Montana Stockgrowers to host 132nd Annual Convention in Billings

Press release

HELENA — Montana Stockgrowers Association will celebrate 132 years of serving the state’s ranchers with their Annual Convention & Trade Show Dec. 7-9 in Billings.

This year’s meetings at the Radisson Hotel will host a trade show, educational workshops, policy meetings, over $100,000 in prizes and live music.

“It is time to make plans to attend the Annual Convention in Billings. Greet old friends and meet new ones while you work together to discuss important issues and set policy to guide your leadership for the 2017 legislative session,” said MSGA President Gene Curry from Valier. “While there, you will have opportunity to listen to informative speakers and educational programs. You will also have a chance to bid on a John Deere Gator, win a lease on a Massey tractor or drive home a new Ford truck.”

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Tracy Brunner will be the featured speaker during Thursday’s Opening General Session.

A broad range of educational workshops will be offered during the Stockgrowers College. Speakers will touch on topics of vaccination programs, calf health and nutrition, calf management, antibiotic use, grizzly bear management, UAV’s in agriculture, DNA technology, livestock marketing, risk management and estate planning.

Each night of the convention will feature viewing of the National Finals Rodeo on the big screens. Thursday night will include the second NFR Calcutta at MSGA Annual Convention, benefiting the Montana Stockgrowers’ Foundation. Friday night will feature live music from Insufficient Funds Band.

Friday’s Grand Finale Banquet will be highlighted by the annual live auction for Cattle Directory Priority Page advertisements. More than $100,000 in prizes will be awarded including a Ford F-250 Super Duty pickup, John Deere Gator and a Massey Ferguson tractor lease.

Policy meetings will take place Wednesday and Thursday of the convention. Guest speakers will address a number of topics affecting Montana’s ranching communities during the past year and in months to come. A Trade Show with over 100 booth spaces will be open to the public Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

A full meeting agenda, hotel information, details of policy meeting discussions and Stockgrowers College workshops is available on the MSGA website at mtbeef.org. Online and discounted registration closes Thursday, Dec. 1. On-site registration will be available. For more information, contact the Montana Stockgrowers Association at 406-442-3420.

Cost for the convention is:

• Three-day registration — $195 per attendee, includes all meals, sessions and trade show;

• Two-day registration — $165 per attendee, includes all meals, sessions and trade show;

• One-day registration — $100 per attendee, includes all meals, sessions and trade show;

• Individual meal tickets will be available only for the Grand Finale Dinner and Auction at $50 per attendee.