Industry Leaders Share Insights as MSGA Advances Policy and Industry Unity on Day Two of Annual Convention
BILLINGS, Mont. (December 11, 2025) – The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) concluded a dynamic second day of its 141st Annual Convention & Trade Show, featuring a full slate of industry updates, educational sessions, and celebrations recognizing outstanding leaders across Montana’s ranching community.
The day began with the Opening General Session, sponsored by Montana Livestock Ag Credit, Inc. Attendees heard industry updates from leaders with the Montana Beef Council (MBC), the Montana Association of State Grazing Districts (MASGD), the Montana Public Lands Council (MPLC), MSGA, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), and the Public Lands Council (PLC).
Keynote speaker Janette Barnard of Prime Future delivered an insightful presentation focused on how producers can gain a competitive advantage when beef industry trends change. She encouraged producers to push the limits of innovation by asking simple, practical questions to drive growth in the protein sector.
MSGA’s Stockgrowers Colleges delivered valuable education as attendees participated in various educational sessions designed to support ranchers navigating a rapidly evolving industry. Colleges covered a variety of topics from understanding carbon markets to the modernization of quality and yield grading.
During the Northern Ag Network and Best of Beef Lunch, sponsored by AgWest Farm Credit with speaker sponsorship by Eide Bailly, keynote speaker Ray Starling, Executive Advisor for Aimpoint Research, examined the current political landscape and highlighted the forces shaping the global food system and the potential gaps between perception and reality.
Lunch attendees also saw the Montana Stockgrowers Foundation (MSF) announce the winners of the 2024 Cattle Drive Program, highlighting the high-quality cattle donated to raise funds for MSF. Tom Ostendorf, was drawn as the winner of the Nutra-Lix saddle raffle and awards were presented to youth from across the state who participated in the Steer of Merit.
Members engaged in important policy discussions in the Tax, Finance and Ag Policy Committee Meeting and received agency updates from the Department of Livestock, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Revenue, along with tax insights from WIPFLI.
The day concluded with the Trade Show Celebration Dinner, sponsored by Fay Ranches, Mountain West Ag Services, and Tractor & Equipment Co. Attendees gathered to celebrate exhibitors, enjoy time with fellow producers, and reflect on a full day of learning and industry engagement.
–Montana Stockgrowers Association
