The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) will be hosting a slate of listening sessions throughout the spring to seek input and ideas from producers on areas where the American livestock industry can be strengthened. The next listening session will be hosted on Wednesday, May 1 at 6 p.m. at the Sutherlin Sale Barn, on 415 Spooner Creek Lane, Stevensville. Food and drinks will be provided and MSGA will host a drawing for a vaccine cooler to one lucky attendee.
The listening sessions are part of the organization’s Producer Profitability Initiative, a grassroots movement started and led by cattle ranchers who have a vision to create a sustainable future for the American livestock industry. All livestock producers are invited to attend, attendees do not need to be MSGA members. Listening sessions will be held in partnership with livestock markets throughout Montana from now through May.
“The livestock industry has an opportunity to come together with one another like never before,” said Lesley Robinson, MSGA Vice President and chair of the Producer Profitability Initiative task force. “There are many issues that affect ranchers, and at the end of the day we can agree that keeping land in production agriculture and our industry strong and vibrant for generations to come is something we can all rally around.”
The Producer Profitability Initiative encourages participation from beef producers of all ages, management styles, operations large and small, feedlot operators, affiliate businesses, private property owners, and supporters of the livestock industry whose livelihood and identity are tied to ranching and whose focus is to ensure the sustainability of the American livestock industry while providing security for the domestic food supply.
In February, MSGA released its Producer Profitability Initiative brief that highlighted five initial focus areas – creating a favorable tax climate, improving government programs, minimizing barriers to entry for young or beginning livestock producers, finding solutions for labor challenges, and developing industry mentorship opportunities.
For additional information on MSGA’s Producer Profitability Initiative listening sessions, contact MSGA at (406) 442-3420 or a local livestock market.