Assurance projects in Montana because we feel the program fits our mission,” says Tim Evans, Billings, Novus’ ruminate account manager.
“This kind of support underscores how important our allied industry partners see BQA in Montana,” says Clint Peck, Montana’s BQA director.
Novus International, Inc., a global leader in the animal agriculture industry, is a privately held corporation headquartered in St. Louis, MO. The Novus mission is to help feed the world affordable, wholesome food by supplying goods and services to the leading commercial food producers worldwide. To learn more about Novus go to http://www.novusint.com or call Evans at 406-568-4000.
2009 Montana Youth Range Camp to be held July 27-31 in Lincoln
DNRC – Applications are now available for the 2009 Montana Youth Range Camp. This year’s camp will be held the week of July 27-31 at Cane West Ridge near the town of Lincoln, Mont., and is open to all youth ages 12 -18.
“Range camp is a great experience for students with 4-H or FFA backgrounds, and for young people interested in native plants, geology and other natural resource topics,” said Heidi Olbert, Rangeland Program Coordinator with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC).
Students will attend outdoor classes covering four major subjects: water and riparian areas; soils and geology; rangeland monitoring; and wildlife and livestock grazing management. Students also receive instruction in plant identification and anatomy, and work in teams to solve a natural resource or range management problem, presenting their solutions to a panel of judges at the end of the week.
Along with coursework, Youth Range Camp offers opportunities for fun and recreation. Students this year will have the chance to visit the Gates of the Mountains. A dance takes place on the last night. Scholarships are available by contacting your local conservation district for more information. Additional assistance and help to run the camp is being provided by Montana DNRC, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Montana State University Extension.
Cost for the camp is $125 and includes meals, lodging and all scheduled activities.
The 2009 Montana Youth Range Camp is hosted by the Lewis & Clark Conservation District. For more information, contact Heidi Olbert, DNRC Rangeland Program Coordinator at (406) 444-6619, or Chris Evans with the Lewis & Clark Conservation District at (406) 449-5000, ext. 112. For more information, including an application form, visit the DNRC Web site at http://dnrc.mt.gov/cardd/camps/rangecamp/default.asp.
“Range camp is a great experience for students with 4-H or FFA backgrounds, and for young people interested in native plants, geology and other natural resource topics,” said Heidi Olbert, Rangeland Program Coordinator with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC).
Students will attend outdoor classes covering four major subjects: water and riparian areas; soils and geology; rangeland monitoring; and wildlife and livestock grazing management. Students also receive instruction in plant identification and anatomy, and work in teams to solve a natural resource or range management problem, presenting their solutions to a panel of judges at the end of the week.
Along with coursework, Youth Range Camp offers opportunities for fun and recreation. Students this year will have the chance to visit the Gates of the Mountains. A dance takes place on the last night. Scholarships are available by contacting your local conservation district for more information. Additional assistance and help to run the camp is being provided by Montana DNRC, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Montana State University Extension.
Cost for the camp is $125 and includes meals, lodging and all scheduled activities.
The 2009 Montana Youth Range Camp is hosted by the Lewis & Clark Conservation District. For more information, contact Heidi Olbert, DNRC Rangeland Program Coordinator at (406) 444-6619, or Chris Evans with the Lewis & Clark Conservation District at (406) 449-5000, ext. 112. For more information, including an application form, visit the DNRC Web site at http://dnrc.mt.gov/cardd/camps/rangecamp/default.asp.
MSGA applauds Rehberg for asking Japan to lift age restrictions on American beef
Last week, Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, asked Japan to lift its restrictions on American boneless beef from cattle aged over 20 months, after the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) removed age limits on boneless beef from countries affected by Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow disease. The request was formally made in a letter dated June 18, 2009 following a policy reversal by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) to lift age limits on countries affected by Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow disease.
