A few weeks ago, I was pruning off some dead spots in the bushes in front of our house when I took a pause to look at the flowering trees in our yard. In between two, fragrant trees with beautiful flowers in full bloom is a taller tree that was still dormant at the time. No leaves and definitely no flowers. It frankly looked sad and ugly compared to the trees next to it. But as I stood there, pondering the stark contrast between the trees (no doubt procrastinating the task at hand), my perspective shifted. It would be easy...

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I hope all of you enjoyed your Memorial Day Weekend, and that you all fired up your grills and cooked some nice, juicy beef! Memorial Day marks the official start of grilling season in most people’s minds. It goes without saying that every day is grilling season around my outfit, even when it is well below zero in the winter! In the week leading up to Memorial Day, I could tell all of the retailers here in my area knew it was the official start of grilling season as many outlets were advertising grilling specials on beef cuts. I looked...

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R-CALF USA is urging Congress to swiftly pass the Pet and Livestock Protection Act of 2025, or PALPA (H.R. 845). The bill, introduced on Jan. 31 by U.S. Representatives Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., and Tom Tiffany, R-Wis., seeks to remove the gray wolf from the Endangered Species List and return its management authority to individual states. R-CALF USA Property Rights Chair Shad Sullivan issued the following statement in support of the legislation: “R-CALF USA applauds the leadership of Reps. Boebert and Tiffany on this issue. For too long, overreaching federal wolf protections have infringed on private property rights and undermined the...

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The 2024/2025 bull sale run is all wrapped up, and a new bar has been set. Before the sales began, we all thought we would see an increase in prices, we just didn’t know how much. Advanced genetics and improved management practices are earning premiums from cattle buyers. The rising feeder cattle prices, higher returns on cull cows/bulls, and growing market optimism created an ideal window for ranchers to invest in genetic upgrades. Below you will see the increase in average bull cost for the territory I cover (California, Washington, Oregon, Utah, and Idaho): I would like to thank all...

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The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) has selected Kelcy Bergstrom as MSGA’s 2025 summer intern. Bergstrom previously served in the general production role for MSGA’s Annual Convention Internship Program in December 2024. From May to August, Bergstrom will work with the marketing and communications team on various association programs and campaigns. Originally from McPherson, Kansas, Bergstrom is a junior enrolled at Kansas State University and is working toward a bachelor's degree in animal science with a minor in agricultural communications. She has previously interned with LiveAuctions and is involved with her college’s Collegiate CattleWomen group. “Growing up on my family's Hereford...

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The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, is seeking entrepreneurs to apply online by June 9 for the 2026 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. Now in its 12th year, this national business competition showcases U.S. startup companies developing innovative solutions to challenges faced by America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities. The overall winner of the competition will receive 0,000 in startup funds, the runner-up will be awarded ,000 and two additional business owners who advance to the final four round will receive ,000. “This competition supports incredible entrepreneurs who are making sure agriculture is ready to meet the...

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The Montana Stockgrowers Foundation (MSF) is excited to announce the recipients of the 2025 Education Heritage Scholarship. This year, MSF awarded a total of ,000 in scholarships to three Montana students. Tyeson Gravenhof was awarded a ,000 scholarship and Taryn Martinell and Andy Moore both received ,500 scholarships.   Each year, MSF awards scholarships to college students who are seeking a career beneficial to ranching. To be eligible for the scholarships, applicants must meet all scholarship requirements, submit an application, and participate in an interview with a panel of MSF trustees.   Congratulations to the 2025 Education Heritage Scholarship recipients:  ...

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Farm to School equipment grants have been awarded to 13 recipients to purchase equipment that will further their participation in the Farm to School program, which allows schools to purchase food from local producers for their school lunch menus. To be eligible, applicants had to be a North Dakota producer, a North Dakota K-12 school district participating in the National School Lunch Program, or a North Dakota Early Childhood Education Center participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program. “The program strengthens local food systems and promotes locally grown food for North Dakota children. The funding will help reduce...

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The Montana Stockgrowers Foundation (MSF) is excited to launch registration for its 15th Annual TBone Classic Gala Dinner and Golf Tournament. The event is set to take place at the Briarwood Golf Course in Billings, Mont., August 13 - 14, 2025. The TBone Classic Gala Dinner and Golf Tournament provides an opportunity to foster new partnerships between Montana’s ranching community and other businesses/industries essential to Montana’s economy.   "The TBone Classic is always an exciting event where Montana ranchers come together for some friendly-competition and have the opportunity to network with business owners from across the state,” said Shayne Vandivort,...

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“Did you find out what it was?” Eweniece asked. “From the distance it looked like quite the hullabaloo.” “I’d say,” Tuff said, adjusting his nose. “I’m not sure if my nose is ever going to go back to normal?” Banjo couldn’t help but snicker. “It’s not all that funny,” Tuff muttered. “I didn’t see you traipsing into a culvert to get some mystery critter out of the depths of it.” “No, you’re right,” Banjo said. “You took one for the team, but we did find out what it was, and we’re going to need to track it down before it...

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