Montana Stockgrowers Association

The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the interests of Montana's cattle ranching families. Founded in the early 1880s, MSGA is one of the oldest and most influential agricultural organizations in Montana.

History

Prior to the 1880s, the young livestock industry in Montana had little protection against natural hazards or human threats such as rustlers and predators. In response, cattlemen began forming groups across the territory. The Eastern Montana Stockgrowers Association was established in 1883, and the Montana Stockgrowers Association reorganized, holding its first meeting in July 1884 in Helena. These two groups merged in 1885 to form the modern Montana Stockgrowers Association.

This consolidation marked a significant turning point for Montana's livestock industry. The association aimed to enforce livestock laws, protect against rustlers, prevent range fires, ensure uniform claims against railroads, and promote harmony among ranchers during range activities and roundups. Over the years, MSGA played a crucial role in shaping Montana's livestock laws and advocating against freight rate hikes.

Mission and Activities

The mission of MSGA is to protect and enhance Montana ranch families' ability to produce and deliver safe, healthy, and environmentally wholesome beef. To achieve this, MSGA represents its members in state and national legislative forums, works with government agencies, and promotes the work of Montana's family ranchers to the public.

MSGA addresses critical issues affecting the cattle industry, including cattle theft, disease management, federal lands grazing rights, predator control, endangered species management, international trade policies, and tax implications. The association is affiliated with several local stockgrower groups across Montana, which contribute resolutions to guide MSGA policies.

Affiliations

MSGA is also associated with several state and national organizations, such as the Montana Beef Council, Montana Beef Quality Assurance, Montana Ag Safety, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, and the Public Lands Council. These affiliations allow MSGA to effectively advocate for Montana ranchers at both state and federal levels.

MSGA administers programs for other state-wide organizations, including the Montana Public Lands Council and the Montana Association of State Grazing Districts. Additionally, it supports initiatives like the Montana CattleWomen, Inc., further expanding its reach and impact within the Montana agricultural community.

Governance and Structure

The organization operates with a Board of Directors and is managed through a democratic process where members participate in setting policies and guiding the association's activities. Local affiliates play a significant role in shaping MSGA's agenda through resolutions presented at annual meetings.

Impact and Influence

Throughout its history, MSGA has been instrumental in shaping Montana's agricultural landscape and influencing national policies affecting the cattle industry. Its continued advocacy ensures that the interests of Montana's ranching families are represented at both state and national levels, contributing to the economic, environmental, and nutritional fabric of the country.

[1] https://apps.msuextension.org/magazine/assets/docs/Featured%20Montanan%20Story%206.pdf [2] https://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:80444/xv91661 [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montana_Stockgrower's_Association [4] https://mtbeef.org/about/history/ [5] https://archive.legmt.gov/content/Committees/Interim/2013-2014/State-Tribal-Relations/Meetings/Oct-2013/Exhibit12MSGA.pdf