“Montana’s beef producers do everything possible to ensure the safety and quality of their product, and they turn out the best beef in the world,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “But obsolete trade restrictions take our beef off the shelves in Japan, and hurt Montana’s economy. Now that the policy behind the Japanese ban has been reversed, it's time to open markets to Montana producers."
Japan enacted a ban on U.S. beef imports following the confirmed discovery of a single case of BSE in a Canadian-born dairy cow in Washington State in December 2003. The U.S. beef industry responded with stricter guidelines, new testing procedures, and plant investigations, leading to the resumption of limited beef trade with Japan, and other countries, in 2005.
“I’m proud of Montana’s beef producers and their relentless efforts to reopen the export market with Japan,” Rehberg wrote. “Japan’s age restrictions on beef from American cattle have limited U.S. beef exports to approximately 25% of their pre-BSE levels … With better testing and more stringent safety precautions, OIE came to the wise conclusion that it should no longer impose age restrictions on beef from American cattle. OIE understands the significance of these common-sense testing and safety precautions, and your action is necessary to ensure that Japan follows suit,” said Rehberg in the letter to Trade Representative Kirk.
Letter:
June 18, 2009
The Honorable Ron Kirk
United States Trade Representative
600 17th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20508
Dear Ambassador Kirk:
As Montana’s Congressman, I’m writing regarding Japan’s restrictions on American boneless beef from cattle aged over 20 months.
The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) recently announced its adoption of a resolution lifting age limits on boneless beef from countries affected by Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow disease. The resolution permits the export of beef from cattle, regardless of age, from countries previously affected by BSE. This comes after OIE had previously limited trade to beef from cattle aged younger than 30 months.
I’m proud of Montana’s beef producers and their relentless efforts to reopen the export market with Japan. I worked to resume American beef exports after Japan halted shipments in late 2003, establishing a dialogue with members of their foreign delegation. Since then, Japanese audit teams have inspected U.S. meat processing plants in an effort to verify consumer safety and lift the U.S. beef ban. Partial trade has since resumed, and all evidence points to the absolute safety of American beef.
Montana is beef country, but Japan’s age restrictions on beef from American cattle have limited U.S. beef exports to approximately 25% of their pre-BSE levels. Montana’s beef producers are suffering as a result. Our long-standing relationship with Japan must remain healthy, and every effort must be made to restore previous trade levels. With better testing and more stringent safety precautions, OIE came to the wise conclusion that it should no longer impose age restrictions on beef from American cattle. OIE understands the significance of these common-sense testing and safety precautions, and your action is necessary to ensure that Japan follows suit.
Your attention to this matter will help ensure Japan removes the current restrictions, which will bring more stability to the 21,000 ranchers who are a part of the Montana beef industry. Thank you for your hard work, and please don’t hesitate to contact my office with any further questions.
Sincerely,
Denny Rehberg
Member of Congress
“Montana’s beef producers do everything possible to ensure the safety and quality of their product, and they turn out the best beef in the world,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “But obsolete trade restrictions take our beef off the shelves in Japan, and hurt Montana’s economy. Now that the policy behind the Japanese ban has been reversed, it's time to open markets to Montana producers."
Japan enacted a ban on U.S. beef imports following the confirmed discovery of a single case of BSE in a Canadian-born dairy cow in Washington State in December 2003. The U.S. beef industry responded with stricter guidelines, new testing procedures, and plant investigations, leading to the resumption of limited beef trade with Japan, and other countries, in 2005.
“I’m proud of Montana’s beef producers and their relentless efforts to reopen the export market with Japan,” Rehberg wrote. “Japan’s age restrictions on beef from American cattle have limited U.S. beef exports to approximately 25% of their pre-BSE levels … With better testing and more stringent safety precautions, OIE came to the wise conclusion that it should no longer impose age restrictions on beef from American cattle. OIE understands the significance of these common-sense testing and safety precautions, and your action is necessary to ensure that Japan follows suit,” said Rehberg in the letter to Trade Representative Kirk.
