The MonDak Area Stockgrowers held their spring meeting on June 13. The night included updates from both the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) and the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA), scholarship presentations, and the goat roping.
Currently, MSGA is working on protecting livestock grazing on federal lands. MSGA is actively opposing proposed solar developments and carbon storage facilities on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, as these developments would adversely impact livestock grazing. Additionally, MSGA has also filed a motion to intervene in litigation regarding wolf and coyote trapping season regulations, which would result in limiting the trapping season when grizzly bears are out. Among other projects, MSGA has wrapped up their Producer Profitability Listening Sessions. They are currently compiling the data, but some of the top topics include the estate tax, H-2A program, labor concerns, barriers to entry, FSA programs, and mentorship. MSGA leadership shared this message with the Montana delegation while they were in Washington, DC, this spring. NDSA also gave an update. They have introduced legislation regarding Livestock Risk Protection. They are also implementing an electronic brand system to streamline the process. Their new headquarters recently had their grand opening. NDSA is gearing up for their Annual Convention, Sept. 18-20 in Bismarck.
The MonDak Area Stockgrowers also presented six area students with scholarships at the spring meeting. Four high school scholarships were given out in the amount of $500 each. Marett Schieber is the daughter of Gary and Laura Schieber, Sidney, a recent graduate of Sidney High School, and plans to attend Northwest College, Powell, WY, to pursue a degree in ag business. Grace McPherson is the daughter of Mike and Jodi Shaide and Keven and Keri Hauge, a recent graduate of Fairview High School, and she plans to attend Montana State University to pursue degrees in agriculture education and ag business. Garrett Larson is the son of Tim and Kristin Larson, Sidney, a recent graduate of James Madison Online High School, and he plans to attend Western Oklahoma State College to study ag business and finance. Corbin Steinbeisser is the son of Jim and May Ann Steinbeisser, Sidney, a recent graduate of Sidney High School and plans to attend Montana State University to pursue a degree in rangeland ecology/farm and ranch management.
Two current college students were also awarded $500 scholarships. Leah Beery is the daughter of Matt and Krista Beery, Vida, a past graduate of Circle High School, and is currently a sophomore at Northwest College studying agriculture education. Lindsey Vachal is the daughter of Colin and Susan Vachal, a past graduate of Tioga High School, and is currently a junior at North Dakota State University studying animal science/pre-vet. Congratulations to all of our scholarship winners, we wish you the best in your future endeavors!
Following the business meeting, the MonDak Area Stockgrowers hosted the second annual Goat Roping. Winners were Wade McMillen and Trey Harmon. The roping also featured ‘Celebrity Goat Roping’ which was won by JD and Jessica Mulkey.
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