The MSGA's 140th Annual Convention Concludes as Members Approve Policies and Discuss Issues Within the Livestock Industry

The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) concluded its 140th Annual Convention and Trade Show on Friday, December 6, in Billings, Montana. On the final day, attendees participated in the Beef Breakfast, Beef Production and Marketing Committee Meeting, General Session II, Presidents Lunch, Stockgrowers Colleges, and policy meetings. The convention ended with the Montana Agriculture Policy Action (MAPA) Reception, and Grand Finale Banquet.

The Beef Breakfast, sponsored by Marsh McLennan Agency, kicked off the final day as participants listened to Tory Johnson, a specialist in Ag Risk Management, empowering members with resources to thrive in today’s agricultural industry. In the policy meetings, attendees heard updates from the Montana Department of Livestock during the Beef Production and Marketing Committee, sponsored by CHS Nutrition.

Then, President & CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, Gregg Doud, joined the stage during General Session II, sponsored by Envu, to share updates on current international trade and global agricultural markets.

A fireside chat followed, featuring MSGA President, John Grande, and Montana Governor, Gregory Gianforte. Both spoke on current issues facing the livestock industry and upcoming state legislation.

Then, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Senior Director of Governmental Affairs, Tanner Beymer, joined the stage during General Session II, sponsored by Envu, to share updates from Washington D.C. Presidents Lunch, sponsored by CKP, recognized outgoing board of director members, Bob Sitz, Lon Reukauf, Monty Lesh, and Dusty Hahn, along with presentations of the Montana Stockgrowers Foundation’s (MSF) Heritage Scholarship to Layne Sattoriva, Ella Waterhouse, and Colter Petre.

MSGA and its sponsors raffled and auctioned multiple prizes over the course convention. Recipients included:

Nutra-Lix Handcrafted Saddle: Steve Uffelman

Nutra-Lix Supplement: Terry Haughan

Producer Partnership 27 Tons of Hay Auction: Yellowstone Cattle Feeders

Massey Ferguson Tractor: Brandon Morsdon

C250 Cancrete Waterer: Garrett Harshberger

Agri-Best Feeds One Ton of SweetPro Feed: Perry Jacobs

Agri-Best Feeds One Pallet of Redmond Natural Trace Mineral: Connie Olsen

Western Ranch Supply $500 Gift Certificate: Shannon Merrill

Montana Angus Convention Tour Tickets (2): Tammy Dynneson

MSGA thanks its generous sponsors who donated these items! Proceeds from the auctions will support educational programs and opportunities for members in the coming year.

MSGA’s 2025 Annual Convention and Trade Show will be held in Billings, Mont. December 10-12, 2025. Visit http://www.mtbeef.org later this year for event details.

Editor's Note: Dodson's Lesley Robinson was elected as the MSGA's First Woman President at the event. A story was not available at the time of print, but will be in next week's PCN.