Letter:
June 18, 2009
The Honorable Ron Kirk
United States Trade Representative
600 17th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20508
Dear Ambassador Kirk:
As Montana’s Congressman, I’m writing regarding Japan’s restrictions on American boneless beef from cattle aged over 20 months.
The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) recently announced its adoption of a resolution lifting age limits on boneless beef from countries affected by Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow disease. The resolution permits the export of beef from cattle, regardless of age, from countries previously affected by BSE. This comes after OIE had previously limited trade to beef from cattle aged younger than 30 months.
I’m proud of Montana’s beef producers and their relentless efforts to reopen the export market with Japan. I worked to resume American beef exports after Japan halted shipments in late 2003, establishing a dialogue with members of their foreign delegation. Since then, Japanese audit teams have inspected U.S. meat processing plants in an effort to verify consumer safety and lift the U.S. beef ban. Partial trade has since resumed, and all evidence points to the absolute safety of American beef.
Montana is beef country, but Japan’s age restrictions on beef from American cattle have limited U.S. beef exports to approximately 25% of their pre-BSE levels. Montana’s beef producers are suffering as a result. Our long-standing relationship with Japan must remain healthy, and every effort must be made to restore previous trade levels. With better testing and more stringent safety precautions, OIE came to the wise conclusion that it should no longer impose age restrictions on beef from American cattle. OIE understands the significance of these common-sense testing and safety precautions, and your action is necessary to ensure that Japan follows suit.
Your attention to this matter will help ensure Japan removes the current restrictions, which will bring more stability to the 21,000 ranchers who are a part of the Montana beef industry. Thank you for your hard work, and please don’t hesitate to contact my office with any further questions.
Sincerely,
Denny Rehberg
Member of Congress
Monday, June 1, 2009
Montana Stockgrowers Association Turns 125 Years Old
It is more than humbling for me to be going to Miles City next week as the 10th Executive Vice President of the Montana Stockgrowers Association. The association has endured and seen a lot of things since that inaugural meeting in Miles City way back in 1884. My hope is that this very special occasion will bring forth a great opportunity to unite a cattle industry in Montana that has been more than divided over the past decade.
You will not want to miss the parade, ranch rodeo, stockmen's ball, wagon trains, artwork and more. For more information about this monumental celebration next week visit www.mtbeef.org to download the full schedule and registration form. Hope to see you in Miles City!
You will not want to miss the parade, ranch rodeo, stockmen's ball, wagon trains, artwork and more. For more information about this monumental celebration next week visit www.mtbeef.org to download the full schedule and registration form. Hope to see you in Miles City!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
MSGA to sponsor Custer Ranch Rodeo team to benefit the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame, June 20
The Custer community will hold its Third Annual Custer Ranch Rodeo to benefit the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame & Western Heritage Center (MCHF&WHC) at the Custer Roping Arena, June 20, 2009 beginning at 1 p.m. A dinner and dance will follow at the Junction City Saloon.
The ranch rodeo will feature 10 four-person teams (including at least one woman or one man) that will compete in stock saddle bronc riding, wild cow milking, team doctoring, team branding, and team penning. Teams will also compete this year in a new event called the “Pony Express Race.” Also new this year, the winning team in Custer will qualify to compete at the NILE Championship Ranch Rodeo in Billings in October.
For more information about the Custer Ranch Rodeo, contact Tami Blake, Custer Ranch Rodeo chair, at (406) 757-2501 or theblakes@rangeweb.net.
The ranch rodeo will feature 10 four-person teams (including at least one woman or one man) that will compete in stock saddle bronc riding, wild cow milking, team doctoring, team branding, and team penning. Teams will also compete this year in a new event called the “Pony Express Race.” Also new this year, the winning team in Custer will qualify to compete at the NILE Championship Ranch Rodeo in Billings in October.
For more information about the Custer Ranch Rodeo, contact Tami Blake, Custer Ranch Rodeo chair, at (406) 757-2501 or theblakes@rangeweb.net.
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